How to properly connect polypropylene pipes. Connection of polypropylene pipes: methods and features

(PP), gradually replaced traditional metal ones not only in water supply systems, but also in heating. Not the last role in the growing popularity is played by ease of installation - it is quite easy to install polypropylene pipes with your own hands, even in the absence of special skills and knowledge.

Positive qualities of PP pipes

Such pipes have the following advantages:

Attention! In most cases, the maximum allowable temperature of the working fluid is 90ᵒС (this includes products of the “twentieth” and “twenty-first” brands). When supplying cold water, where the temperature often does not exceed 20ᵒС, pipes from the “eleventh” to the “sixteenth” brand are used.

Important installation details

PP pipes are connected using threaded/non-threaded fittings. In turn, threaded products can be:

• one-piece;
• detachable.

It is worth noting that the installation is primarily affected by operating conditions.

After reviewing all the necessary information, you can get to work.

Stage one. Drafting a project

Installation work should begin with the drafting of the future highway. An important criterion here is ergonomics, so that the number of turns and connecting elements should be kept to a minimum.

When arranging a heating system, a well-designed project is especially important, in which the location of such elements as:

• couplings;
• adapters;
• fasteners;
• corners;
• heating equipment.

The line is connected to the radiators in a one- or two-pipe way, from the side or from the bottom.

Attention! An equally important point in the design is the possible thermal expansion of polypropylene - this should also be taken into account.

Plumbing

Here, the highway is connected to a centralized system in order to supply the necessary plumbing fixtures - a toilet bowl, sinks, a boiler, etc. There are two ways to perform wiring.

Method number 1. Open option. Horizontal pipes are installed slightly above the floor level, and vertical pipes are installed exclusively at the corners. All this makes the pipeline less noticeable.

Method number 2. Closed option. It is extremely difficult to perform, since it involves preliminary carrying out the most accurate calculations. Pipes (necessarily solid) are immured into the walls, and each joint should have free access.

In addition, plumbing can be:

• sequential type (the most budgetary and easiest option to implement);
• collector type (a collector is used when supplying water);
• with through sockets (little popular).

Stage two. Welding of polypropylene pipes

This procedure will require an electric jigsaw (cutting polypropylene) and special welding equipment.

Attention! Before starting work, sleeves (nozzles) of the desired diameter are put on. Then, using the thermostat, the appropriate temperature is set (about 260-265ᵒС), after which the device warms up (you can learn about the warm-up time from the manufacturer's instructions).

Step one. While the apparatus is warming up, the necessary measurements are taken, the pipes are marked and cut.

Step two. The ends of the products that are planned to be interconnected are carefully cleaned and degreased.

Step three. Using a pencil, the depth of entry of each product into the sleeve is marked. It is characteristic that at the same time there should be at least a millimeter gap, so the pipes do not rest against the coupling of the fitting.

Step four. A PP pipe with a fitting is put on the sleeve in accordance with the marks made, and the heating of all elements must occur simultaneously.

Attention! In the case of a bad nozzle (or vice versa - too loose) of one of the elements, it is immediately rejected.

The duration of heating depends not only on the diameter of the products, but also on the depth of welding (this can be found in the table below).

Step five. After a certain period of time, the products are removed and connected, with little effort, sitting on top of each other. It is forbidden to rotate the elements along the axial line.

Step six. Within a few seconds after the connection, the primary adjustment is performed, then the elements are finally fixed.

Attention! The assembly sequence is determined in advance.

If there are no gaps left at the junction, then it (the connection) can be considered of high quality.

Video - Welding PP pipes

Welding Machine Manufacturing

In view of the fact that a more or less good one costs over a thousand rubles, it is cheaper to rent it or make it yourself. If the latter was chosen, then for work you should prepare:

The sequence of actions should be as follows.

Step one. In order to improve heat transfer, the sole of the iron is treated with thermal paste, then a Teflon sleeve is fixed. The location of the latter is determined in advance - the wide part up or down.

Step two. A sharp “nose” is sawn off for more convenient work near the walls.

Step three. The heating of the iron is carried out until the device switches off a second time.

