Installation of standard and non-standard connections of metal-plastic pipes. How to connect and install metal-plastic pipes Do-it-yourself wiring of metal-plastic pipes

Nowadays, there are many materials available with which you can install the water supply system at home with your own hands. The most commonly used are iron ones.

They have their advantages and disadvantages, however, for assembling a water supply system from metal or polypropylene pipes special equipment is required.

Install metal-plastic products for water supply with your own hands - optimal solution, allowing you to save time and money.

This article will reveal the intricacies of installing metal-plastic pipes with your own hands, and will also present a video clearly showing the process.

Metal-plastic plumbing pipe products appeared on the market about ten years ago. The material for them is the usual plastic. At the same time, the metal-plastic pipe has a significant degree of protection against wear and rupture.

This is facilitated by the design, which is a cake of several heterogeneous layers. The inner layer is food grade plastic, safe in contact with water.

The outer layer consists of multilayer polyethylene, which protects it from damage. The pipe is reinforced by an aluminum shell located between layers of plastic, reinforced with an adhesive layer.

Specifications

Pipe products with a diameter from 16 to 53 millimeters are produced. Most often used in household use 16 or 20 mm products.

The thickness of the walls, depending on its size, ranges from two to three and a half millimeters. They are usually produced in rolls of 50 or 100 meters.

Advantages

Flexibility is the most important advantage; you can achieve a radius of five centimeters, completely repeating the shape of the corner without breaking the pipe or using a fitting. Complex shapes with a radius of fifteen centimeters they can be easily bent by hand. This makes installation of the system as easy as possible.
Ease. A hundred-meter roll can easily be lifted by one person with his own hands.
Its strength exceeds the strength at the joints.
There is virtually no fear of leaks in continuous areas.
Thanks to the multi-layer construction, significant wear resistance is achieved. The service life of the water supply system is more than 50 years.
They are not affected by rust, and the appearance of sediment is prevented by the smooth inner surface.
If such deposits appear during long-term operation of the water supply system, they can be removed quite easily.
The appearance is much more attractive than metal ones.

Flaws

Metal-plastic products should not be used outdoors, nor should they be exposed to prolonged exposure sun rays because they are afraid ultraviolet radiation.
Strength and heat resistance are certainly lower than those of metal.
They cannot serve as a grounding device, but they accumulate static electricity, which cannot be discharged since the metal parts are insulated at the joints.
Require regular maintenance(braces) compression fittings.

Preparation for installation

Before installing a water supply system, you must carefully consider its layout and location. First of all, it is worth noting on the plan all points of water consumption (faucets, shower, washing and dishwasher), regarding their location in the house.

Then you need to connect these points with lines indicating pipes, and you need to note their diameter, the direction of water flow, and also divide them into those intended for hot and cold water. Calculate the approximate footage of the resulting diagram.

It is necessary to buy pipes with a reserve of at least 10 meters, since when installing them yourself, losses during assembly are inevitable. If they still remain, they can always be used during repairs or connecting new equipment.

After this, it is necessary to mark on the diagram all the connection points, as well as those places where the locking devices will be installed.

Safety valves must be installed at the entrance to the house in front of the meter, as well as in front of each consumption device.

Having done this, you will find out the quantity required to assemble the water pipe assembly units and their specifications. Sample Process The calculation is shown in the video.

Tools for installation of the structure

Although the installation process metal-plastic pipes DIY is very simple, you will still need some tools.

Their service life is comparable to the warranty period of a metal-plastic pipe. The operating pressure parameter at the connection is similar to its indicators.

We invite you to watch the video where it is shown high-quality installation metal-plastic pipes using press fittings.

Use the tips given in this article and video, and you will be able to install metal-plastic pipes for water supply with your own hands without the slightest problem.

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Pipes made from a symbiosis of metal and plastic are produced for the construction of intra-house highways. New products made it possible to assemble a water supply and heating system yourself, without involving plumbers. Pipelines serve for a long time, are installed extremely simply and quickly, without creating problems even for inexperienced craftsmen.

We will tell you everything about the specifics of using metal-plastic products and methods of connecting pipelines assembled from them. The article describes in detail the negative and positive sides their use. Here you will learn how to install trouble-free systems.

Metal-plastic (metal-polymer pipes) are composite products for the production of which they are used different kinds materials. Similar elements have an attractive appearance, good wear resistance, elasticity, strength.

Metal-plastic pipes are distinguished by high consumer qualities (strength, flexibility, resistance to high temperatures and aggressive substances), as well as aesthetic appearance

Typically, a pipe consists of five layers. A durable polymer, usually cross-linked polyethylene, is used as a supporting base. It makes the inner surface smooth, protecting it from blockages, and also contributes to the strength of the product.

An adhesive is applied to the core, on which aluminum foil that stabilizes the pipe is attached (it also prevents the ingress of oxygen). The connection is secured by butt or overlap welding.

The design of the metal-plastic pipe involves the use of five layers various materials: two layers of polyethylene, two layers of glue, a layer of aluminum foil

The fourth layer is also applied with glue, to which the outer covering – polyethylene – is connected. white, providing protection to the product and giving it an aesthetic appearance.

Technical characteristics of pipes D 16-20 mm

Here are the data typical for metal-plastic pipes of common diameters (16 and 20 mm):

The wall thickness is 2 and 2.25 millimeters, respectively; The thickness of the aluminum layer is 0.2 and 0.24 mm.
One running meter weighs 115 and 170 grams and holds a volume of liquid equal to 1.113 and 0.201 liters.
The thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.43 W/m K, the expansion rate of metal-plastic is 0.26x10 4 per 1 degree Celsius, the roughness coefficient is 0.07.
When the material breaks transversely, the strength coefficient is 2880 N.
The strength of the connection between the adhesive layer and the foil is 70 N/10 sq. mm, the strength coefficient of the aluminum welded layer is 57 N/sq. mm.
Metal-plastic pipes can operate even at +95 o C, briefly withstanding temperatures of +110-130 o C.
Within the temperature range from 0 to +25 o C, the system operates at a pressure of up to 25 bar, and at +95 o C it can withstand a pressure of 10 bar.
The tightness and integrity of the metal-plastic pipe is broken under a load of 94 bar (at +20 o C).

At correct installation and compliance with operating rules, products made of metal-polymers can last 50 years or more.

Advantages and disadvantages of metal polymers

Among the advantages similar products can be attributed:

ease of installation: connections of various categories of metal-plastic pipes are carried out quickly and easily;
high heat resistance (water heated to 100°C can be transported);
reasonable price (metal-polymer pipes are cheaper than metal and most plastic analogues);
high strength and ring stiffness;
resistance to corrosion and aggressive environments;
reluctance to form deposits and blockages;
aesthetic appearance;
high throughput;
low thermal conductivity;
sufficient plasticity;
possibility of easy repair;
durability.

The main disadvantage of such products lies in the fact that the metal and plastic from which the pipes are made have different expansion rates. Regular temperature changes of the agent in the pipes can lead to weakening of the fastenings, which causes leaks in the structure.

To avoid this, experts advise, when performing installation, to always provide a certain margin at pipe joints. It will also be useful because metal-plastic systems do not withstand water hammer well.

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What materials will be needed?

To lay the pipeline, it is important to stock up on the following components:

pipes (coils, measured sections);
various fitting options (bends, tees, corners), with the help of which individual sections of pipes are transformed into a single system;
fastening elements - dismountable clamps and clips, with the help of which metal-plastic structures are fixed to supporting surfaces, most often on the wall.

It is important to choose everything in advance necessary materials and tools to then carry out all the work smoothly.

He will introduce you to the range of metal-plastic products for pipeline assembly.

Pipe line marking

Before starting work, it is important to think about how the pipes will be placed.

