How to choose polypropylene pipes for heating. How to choose the best polypropylene pipes

Updated: 09/18/2019 22:30:16

Expert: David Weinberg

*Review of the best sites according to the editors. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Poly propylene pipes Every year they become more and more popular material in the construction industry. They are used for installing water supply systems, heating systems, pipelines for pumping aggressive liquids, etc. Distinctive feature PP pipes are resistant to corrosion, resistant to temperature and pressure changes, and durable. Precipitation does not accumulate on the smooth surface, so there are no problems with pipeline maintenance. To choose the most suitable polypropylene pipes, experts advise paying attention to several parameters.

How to choose polypropylene pipes

Structure. All polypropylene pipes can be divided into three types.

Single layer Made from pure polypropylene, such pipes are best suited for installing cold water supply.
Fiberglass reinforcement allows you to increase the strength of the walls; this type of product copes well with high pressure and temperature (up to 90°C). They are used to install heating systems for private houses.
Foil reinforcement allows to reduce the thermal expansion of pipes, so such products can withstand liquid heating up to +95°C. Their scope of application is the widest.

Installation. When choosing polypropylene pipes, it is important to know about the nuances of their connection. Joints are welded using special soldering irons, and turns and branches are made by installing fittings. Pipes reinforced with aluminum foil are considered the most difficult to install. Experts recommend removing the metallized layer to the welding depth.

How not to buy counterfeit goods. On Russian market There are many counterfeit products, so a potential buyer should know several selection criteria. They will help reduce the risk of buying counterfeit products.

The first thing you should do is take a photo or remember exactly what the brand logo looks like. You should pay attention to the size of the letters, font, color, number of capital letters. Very often, unscrupulous businessmen make basic mistakes by redrawing the trademark of a well-known manufacturer.
On the official website you need to study the range of products. Knowing the location of the markings and the color of polypropylene, you can easily identify counterfeit goods.
Sample pipes should be carefully inspected before purchasing. They should have the same thickness, close to ideal round section. The presence of depressions, sagging and other signs of poor-quality casting is not allowed.

We have selected 11 for the rating the best manufacturers polypropylene pipes. The products of these brands are widely represented in the Russian retail chain. When compiling the rating, the opinion of experts and reviews of domestic consumers were taken into account.

Which is better, metal-plastic or polypropylene pipes?

Rating of the best manufacturers of polypropylene pipes

Nomination	place	Name of product	rating
Rating of the best manufacturers of polypropylene pipes	1		5.0
	2		4.9
	3		4.8
	4		4.7
	5		4.6
	6		4.5
	7		4.4
	8		4.3
	9		4.2
	10		4.1
	11		4.0

Production plastic pipes The German company Wefatherm has been doing this for over 30 years. During this time, the brand has gained respect from users from around the world. The Russian consumer appreciates polypropylene systems water supply Vefatherm for the optimal combination of price and quality. The manufacturer uses PPR-100 material, which has high strength properties, as raw material. Therefore, polypropylene pipes are resistant to temperature and pressure changes, and their service life reaches 50 years. The internal surfaces do not become clogged for a long time, which reduces maintenance costs.

Advantages

quality raw materials;
metal reinforcement;
low coefficient thermal expansion;
combination of price and quality.

Flaws

not detected.

The joint Russian-Italian company VALTEC was created in 2002. It specialized in the manufacture of pipes and fittings for the installation of water supply systems and plumbing systems. To estimate sales volume in the domestic market, the manufacturer gives a simple example. Every year, more than 1 million square meters are built using the brand’s products. m of premises. Polypropylene pipes were used in such historical buildings as the Arcadia Palace in Odessa, the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Opera and Ballet Theater. Mussorgsky. Water supply systems based on VALTEC products are found in every fourth apartment.

Advantages

high quality;
Ease of use;
strength and elasticity;
aesthetic appearance.

Flaws

high price.

The Czech company WAVIN Ecoplastik began its activities in the field of production of plastic materials in 1990. From the first steps, the manufacturer chose a clear focus on innovative technologies. Today this large concern unites 40 factories that operate in 29 countries. Experts highly appreciated polypropylene pipes with a reinforcing layer of basalt. They are characterized by thermal resistance, durability and a wide range of applications. The material can be used not only for water supply installations, but also for laying heating lines.

For European quality, the brand is among the top three in our rating. Users praise the products for their environmental friendliness and lightness, reliability and durability. The disadvantages include a modest appearance and a high price.

Advantages

European quality;
ease of installation;
wide scope of application;
strength and durability.

Flaws

high price.

TEBO

The inexperienced layman may be surprised to find the Turkish brand TEBO at the top of our ranking. After all, products are sold on the domestic market at the lowest prices. Moreover, the range of polypropylene pipes is wide, both in terms of material composition and diameter (20-160 mm). Experts did not find any pitfalls in the products of the Turkish manufacturer. Moreover, the pipes are chemically resistant, making it possible to create pipelines for transporting aggressive liquid compounds. High throughput in water pipelines has been maintained for 30 years.

Domestic users consider Turkish pipes to be high-quality, reliable and durable. The disadvantages include the ovality of the cross-section, as well as a modest range of fittings.

Advantages

low price;
chemical resistance;
durability;
wide scope of application.

Flaws

oval pipe section.

Another Turkish brand made it into our rating. Novaplast, using modern technologies and European production lines, produces high-quality polypropylene pipe products. The raw material used is granulate from Denmark, which meets international environmental standards. The product has excellent performance characteristics. With its help you can install a water supply system, a heating system or a pipeline for transporting industrial liquids. Products have been supplied to Russia since 2009, users have managed to evaluate the advantages and find disadvantages.

The brand receives positive reviews for its affordable price, environmental friendliness and ease of installation. One of the disadvantages is the swelling of the pipeline when used in a heating system.

Advantages

affordable price;
good performance characteristics;
simple installation;
environmental friendliness.

Flaws

pipes swell.

