How to connect copper pipes. Connecting copper pipes: instructions and comparison of various installation technologies. Installation of Type B Compression Fittings

The method is based on the capillary rise of a liquid (molten solder) along the thinnest gap between the pipe walls. There are two types of soldering copper pipes: low-temperature and high-temperature soldering. The difference in soldering mainly depends on the melting temperature of the solder. For high-temperature solders, refractory solders are used, for low-temperature solders, soft solders rolled into coils are used. Accordingly, acetylene and propane torches are used to heat pipes during high-temperature soldering, sometimes it is enough for low-temperature ones, fire from blowtorch. Brazing can be applied to all types of copper wiring, including headers solar heating where pipes can be heated up to 250°C, low-temperature soldering is more demanding on pipe heating temperatures, however, it is successfully used in hot water and heating systems. There are no structural differences in these types of soldering, however, high-temperature soldering is more often used for socket pipe joints, and low-temperature soldering is used for pipe joints with fittings with solder fused into them, although vice versa is also possible.

For the installation of copper pipelines, three types of pipes are used: soft (R 220), semi-solid (R 250) and hard (R 290). As a hardness (hardness) parameter, the tensile strength in MPa (N/mm²) is proposed. Soft pipes are sold rolled into bays, semi-solid and hard - straight rods. The fundamental difference in these types of pipes is the pressure of the transported medium that the pipes can withstand. Hard pipes withstand the highest pressure (290 N/mm²), soft pipes withstand the lowest pressure (220 N/mm²). The pressure that is created in apartment and even cottage pipelines will successfully withstand any of these pipes. And if you need to build a steam boiler house or a mini-production, then you can’t do without calculation and drafting a project, but that’s another topic.

When socket soldering (Fig. 36), soft, semi-solid or hard copper pipes with a pre-annealed end. One of the ends of the pipe is shaped with an expander into a socket, similar to the socket of sewer pipes, the end of another pipe will be inserted into it. It must be remembered that when you anneal the ends of hard pipes, you release the metal and the pipe at the junction acquires the properties of a soft pipe. This circumstance must be taken into account when designing a pipeline according to pressure criteria.

Rice. 36. Connection of copper pipes by socket soldering

To make a socket, you need to use only those heads on the expander that are designed for a given pipe diameter, then the diameter of the socket will automatically turn out to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pipe. Typically, the gap between the inner walls of the socket and the outer walls of the pipe inserted into the socket is approximately 0.2 mm. Such a gap provides "drawing in" of the molten solder and its uniform distribution over the entire inner surface of the socket at any position of the pipe. In other words, pipes can be soldered in any position, even with the socket down, the capillary gap between the pipes will still "suck" the molten solder into itself, which will be evenly distributed over the place of soldering. Using the “correct” expander head is 80% of soldering success - the gap between the pipes and the depth of the socket is set by this particular tool.

Today, pipe manufacturers produce ready-made fittings and couplings, on which sockets are already made (Fig. 37). The use of such parts makes the pipeline more expensive, but completely eliminates the "human factor" present during self-manufacturing expander socket.

Rice. 37. Fittings made of copper and its alloys for socket soldering

The pipes at the place of the solder are covered with a flux (Fig. 38), which will act as a lubricant for the solder and a “pickle” (cleansing of the metal) for copper. When high-temperature soldering with silver or bronze solders, borax is used as a flux. It is mixed with water until a viscous slurry is obtained. The flux is applied without excess only to the collar of the pipe that will mate with the fitting or socket, and not into the fitting or socket. After applying the flux, it is recommended to immediately articulate the parts to prevent contact with wet surface foreign particles. If, for some reason, soldering will take place a little later, then it is better for the parts to wait for this moment already in the articulated form. It is recommended to rotate the pipe in the fitting or socket, or vice versa, the fitting around the axis of the pipe, in order to make sure that the flux is evenly distributed in the mounting gap and to feel that the pipe has reached the stop. Then it is necessary to remove visible flux residues from the outer surface of the pipe with a rag.