Step four. It is good if the iron is equipped with a temperature sensor - this will allow you to accurately determine the heating temperature. But there is an easier way - through lead. This metal melts at 230ᵒС and higher, which approximately coincides with the temperature required for welding.

Further technology is identical to that described above.

Stage three. Pipeline installation

When laying the highway you will need:

• pipes;
• tees;
• Ball Valves;
• plugs;
• adapters;
• bends;
• couplings;
• detachable connecting elements;
• threaded fittings;
• plastic clamps.

First of all, the installation of the main elements of the system (plumbing, radiators, boilers, etc.) is carried out, after which, in accordance with the drafted project, the future highway is marked. The elements of the pipeline are interconnected by means of couplings.

Attention! Hard-to-reach parts of the system are assembled separately.

If we are talking about heating or hot water, then thermal expansion is taken into account. To compensate for the latter, it is desirable to use mobile connections. When installing a closed pipeline, the walls are first ditched (in appropriate places, a groove is made two pipe diameters wide).

The pipeline may only be filled with liquid after one hour has elapsed from the end of installation. A hydraulic test can be carried out only after a day.

Sewer system from PP pipes

As noted earlier, polypropylene pipes are actively used today in the arrangement. The installation procedure in this case has its own nuances.

Internal sewerage

There are a number of rules that must be observed when installing sewerage in the house.

1. The pipeline is laid at an angle in the direction of the sewer riser (about 3 cm per linear meter).
2. If the room is not heated, then the pipes are additionally insulated with mineral wool.
3. Do not make sharp turns at an angle of 90ᵒ, so-called half-bends are used instead.
4. Fan-type ventilation is a mandatory component of the sewer system, which will prevent the penetration of an unpleasant odor into the home.
5. The toilet is connected only after the sink, otherwise the water seal will break.

Outdoor sewerage

Step one. The diameter of the pipes is determined, depending mainly on the number of people living in the house.

Step two. A trench is dug from the sewer riser to a septic tank or cesspool. At the same time, a slope is observed, depending on the soil freezing line, or the pipeline is insulated with mineral wool.

Step three. The bottom is covered with a "pillow" of sand. Its thickness should be at least 20 cm.

Step four. A pipeline is being laid. It is important to avoid possible sagging, otherwise the connections will soon collapse.

Attention! The seams do not need to be sealed, since the PP pipes for external use already have rubber seals.

Horizontal drilling of a trench for the pipeline is carried out using special equipment with pressure-action jack-pumps. Drilling takes place using a steel cone-shaped tip. Similar technology is used in the construction of:

• auto and railway roads;
• pipelines to basements;
• highways to working wells.

Do-it-yourself installation of a PP pipeline will help save a lot, but only if it is done correctly.

High-quality joining of polypropylene pipes is achieved by taking into account the thickness of their walls.

Even the connection of polypropylene pipes with metal ones will be reliable and durable with this approach.

Connection methods

Thin-walled pipes are threaded:

• pipes PN 10 for cold water (+20°) or underfloor heating (+45°);
• pipes PN 16 used to supply cold water at elevated pressure or in heating pipelines with reduced pressure.

Welding is the best option for:

• universal pipes PN 20– they withstand water temperatures of +80°. Their walls are much thicker than the previous two.
• pipes PN 25, . These pipes withstand water temperatures of +95°.

The popularity of polypropylene pipes is in the simplicity of any of their connections, accessible to people even without special training. Therefore, the question of how to connect polypropylene pipes is most often solved independently.

Connections are mechanical detachable with thread or one-piece - welding.

Threaded connections

For such a connection, threaded fittings are needed, and you yourself cannot. How to connect polypropylene pipes hermetically and forever?

With the help of ordinary Teflon tape, as well as a sealant, they will make the joint strong and reliable.

Polypropylene pipes: how to connect using fittings in the system? Installation of the universal system is carried out both by welding and mechanically, having previously cut off the top layer, as well as the aluminum layer in the couplings.

