Selecting the material of the water pipes
When replacing the water supply pipes, the first problem is the choice of pipes. To date, construction markets offer a huge selection of pipes from various materials. Sufficiently good recognized water pipes made of copper. And this is difficult to disagree, because copper pipes have a number of advantages:
- Practically unlimited lifetime;
- Any malfunction( leakage or fistula) can easily be eliminated by conventional welding;
- High thermal resistance allows operation even at +250 degrees.
Metal pipes are a more economical option, but they are much inferior in quality. However, if you decide to choose them as a replacement for obsolete designs, then buy galvanized or stainless. The latter outperform the technical characteristics of even copper products. However, labor input in transportation and installation significantly reduces the value of these pipes.
The most common are polymer pipes, which gradually replace and displace other materials. And they got their popularity thanks to such qualities:
- Affordable price;
- Resistance to corrosion;
- Light;
- Do not enter into chemical reactions with liquids;
- Quick installation( using connecting fittings, soldering or adhesive);
- Durability( service life up to 60-70 years).
How to change the pipes in the apartment
Before you begin laying a new pipeline in the apartment, you must perform the following actions:
- Draw for yourself a scheme of future wiring with an indication of the exact location of the lines;
- Prepare all the materials and tools that you will need in your work;
- Remove the part of the pipeline that will be changing.
What is the drawing for the future pipeline? Then, so that you can calculate in detail the required pipe length and the number of fittings to them. In addition, you can determine for yourself the direction and layout of water lines and adjust them at your own discretion.
Everyone knows that the replacement of old pipes begins with their dismantling, which is carried out as follows:
- Be sure to shut off the supply of hot and cold water. You can do this in the basement with the help of a central valve or in your apartment;
- Disconnect all sources of water consumption: sinks, taps, shower cabins and the like;
- Use a grinder to cut old pipes.
Laying a new pipeline
Soldered copper pipes are connected together. For this, it is necessary to clean and degrease the joint of the pipe. Then the burner heats it to the desired temperature and wraps the joint with wire brazing.
Metal pipes are fastened together with a welding machine by electric arc welding or gas welding( without fittings).
Plastic pipes are mounted with threaded fittings or with a special soldering iron with attachments. It is enough to heat the pipes with a soldering iron to the melting point and press it between each other.
The cost of replacing pipes in an apartment
The cost of a new water pipe depends, first of all, on the prices of pipes and other materials. The services of qualified welders and plumbers are now not cheap. Having made work independently and from inexpensive materials, it is possible to save considerably.