Rice. 38. Coating pipes with flux and soldering

For soldering copper pipes, solder rods with a diameter of 3 mm from copper and silver or bronze alloys are used. After the socket is made, or when using a ready-made fitting with a socket, the pipes are inserted into each other. The junction is heated from all sides with a propane or acetylene torch. Heating is carried out until the solder bar brought up and pressed against the socket begins to melt. With the acquisition of experience, the heating time of the pipes is determined by the change in color of the pipe - until a "red glow" is reached. Threaded fittings for connecting them to other pipelines or to plumbing fixtures are made of bronze and brass and require a longer heating time when soldering. To determine the solder consumption per joint, the following method is usually used: the solder bar is bent in the form of the letter G, making the bend slightly larger diameter bell. As soon as the place of soldering is warmed up to the desired temperature, the solder is pressed against the gap between the socket and the pipe inserted into it and is led around the pipe without stopping the heating of the joint. The solder melts and flows into the gap. It is necessary to melt the entire bent end of the solder into the gap, no more and no less. An increase in solder consumption leads to the fact that it can flow through the slot and melt the inner section of the pipes. A decrease in solder consumption leads to non-soldering of the joint.

When soldering pipes, you must follow basic safety measures for working with open flames. It is necessary to work in canvas gloves, it is better together with an assistant, to hold the pipe away from the place of heating. When working alone, use clamps to temporarily secure the pipes.

After cooling, the unit is ready for operation - this is the most reliable connection copper pipes and quite simple. Experience in soldering copper pipes comes quickly, and for those who already own the technique gas welding, is immediately clear. True, to heat pipes, you need equipment for gas welding. Sometimes (for soldering joints of small diameters) you can use the hot air of a powerful building hair dryer using the hot air cone limiter to heat up faster. Another way of heating without a flame are electrocontact devices. Outwardly, they look like big ticks with interchangeable copper heads to cover pipes of different diameters.

Upon completion of soldering of the assembly or the entire pipeline, it must be flushed to free the internal cavities from flux residues. As already mentioned, the flux works not only as a lubricant for solder, but also as an etchant for copper, that is, in fact, it is an aggressive oxidizing agent. And if so, then there is nothing more for him to do inside the pipes, he must be removed from there by washing with water. From the outer surface of the pipes, the leaked flux is removed with a rag.

Butt soldering of pipelines is not allowed. If it is necessary to connect the parts end-to-end, then they do not solder the pipes, but weld them. In principle, almost the same operations are done as in high-temperature soldering, except that no flux is required, and the heating of pipes and fittings is increased to the melting temperature of the metal.

For low-temperature soldering, fittings with solder fused into them are used. Outwardly, these are the same fittings for socket soldering, but a belt is squeezed out along the surface of the socket (Fig. 39), inside which manufacturers poured solder even at the stage of fittings manufacturing. Both refractory and low-melting solder can be poured into the fitting, thanks to which both types of soldering can be performed. However, most often, low-melting solder is poured into the fittings, so the joints on such fittings are classified as low-temperature soldering.

Rice. 39. Fittings with solder melted into them

The technology for connecting copper pipes on fused solder fittings is even simpler than on conventional fittings. Pipes and fittings are processed in exactly the same way as described above. The pipes are then inserted into fittings or couplings. The fittings are heated by the fire of a blowtorch or the hot air of a building hair dryer, the solder embedded in the fittings melts and spreads along the socket, soldering the parts (Fig. 40). That's the whole technology: I stuck the cleaned and fluxed parts into each other, heated the assembly with a blowtorch and let it cool.

Rice. 40. Connection of copper pipes with fittings with solder fused into them

Connecting copper pipes to soldering can be used for all types of house piping, with the exception of pipelines with high temperatures (about 150–250 ° C), which in ordinary house can not be.

Even taking into account that polymer pipes increasingly used, hardware are still enjoying great success. As a rule, copper, brass and steel are used as the metal. AT better side copper differs in terms of resistance to corrosion and high temperatures. Actually, the connection of copper pipes will be discussed in this article.

Even despite the fact that copper pipes are distinguished by their high cost, given all the characteristics of the material, their use is quite justified.

First of all, before connecting copper pipes, it is worth deciding how to connect them, by soldering or otherwise.

Connecting pipes by soldering

Consider the connection copper tubes fittings with subsequent soldering, which can be low- and high-temperature. In the first method, soldering is carried out at a temperature of 300 ºC. The second method is used when arranging systems with high loads for industrial purposes.

Couplings act as connectors for copper pipes; tin-lead solder and flux are additionally needed.

The pipe soldering technology will be as follows:

• First of all, a pipe of a certain size is cut. This process must be carried out carefully, taking into account the dimensions of the existing fittings.
• Pipe ends should be inspected for any defects such as chips, cracks or burrs. If they are not eliminated, then there will be problems with the tightness of the connection after all work has been completed.
• After making sure that the ends are cleaned, you can start connecting. Due to the fact that several pipes will be connected, and they can be with different sections, the fittings must be selected accordingly.
• Next, the end of the pipe and the inner walls of the couplings should be treated with a flux, which will degrease the surfaces to obtain the highest quality connection.
• Now the end of the pipe is threaded into the copper tube connector and heated. It must be selected so that the cross section is 1-1.5 cm larger than the pipe section. The pipes are heated with a gas burner. Gap between pipe and coupling filled with molten solder. Nowadays, you can find any type of solder to suit your needs on the market, so choosing should not be any problem.
• After the solder is evenly distributed around the circumference, the parts to be joined must be left until it has completely hardened.

• At the final stage, you need to check the connectors for copper pipes and the entire system by running water into it. At this point, not only the system will be checked, but it will also be cleaned of flux residues, which over time can cause metal corrosion.

Tight joining of copper pipes without soldering

In addition, it is worth noting that, despite the fact that connecting pipes by soldering is considered the most reliable method in most cases, there are still situations when it is not possible to use this method. In such cases, you can resort to connecting copper tubes without soldering. You will need special fittings that will ensure a secure connection due to the clamping effect that is formed during the threaded connection.

In this case, the connection is made in the following sequence:

• First, the fittings are disconnected, which often have two components.
• One of the elements is put on the pipe. As a rule, this is a nut and a clamping ring.
• Next, a pipe is threaded into the fitting and the nut is tightened.

Typically, such fittings are equipped with a detailed instruction, which in without fail must be adhered to, otherwise the work performed will be of poor quality.

It is worth noting that before you connect copper pipes without soldering, you should be aware of all the risks, since it is quite difficult to get a high-quality connection. Minimal distortions of the connected parts are not allowed at all, otherwise the technology is grossly violated. To make the threaded connection extremely tight, it is desirable to additionally seal it with special threads. At the same time, care should be taken that they do not end up with inside pipes, as subsequently the water may not pass through the system properly.

Mandatory Connection Rules

For any type of connection, the list of work performed will look like this:

• The pipes to be joined must be made of the same metal. In case you are going to connect a copper pipe with a pipe made of any other material, you must decide on the desired connection method. For example, for joining pipes made of copper and polyvinyl chloride, the soldering method cannot be used.
• When connecting a copper pipe to a steel pipe, the copper pipe should be placed after the steel pipe.
• During tightening threaded connection you need to be extremely careful, especially if you have pipes with thin walls.
• To correctly determine the amount of solder needed, a piece of wire must have the circumference of the pipe to be soldered.
• A special burner is best suited for heating pipes. You can, of course, use a simple blowtorch, but in this case you need to be prepared that the junction will overheat, and the whole workflow will become somewhat more complicated.
• It is no secret that copper pipes are quite expensive material. In this regard, even before the work, it will not be superfluous to carry out preliminary calculations of the volume required material. However, remember that all connecting parts also have their own dimensions, so they must be taken into account.