Pilsa

Polypropylene pipes from Pilsa are very popular in Russia. The brand has earned the trust of consumers with the strength, wear resistance and elasticity of its products. The company was founded in 1972, taking a leading position in the Turkish market. Since 2008, the brand has belonged to the WAVIN GROUP concern. high requirements to quality had a positive impact on Pilsa products. If the plumbing or heating system is installed correctly, the service life of the pipes exceeds 15 years.

Experts gave the brand sixth place in the ranking, having listened to the opinions of consumers. The disadvantage of polypropylene pipes is complex installation. Careful preparation of the joints is required; there are geometry deviations in the cross-section, which can lead to deformation during operation.

Advantages

wear resistance;
high strength;
elasticity;
good quality.

Flaws

ovality of the section;
careful preparation of joints is required.

FV-Plast

The Czech company FV Plast was founded in 1990. All this time, the company's employees have been developing and producing plastic pipes for water supply and heating systems. The Czechs were among the first to use Hostalen gray polypropylene. Thanks to German raw materials, the brand produces high-quality pipes. Experts note the close interaction between the manufacturer and installers. Taking into account their comments and wishes, the brand manages to achieve good results.

The FV-Plast company is included in our rating for the latest automated equipment, innovative technologies and product testing in certified laboratories. Domestic users rarely use FV Plast pipes, so there are very few reviews on thematic forums.

Advantages

high-quality manufacturing;
modern equipment;
Hi-tech;
cooperation with installers.

Flaws

shortage of pipe products in Russian stores.

One of the best Russian companies engaged in the production of plastic pipes is PRO AQUA. It was this company that managed to prove to skeptics that domestic products can be of high quality. The brand has existed since 1997, since then the manufacturer has managed to more than double its sales volumes. At the same time, the company does not yet reach the level of the best German or Czech concerns, but on average price segment it competes well with Turkish and Chinese brands. Except optimal combination price and quality, the Russian product amazed experts with its environmental cleanliness.

The polypropylene pipes of the Russian company also have weaknesses. The material does not withstand high pressure and extreme temperatures for long.

Advantages

decent quality;
acceptable price;
resistance to aggressive environments;
environmental friendliness.

Flaws

low resistance to high pressure and temperature.

In 1989, the domestic company "Plastic" began its activities. Its products under the RVC brand are an example of high quality. The manufacturer is considered an expert in the field of polypropylene highways. Experts see several reasons for the brand’s success. These include European raw materials, modern equipment, and high qualification personnel. The company has many world-famous major partners specializing in pipeline installation. The company has built its own testing laboratory, and has also established cooperation with Russian institutes specifically involved in testing materials.

Advantages

European raw materials;
modern equipment;
qualified personnel;
acceptable price.

Flaws

the brand is known in narrow circles.

Of all the variety of Chinese polypropylene pipes, only Blue Ocean products inspire confidence among experts. The young brand was founded 10 years ago, the concern’s office is located in London, and production sites and representative offices are scattered throughout different countries of the world. Polymer products are produced from high-quality raw materials using modern equipment. Polypropylene pipes are used both in water supply systems and in the construction of pipelines for pumping aggressive actions. The product range includes several types of PP pipes, ranging from unreinforced to products with a fiber fiber layer.

The brand is included in our rating for its lightness, environmental friendliness and smoothness. But the Chinese do not yet reach European quality.

Advantages

a wide range of;
acceptable prices;
environmental friendliness;
light weight.

Flaws

unstable quality.

The Turkish plant Dizayn was founded in 1987; since its founding, the company has been engaged in developments in the field of water supply and heating. Just 4 years later, an innovative technology for connecting plastic and iron was introduced. molecular level. Since 2010, the brand has been part of the Mir Holding concern. Experts drew attention to the company’s rationalization and scientific activities, thanks to which the manufacturer manages to keep up with the times. Today Dizayn offers the buyer about 4 thousand products for various applications.

Advantages

innovative developments;
Hi-tech;
a wide range of;
reasonable prices.

Flaws

fragility;
heterogeneity.

Attention! This rating is subjective in nature, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Modern polymer analogues of metal pipes are becoming increasingly popular for heating systems in the construction market. We will discuss in detail below how to choose polypropylene pipes for heating and what you should know about their properties and characteristics.

Installation of heating systems involves the use of high-quality materials that have proven themselves in operation. Despite the long experience of using steel pipes, today they are increasingly choosing polypropylene heating pipes.

Providing worthy competition to their predecessors, they combine an affordable price and completely satisfy everyone. necessary requirements. Next, we will talk about what polypropylene pipes are and talk in detail about their distinctive properties.

Polypropylene pipes for heating: types, characteristics, properties

More recently, when installing heating systems, they began to use pipes made of ordinary polypropylene, or, as they are also called, PPR pipes. However, over time it became clear that this material not quite suitable for these purposes. Under pressure and high temperatures, ppr pipes for heating became very susceptible to deformation.

Today, the following types of reinforced polypropylene pipes are distinguished:

with aluminum– they are made using aluminum foil, which, depending on the manufacturing technology, can be located on the surface of the pipe or between layers of propylene (the so-called sandwich technology) and prevents the pipes from negative consequences excessive thermal expansion;
with fiberglass– in the manufacture of which a monolithic structure is achieved due to a durable, cast connection of polypropylene and fiberglass. This, in turn, gives the pipes special strength and does not lead to delamination either during installation or during further operation.

It is important to consider that polypropylene heating pipes with aluminum reinforcement require preliminary thorough cleaning in order to avoid delamination at welding points and during subsequent use.

Pipes with fiberglass reinforcement do not have this drawback, so they do not need to be stripped before welding.

To minimize the purchase of counterfeits and avoid issues associated with low quality pipes (for example, severe delamination), you should choose products only from trusted manufacturers and reliable suppliers.

Unfortunately, the technology for reinforcing polypropylene pipes is not able to completely prevent the influence of thermal expansion and the subsequent deformation caused by it. Therefore, a choice in favor of one type of product or another should be made based on available material resources and individual preferences.

