Diy installation of polyethylene pipes

In recent years, there is a steady trend: homeowners are replacing old iron pipes with modern ones made of polyethylene. This preference can be explained by an easy assembly process, low weight of structures, low cost, corrosion resistance, smoother inner walls. The last two characteristics allow not to lose water quality over time and extend the life of the pipeline itself.

Purpose

Installation of polyethylene pipes with their own hands under the force of any non-professional. The main thing is to follow the instructions from the manufacturers. When buying any pipe, look at its appearance: it should be clean and evenly colored, without damaging the material. No mechanical deformations or scratches are allowed.

Polyethylene pipes are used:

• when installing the cold water supply system;
• sewerage construction;
• in a drainage and waterfall.

Polyethylene pipes cannot be used to supply hot water or in the heating system - they do not tolerate temperatures above + 40 ° C. In addition, it is impossible to assemble and operate such pipes in rooms where the temperature is below + 5 ° C. In the cold, polyethylene loses its plasticity and flexibility, so tightness can be broken.

Installation of polyethylene pipes

There are several ways to combine plastic parts together.

Method number 1. The connection of plastic pipes, working under high pressure, is carried out by butt welding. It is the most reliable method, suitable for difficult places and contact with aggressive media. Only products manufactured by one manufacturer can be welded to each other, since each has its own manufacturing technology. Pipes of different grades are likely to form a weak seam, which over time will lead to rupture or deformation.

Method number 2. Fitting with threaded fittings. For better tightness, Teflon or some other seals are used. If you need to attach a plastic case to a metal one, you should take a transition sleeve or a combined fitting.

Method number 3. Assembly of polyethylene pipes with glue or cold welding. Contrary to popular belief, such a connection may be stronger than the pipeline itself.

First, make sure that the pipes to be mounted fit together. The end is obliged to easily go into two thirds of the connecting cuff, and then move with difficulty. The edges should be treated with sandpaper, so that they become rough and wipe with a solvent of methylene chloride for degreasing.

Glue swab is applied with a thin layer on the end of the inserted pipe, and in the cuff. Pipes are reduced to the stop and slightly rotated. The whole connection process should take no more than a minute. Drying time - 1 hour, in case of high humidity - 2 hours.

In addition, during installation, you should follow some rules:

1. Sometimes at assembly of the pipeline it is necessary to bend separate sites. Bending is considered safe when the minimum radius is equal to the eight diameters of the most bent pipe.
2. Sometimes pipes are laid inside partitions and concreted. In this case, they will have to be isolated. If the pipes are located outside them and the wall, a distance of at least 2 cm should be left. This will prevent condensation from causing the development of mold or fungus in the gaps.
3. It is impossible to prevent the pipeline from sagging, it violates its operation and can lead to depressurization. Properly spaced supports will avoid problems.

Features of installation of cross-linked polyethylene pipes

Products from so-called cross-linked polyethylene can be used in hot water pipelines or heating systems. It is a polymer of high density, subjected to electron irradiation. Under their influence, molecular chains create a single three-dimensional structure.

Unlike conventional polyethylene, this material is very resistant to extreme temperatures and pressure. In the absence of mechanical loads, it can operate in the range from -120 to + 120 ° C.

Pipes are mounted in two ways:

• compression fittings;
• using plastic pipe fittings.

In the first case, special tools are not required for assembly by hand. Only plastic secateurs and two wrenches are needed.

Procedure:

1. At one end of the pipe, crimp nut is threaded towards the free end.
2. Then put the split ring and pipe until it stops fit on the fitting fitting.
3. Crimp nut tightened with a wrench.

Press fittings or press fittings are classified as one-piece and need a press tool.

When assembling:

1. The tube is put on the clamping sleeve.
2. Insert into the tube until the end of the expander of the appropriate diameter.
3. Smoothly reduce the extender handles and fix for a couple of seconds.
4. Push the fitting fitting to the stop.
5. The sleeve is pressed with a manual or hydraulic press.

You often do the installation of polyethylene pipes and know all the details of their connection. Share your knowledge with our readers, leaving comments on the article.

Video

We offer to watch a video about the welding of polyethylene pipes in the joint.