Fittings required for threaded connection

• Solder couplings.
• Elbows 45°; 90° for joining pipes of any diameter.
• Triple elbow, tee for soldering pipes of the same diameter.
• Plugs.
• Crosses.
• Weld-in saddle for a branching of the pipeline.
• Couplings combined with internal, external threads, with union nuts.
• Adapter with outer thread DG.
• Elbows 90° with union nut, internal thread, external thread, union nut.
• Combined tees equipped with union nuts and internal-external threads.
• Combined squares, fixing mixers and other devices.
• The water outlet is passable.
• Cranes spherical soldering, direct and angular (with the American).
• Other polypropylene fittings are factory threaded only.

Installation of pipes from different materials

How to connect a metal pipe to a polypropylene pipe using special transition fittings: on the one hand with a soldered coupling into a polypropylene pipe, and on the other hand with.

A collapsible connection is also used - an American with a coupling with a metal insert and a union nut, as well as a polypropylene fitting with a union nut.

Threaded connections plastic - metal

For metal-plastic transitional connections, parts with a nickel-plated brass insert are used, which are tightened with tightening keys.

But on sanitary ware, transitions with plastic threads are not used.

How to connect polypropylene pipes absolutely hermetically: Teflon thread or tape, as well as sealing paste, will provide high-quality sealing when threaded.

We connect pipes with compression fittings, press fittings or self-locking push-fittings according to the latest Belgian development.

• Compression fittings only need 2 wrenches. Press fittings are tighter and more reliable, but a special press tool is required for installation.
• For push-fittings, only a cutter and a calibrator are needed, and the PVDF material is environmentally friendly and not subject to corrosion, while three EPDM rings are the most reliable seals.
  Therefore, the question: “Polypropylene pipes - how to connect?” Is always decided in favor of push fittings.

Welded joints

Welded joints are one-piece. Technology for joining polypropylene pipes: when melting, the macromolecules of one part will move to another (mutual diffusion).

Melting from heating by an electric welding machine of parts with the same properties organically connects them.

Required Tool

• Soldering iron for polypropylene pipes and a hacksaw for metal or scissors, tape measure.
• You will also need polypropylene pipes and fittings: couplings for polypropylene pipes, corners, taps, fum tape.
• The apparatus for welding consists of the actual heating element and welding nozzles from 16 to 40 mm in diameter. When its indicator goes out, it means that the desired temperature of +260 degrees has been reached (in 10 - 15 minutes). At sub-zero air temperatures, welding is not carried out.
• For pipes with a diameter of less than 63 mm, socket welding is used.
• For pipes with a diameter of more than 63 mm, butt welding is suitable, which does not require any additional parts.

Socket welding procedure

• We cut pipes at right angles.
• We apply a mark - socket depth + 2 mm

• We start connecting polypropylene pipes by heating the parts with a heating device.
• Then we connect the parts.
• The connection of polypropylene with an aluminum layer is possible through perforated holes. This greatly increases the strength of PN 25 pipes.
• Thanks to fittings with brass and chrome-plated inserts, pipes are well connected with steel parts, plumbing fixtures. Shaver - a tool for stripping reinforced pipes.

How to connect polypropylene pipes for external sewerage?

By butt welding, which is possible if the wall thickness is over 4 mm.

• First, we trim the welding spots until they are parallel.
• We heat it up, and with centering devices we ensure the accuracy of welding.

Important! When welding, we ventilate the room: polypropylene smokes and emits water vapor and carbon dioxide.

Having understood how polypropylene pipes are connected and observing safety measures, you can quickly and efficiently make any of their connections.

Polypropylene pipes are used in the installation of plumbing, irrigation systems and heating. The popularity of the material and various areas of use are due to its characteristics: strength, durability, ease of connection. An important argument in favor of polypropylene pipes was their price, which is significantly lower than that of metal-plastic or metal counterparts.

The service life of a plastic pipeline with cold water is 50 years, such an impressive figure makes it necessary to replace outdated lines with just this type of highway. The tightness of the joints is the most important factor for any pipeline, so the viability of the system depends on the quality of the installation. In the article we will talk about how to connect polypropylene pipes with metal, polyethylene, steel, and also consider various welding options.

Materials and tools

If you decide to save on installation services and do it yourself, then you need to buy or rent a special soldering iron with nozzles. In addition to it, you will need:

• tape measure and marker for marking;
• scissors for cutting plastic pipes;
• pipe cleaning.