Also, it is very important to know that polypropylene pipes will be the most suitable for heating systems. The fact is that pipes made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene low pressure(HDPE) due to their excessive softness, are more suitable for organizing cold water supply or, in some cases, sewerage. In this regard, the advantages of polypropylene pipes, such as lightness, strength and reliability, are obvious and serve as an additional advantage in favor of their purchase.

The main technical characteristics of polypropylene pipes for heating include:

Pressure resistance. This property completely depends on the temperature of the coolant - the higher it is, the lower the pressure in the system is permissible. Thus, most polypropylene pipes can withstand pressure in the range of 4 - 6 atm at a coolant temperature of 70ºC.
Resistance to high temperatures . As a rule, polypropylene pipes can easily withstand short-term fluctuations in coolant temperature up to 95ºC. Obviously, such differences for residential heating systems are rather an exception. Since the softening temperature of the polymer is 110 - 140ºС, and the melting point is 140 - 170ºС, this once again confirms the advisability of using polypropylene pipes for heating (read also: " ").
Corrosion resistance. The lack of reaction to constant contact with water, the presence of smooth surfaces that prevent the accumulation of salts, make polypropylene pipes worthy competitors compared to other products.
Low thermal conductivity. Therefore, condensation does not form on the pipes, and the surface temperature will be almost the same as the temperature of the coolant.
Long service life. According to manufacturers, the permissible service life of polypropylene pipes is about 50 years, while for steel pipes this figure ranges from 20 to 30 years. Of course, on this property The design of the heating system, the operating pressure, and temperature changes of the coolant will also influence.

Also, the efficient and reliable operation of the heating system is directly influenced by both correctly selected accessories, fittings, and the dimensions of the pipes themselves. Next, we will talk about which polypropylene pipe for heating to choose based on its main parameters.

Choosing a polypropylene pipe: what to look for

The primary parameter that you should pay attention to when choosing polypropylene pipes is the diameter. This is because in each system the pressure indicators are different, and accordingly, the pipes must be suitable for each specific case.

Based on the dimensions of the internal section, PP heating pipes are:

up to 16 mm– according to their parameters, they are optimal for heated floors, and adapters can be used to compensate for the lack of flexibility of the products;
20 –25 mm– excellent for installing heating systems in private houses or apartments, it should be taken into account that pipes with a cross-section of 20 mm are suitable for a simple heating system, while pipes with a cross-section of 25 mm should be selected for risers;
25 –32 mm– optimal for installing centralized heating systems in apartment buildings;
from 200 mm– find their application in heating systems of large stores, hospitals, schools and other socially significant facilities with a fairly large number of visitors.

So, according to the marking, the following types of polypropylene pipes for heating are distinguished:

PN10– for them, the maximum permissible pressure is 1 MPa at a coolant temperature of 20ºC for hot water supply systems, and 45ºC for heated floors. Due to the rather thin walls (up to 10 mm), they are not recommended for use in residential heating systems;
PN16– for this type, the maximum permissible pressure value is 1.6 MPa at a coolant temperature of 60ºC. The wall thickness of these pipes is usually more than 3.4 mm, however, sudden increases in coolant temperature can significantly reduce their service life. In this connection, it will be much more reliable to install more durable pipes for the heating system in a house or apartment;
PN20– indicates the possibility of use in systems with a pressure of 2 MPa at a coolant temperature of 80ºС. If the wall thickness of such pipes is in the range of 16–18.5 mm, they can be safely chosen for organizing hot water supply;
PN25– can be used in systems with extremely permissible pressure 2.5 MPa, are produced only with a reinforced layer and have excellent characteristics. Therefore, they are the most optimal for installation of various types of heating systems.

After you have studied the rating of polypropylene pipes, and managed to decide which polypropylene pipe for heating is best suited, you can move on to direct installation and installation of the system. Next, we will consider in detail the process of creating heating systems in houses and apartments with our own hands.

Heating system in an apartment: instructions for its creation

Sometimes situations arise when it may be necessary to replace heating pipes in an apartment. Despite the complexity of such events, provided that the rules are followed and a strict installation algorithm is followed, this work on your own, without resorting to the help of specialists, is quite possible.

Initially, you need to think about the type of system that should ultimately be installed. Not only the final cost, which is determined by the number of radiators, pipes and mounting hardware, but also the quality of the heating depends on whether it is single-pipe or double-pipe. Yes, during installation two-pipe system A large number of radiators may be required, and if you plan to install more than 8 of them, pipes with a cross-section of 32 mm will be optimal in this case.

Installation single pipe system will cost less, but with this wiring configuration there is a high probability that the coolant temperature in each radiator will be lower than in the previous one. To minimize this effect, it will be necessary to install thermostats to regulate the power of each radiator.

Regardless of the type of system chosen, it is extremely important to provide for the installation of Mayevsky valves in the upper part of the radiator to bleed air. The lower holes should be sealed with plugs, having previously cleared the inlet hole of possible contamination and paint deposits. This point applies to new radiators too.

You should select fastening accessories (fittings, clamps, plug couplings, tees, adapters) in accordance with the selected heating scheme.

Having previously cleaned the foil of aluminum-reinforced polypropylene pipes, you can begin to connect them using a special welding machine. In this case, it is important to observe the required time interval, which is usually different for each type of pp heating pipes. So, to melt pipes with a cross-section of 25–32 mm, 7–8 seconds will be enough.

To achieve effective and quality work the system must strictly adhere to the following action plan:

Coordinate restoration measures with the relevant utility services in order to be able to shut off the water and discharge it.
If possible, notify residents whose apartments are located on the floor below and above. However, if due to circumstances it is not possible to completely replace the riser, you can use special adapters from cast iron to plastic pipes.
Dismantle old communications of the heating system, using extreme caution and accuracy. It is advisable not to neglect safety precautions and wear safety glasses and a respirator. The fact is that with prolonged use, cast iron becomes very fragile, and with careless or sudden movement, its fragments can get into the pipe and disrupt the movement of the coolant.
Proceed with the installation of the new system, installing new heating radiators along the specified perimeter.
Assemble polypropylene pipes and connect radiators to them (more details: " ").
Check the system for integrity and tightness. In this case, you should pay attention to the fact that if again installed system is a two-pipe system, then when checking, the coolant should move in the opposite direction. And the pressure, if checked, should be approximately 1.5 times higher than the usual initial one.

