Determining the required pipe parameters( wall thickness, diameter) for any water supply scheme is, in principle, not difficult. Another thing, the material - we'll figure out which from this point of view pipes for a water pipe in the house are better to choose.
On the one hand, the choice is rather simplified, because the requirements for products mounted in the HVS system are not as high as, for example, for the heating circuit. At least because in the water pipe the factor of temperature expansion does not play a special role. But on the other hand - the assortment of pipes is so large( there are more than a dozen types and subspecies alone) that the ordinary consumer is simply lost.
Before analyzing all the pros and cons of the respective types of pipes, it is useful to clarify which criteria the "private person" primarily focuses on:
- Longevity of the contour.
- The ability to produce all technological operations( both for pipe installation and for the need to repair the water pipe in separate areas) on its own.
- Easy to install and maintain the system.
- Acceptable cost of production.
Types of water pipes according to the material of manufacture
Steel
Traditional and known to all of us from childhood water pipes.
Advantages of
- Mechanical strength.
- The big operational period( on the average - the order of 50 years).
Perhaps, it's all the advantages of steel pipes, which can be noted. But the minuses are much greater.
Disadvantages of
- Significant weight of the pipe. Installation of water pipes from metal in some cases is associated with certain difficulties, and first of all, with the fixation of the pipe on the walls. If a private house is erected by wireframe technology or from foam concrete, then fixing the brackets will require both time and experience.
- Condensate formation. And he will appear on the pipes systematically. First, the water in the circuit is cold by definition. Secondly, the intensity of this process is affected by the temperature inside the house and its fluctuations outside. Therefore, it is almost impossible to completely eliminate the formation of moisture droplets on water pipes. And excess moisture, in addition to a certain discomfort, leads to peeling( peeling) of the paint on the metal, so you will have to regularly update this coating.
- Corrosion. Minimize its consequences and increase the duration of the maintenance-free service of the water pipe, if you choose galvanized pipes. But to completely avoid the development of rust will not succeed. Anyway, but its smallest fractions will fall into the water, so you will have to install additional devices for better water purification, as one "mud" will not be enough.
- Unevenness of the walls. This primarily applies to the internal cavity of the pipe. If it feels smooth to the touch, then it's not quite true. Microscopic protuberances and excavations are areas where foreign deposits develop over time. As a result - reducing the pressure of water in a private house and interruptions with the operation of some household appliances( for example, a boiler).
- The complexity of working with a metal pipe. If threading and couplings do not cause special difficulties( if appropriate tools and materials are available), then bending them when laying a water pipe is already a problem.
- Risk of leakage at pipe junctions. And they will eventually, even if the installation of the water pipe is made according to all the rules.
Conclusions
- For a private house, water pipes are not the best option. They can be used only if you need to replace a section of the route, if it is originally built of metal.
- If you need to install steel pipes, you should choose galvanized products. Billets of ferrous metals for water supply - the worst solution to the problem.
Copper pipes
Such pipes are devoid of most of the drawbacks that characterize steel analogs. The plumbing, mounted from copper samples, is distinguished by its reliability and durability. A significant plus - the pipes do not have to be constantly tinted, and in addition, they, thanks to the "noble" appearance, organically fit into any interior. The waterway route will not even have to be hidden.
But not everyone can afford to equip such a water pipe. The reason is too high costs. Increased financial costs are associated not only with the price of copper, but also with the specifics of the connection of pipes..
Firstly, , independently, having no practical experience, the water pipe will not work. We'll have to invite professionals.
Second , for fastening pipes, you need a burner, a gas cylinder, a special wire. Such equipment to the category "household" does not apply. It is hardly advisable to buy it only in order to assemble a contour of HVS in a private house.
Metal-Plastic Pipe
In its structure, such pipes are composite products. As the reinforcing element is used a metal frame located between the layers of plastic. Structurally, the "core" can be executed in different ways: in the form of a spiral winding, an integral or perforated intermediate level. In all respects - cost, easy installation of water pipes and a number of others - a good option, but not for a private home. There are several reasons.
Firstly, , if the pipes themselves are cheap enough, then the fittings are quite expensive.
Secondly, , such a plumbing requires regular maintenance, mainly because of the need to constantly pull up all the connections that do not differ by strength.
Plastic pipes
This is the general name for such pipes, since they can be made of PE( polyethylene), PVC( polyvinylchloride) or PP( polypropylene).Depending on the material, there is a slight difference in the individual properties of the products, but with regard to the water pipe the differences are so insignificant that all of their pluses and minuses can be combined.
Advantages of plastic pipes
- Light weight.
- Strength in combination with elasticity.
- Convenient work with products, easy installation of water pipes.
- Long service life of pipes.
- There is almost no decrease in the inner diameter, since no layering accumulates on a perfectly smooth surface( internal).
- Plastic pipes are not subject to corrosion.
What to consider when installing plastic pipes:
- PVC, according to experts, can release toxic substances. If the pipe is not from a well-known manufacturer, then there are certain risks.
- For fastening PP products, you need an "iron"( special welding machine).In addition, they are badly bent, so with a complex trajectory of the waterway will have to make many connections( for example, in the corners of rooms).Details of welding of plastic pipes are described in this manual.
- It is easier to work with PE pipes. For the water pipe it is desirable to use cross-linked polyethylene. Most professionals do not doubt that this is the best option for a private home.
Advantages of plastic pipes
- Material inertia to low temperatures, differential values. Consequently, PE pipes can be installed in a water pipe system both inside a private house and outside.
- Greater bond strength. The risk of leaks is virtually eliminated.
- Installation technology - the simplest. All pipes are joined by fittings, which are crimped with a special device.
Common pin
For plumbing in a private home, you should choose plastic pipes. From the point of view of practicality, the best solution is products made of PE( cross-linked).Such pipes are somewhat more expensive than analogues from polymers, but these costs, given the specifics of the functioning of the system, are more than justified.
The author gave enough "information for reflection", and a specific choice is yours, dear reader. Success in the installation of a water pipe!