There are several types of polypropylene pipes, which differ in the area of ​​\u200b\u200buse:

1. PN 10, 16 - used for laying cold water pipes;
2. PN 20 - universal pipes with thick walls, they are able to withstand hot water up to 80ºC, therefore they are suitable for heating installation;
3. PN 25 is a composite pipe with a metal or nylon layer, which is peeled off during soldering. It is used for heating systems, the final heating temperature is 95 ° C.

A distinctive characteristic of the connection of polypropylene pipes is the absence of joints directly between the pipes. If their diameter is less than 50 mm, all parts can be connected with fittings for various purposes:

• couplings - connect sections of the same diameter;
• crosses - used to create branches;
• plugs - seal the end of the pipe;
• adapters - serve to connect pipes of different diameters;
• nipple fittings - connect with flexible hoses.

How to operate the welding machine

The principle of connecting the pipeline is to heat the elements and quickly connect them. Household pipe welding machines have a power of up to 1 kW. It is enough to quickly and efficiently heat up the material, but for industrial purposes, more powerful and expensive devices are used. Included with the soldering iron are nozzles corresponding to the diameter of various pipes. The pipe is heated from the outside, and the fitting from the inside.

The work of the soldering iron begins with the inclusion in the network and setting the desired heating temperature, depending on the diameter of the plastic pipes being welded. The average value is 250–270°C. Such a high temperature requires caution, touching a hot part will cause a burn, for safety reasons it is worth wearing gloves.

soldering process

To cut the pipes, a hacksaw or sharp scissors are used that do not deform the plastic. The incision is made at a right angle. If burrs appear on the end, they are carefully cleaned. After cutting, the depth of soldering is marked. You need to measure the section of the pipe that will enter the tee or coupling, and draw a line with a marker. The value of this section depends on the diameter of the pipes, the larger it is, the greater the immersion in the connecting element.

If you have to work with reinforced pipes, the algorithm of actions changes. Before soldering, it is necessary to clean the top layer of the pipe, consisting of aluminum foil, basalt or nylon fiber. A special tool is designed to remove the desired layer size.

Careful removal of the foil is very important, a small amount of material on the pipe will spoil the tightness of the soldering.

A soldering iron with nozzles selected according to the diameter of the pipes is installed on a flat and solid surface. From both sides, a pipe and a fitting are simultaneously put on the heated nozzle, deepening to the intended line. The heating time of the plastic depends on the size of the pipes: for 20 mm, 6 seconds is enough, and for 32 mm, 8 seconds are required. After maintaining the set period of time, the elements are removed and firmly fixed into each other, while it is impossible to make rotary movements. For a strong adhesion of the joint, it will take from 4 to 10 seconds, during which time the polypropylene will harden and form an integral connection.

Failure to comply with the recommended heating time leads to the formation of leaks - with insufficient heating or sealing of the internal space - with excessive overheating. You should not try to immediately remove the slush that has appeared, while the molten plastic is more deformed. It is necessary to wait until it cools and cut off the excess.

Without experience, in order to understand how to solder pipes correctly, you can make several training connections. It is convenient to work with short connections, putting the welding machine on the table, in this position you can do all the work possible, and connecting to a partially laid line is more difficult. The nozzle of the soldering iron is put on a fixed polypropylene pipe, and a tee is inserted into the second part, while the device is kept on weight. When executing the trunk, you need to monitor the order of the connections being made. Try to avoid docking in hard-to-reach places where it will be difficult to use a soldering iron.

It is important to keep the material clean and dry, because dirt and moisture reduce the quality of the pipe connection. Even a small amount of moisture deforms the material when heated. The chemical composition of pipes from different manufacturers may not match, this will lead to leaky joints. It is necessary to buy all the material - pipes and fittings - from one manufacturer.

The temperature in the room where polypropylene is being installed must not fall below +5°C.

Crimp connection method

Docking of the pipeline by soldering is reliable and durable, it is impossible to disassemble it, and sometimes this is what is required for repair. In addition, it is not always possible to purchase or borrow a welding machine; in such cases, they use the method of connecting polypropylene pipes without soldering. For this, fittings with threads and a clamping ring are used. They are called collet or crimp, such a connection is able to withstand a pressure of sixteen atmospheres.