Heating system in a private house: approximate action plan

Installation of a heating system in a private house, similar to the previous option, also requires careful planning and preliminary preparation. Note that in in this case The option with two-pipe wiring is more preferable. To begin with, you need to decide on the type of heating element (boiler).

As a rule, they are:

solid fuel;
gas;
electric

Solid fuel boilers are quite difficult to maintain, and it is better to entrust the connection of the heating system to them to professionals. The use of gas boilers is relevant if there is a gas pipeline connected to the house. Compared to previous options, the installed electric boiler in this case is the safest.

An important factor in the situation with installing heating in a private house will be the type of coolant movement in the system.

The generally accepted division is into circulation:

natural (gravitational);
forced (pumping).

In the first case, the heating system design must include an air vent and an expansion tank to prevent sudden pressure changes. Wherein, expansion tank It is recommended to install in a warm room to prevent the coolant from freezing.

It should also be taken into account that with relatively easy installation, systems with natural coolant circulation have some disadvantages. So, they take a long time to put into operation, and their total length should not exceed 30 m.

An important aspect when installing a reliable heating system is correct placement the so-called branch pipe - a vertical section of pipe that is connected to the boiler. When choosing a polypropylene pipe of suitable size for it, you can focus on the following values: for example, if the diameter of the supply pipe is 32 mm, then for the nozzle you should choose a pipe with a cross-section of at least 40 mm.

Once you have decided which polypropylene heating pipes are better, you can begin next stage: connecting them to radiators.

To do this, choose one of the existing methods:

lower;
side;
diagonal.

The option with a bottom connection (this scheme is also called “Leningradka”) involves connecting both the supply and discharge pipes to the bottom of the radiator. This system is not recommended for multi-storey buildings. But it can be effective in a private home, especially since, if desired, the lower wiring can be hidden in the space under the floor.

In the case of a side connection, the supply and discharge pipes are located on one side of the radiator, one at the top, one at the bottom. This scheme most often found in apartment buildings and is quite effective.

The diagonal type of connection involves connecting the supply pipe to the upper radiator pipe, and the outlet pipe to the lower pipe. This scheme will be optimal for fairly long circuits, in the case of installing 10 or more radiators. It should be noted that heat losses with such a scheme, as a rule, do not exceed 2%.

To summarize, we can safely say that polypropylene fittings and pipes for heating are not only affordable, but also high-quality and reliable components. Excellent characteristics of thermal conductivity, heat resistance and long-term operation make them worthy competitors of steel pipes. And the most reliable of the presented types of polymer products will be reinforced polypropylene pipes. Happy shopping!

Polypropylene and polyethylene pipes widely used in many construction fields. This material has proven itself in heating, plumbing and sewerage systems. PVC products are easy and pleasant to work with; their installation does not require special, expensive tools or devices. Before choosing pipes, you need to study their characteristics, sizes and scope of application. For example, when carrying out water supply, you should not use sewer samples, but it is better to buy special ones. For each case, elements with specific markings are suitable, in which precise information is encrypted.

Pipe marking

If you are planning to carry out heating in a private house with your own hands, choose only pipes marked PRR!

Characteristics of PPR plastic

Pipes marked with the abbreviation PPR have the following characteristics:

Types of polypropylene pipes

Solid plastic pipes are the cheapest

Monolithic products are made of solid PVC, the expansion coefficient is 0.15%. They can only be used when installing systems in which a substance with a low temperature moves, for example, for ventilation and cold supply.

At water temperatures above 10C°, the use of these pipes is simply impractical - they will not withstand and may crack or burst. This must definitely be taken into account.

Reinforced polypropylene pipes

Aluminum is used to reinforce plastic products. Layers additionally reinforced with aluminum can be located on the outside, in the form of thin foil, or on the inside, in the form of point perforations. Perforation is applied in the form of a mesh with holes. During the casting of a product, the viscous material, entering the holes, creates a tight adhesion of the polymer to the metal alloy.

Reinforced polypropylene pipes are the most reliable

Thanks to this type of strengthening, the system can withstand coolant heated to 90C°. It must be taken into account that installation and welding of aluminum-reinforced products can be complicated by the fact that they do not always correspond to the depth of insertion into the fittings and require additional stripping and removal of the top foil.

Fiberglass pipes

This product consists of two layers of plastic and a middle layer containing fiberglass. Plastic elements reinforced with glass do not require cleaning or calibration during installation. Soldering is quick and easy, which significantly reduces time and financial costs.

Glass increases rigidity, element density and service life. The disadvantage of such pipes is considered to be thermal elongation indicators, which are significantly higher than the same indicators for products reinforced with aluminum.

Operation of plastic pipes with fiberglass in various temperature conditions coolant

Metal-plastic pipes

Metal-plastic products are equipped top layer made of PVC and internal made of aluminum. Such samples are able to withstand very high temperatures and can be used for heating and water supply of a private home. The disadvantage of elements made of metal-plastic is that the metal layer, being in contact with the transported substance, may be susceptible to corrosion.

Fitting

Fittings are parts for connecting elements in a pipeline. They are necessary for arranging any engineering communications. Due to the fact that there are various models of polypropylene accessories with chrome and brass inserts on sale, you can easily choose those that are most suitable for installing various plumbing fixtures. For installation you will need welding machine.

The size of the connecting parts is directly related to the dimensions heating pipes. Knowing the diameter of the main element, you will immediately understand which connecting part you need to buy.
Products come in several diameters:

Very often there is a situation when the diameter indicated on the package does not correspond to reality! It is best to buy fittings in stores rather than at construction markets - there is much less defect there.

