How to connect two pipes
In modern construction use a variety of pipes. There is also a large selection of ways to connect them into a single pipeline. Some require the use of special equipment and skills, others can handle almost anyone. This article will discuss how to connect the two pipes.
We connect metal pipes
To connect two metal pipes you can use two methods:
- welding;
- threaded connection.
The first option is recently used less and less. The fact is that welding requires the use of special equipment - a welding machine. Also such work should be carried out by a specially trained specialist.
The connection itself can be performed using various methods:
- cross butt;
- longitudinal butt joint;
- unilateral angular;
- double-sided corner;
- overlapped socket, etc.
Most of these terms are familiar only to specialists. Therefore, if it is decided to connect the pipeline using electric welding, it is better to call the master. The joints themselves are durable and reliable (assuming a job well done).
If copper pipes are used, a soldering method is used. Such pipelines are mainly used in elite buildings (copper is very expensive). Therefore, one cannot do without a highly qualified specialist, although, if you read the article "Soldering copper pipes with your own hands," you can try.
Более распространенный способ – threaded connection. Таким методом собрать любой трубопровод может каждый. При этом собранная конструкция может быть как прямолинейной, так и с поворотами и изгибами. Для этого на концах труб нарезается резьба и накручивается специальная контргайка.
The thread can be cut both in the factory and at home, because during the installation of pipelines it is often necessary to cut pipes, in which case cutting can be done independently. For this, most often, use a special device - screw die. This is a special, small tool made of high strength material. Rolling this device on the pipe, a thread is cut on it.
Locknut tightened into place of pipe joints. The result is a strong and reliable connection. As a sealing material, tow or fum-tape, wound on a thread, is used.
You can find the connection without the use of nuts. In this case, a fum or tow is wound onto the thread and the pipes are screwed into the acquired coupling with internal thread.
Among the advantages of this method of connecting two pipes can be called its simplicity (all work is carried out without welding), reliability and disassembly of the joint obtained. Namely, such properties are necessary when creating intra-house pipelines.
Connecting pipes from other materials
The connection of two pipes made of HDPE and plastic can also be carried out using welding (in this case it is called soldering) and using fittings.
When soldering using two methods:
- Butt.
- Using fittings.
The first option requires special equipment and can be performed by a highly qualified specialist. Butt-soldering is used only for the installation of large-diameter pipelines; therefore, it does not apply to the creation of household communications. Soldering using connecting elements (electrically or special) can be carried out independently.
But most often use connections without soldering. For this purpose, special fittings are designed, such as:
- compression;
- reducing
The first option is used when connecting pipes of the same diameter. In this case, the pipes themselves can be from different materials.
Reduction fittings are used when you need to connect pipelines with different diameters.
The principle of their use is quite simple. A fitting is put on each end of the pipe. Then, using a wrench, tighten the nut. The result is a strong and collapsible connection.
Docking metal-plastic pipes is carried out in two ways:
- Compression detachable fitting. During installation, the ends of the fitting are inserted into the pipe. They have rubber seals that securely hold them inside. The fitting is then tightened with a collet and secured with a control nut. Such a connection can be subsequently disassembled.
- Press fitting. This method is used less frequently, since the joint is one-piece. Fitting shanks are inserted into the pipe. Then, using a special device, a flexible cuff is crimped. The result is a strong and reliable connection.
After reviewing the methods of connecting pipes, it remains to choose the product with which you will be most comfortable working.
Video
This video shows how to weld metal pipes with electric welding:
See how the plastic pipe is connected to the iron: