Kinds of heat-insulating materials
Before proceeding to the warming of the water supply system, it is necessary to decide with what material we will implement this.
The following are the most common types of insulation:
- polyurethane foam( PPU);
- expanded polystyrene( expanded polystyrene);
- fiberglass( glass wool, mineral wool);
- basalt fiber.
Polyurethane shells are semi-cylinders of various diameters and thicknesses of 1 m. The texture of the PUF consists of small cells, so that it is not vulnerable to moisture. Warming with polyurethane foam removes the hovering effect when the snow cover melts from heat.
Installation of such insulation can be made in any season of the year, in any weather. This is because the foam is lightweight and has excellent thermal insulation characteristics.
The advantages of PPU insulation are:
- long service life;
- ease of installation and dismantling, with the possibility of repeated use;
- resistance to corrosion;
- convenience of access to the system in case of repair.
The installation of polyurethane molds is carried out using a screed.
A convenient and cheap way to solve the problem of "how to insulate the water pipeline underground" is foam plastic. This heater has no operational limitations, remains stable in size and has a very low water absorption index. For pipes insulated with polystyrene, no trays are needed.
A common type of insulation is glass fiber. However, mineral wool absorbs moisture, because of which it is worthwhile to provide an additional heat-insulating layer in the form of ruberoid. The use of glass wool is prohibited in wet weather.
A good insulation for a water pipeline is a basalt fiber. This heater has the form of a hollow cylinder, and allows you to do without trays. A significant disadvantage of basalt wool can be considered high cost.
Many manufacturers offer pipes that are already manufactured covered with a layer of insulation. It is logical to assume that the price of such a product is high.
Mounting of insulation for pipes
Insulate the pipe under the ground by installing a thermal insulation material, it is real for any owner. The tube is put on two halves of the heater with a displacement of about 15 cm, and fixed with a slight overlap. In this case, the internal diameter of the shell should be equal to the outer diameter of the pipe.
How to insulate the piping under the ground with fiberglass:
- Before installing the heating material, the pipe must be cleaned of contaminants
- Place the fiberglass around the pipeline and secure it with screeds.
- Provide protection against moisture with additional coating of roofing material or other suitable building materials.
Installation of the heating cable
This method is used in areas with very cold winters, when one thermal insulation material is insufficient. The current flows through the wires of this cable, the metal conductors are heated, transferring heat energy to the pipe. Also in the heating system is a thermostat that controls the temperature of the pipeline, at the increase of which the cable is disconnected.
Of course, the heating cable must be laid under the heater, otherwise it will not warm the water supply system, but the ground. It is necessary to consider the location of the cable not only from the outside, but also inside the pipeline.
The heating cable has the following advantages:
- Easy and convenient operation;
- Cost-effectiveness, which is provided by the ability to independently regulate the capacity of the system;
- Versatility - the cable can be used to insulate communications located outdoors, in housing and underground;
- The cable system is reliable, safe, and does not allow overheating.
The disadvantage of a heating cable is its dependence on electricity. In the event of a power outage, it is worthwhile to provide redundant power supplies.
It should be taken into account that the choice of insulation depends on the air temperature in the cold period in a particular region and on the financial possibilities of the owner. Cope with the problem of how to insulate the water supply system underground is most effective, using all the methods in the complex.