Types of connecting elements

There can be several connecting elements, in addition to fittings:

coupling- a detail in the form of a ring. It is designed to fasten two pipes. Inner size the coupling must correspond to the outer size of the main part;
Adapter– a fitting in the form of a barrel with a ring of smaller diameter. Adapters come with internal and external threads. Diameter transitions are simply necessary to connect the riser with horizontal heating distribution pipes;
Corner. From the name it is clear that the element is curved at an angle. It is needed to form a corner joint between the pipes. Some craftsmen refuse corners and prefer to heat the plastic to 140C° and give it the desired bend. This can reduce the capacity of the water supply and increase the possibility of leaks. The corners are produced with a bend of 45 or 90C°. Threaded parts are often used for mounting heated towel rails or radiators;
Cross and tee. Very often it is necessary to mount several system components together. The cross connects the branches of the four guides to the sides; accordingly, three branches can be made on the tee. Both parts can be without threads or with threads for different types pipes;
Contours. Often, during heating, there is a technological obstacle along the way that needs to be circumvented. In this case, contours are used. They make it possible to change the trajectory of the pipe without violating its integrity;
Temperature compensators. This simple, flexible design, which looks like a folded loop, performs the desired function. With a sharp increase in temperature and pressure of water in the pipes, this important detail compensates for expansion within the piping system. The device is easily mounted into the structure and increases its durability without leaks.

Types of fittings for plastic heating pipes

Video

You can view short video about how to choose the right polypropylene pipes and fittings for them.

The range of polymer pipeline systems is now represented by many options; you can choose elements and designs to suit every taste from a domestic or foreign manufacturer. A significant part of the pipeline systems offered on the market is made of polypropylene. In this article we will help you figure out how to choose polypropylene pipes.

How to choose polypropylene pipes

Which polypropylene pipes to choose? Let's first figure out why they are so good:

Corrosion resistance. Thanks to this property, polypropylene pipes maintain their quality over a long period of operation.

The service life of polypropylene products is three to four times longer than their metal counterparts.

Highly resistant to biochemical aggressive influences, chemically inert, and have excellent cross-country ability.

They are reliable, and this is well demonstrated by the operation of polypropylene pipes in the cold season. Such pipelines are not subject to ruptures.

They create little noise and vibration, which makes polypropylene pipes ideal for heating systems (extraneous sounds are practically inaudible when using them).

The pressure remains virtually unchanged (low coefficient of hydraulic resistance).

Polypropylene pipes allow you to retain the heat of hot water in pipes 10–20 percent longer compared to metal counterparts.

Polypropylene pipes are easy and inexpensive to install, and the connections are reliable.

The range of fittings is quite large, so you can wire systems of any configuration and complexity.

Polypropylene pipes are harmless to human health.

By design, polypropylene pipes can be:

single-layer;

multilayer.

Single layer polypropylene pipes are characterized by lower cost, they can be chosen for creating almost all types of pipeline systems, but they are not suitable for work at high temperatures, since they are deformed at temperatures of 70–90 ° C.

For high temperature applications, select multilayer propylene pipes, since their thermal stability increases due to reinforcement. They cost more accordingly.

For an apartment, it is better to choose reinforced polypropylene pipes. This is explained as follows: in winter, the temperature of the coolant supplied to the heating system may be higher permissible value for single-layer pipes.

Single-layer products have designations on the basis of which you can find out about the composition, and they will also help you understand which polypropylene pipes should be chosen for the water supply system:

Marking	Name	Peculiarities	Areas of use
	Homopolymer	High hardness. Lack of resistance to low temperatures	Ventilation systems. Industrial pipelines
	Block copolymer	Flexibility. Frost resistance	Cold water supply systems. Warm floor systems. Manufacturing of impact-resistant fittings and pipes
	Statistical copolymer	High strength. Ability to withstand short-term temperature surges up to +110 °C. Restoring shape after defrosting. High resistance to acids and alkalis. Excellent sound insulation	Cold and hot water supply systems. Warm floors system. Heating systems in private homes. Compressed air systems

Important! Which polypropylene pipes to choose for heating? We recommend single-layer ones with PPR markings. They have proven themselves in their work, and the price is almost the same as that of their analogues.

As mentioned above, for an apartment it is better to choose polypropylene multilayer reinforced pipes.

Such pipes have higher rigidity and heat resistance. They are a little more expensive, but it makes sense to pay a little more for better features. And yet, difficulties may arise during their installation, since reinforcement must be removed at the soldering points.

Reinforcement of polypropylene pipes can be done in one of two ways:

with foil intermediate layer;

glass fiber reinforcement.

Consider foil-lined polypropylene pipes. If the foil is too close to outside, it can be removed with a shaver. If it is located closer to the inside of the product, then the cut edge is trimmed to prevent contact between it and the coolant. Be that as it may, welding will entail additional work. Such pipes vary depending on the structure of the reinforcing layer:

Perforated layer. That is, there are holes in the foil through which polypropylene flows during the process of filling the workpiece, which results in reliable connection without the need for glue.

Solid layer. Such polypropylene pipes have three layers, well glued together.

A fiberglass pipe is reinforced by adding fiberglass filler to polypropylene. Advantages this method the following:

no need to clean the edges of the polypropylene pipe before starting welding work;

the rigidity coefficient of the polypropylene pipe increases;

the thermal expansion rate decreases by 75%;

monolithic structure: you cannot see different layers in the product.

If you decide to choose reinforced polypropylene pipes for yourself, we advise you to consider options with fiberglass. Their characteristics are in many respects better than those of their metal-plastic counterparts.

Before you finally select polypropylene pipes for a specific purpose, pay attention to all designations starting with the letters PN. This will allow you to find out for what specific conditions these pipes are designed.

The classification of polypropylene pipes according to this criterion looks like this:

PN 10. You should choose this product for low temperatures of the working fluid (within +20 °C). Maximum pressure – up to 1 MPa.

PN 16. Such polypropylene pipes can be selected for operation at both low and high temperatures (up to +60 ° C), pressure can reach 1.6 MPa.

PN 20. These polypropylene pipes should be selected for high temperatures (up to +95 ° C) and pressures of 2 MPa.

PN 25. These polypropylene pipes are reinforced and should be chosen for heating systems. They do not fail due to temperature fluctuations, can withstand temperatures exceeding +95 °C, and the operating pressure can be up to 2 MPa.

As the number following the letters PN increases, the performance properties and cost of polypropylene pipes improve. In order not to have to pay extra, before you finally choose a product, decide what indicators you need: for cold water supply there is no need to purchase fairly expensive reinforced samples.

What color of polypropylene pipes is better to choose? Experts do not give a definite answer to this question: some think that the applied color does not change technical characteristics pipes, while others are of the opposite opinion.

Below we will describe what the characteristics of polypropylene pipes may be depending on the color.

White:

the ability not to fail at a pressure of 25 bar;

low price;

no corrosion.

Grey:

resistance to high temperatures;

a long period operation;

environmental cleanliness;

excellent tightness.

Black:

UV resistance;

resistance to aggressive acids and alkalis;

resistance to drying effect;

increased strength parameters.

Green. Such polypropylene pipes are cheap, have a low operating pressure threshold, and are usually used to equip a garden irrigation system.

Thus, before choosing polypropylene pipes, we recommend that you study the features of these products, painted in one color or another.

If you decide to choose polypropylene pipes, then before purchasing, take a look at the manufacturer’s official website. You need to do the following:

Remember the logo, the font used, the letters and their color, the number of large letters. In other words, you need to look very carefully at the logo and its spelling. In fakes they usually change/omit/double one of the letters. Thanks to this, companies can avoid claims, since if the letter is different, then the brand is different.

Now you need to study the assortment and first select what you need. After this, study the color and location of the markings. This will help you in the store to distinguish the product from a fake (if the store contains a product that differs in color or any details, then it is a fake). In this case, we recommend going to another store and choosing something of better quality there.

Please review product samples before purchasing. Pipes, fittings good companies have smooth walls (both external and internal). They have no sagging, depressions or other defects.

Consider the cut of the pipe or fitting. The wall should have the same thickness. IN reinforced pipe The reinforcing material is surrounded by polypropylene rings of equal thickness. If you can see with the naked eye that it is uneven, then you should choose another product.

Thus, in order to choose a good polypropylene pipe, you need to pay attention to many details, and you should have a good overall impression of the product.

How to choose a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes

In this section of the article we will try to figure out which machine is best to choose for welding polypropylene pipes?

Soldering irons are almost the same in design, but in order to choose the most suitable one, it is necessary to take into account the difference in the method of attaching the nozzles to the heating surface.

The soldering iron consists of the following parts:

body with handle;

welding heating element in a cast metal casing;

thermostat;

special nozzles.

A soldering iron is very similar in design to an iron. These devices differ from each other only in purpose and shape. A soldering iron, like an iron, has the main elements - a powerful a heating element and a thermostat. The heating element is mounted in a flat or round housing.

In order to choose the most suitable mounting design for working attachments, you need to pay attention to the shape of the body. The soldering iron works according to the following scheme: the heating element is connected to the electrical network and heats the plate, and it heats the nozzles.

Heated nozzles transform polypropylene into a viscous mass, which allows you to create a hermetically sealed pipe connection. The nozzles should ideally be heated to a temperature of +260 °C, to maintain which the thermostat operates. This device is necessary to ensure that the propylene does not overheat, otherwise it will become too liquid, “leak” and this will reduce the diameter of the pipeline or damage it.

If the heating is insufficient, the tightness of the connection will not be sufficiently reliable. The temperature regulator performs another important function - it protects the heating element, preventing the metal head of the tool from melting. Cheaper soldering irons have built-in low-quality thermostats, due to which polypropylene pipes may not be heated enough or, conversely, too hot. This will negatively affect the quality of the work performed by the installer.

In order for the soldering iron to work well, you should choose a high-quality nozzle, which directly determines how the joint will turn out. Nozzles have different coatings. It is important to choose them in such a way that the non-stick layer has sufficient thickness. It is most reliable if the nozzles are coated with Teflon or metallized Teflon, which is even more durable. Both materials are heated evenly at the ends of polypropylene pipes.

In order to choose this device correctly, you need to pay attention to its characteristics.

Power

Most important indicator soldering iron quality. It determines what the maximum diameter of the polypropylene pipes to be connected and the heating time of the soldering iron can be; therefore, the power affects the installation speed, which is very important when it is necessary to perform large volumes of work. You cannot think that it would be better to choose a device that requires a lot of power. Often, buyers purchase a device with a power of 1.5–2 kilowatts, but this is the wrong approach.

In order to choose a soldering iron of the power you need, remember the rule: multiply the diameter of the pipes to be connected in millimeters by 10, this will be the minimum power of the device in watts. To carry out work on installing pipes in an apartment, a soldering iron with a power of 700 W is suitable (the diameter of the pipes is usually 16–63 mm). We recommend that professionals choose more powerful devices of 1.5–2.0 kW, since the diameter of the connected polypropylene pipes is more than 100 mm.

Set of nozzles

The work you do will be more efficient if you install several attachments on your soldering iron at the same time. This will improve the functionality of the device and its usability. Nozzles, as a rule, come complete with the purchased device; they are suitable for soldering polypropylene pipes of standard diameter. The 20th nozzle is used to connect metal pipes with a diameter of 0.5 inches, the 25th and 40th nozzles are used for pipes with a diameter of 0.75 and 1.25 inches. If it becomes necessary to connect polypropylene pipes with a large diameter, nozzles will have to be purchased separately. With a hand soldering iron you can mount polypropylene pipes with a diameter of no more than 63 mm (this corresponds to steel pipe 2 inches in diameter).