For a mechanical connection, it is necessary to purchase several additional parts: elbows designed for joining various diameters, a tee, solder and combined couplings with external and internal threads, plugs, adapters with external threads, elbows and tees with a union nut, ball valves, various fittings with factory carving.

To ensure tightness, the joints and seals are liberally lubricated with silicone.

To work, you will need a crimp wrench, which can be bought at the same time as the fittings. After cutting off the desired part of the pipe, firmly insert it into the fitting, wrap the thread of the element with a thread for sealing and tighten the ferrule and nut, fully tightening is done with a wrench. This connection method takes much more time than welding, but it is convenient for them to connect polypropylene pipes to radiators.

Docking of a steel pipe with polypropylene

When installing heating or plumbing, there are areas where metal and plastic joining is required. The connection of a polypropylene pipe and a metal one occurs when using special adapters. This fitting has a smooth plastic hole on one side and a threaded metal insert on the other. The polypropylene pipe is connected by welding, and the metal pipe is screwed with a key. The resulting joint does not have welded strength, but will serve for a long time.

After the complete installation of the system, it is necessary to conduct a test run of water to check the tightness of all connection points of pipes and other elements. If threaded connections are leaking, they must be tightened.

Self-installation of plumbing or heating from polypropylene pipes is quite a feasible task. For its implementation, it is necessary to strictly follow the instructions for using the welding machine for plastic and the installation technology. To better understand all the nuances of the process, you should watch a video in which experienced installers share their experience.

To connect such pipes, you need to use special fittings. Such a connection is necessary in cases where water was introduced into the house with HDPE pipes, and further water distribution inside the house is carried out with polypropylene pipes. So, there are 2 types of connections:

1. In the first case, attach a threaded coupling to the HDPE pipe, where on one side there will be a clamp connection, and on a polypropylene, respectively, similar coupling. That's just on one side there will be a solder joint, and on the other - a threaded one. In both cases, FUM tape or tow is used for threading to seal the joint and avoid leaks.
2. Otherwise, a flange connection is used. A rubber seal is installed between the flanges. The flanges are bolted together.

Polypropylene pipes have long gained great popularity among the consumer. Unlike metal options, polypropylene pipes are much lighter in weight, and the methods of connecting this type of communications do not require skills in working with a welding machine and metal-cutting tools, as is the case with iron pipes.

Peculiarities

As with any other type of plumbing, installation of polypropylene pipes has a number of features.

• In butt welding, the walls should not be thicker than 4 mm. The mating surfaces must be trimmed, while strict parallelism of the connected elements must be observed. When docking, it is recommended to use special guides.
• Since threading on a polypropylene pipe cannot be done, threaded fittings are used for threaded joints, and a sealant and Teflon tape are used to seal the connection.
• When welding polypropylene pipes, it is imperative to ventilate the room. At a negative temperature in the room, this type of work cannot be carried out, since docking with insufficient heating of the elements does not guarantee the tightness of the connection.

• When welding with polypropylene pipes, it is necessary to heat the soldering iron to the desired temperature and install it on the stand. When working, safety precautions should be observed, since we are talking about a high temperature of 260 C.

For high-quality connection of elements, it is necessary to withstand the melting time required for a certain pipe diameter.

Below are the diameters and time intervals.

• 16 mm - 5 sec;
• 20 mm - 6 sec;
• 25 mm - 7 sec;
• 32 mm - 8 sec;
• 40 mm - 12 sec;
• 50 mm - 24 sec;
• 63 mm - 40 sec.

What is necessary?

For the installation of polypropylene pipes, you will need special tools for cutting and connecting elements.

The list of tools includes such devices as:

• pipe cutter;
• welding machine;
• sweep;
• glue gun;
• marker for marking;
• connecting part and tape measure.

pipe cutter for polypropylene pipes it is better to use a professional one - such a tool guarantees reliability and a perfectly even cut, it will not allow the formation of burrs on the cut surface. When choosing a pipe cutter, it is worth considering such an important parameter as the minimum and maximum pipe diameter. The tool should be chosen with a blade made of alloy steel only.