When developing a scheme, it is advisable to:

Draw pipeline lines directly on the walls of the room where it is planned to be laid, which helps visualize the structure.
As a starting point, use the connection point of the pipe to the tap or radiator, which must already be installed before installation begins.
Minimize the number of tees and crosses that affect pressure stability, and also minimize the number of other fittings.
For corner laying of metal-plastic pipes, you can use a pipe bender or corner fittings.
All connecting elements should be provided with free access, since threaded fasteners need periodic tightening to avoid leaks.

The installation of connecting elements must be carried out after completion of calculations and marking of the structure.

Overview of fittings for metal-plastic systems

To prepare for work, it is important to cut the pipes into sections of the required length, and all cuts must be made strictly at right angles. If the pipe becomes deformed during the cutting process, it must be leveled with a gauge (it will also help remove the internal chamfer).

For connecting metal-plastic pipes different categories V single design connecting elements are used - fittings that differ in design, size and fastening methods

Various are used for installation of the structure; we will dwell on them separately.

Option #1: collet

Push-in fittings, consisting of a body, a ferrule, and a rubber gasket, have a detachable design, so they can be used several times. The thread of the parts allows them to be combined with household appliances.

To connect the connecting elements to the pipe, you need to put a nut and a ring in series. Insert the resulting structure into the fitting and tighten the nut. To make it easier for the pipe to pass into the connecting element, it is advisable to wet it.

Option #2: compression

Widely used for connecting pipes are parts that can be called conditionally detachable. Before installation, it is important to ensure the presence of o-rings and dielectric gaskets, which should be located on the shank of the part.

The variety of pipes for heating and water supply makes you think about their choice. Especially if the work is done independently. But this is only the first stage of the highway installation process. Often people who engage in self-repair, questions arise regarding working with metal-plastic pipes. Each pipeline has its own nuances and assembly rules. When installing metal-plastic pipes with your own hands, you need to know the features of their connection and fastening. After all, the reliability of a heating or water main largely depends on compliance with the technology and the quality of the work performed.

Features of connecting metal-plastic pipes

General information about metal-plastic pipes on the domestic market:

Option #2 - push fittings

No additional tools are required to connect pipes using push fittings. To connect, the pipe is inserted into the push fitting until it stops. The end of the pipe should be visible in the viewing window. After connecting the entire main line, the water is connected. This pushes and clamps the fitting wedge, which prevents leakage.

Advantages:

ease and speed of use;
no additional tools are needed for work;
permanent connection;
durability;
suitable for bricking
the finished connection can be rotated.

Flaws:

high cost of push fittings;
a waiting time after installation of three hours is required.

You can watch the video in more detail about this type of fitting:

Option #3 - collet fittings

Connection of pipes from different materials performed using a collet fitting. If the pipes different sizes then the thread of the part must correspond to the metal product, and the remaining components to the pipe are made of metal-plastic.

For pipes different diameters take a fitting corresponding to the dimensions of the metal-plastic pipe, except for the threaded part. It is selected according to the size of the metal pipe

On metal pipe put on the fitting, first wrapping it with tow. A nut and washer are placed on the edge of the prepared metal-plastic pipe. Then connect them together and tighten the nut.

In some cases, metal-plastic pipes are used for installation of heating systems. You will learn about the pros and cons of these and other types of pipes in our material:.

Fastening metal-plastic pipes to the surface

When working with metal-plastic pipes, you need to know how to mount them to the surface. To secure the pipes you must use special clips. They are selected taking into account the size of the pipe itself. First you need to install the clip. Its fastening is carried out using self-tapping screws or dowels. To avoid sagging of the line, the distance between adjacent clips should not exceed one meter. Pipe bends must be secured on both sides.

To avoid sagging of the pipeline, the distance between adjacent clips should not exceed 1 meter. The turn of the highway in the corner of the room must be fixed on both sides

How to bend a metal-plastic pipe correctly?

The advantage of metal-plastic pipes, among other things, is the ability to bend them in in the right place. This helps reduce the number of fittings used. This feature is used when it is necessary to make a turn and install heated floors. You can bend a metal-plastic pipe in 4 ways:

hands;
spring;
using a hairdryer;
pipe bender

Option #1 - bending pipes with your hands

This method requires dexterous hands. To learn how to bend a pipe without any tools, watch the video instructions:

Option #2 - a spring will help avoid defects

There is a commercially available spring specifically designed for bending pipes. It is inserted inside the product. After this, bending is done with ease and without defects. The size of the spring is selected according to the size of the pipes.

