As a rule, if there is a choice in a series of the same type of goods, we first of all draw attention to the figures appearing in the price tag. When the question arises of purchasing pipes for installing a heating circuit, the cost of the "plastic" products is approximately the same. But are they all equivalent in their characteristics and there is absolutely no difference what exactly to mount? Or maybe "metal" will be more reliable, especially since we are used to it since childhood? Let's figure it out.
Probably, before making a definite choice, it is necessary to clearly understand what complexities and nuances will be encountered during the course of all events. After all, manufacturers, advertising their products, bring so many of their advantages over analogues, that immediately there is a desire to buy. Only here is the question - are all these advantages of the pipes so important, and what better to choose for a closed-type heating system?
Let's start by evaluating all the nuances of its installation and operation.
Features of stand-alone systems
What is the difference from the central heating lines?
Firstly , there are no strong hydraulic shocks, since the work on crimping "private traders" is carried out only in exceptional cases. As a rule, "jumps" can be, but insignificant, in the case of "zavozdushivaniya" system with improper operation of safety valves.
Secondly , the working pressure in closed circuits rarely exceeds 2.5 atm, while in "high-rise buildings" it can reach 10.
Thirdly, , there are no aggressive substances in the coolant that are introduced into it during the water preparation stagewith centralized heating.
Possibilities of the owner
If there is money, but there is no desire to be engaged in the installation of pipes, there is no fundamental difference. Hired workers will select the necessary material. However, in practice, self-contained heating systems in private houses are preferred by the owners themselves. So, you need to consider:
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personal abilities, practical skills; - availability of free time;
- security with the necessary tools and accessories;
- knowledge of all the features of heating systems - what are the wiring diagrams, how to properly install a stop valve, to join separate elements and much more.
From this point of view, the material must be easily processed, connected, bent and so on.
Installation location
- Where is the route section - inside or outside the building? Hence - the temperature conditions of use.
- Which gasket is planned - open or secretive? Therefore, how the track will "look" against the background of the walls.
- How to fix based on? This depends largely on the surface material and the weight of the pipes.
Now you can fully consider all types of pipes for installing a heating system, note the features and evaluate the feasibility of use.
Metal
Such pipes are distinguished by their strength and ability to withstand high temperatures. But it should be noted that they are quite difficult to bend( you need a pipe bender), you have to cut the thread and securely seal the joints.
Copper
"Pros"
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metal is relatively soft, so it's easy to process; - can be installed without "masking", as the appearance of the pipes is quite attractive;
- has the opinion that copper "cleans" the coolant, so the deposition of salts is minimal;
- light weight, so there will be no difficulties with fastening;
- do not need to be painted;
- service life - about 100 years.
"Cons"
- high price;
- limitation in the use of heaters. For example, aluminum radiators( the cheapest) can not be installed in such a system;
- mounting features that are known only to professionals. For example, how correctly to joint a pipe copper and steel( or plastic)?Nuances are more than enough.
"Galvanized"
"Pros"
- given the coating material, such pipes do not rust, therefore, they do not have to be painted frequently( if it is provided in the place of installation).
"Cons"
- steel is expensive;
- some limitations in the application. A large number of joints( for example, with "beam" wiring) entails additional risks of leakage.
"Stainless" corrugated
It is rarely used, despite the convenience in the installation. For crimping of fittings, special equipment is needed, which is expensive and is available only to professionals.
Metal black
"Pros"
- is perhaps the only one - low cost in comparison with analogues.
"Cons"
- roughness of the cavity, which causes intense salt deposition;
- susceptibility to corrosion. As a consequence - the rust particles in the coolant, which clog not only the filters, but also the heat exchanger of the boiler;
- the need for periodic "tint".
Plastic pipes
They do not rust, deposits of salts on the walls because of the ideal smoothness of the surface is practically nonexistent. Easily processed, and you do not need to cut the thread for the connection. But such pipes are susceptible to deformation and are "afraid" of ultraviolet radiation.
Polypropylene
"Pros"
- Simplified installation;
- easily "dock" with elements from other materials;
- is the cheapest option;
- easily and reliably connect( about their welding read here);
- low cost.
"Cons"
- practically does not bend, so all connections - only with the help of fittings;
- are afraid of external thermal effects( the material melts);
- , it is possible to damage the circuit in the event that the coolant temperature rises above 95 ° C.
It is advisable to use in circuits that are characterized by a high temperature of the coolant.
Polyethylene "cross-linked"
To it fully refers everything that is noted above - for polypropylene( except for temperature dependence).But there is one more, and very significant, drawback. During the installation, you will have to use special equipment, which is quite expensive, and there is no sense in purchasing it "at a time".Therefore, for self-laying routes cross-linked polyethylene pipes are hardly suitable. Without the help of professionals, it will not work with them.
At the same time, such products are considered an excellent option for warm floors. It is only necessary to mount a "one-piece" piece, without connections.
Metal-Plastic
"Pros"
- is a good combination of strength and "elasticity".Such pipes can be bent, which is especially convenient when laying a route in areas with complex configurations;
- withstand low temperatures, so can be used for laying on the territory;
- are easily connected by means of press fittings.
"Minus"
- It is relatively relative - you need an inexpensive device for crimping fittings.
Conclusion
It is advisable to install metal pipes in a private house only on certain sections of the road that are not accessible for visual inspection.
And then, only in some cases:
- if the host intends to check the tightness of the connections with excessive pressure;
- when repairs are difficult to produce( for example, "warm floors");
- at the probability of excessive mechanical influence on the "thread".
The best option - copper pipes, given the period of their trouble-free operation. But if we take into account the cost of such installation, it becomes clear that for the overwhelming majority of owners this is unacceptable.
The article considers all types of pipes and gives some recommendations. And what specifically to choose for your home, the reader will now be able to decide for himself.