In conclusion, it would not be out of place to note that the connection of copper pipes is technologically a process of medium complexity. If you are engaged in such work for the first time, then you need to be prepared for the fact that some nuances may arise. To understand the process and get as much insight as possible about it, it will not be superfluous to get advice from professional workers, or at least to get acquainted with the available video materials.

Soldered joints are more reliable, simpler and cheaper. There are two types of soldering: high temperature and low temperature. In high-temperature soldering, solders made from alloys of copper and other non-ferrous metals are used. Previously, even silver was sometimes soldered. But I have never done high-temperature soldering and even watched it only once briefly, so I will not bullshit you.

Low-temperature soldering is performed with lead-tin solder. The outer surface of the pipe and the inner surface of the fitting are cleaned. Flux is applied to the outer surface of the pipe. It is not worth smearing the flux inside the fitting, because then, when inserting the pipe, you will squeeze out part of the flux inside the fitting, which is undesirable. We immediately insert the pipe into the fitting and turn it back and forth a little so that the flux is distributed evenly. I advise soldering immediately after preparation so that the flux does not dry out and run out.

The junction is heated by a burner or a special electric powerful heater. The end of the solder wire is applied to the gap between the parts. The wire melts and flows into the slot. They say that the reason is in the capillary effect. I don’t know, but the fact remains - in the space between the pipe and the fitting, the flux is replaced by solder melt without additional effort.

When soldering, you need to use a special flux for soldering copper pipes. The fact is that the universal flux is not suitable here. I verified this on my bad experience. The soldering technology is such that the flux must withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees (not burn out). Only then will the solder melt and begin to flow into the space between the parts. Universal flux loses its fluidity at temperatures below 200 degrees.

Soldering also has some serious drawbacks. Firstly, everything looks very good in theory, in practice imagine yourself with a gas burner in a room saturated with heat-resistant elements ( wall panels, pipe fasteners, sewer pipes etc.). You try to heat the junction evenly from all sides, but the pipe is fixed to the wall, it is very difficult to crawl up to it from the side of the wall, and you need to heat it carefully, if you overheat, the flux will burn out and nothing will be soldered. You also need to keep the connected elements in a strictly defined position relative to each other so that the gap between them is the same on all sides. Otherwise, the solder will not leak and will not solder the joint from all sides. As my mentor, who taught me this matter, said, oh, why am I not the many-armed Shiva?

Secondly, the solder contains lead, and the seam is in contact with water. For hot water and heating is not critical, but drinking water I would not pass through such a pipe.

Thirdly, Provide complete removal flux residues are not always possible. And the flux is corrosive and can eat through the copper pipe.

glue

Therefore, in recent times I copper pipelines glue. I use cyanoacrylate (superglue) (its version with metal bonding additives) or poxypol depending on my mood. Cyanoacrylate holds very well, but sets in one second, so it's hard to glue them. Poxipol holds a little worse, but you have 5 minutes for the mutual positioning of the pipe and fitting.

Solder fittings are used. The fitting from the inside and the pipe from the outside are cleaned with sandpaper. Care must be taken to leave small grooves on the pipe and fitting from sandpaper across the pipe. This will increase the strength of the connection. Next, the parts are degreased with acetone. The glue is applied in a thin layer both to the end of the pipe and to the inner surface of the fitting where the pipe is inserted. Poxipol must be prepared before application: mix the two components according to the instructions. Glue should be applied a little, but evenly. It should not be strongly squeezed out of the gap. It is better to first practice on a table with a pipe cut. Now we insert the pipe into the fitting, turn it back and forth a little so that the glue is evenly distributed, and wait for the glue to rise.

The connection is surprisingly strong and neat. I have been using this technology for several years with excellent results.

My colleagues complain that such a connection is not separable. But this is not true. It is collapsible to the same extent as soldering. It is enough to drain the water, heat the fitting with a soldering torch. The poxypol or cyanoacrylate will melt and the compound will disassemble with little effort. Parts can be cooled, cleaned of adhesive residue, degreased and glued again. Soldering parts with solder residue after disassembly is also possible, but more difficult.