In order to choose the nozzles you need, you need to take into account the performance of the device: the value of this indicator directly affects the size of the nozzle diameter. In addition, it is important to take into account the specifics of the work being performed. Here you need to answer the question: what diameter of polypropylene pipes should you choose? For professional repairs, pipes with a diameter of 10 to 110 millimeters may be required. Home craftsmen only work with sizes of 16 mm (0.5 inches), 24 mm (1 inch) and 32 mm (1.25 inches). There is no need to buy any other attachments, since the sizes listed above are quite sufficient for non-professional repairs.

It is also important to choose the right construction material for the nozzle. Preference should be given to materials with good thermal conductivity and Teflon coating. To do household work you only need 2-3 attachments, so it will not be difficult to purchase quality products.

Heating temperature and thermostat

Welding machines used to connect polypropylene pipes are heated, as a rule, to a temperature of +50... +300 °C. The most common equipment is one that operates at a temperature of +260 °C. It is important that the symbols on the thermostat scale are written clearly and legibly; the position of the flywheel must be securely fixed so that if accidentally touched it does not change the set temperature.

You can choose a device that provides a digital indication of the heating temperature. For home use There is no need for such a function, especially since it increases the cost of welding equipment.

You can choose a device that has a built-in power button, which makes using the tool somewhat easier (no need to insert/pull out the plug into the socket). If the device is designed for professional work, then it may have two heating stages, which can be switched if necessary. If you decide to choose a device that is especially high quality, then it will most likely be equipped with an emergency system for disconnecting from the network in the event of a threat of overheating.

Device ergonomics

The device should be comfortable to use. It is important that its handle fits comfortably in your hand, is covered with an anti-slip layer, and does not heat up.

The design and reliability of the stand is also an important detail. If you decide to choose tripods or arcs, then be prepared for the fact that they can slide on the flat surface on which they are installed. It is better to purchase a device with a stand in the form of a platform. In the case where you plan to carry out most of the work in the workshop on a workbench, you should choose a welding soldering iron on a stand; it should be equipped with a clamping device for fixing on the edge work surface, this is how you can achieve maximum stability.

Equipment

It is often more profitable and convenient to buy a device that is already equipped with all the necessary tools and accessories. As a rule, they are packaged in a compact metal case, which is very convenient for the master.

The device comes complete with a stand, couplings and mandrels of six different diameters, screws, a screwdriver and an allen key for installing equipment, special scissors for cutting polypropylene pipes, a tape measure (there may also be a small bubble level for precise marking and alignment of pipes at the installation site ), work gloves to prevent burns.

You don't have to buy it all as a set, but buying these items individually will cost more.

Manufacturer and brand

In order to choose a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes, you need to find out in which country it was produced, because both the price and quality of the device depend on this. There is even an unofficial rating of tools made in different manufacturing countries, based on customer reviews:

Germany;

If you want to choose the most reliable tools, then give preference to Germany. A soldering iron for polypropylene pipes made in this country will serve you for many years. Professionals, as a rule, purchase Czech instruments, as they are of the highest quality and functionality. If you decide to choose devices made in Europe, know that they are more expensive, but with their help you can get more work done.

Models made in Russia and Turkey are cheaper and have their own characteristics when used, but they are suitable for home repairs.

The Russian market is filled with Chinese models, but they have low quality and, accordingly, lower prices. However, if you follow the operating conditions, they will last quite a long time. Such a device can be chosen by those who will use it only a couple of times a year.

The company’s specialists are always happy to help you with the choice of high-quality and durable polypropylene pipes "SantechStandard". By cooperating with us, you gain the following advantages:

quality products at reasonable prices;

constant availability of products in stock in any quantities;

conveniently located warehouse complexes in St. Petersburg, Moscow, Novosibirsk and Samara;

free delivery in St. Petersburg, Moscow, Novosibirsk, Samara, including to transport companies;

delivery of goods to the regions via any transport companies;

individual approach and flexible work with each client;

discounts and various promotions for regular customers;

certified and insured products;

trademarks registered in Russia, which is additional protection from low-quality fakes.

The specialists of our company “SantechStandard” are ready to help both individuals and companies choose plumbing equipment. You just need to contact us by phone:

Today we will figure out what polypropylene heating pipes are, how to choose and solder them correctly. We will also consider the types of couplings and for what purposes they are used.

How to choose by labeling

Reinforced polypropylene pipes

Polypropylene pipes are widely used for water supply and heating systems. This material is easy to work with and does not require expensive tools for installation. Before choosing polypropylene pipes for heating, you need to know what they are and how they are marked. Each product has an inscription, a marking in which information with characteristics is encrypted. Knowing the meaning of the symbols, you can easily determine the scope of application just by looking at the product. For their manufacture, different plastics are used, which are suitable for different purposes. To answer the question about which polypropylene pipes are best for heating, let’s consider the types of plastic used:

products marked PPH are made from homopolymers - this is a material whose smallest particles consist of identical structural units. This plastic is only suitable for cold water and ventilation systems;
products marked PPV are made from block copolymers. This is a more complex component; its molecules consist of alternating simple structural units (homopolymers) that differ from each other. The alternation is systematic, that is, it is ordered. Such polypropylene pipes are suitable for underfloor heating and water supply systems;
products marked PPR are made from random copolymer, which has a high degree of crystallization. This makes it strong enough to use such polypropylene pipes for heating.

The common question about whether polypropylene pipes can be used for heating can be answered in the affirmative with 100% certainty. Now this material is one of the most common, despite some disadvantages.

Solid aluminum layer

Polypropylene pipes can be cast from a monolithic continuous layer of plastic, or consist of several layers. Single-layer products can only be used for installation of systems with a low temperature of the transported substance. For example, for cold water supply and ventilation. In other cases, when the circuit operates at elevated temperatures, reinforced products must be used. The reinforcement layer of a heating pipe made of polypropylene is:

solid;
perforated - with holes like a sieve.