Using a spring to bend metal-plastic pipes helps to avoid defects and damage to the product. The spring size must match the pipe size

Option #3 - using a hair dryer

Metal-plastic pipes become more pliable when exposed to heat. To heat them up, use a hair dryer. You just need to do this carefully so as not to overheat the plastic. After heating, the pipe bends in one movement.

Option #4 - pipe bender for the master

And yet, if you are a beginner master with no work experience, it is better to use. He will help without special effort bend a metal-plastic pipe of any size. A crossbow pipe bender is available for sale. To use it, just set the bend angle, insert the pipe and bring the handles together.

If you do not have experience working with metal-plastic pipes, it is better to use a pipe bender. A special crossbow pipe bender helps bend the pipe at the desired angle

Find out what advantages a metal-plastic pipe has, and whether it can be chosen for installing a heated floor:.

It is clear that without effort it will not be possible to create high-quality plumbing or heating. Any work that you will do with metal-plastic pipes, from choosing a product to checking the functionality of the system, must be treated responsibly. Only in this case can the durability of the water supply or heating main be guaranteed.

Installation of metal-plastic pipes is not difficult even for non-professionals. You don’t have to be a plumber to lay water supply pipes with your own hands: just carefully read the laying rules.

Choosing an installation option for a metal-plastic system

If you are determined to install and install metal-plastic pipes yourself, decide in advance on the option for laying the pipeline. It happens:

hidden (the system is “hidden” in the wall);
open (it runs along its surface);
combined (combining both options).

The required method is selected taking into account:

purpose of the premises;
the need to have access to the structure.

Metal-plastic pipes are fastened to walls using special clips. For plumbing, single ones are usually used, for heating - double ones (for two-pipe systems). We select them taking into account the diameter of the product and fasten them to the wall with dowels or self-tapping screws.

To prevent the pipeline from sagging, the distance between the fasteners is 1 m or less. For heating installation, a step of no more than 0.5 m is recommended (so that the circulation of the coolant is not disrupted). The bends are fixed on both sides.

Hidden

This is an aesthetic, but labor-intensive option, usually used in bathrooms, as well as in rooms where the possibility of damage to the surface of the structure is expected. To cover it inside the walls, channels are dug, a system is laid and the recesses are sealed finishing materials, leaving access to the fittings (using “windows” or removable panels).

It is not advisable to use a hidden gasket:

For load-bearing walls(it is forbidden to ditch them);
in an already finished room (you will have to dismantle and then restore the wall covering).

The main advantage is that the type of pipeline does not spoil the design of the room.

Open

Open wiring should not be done if:

there is a possibility of mechanical damage to the surface of the structure;
they have access to ultraviolet rays (this is harmful to them).

Advantages of the method:

the joints are visible - easy to unscrew if necessary to clean or replace a fragment;
no damage to the finish is caused (can be installed in rooms where repairs have already been made).

Fastening with clips to the wall should be done as smoothly as possible, remembering that the pipeline is visible: slanting lines are not pleasing to the eye.

Combined

The pipeline is laid along the surface of unformed walls and covered with special false panels or boxes are mounted. The method requires an accurate idea of the future design of the room: boxes and panels should not detract from the appearance of the room, but should fit organically into the design.

Design and marking for material calculation

Work with any metal-plastic pipes (for plumbing or heating) should begin with developing a diagram of their placement:

Draw the lines of future installation directly on the walls - visualization makes it easier to understand where everything will be located.
“Start point” - the place of connection to the already installed tap or radiator.
Try to get by with as few fittings as possible (the fewer there are, the more stable the water pressure).
If a corner gasket is required, decide whether to bend or use corner fittings.
Even at the markup stage, remember: all connections must be accessible. It is also necessary to be able to tighten the fasteners if necessary.
All connecting elements are installed after the markings and calculations are completed.
By wiring diagram(draw clearly!) The length of the pipeline, the number of fittings and fasteners are calculated.