Welding machine manual type must have a thermostat and a heating plate with holes for installing nozzles. The welding machine requires a pair of Teflon-coated nozzles. It should be chosen from well-known brands that have proven themselves in the market, since the tool of dubious manufacturers may fail during operation, which will stop all work.

Stripping are manual and in the form of a nozzle on a drill.

• Couplings with internal knives (shavers) are used for stripping the outer layer. Under the diameter of the pipe, which is cleaned, select the desired coupling. They also use double-sided couplings that allow you to work with different diameters. To clean the inner layer of the pipe, they take a stripper-facer, in which the knives are inside. The pipe is inserted into the tool and rotated several times.
• Strippers in the form of nozzles for a drill differ from manual options only in the presence of a rod that is inserted into the tool chuck.

glue gun can be used as an alternative to other types of connections. This tool has two advantages: glued seams are almost as reliable as welded and other joints, and the glue sets quickly. Such connectors perfectly fasten shaped parts and other elements.

Ways

There are several ways to connect polypropylene communications. Choosing which method to use depends on the type of PP pipes and their purpose.

Cold welding based on gluing elements with a special adhesive composition. It is applied to the parts that need to be connected. First, the surfaces to be bonded must be degreased. After applying the glue, wait a while and connect the pipe to the desired element. After a short period of time (approximately 20 minutes), the connection will stabilize and be reliable.

Connection using steel or cast iron fittings. This method is suitable for pipelines with a small diameter. Fittings are usually installed on bends and branchings of communications. The fitting includes such elements as a cap, a sleeve and a clamping ring, which is located in the socket of the product. The pipe is fixed with the help of a seam ring included in the design of the fitting.

When connecting with fittings, you must follow the step-by-step action plan:

• the pipe cut must be made at a right angle;
• all burrs on the surface to be joined must be eliminated;
• then you need to install the nut from the fitting on the pipe and put a clamping ring on it;
• after that, it is required to insert the pipe into the fitting and secure the connection with a clamping ring and nut.

The connection using flanges is considered very reliable, withstands high temperatures and high pressures. This method is used when it is necessary to connect polypropylene pipes without resorting to welding. For connection, bolts are used that are screwed into the thread of the flange.

When connecting with flanges, the following installation rules must be observed:

• at the junction of the pipe, it is necessary to make a cut, avoiding the appearance of burrs;
• the gasket that is installed on the cut must have a protrusion of 15 cm;
• a gasket is placed on the flange and connected to another flange installed on another pipe to be connected;
• gaskets must be installed in such a way that their cross section does not touch the bolts;
• more than one gasket per flange cannot be installed, as this will reduce the tightness.

Connection using couplings. To connect with couplings on pipes, you need to make a thread for their subsequent installation and, for the tightness of the connection, wrap a little tow on it. The edges to be joined should be cut evenly and the location of the coupling should be marked with a marker. Then you need to apply grease to the coupling and install it on the pipe, at the previously marked place.

Welding refers to the hot connection method. This type of connection is one of the most reliable, and its essence lies in the melting of polypropylene with a special apparatus at a temperature of 260 C. The elements heated to the desired temperature are pressed tightly against each other, and after they cool down, a reliable connection is formed. The time after connection to the final polymerization of polypropylene will take 20 minutes.

Before proceeding with the connection by welding, it is necessary to remove all irregularities and burrs, and if the pipe has a layer of foil, then it must be treated with a trimmer.

When connecting by welding, the following sequence of actions should be observed:

• turn on the welding machine and heat it up to a temperature of 260 C;
• you need to put on the nozzles of the apparatus on the connected propylene pipes - this must be done very quickly;
• when the elements to be welded begin to melt, they are removed from the apparatus;
• connect the melted elements to each other by pressing firmly for 15 seconds;
• the connected elements must be allowed to polymerize for complete setting - this usually takes about 20 seconds.

Common mistakes when connecting by welding:

• displacement of elements during welding at the time of their heating;
• when joining the elements, they cannot be rotated - otherwise the seam will turn out to be unreliable;
• when welding the valves, the location of the valves was not taken into account, and they cannot move freely.

HDPE or PVC pipe can be connected by soldering. This is especially true for polyethylene construction.

How to connect?