Reinforcement of polypropylene heating pipes is carried out with aluminum or fiberglass, the main task of which is to compensate for linear expansion. For comparison, consider the difference in coefficients. For unreinforced products, the coefficient of linear expansion is 0.15%, and for products with an aluminum layer - 0.03%. As you can see, the values differ by a factor of five. For clarity, let’s carry out the calculation based on the formula:

Elongation (mm) = linear elongation coefficient (%) x section length (m) x difference between max and min water temperatures.

For ten meters of a heating system made of reinforced polypropylene pipes, the linear expansion will be 18 mm (0.03 * 10 * (80-20)), and for a reinforced one, 90 mm, respectively. The difference is 72 mm over ten meters of contour, which is significant.

When choosing polypropylene pipes for heating, in addition to the material for manufacturing, an important characteristic is the limiting pressure, which is designated as PN20. The numerical value indicates the number of atmospheres that the product can withstand at a coolant temperature of twenty degrees for warranty period. Also worth paying attention to is the diameter and thickness of the walls. It is noteworthy that the marking indicates not internal, but outer size products. Other values, such as batch number and certificates, are of no use to the average person. The only thing that matters is the manufacturer, if you are at least a little familiar with the polypropylene pipe market.

What connectors are used during installation

Types of fittings for polypropylene pipes

Do-it-yourself heating from polypropylene pipes is assembled using couplings. They differ from each other in their design and materials. Types of couplings for polypropylene pipes for heating:

straight;
tees and L-shaped;
plugs;
with a change in the internal section;
with the transition from plastic to metal. They assume the possibility of switching to internal or external threads.

The color of the products does not matter, the main thing is that it matches the color of the outline, it’s more beautiful. Elements that are made using plastic and metal, when distributing heating with polypropylene pipes, serve to connect to the system:

shut-off valves (taps);
check valves;
air vents;
pressure gauges;
central riser.

Assembling a heating circuit from polypropylene pipes, where they are connected to metal-plastic and iron, has its own characteristics. The fact is that the wall thickness of all these products is different. For example, with the same outer diameter, the internal cross-section of metal-plastic will be larger than polypropylene. The main thing is that the internal diameters coincide.

Circuit assembly methods

We already know which polypropylene pipe to choose for heating - these are products marked PPV or PPR. Now let's look at the installation method. They are assembled using the soldering method. To work you will need:

scissors to cut pipes;
a shaver for chamfering and calibrating;
soldering iron for welding parts.

Polypropylene pipes and fittings for heating must be connected with some force. If the coupling easily fits onto the contour, it means that it is either defective or does not fit in diameter.

If you are a beginner, then you should not immediately rush headlong into the pool and start assembling heating in a private house from polypropylene pipes. First, practice. You need to feel how to connect heated parts and what pressure to create. In this case, you can always look at the internal passage of the connection through the other end of the coupling. Make sure that the plastic does not obstruct the circulation of coolant. Experiment, and when it starts to work out, you can start working. Installation steps:

cutting blanks.

Use special scissors. They make an even and smooth cut, which is difficult to achieve when working with a metal file. Also make the gap smaller, one millimeter is enough. So the likelihood that the molten plastic in the coupling will block the passage of the coolant is lower;

calibration and chamfering.

Calibration of polypropylene heating pipes is carried out to ensure that the joint is level, and the outer chamfer is removed so that the coupling fits better on the circuit. You should also clean off the layer of aluminum reinforcement to the depth of the connection;

heating and docking.

The quality of the connection primarily depends on the degree of heating. This is the main difficulty of installing heating for a home using polypropylene pipes. Optimal temperature soldering iron is 260 degrees. In this case, the outer layer of polypropylene melts, and the geometry of the product is not disturbed. When overheated, the joint is deformed, and the molten plastic greatly narrows the flow path.

There are models of soldering irons where the temperature can be set manually, but experts recommend setting it at the standard level (260 degrees) and forgetting about this option.

Consequences of overheating

For installing heating in an apartment, a welding machine with a power of 800 W is suitable. The heating time depends on the outer diameter of the circuit:

16 mm – 5 sec.;
20-25 mm – 7 seconds;
32 mm – 8 sec.;
40 mm – 12 sec.;
50 mm – 18 sec.

Please note that the plastic cools quickly, and the setting and initial cooling time is approximately equal to the heating time. Immediately center the parts; there are special lines on the contour for this. If there are none, perform the alignment by eye. Complete hardening occurs within the next five minutes. After the installation is completed and the system is ready for operation, it is necessary to pressurize it. Crimping is a hydraulic test that is performed to test the system for tightness and strength.

Is it possible to install polypropylene pipes for heating?

Polypropylene at its best

Regarding polypropylene pipes for heating, reviews are different and not always positive. The very first thing that causes controversy is the quality of the connections. It greatly depends on the professionalism of the installer and the degree of heating of the elements. When overheated, the plastic inside the circuit forms a barrier to the coolant. In case of insufficient heating, air may remain in the joint, which will have an extremely negative impact on the mechanical characteristics of the circuit. During pressure testing or in the first few years of operation, such connections may leak.

Another problem is the inability to check the quality of work performed. For example, the installers assembled the circuit and everything seemed to be in order:

the circuit is secured with clamps or clips;
at the junctions of couplings and pipes there is a uniform ring of extruded plastic;
the circuit withstood pressure testing, and a year later the joints were dripped.

Indeed, the indisputable disadvantage of polypropylene pipes for heating is the inability to check the quality of the soldering only if the system is disassembled. It turns out that all hope lies in the skill of the installer. What to do if your hopes are not met? As a result of a break in the circuit, there will be a lot of water, which will certainly ruin the repair for both you and your neighbors below. What if this happens in winter, when the temperature outside drops to -20 degrees? On the other hand, polypropylene is widely and successfully used in houses and apartments, it is cheap and the manufacturer’s warranty lasts for a quarter of a century.

From all this we can conclude that polypropylene is not an ideal material for heating, while there are no compelling arguments against the use of polypropylene pipes in the heating system. If the installer has the necessary qualifications, then a polypropylene circuit can last 25 years or more. Also, due to its plasticity, it withstands mechanical stress better than metal-plastic.