Selection of pipe for installation

The least requirements apply to products intended for cold water supply. As for hot items, you should take goods labeled PEX (cross-linked) and PE-RT (linear) polyethylene. Before purchasing, check what the normal and maximum pressure indicators are for your water supply.

Look at the certificate - does the product comply? hygienic requirements, evaluate the appearance for dents, scratches, and other defects.

Plumbing system

For home plumbing, pipes of 16 and 20 mm in diameter are most often used. If the main wiring is assembled from 20 mm, then the connections to the mixers, household appliances, the bathtub is made from 16 mm.

Heating system

When choosing products to create a heating structure, consider the availability of quality certificates. Products must be designed for operating pressure from 6.6 atm and temperature 95 °C and are not made of polyethylene low pressure: It is neither durable nor heat resistant. Do not purchase products marked PE-RS, they will melt if the coolant temperature exceeds 75 °C!

Selecting a fitting for joining pipes

When you install a water supply system from metal-plastic pipes yourself, you need to pay serious attention to the choice of fittings: responsibility for leaks falls on you! Fittings are considered " weak point", don't skimp on cheap options.

Compression fittings are simple, but less reliable than press fittings. Please note that hidden gaskets require the use of press fittings only. In other cases, be sure to ensure free access to compression devices.

Preparing tools and supplies

To install the structure, you will need a small set of tools (all of them should be at hand):

pipe cutter or sharp scissors (for a tight connection, a strictly perpendicular cut is necessary);
calibrator (needed for centering the cutting area and chamfering);
sliding and open-end wrench(they are used to tighten the nuts in compression fittings)
press pliers (they manually crimp press fittings);
pipe bender (allows you to change the configuration of pipeline segments without using corner fittings - it is better to use it if there are many corner connections).

Necessary materials:

the bay itself, measured sections will be cut off from it required length;
different types of fittings (tees, bypass, corner) for wiring and creating a single design;
fastening elements (clamps and clips from the manufacturer) for fixing pipeline sections on supporting surfaces.

Laying metal-plastic pipes

How to correctly install a metal-plastic pipe:

cut a fragment of the required length;
use a calibrator to adjust the shape of the cut;
chamfer from both surfaces - outside and inside - simultaneously;
Unscrew the fitting (remove the nuts from the ends, O-rings from the fittings);
if the fitting is compression, put a nut with a sealing ring on the prepared fragment, connect the pipe and fitting, secure the connection with the nut - first tighten it by hand, then use a wrench;
if a press fitting is used, first disassemble it and make sure it is not defective (remember that you can’t “unscrew it back”), then place the prepared fragment on the fitting, assess the seating depth - for this there is a hole on the sleeve. Then use press pliers to press the connecting sleeve twice, forming two annular compressions.

To form the desired bend, you can use a pipe bender or bend it with your own hands by heating it construction hairdryer: in several steps, without making sudden movements and keeping in mind the permissible bending radius (indicated in the technical specifications). The thumbs of both hands are positioned along the product during this action. The inner and outer layers of the product must not be deformed!

To simplify the workflow, you can first assemble the individual parts of the system. Then install the parts of the structure in the appropriate places and connect them. Each pipe is fixed to the wall using hanging and supporting elements from the manufacturer. Installation of metal parts is carried out with gaskets made of special soft materials. After sequentially combining all the parts, connect them to the “hot” and “cold” risers.

Pressure testing of the water supply system

When the installation of a water supply system made of metal-plastic pipes is completed, it is necessary to check it for leaks using the pressure testing process:

It is necessary to shut off the test area filled with water to seal it (using taps/valves).
Connect a pump to the connection pipe of one of the taps (a manual, low-power one is suitable for a home water supply system).
Using a pressure testing pump, pump water into the selected area at a pressure greater than the calculated operating pressure, then turn off the pump and record the pressure gauge readings.
Maintain the system under pressure for some time - at least half an hour.
Then compare the current pressure gauge readings with original value. If the two values are different, something has gone wrong, there is a leak.