Be very careful when disassembling. When heated, cyanoacrylate vapors are released, which are very toxic. This is another argument in favor of poxypol.

By the way, there is a special two-component adhesive for metal on sale. Try it, it should hold up even better.

If the connection is leaking

If a soldered or glued joint leaks a little (drips - 2 drops per minute or less), then it is not necessary to disassemble and redo it. Water always contains suspended impurities. Such a small hole will quickly become clogged with these small particles. The flow will stop. You can substitute a container so that the water does not flow to the floor and wait a week. The leak must stop. In an autonomous heating system, it is even easier to eliminate a leak, more on that at the link.

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There are many methods for joining copper pipes in single system pipeline. The market provides a huge number of fittings, solders, fluxes, fasteners, allowing you to create detachable and non-detachable, serviced and unattended connections.

Work with copper pipes consists of:

• sizing - if the pipe is incorrectly measured, it is impossible to cut it correctly;
• cutting - made strictly perpendicular with a pipe cutter, given that it is better to make more turns than to apply force;
• stripping - removing burrs after cutting and oxide film (it is better to do this with a special napkin);
• connections.

Ways of connecting copper pipes:

• capillary soldering;
• high-temperature soldering;
• various fittings.

Connection by soldering

For connecting copper products by soldering flux should be applied to the cleaned surface and the parts should be immediately connected. Heat the connection unit evenly with a gas burner (blowtorch, soldering iron) until the flux begins to change color and the solder melts. The burner fire is diverted, the solder fills the gap between the elements.

In order for the amount of solder to be optimal, experts offer a simple guideline - the length of the solder rod should be equal to the diameter of the pipe. You can cut the bar of the required length before soldering. If one of the elements is a fitting that has already been soldered at the factory, then it does not need to be added.

After filling the gap with solder, it is necessary to allow time for cooling without exposing the assembly mechanical influences. Once the solder has completely cured, remove any remaining solder and flux with a damp cloth. After the entire system is mounted, it should be flushed hot water. Flux contributes to corrosion, so its presence on the inner surface is undesirable.

Soldering copper pipes

Types of fittings for connecting copper pipes

The connection without soldering is made using fittings, which are divided into two large groups - straight (connection of elements of the same diameter) and transitional (connection of elements of different diameters). Diameters can be from 8 to 100 millimeters.

Based on the configuration, a fitting (connector) for copper pipes is called:

• coupling - must be made of the same material as the pipes, can be used both for elements with the same diameter and for elements with different diameters, used when there is no need to change direction;
• square - designed to change the direction of the system by 30, 45 or 90 degrees;
• tee - used to connect three ends located relative to each other at an angle of 45 or 90 degrees;
• cross - joins together four pipes located perpendicular to each other on the same plane;
• adapter ("American", futorka, sgon, nipple) - for combining pipes from different material using various methods;
• plug - a cap, a plug for sealing the end of the tube;
• fitting - for connecting a pipe and a flexible hose.

Based on the method, the connection of copper pipes with fittings can be:

• using a soldering fitting, under the thread of which there is tin. A flux-treated pipe is inserted into it, the assembly is heated until the solder becomes liquid and fills the gap;
• using threaded (equipped with threads);
• crimp (compression), allowing you to connect the elements different diameter. The pipe is fixed with a fitting using an O-shaped seal and a detachable or one-piece ring. Conventional tools are suitable for installation;
• press - fitting, consisting of a body and a sleeve and mounted using press - tongs;
• self-locking fitting, which is based on internal rings, one of which is equipped with teeth. When pressed with a special key, the teeth enter another ring, forming a secure connection. Just as easy as putting on, taking off.