In the case when you need to connect a polypropylene pipe to a metal one, you can use the threaded connection method. To do this, you will need special fittings, one end of which is smooth, and the other end is threaded for a metal pipe. With this type of connection, the diameter of the pipe should not exceed 40 mm.

The thread on the fitting can be either external or internal. A smooth surface on the reverse side is needed for welding a plastic pipe. For tightness, linen tow impregnated with drying oil is mainly used.

Tow should be applied for a maximum of two turns and in the direction of the thread.

The sequence of actions for the threaded mounting method:

• a pipe is cut at a right angle, its end is lubricated with grease, and then a thread is applied using a threading tool;
• remove all chips from the thread and seal the joint with tow;
• a fitting is screwed onto the pipe thread;
• the opposite smooth end of the coupling is welded to the polypropylene pipe.

It is possible to connect polypropylene pipes both by welding and by cold method. The first option is preferred, as it is considered the most reliable and durable.

Welded connection

Before welding, polypropylene pipes and fittings for them must be treated with a degreasing solution, and then allowed to dry - only after this procedure can you proceed directly to welding. Similar preparatory work is necessary for any type of PP pipe, with the exception of those reinforced with foil. For a reinforced pipe, the cut is cleaned with a special cleaning tool (shaver), into which the desired end of the pipe is inserted and rotated several times. After stripping, the upper part of the pipe must be degreased.

It is necessary to put a mark on the pipe with a marker, noting the desired distance for pressing it into the fitting. Then the end of the pipe must be put on the mandrel and the fitting inserted into the sleeve of the welding machine. All actions should be done very quickly and clearly. After that, the connected elements are heated for a strictly allotted time.

After the elements to be welded are melted, they must be removed from the nozzles and the pipe must be quickly pressed into the fitting. Some forces are required for the connection, since the elements to be welded must be pressed tightly and held in this position for a while. It is not worth clamping the joining elements for more than 20 seconds, since this time is quite enough for them to firmly grasp. After joining, be sure to let it cool down for a few minutes.

With polypropylene, it is important to know that high quality in carrying out such work can be achieved only when the wall thickness of the products is taken into account. Modern technologies make it possible to create quite durable and reliable communications from such pipes. They are not subject to corrosion processes, therefore they are so widespread. Such manipulations can be carried out in one of several ways, however, work can be classified into two categories:

• soldering method;
• fittings.

Connection methods

If you decide to find out how to connect a polypropylene pipe to a polypropylene pipe, you need to figure out the methods. For example, thin-walled pipes can be threaded. If you need to equip a cold water supply system, the ambient temperature in which does not exceed +20 ° C, then you should use products marked PN 10. The same applies to laying underfloor heating, in which the temperature does not exceed +45 ° C.

If it is necessary to equip a cold water supply system that will be transported at elevated pressure, pipes marked PN 16 should be used. This recommendation is relevant for pipelines with reduced pressure. The highest quality connection option is welding, it can be used for PN 20 pipes, which can withstand temperatures up to +80 ° C. They have thicker walls compared to the previous ones.

The same connection method is also suitable for PN 25 - pipes reinforced with aluminum foil, which are intended for central heating and hot water systems. Pipes with this marking will be able to withstand temperatures up to +95 ° C. Connections may be permanent when welding is used; as well as detachable, in this case a thread is used.

Threaded connection

Before connecting a polypropylene pipe to a polypropylene pipe, you need to figure out which method is best to use. For example, for a threaded connection, you need to prepare threaded fittings, because you cannot thread threads on polypropylene products. The connection is carried out using a special tape, which will make the joint strong and reliable.

Used fittings

If you decide to use a threaded connection, then you will need:

• solder couplings;
• triple square;
• crosses combined;
• couplings;
• 90° elbows;
• combined squares;
• ball valves;
• soldering squares at 45 °;
• plugs;
• adapter with external thread;
• water outlet;
• fittings made of polypropylene with factory thread.

Welded connection

If you are thinking about how to connect a polypropylene pipe with a polypropylene one, then you can use the welded method. However, it is important to consider that the connection will be one-piece. When melting, the molecules of one part move to another, diffusion occurs. From heating by an electric welding machine, the parts are organically interconnected, because they have the same chemical composition.