If you have an open gasket, the problem area can be detected visually. After eliminating the malfunction, you will have to re-pressure test.

In order to install a water supply system, it is not at all necessary to always resort to the expensive services of specialists. The article describes step by step the sequence of installing metal-plastic pipes for water supply with your own hands when renovating a bathroom. Using it, you will do similar work yourself.

Properties of metal-plastic pipes

Metal-plastic pipes are currently widely used for the installation of pipelines for heating and water supply systems. Compared to traditional steel, they have several valuable properties, due to which they are most often used:

metal-plastic pipes do not rust and deposits do not form on their inner surface;
have a long service life, manufacturers guarantee a service life of up to 50 years;
simple and technological installation does not require special qualifications from the performer;
relatively low price of materials and installation costs.

For installation of water supply major renovation the customer chose from several bathrooms alternative options metal-plastic pipes with connections using press fittings.

Preparation for installation

We come up with the configuration of the future water supply system. It was decided that the use of collectors was not practical. This makes the pipeline more expensive, but does not provide any operational advantages. Therefore, it was decided to make pipeline branches to individual water collection points using tees.

After purchasing all the necessary fittings, we laid them out on the floor in the order in which they would be connected in the pipeline. This “rehearsal” made it possible to make sure that all fittings were purchased correctly.

For installation of the water supply we have prepared the following tools and auxiliary materials:

Special scissors for cutting metal plastic and a calibrator.
Press pliers for crimping connections.
Adjustable and gas wrenches.
Flax and sealing paste.

Before the installation of the pipeline in the bathroom began, the necessary preparatory work. All the old plumbing was dismantled along with the pipes, the walls were plastered with the preliminary installation of beacons. After the plaster had dried, sufficiently loose grooves for the pipes were cut into the wall.

Installation of water supply

Connecting pipes with press fittings involves two operations:

Use scissors to cut the pipe to the required length. Using a calibrator, we correct the shape of the cut and chamfer simultaneously from the outer and inner surfaces of the pipe.
Insert the pipe into the fitting sleeve until it stops. The end of the pipe should be visible through special inspection holes. Use pliers to crimp the fitting twice.

The photograph shows that as a result of crimping, two annular compressions are formed on the sleeve.

To simplify the work, we first assemble the individual parts of the water pipe. For example, we crimp water sockets for installing a mixer and attach them to a special mounting plate.

We install the prepared pieces of pipeline in their appropriate place and secure them. Mounting strips They are attached to the wall using dowels and screws, the pipes are carefully bent and laid in grooves.

We connect the assembled parts of the water supply system into a single whole on site. The crimping pliers device allows you to rotate the tool handles into a position convenient for work.

We continue to sequentially install all parts of the water supply and connect it to the hot and cold water risers. To make it possible to replace water meters and taps in the future, we make the connection of the pipeline to the meters collapsible, using “American” ones.

The entire work of installing the pipeline from metal-plastic pipes took an hour and a half. Upon completion of installation, we put plugs on all water outlets, opened the taps on the risers and left the pipeline with water under pressure for several days. The grooves were not covered to check the connections for leaks. Work on finishing the bathroom continued at this time.

The installed water supply system turned out to be airtight: there were no leaks in any connection. You can fill the grooves with plaster and finish tiling the walls.

Helpful Tips:

The connection on press fittings is non-separable. If there is an error, it cannot be redone. It is useful to have a few spare fittings in case this happens.
You don’t have to buy press jaws; you can rent them.
Metal-plastic pipes must be bent with caution. If the pipe wall becomes damaged during bending, the pipe should be replaced.
To prevent the pipe from experiencing excessive stress under the plaster when heating and cooling from water, it is better not to smear it directly into the plaster: place an electric corrugation on the pipe. For a pipe with a diameter of 16 mm, a 25 mm corrugation is ideal.

We hope the article will be useful to you, and you will be able to install a pipeline from a metal-plastic pipe with a connection using press fittings yourself.