Features of copper products: what to consider

When installing a copper pipeline, it is important to know not only how to connect copper pipes, but also to fulfill several additional conditions:

• to extend the life of the system, only copper and its alloys should be used;
• if it is necessary to use products from other materials, then it should be taken into account that copper cannot be combined with galvanized steel, as this leads to corrosion in steel elements;
• if the use of steel products cannot be avoided in any way, then they should be mounted in front of copper elements;
• safe connection of copper and acid-resistant steel.

Fasteners

For the final installation of any pipeline, clamps for copper pipes are required.

• clamps and brackets.

For domestic pipelines are used:

• metal C-shaped (fixed with one bolt) and O-shaped (fixed with two bolts) clamps made of steel and equipped with rubber coated neutralizing mechanical and acoustic vibrations;
• plastic clamps (movable and stationary) - for internal systems, equipped with dowel and screw;
• brackets - for hanging or arranging system elements.

It is obvious that for each system it is necessary to select its own methods of installation and fastening. Only when choosing quality materials and properly installed, the pipeline will be reliable and durable.

Production of copper pipes

To carry out correct installation hot and cold water supply, gas supply or air conditioning, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the rules and methods of connection in a copper pipe system. The high cost is justified by the high technical specifications and long term use.

Fig 1. Working with a special burner

What are the nuances

To organize the creation pipeline system, pipes made of durable plastic are used. Stainless steel is expensive price segment, but reliability covers this nuance. For capital repair work, a copper pipe can be a full-fledged alternative.

Such a system favorably tolerates sudden temperature changes, is not afraid of a large amount of chlorine or ultraviolet content. In order to avoid the development of corrosion, special devices are installed inside. In the absence of compositions of heavy metals and other substances in the liquid, nothing will prevent such pipes from serving for a dozen years.

Significant shortcomings include the following:

1. Softness.
2. High price.

The last disadvantage is considered quite justified due to the long service life.

Basic requirements for welding

1. It is undesirable to use the lead version in the process of manufacturing water supply, since this is a material with increased toxicity.
2. The optimum water supply flow should not exceed 2 m/s. Otherwise, solid impurities will begin to adversely affect the functioning of the structure.
3. During the installation process, the use of flux has importance, at the final stage, the entire system must be cleaned. Otherwise, corrosion will form on the copper walls.
4. At the joints of the structure, there should be no overheating. Otherwise, the strength of the structure is lost, as is the tightness at the joints.
5. It is planned to carry out soldering using other metals, the connection of a copper pipe with a brass or bronze fitting is mandatory, otherwise the pipe will lose its strength.
6. If bumps or burrs appear during pipe cutting, they must be smoothed out before soldering. This is due to a decrease in working time, the appearance and increase in the area of ​​deformation.
7. The use of abrasive compounds is strictly prohibited. Residual particles can lead to metallic flaws or fistulas.

In contact with other substances during work from additional species material, the flow of water must be directed from them to the copper structure. If this rule is violated, the chemical reaction pipeline.

Fig 2. Water direction

The metal has a high ductility, so it is easily subjected to deformation during the cutting process.

Main types of connections

With the start, it makes sense to read the wiring instructions and take care of the pre-preparation: cut several pipes. You will need the following tools:

• pipe cutter,
• pipe bender,
• hacksaw,
• file.

To correctly clean up, it is optimal to use sandpaper. The correct calculation of materials can be made only if there is a plan for future work, which pipe diameter is appropriate. Counting the number of connecting elements is considered a necessary procedure.

There are several ways to connect copper pipes used in installation work:

1. Welding. On the manufacturing enterprises, the process has long been automated. However, it can be used independently by means of a special apparatus and electrodes. To create a protective environment, helium, argon, nitrogen are used. In some situations, you have to use a gas burner. Electrodes use copper, carbon, graphite or tungsten.

An important nuance is a strong discrepancy in the characteristics obtained at the seam and the metal from which the pipe is made. There is also a difference in chemical definition composition, thermal conductivity parameters. If a violation is allowed in the technology, the probability of a seam divergence will increase several times.