To carry out work, prepare:

• soldering iron;
• apparatus for welding;
• polypropylene fittings and pipes;

In addition to the listed tools and materials, you should prepare a hacksaw or scissors for metal, a tape measure, couplings like taps, corners and pipes. It is important to stock up on fum tape. As for the apparatus for welding, it will consist of a heating element and welding nozzles, the diameter of which varies from 16 to 40 mm.

As soon as the indicator goes out, you can start working, because this will be a signal that the desired temperature of 260 ° C has been reached. This will take approximately 15 minutes. If there is a negative ambient temperature, then welding work must be abandoned. If it is necessary to weld pipes with a diameter of 60 mm, the socket welding method should be used. For a more impressive diameter, butt welding is suitable, which does not involve the use of additional parts.

For pipes whose diameter varies from 16 to 50 millimeters, a hand soldering iron should be used. More impressive diameters will be connected by a mechanical welding machine. The ends of the pipes should be well heated with removable sleeves, then it remains only to press the elements together, applying little effort. This effect should last a few seconds.

Welding with an electric coupling acts as a better option compared to the previous method, because the process is controlled by the program. The quality of the joint will be higher, and the need for fixation will disappear. Devices with electrodes are used to supply voltage to the heater inside the sleeve.

Before connecting two polypropylene pipes using the socket method, it is necessary to cut the products at a right angle.

Next, the master should put a mark on the depth of the socket, to which 2 mm should be added. The connection of products begins with heating with a special device. After the parts are connected to each other. And if polypropylene has an aluminum layer, then the connection can be made through perforated holes. This allows you to significantly increase the strength of the pipe marked PN 25.

Use of butt welding

Before connecting polypropylene pipes to each other, you should think about which method is best to use. Perhaps, butt welding is suitable, which will allow you to connect pipes for external sewage to each other. This approach is relevant if the pipe wall thickness exceeds 4 mm.

At the first stage, the welding spots should be trimmed to parallelism. After that, it is necessary to carry out heating and ensure accuracy with a centering device. Welding should be accompanied by ventilation of the room, because polypropylene emits carbon dioxide and water vapor, and also smokes.

Connection without soldering

Quite often, novice home craftsmen are wondering how to connect polypropylene pipes without soldering. For this, fittings made of the same material as the pipes are usually used. If the heating system includes fiberglass reinforced lines, then other types of products will not work.

You should stock up on polypropylene fittings that are reinforced with fiberglass. An exception is the case when there is a need to combine polypropylene with another material. In this case, threaded elements are used, for example, "American". Before connecting polypropylene pipes without a soldering iron, you should ask what fittings can be found on sale for arranging water supply and heating systems, among them:

• Y-shaped;
• straight;
• T-shaped.

It is necessary to use these elements, taking into account the method of application and position. According to the type of connection, several types of shaped products are distinguished, namely:

• compression (crimp);
• welded.

Crimp polypropylene fittings are supplied ready-made, there is no need to additionally assemble them. Compression fittings have advantages over welded fittings. They consist in:

• ease and simplicity of installation;
• no need to use welding equipment;
• the possibility of installing polypropylene fittings in all weather conditions, because they are not afraid of negative temperatures;
• no need for the master to have special skills in installing compression fittings.

If you are thinking about the question of how to connect polypropylene pipes at home using fittings, then you should familiarize yourself with the technology. At the first stage, construction tools are prepared, namely:

• gas and adjustable wrenches;
• screwdrivers;
• open-end wrenches;
• sealant;
• special scissors;
• pipe cutter;
• beveler;
• caliber.

You can think about the location of the pipes, which can be in the wall or on top of it. The diagram should not have hard corners. The flexibility of products is achieved using a building hair dryer. If you decide to use polypropylene pipes for heating, you should know how to connect them.

The connection point must be sealed in any way convenient for you. You can do this with fum tape. Then the system is assembled according to the principle of the designer, at the corners and in the places where the flow is distributed into several parts, special elements such as corners and tees should be used.

Conclusion

Now you know how to connect polypropylene pipes with fittings. However, as practice shows, the welded method is more reliable, because diffusion occurs in the process, which ensures the reliability and strength of the system.