Fig 3. Welding result

Only a qualified specialist with extensive experience can competently and accurately carry out welding. It is connected with many nuances when choosing this technology. When planning to do all the work yourself, it is better to use alternative way connections.

1. Capillary. In everyday life, specialists rarely encounter the need to connect copper pipes. by the most simple solution The task is soldering using a gas burner or a blowtorch.

There are two ways:

• using high temperatures. You will need a propane or acetylene burner, hard metal alloys,
• at low temperatures. A blowtorch and soft metals are enough.

Fig 4. Capillary soldering

The end result is almost identical: a reliable and durable connection. The first option involves a more resistant and smooth seam. But the likelihood of burning the pipe increases due to high temperature gas heating. For solder, you will need a base of tin, or a combination of lead with bismuth, copper or silver. But the use of heavy metals (lead) is not advisable to choose when installing water supply.

At home, it is realistic to implement:

• connection of copper pipes using compression fittings,
• bell-shaped.

When choosing the second option, one end of the pipe is pre-expanded by means of an expander. It is put on the end of another pipe and soldered. The procedure is performed only at the junction of pipes. Expanding the end of the pipe, 0.1-0.2 mm is left as a gap. The space is completely filled with capillary technology.

It is important not to apply mechanical damage soldering structures. If the pipe is made of durable R290 copper, it is pre-fired. The result is an analogue with greater softness. Pressure changes must be taken into account in the calculation process.

To facilitate the process, you can purchase ready-made connecting fasteners: coupling, tee, turn, plug. They already have a bell. But this requires additional financial costs, although it greatly simplifies the procedure, reduces the time for work.

Figure 5. Fasteners

The pipe is coated with flux so as not to use additional filters for cleaning. Solder is carried out when reaching optimum temperature. When melted, the metal flows inward. If it hits a large number of, then it will flow out on its own from the inside of the structure. As a result, the pipe diameter becomes smaller.

1. Press coupling or collet fitting. In places where it is planned to make solder, put on a ring with a seal. If a press coupling is used, then it must be clamped with tongs, and when fitting, you need to get a key and a union nut. The ends of the pipes must fit tightly so that there are no gaps. The clutch eliminates leakage.

Fig 6. Push-in fitting

For the implementation of everyday tasks, the connection of copper tubes using auxiliary elements and without soldering is the best option, as the probability of making serious mistakes is reduced.

Fig 7. Ways of connecting copper pipes

Choice of mounting technique

In practice, two options for installing a copper piping system are most often used. Before starting work, everyone decides for himself which pipeline will be: detachable or one-piece.

There are the following connection methods:

• welding using an electric machine,
• by pressing,
• usage gas burner or an electric soldering iron.

All methods are allowed to be selected in production, regardless of the type of pipeline. The main thing is to decide whether fittings will be additionally used or not. If the system needs to be lightweight and accessible in terms of repairs or additions additional elements, it is advisable to make the pipeline detachable. Fitting can be choose:

• compression,
• threaded,
• with automatic lock.

For self-creation this is the best option, there is no need to use soldering. Not required to have great experience or knowledge to make a collapsible system yourself in living conditions. Periodically, you will have to tighten the nuts to avoid leaks. Constant adjustment of the pressure leads to a decrease in the strength of the fasteners.

The option without including connectors is relevant in the situation when it is planned to close it concrete screed. This is where welding becomes a must. It differs from the first option in its long service life and reliability. The thread should not be present on the copper product. The connection is made only with the help of fittings. Additionally, soldering or pressing is required.

Fig 8. Example of a one-piece system

Conclusion

The choice of connecting copper pipes depends on the conditions under which it is planned to carry out all the work and for what purposes it is necessary. As a rule, adhesive work by means of a special apparatus, it is advisable to choose if there is specialized knowledge and experience. Without soldering - an option definitely for household use.

In the latter case, connecting elements and fittings are additionally purchased. But you will have to periodically monitor the condition of the pipeline, because over time, the fasteners may leak. Therefore, periodically you will have to tighten the fasteners.