Heating from polypropylene at home. Do-it-yourself heating in a private house from polypropylene pipes. The difference between two-pipe wiring

Polypropylene pipes have been widely and successfully used for the installation of various engineering systems for many years. Today, this type of communications has almost completely replaced the classic installation of systems using metal pipes. This is due to their excellent performance and availability. And if a few years ago polypropylene pipes were widely used in urban buildings, at the moment they are widely used in private households. This article discusses the main nuances of the selection and operation of heating systems made of polypropylene pipes in private houses.

Advantages of heating systems based on polypropylene pipes

Consider the main characteristics of polypropylene pipelines, thanks to which they rapidly replaced classic metal pipes.

1. 1. Profitability. Due to the simple technological process and the cheapness of the raw materials used, polypropylene products are significantly cheaper than metal ones.
2. 2. Easy to install. Possessing a specialized tool - a soldering iron and basic skills in using it, it will not be a difficult task even for an unprepared person. It is quite possible to do all the work with your own hands in a couple of days.
3. 3. Long service life. This indicator is due to the durability and reliability of a material such as polypropylene. High-quality products are not subject to chemical influences, aggressive environmental influences and temperature deformations. The design features of pipelines made of polypropylene practically exclude the formation of deposits and scale in the conductor channel.
4. 4. Excellent soundproofing and heat-insulating performance. Using polypropylene communications in a private house, you can forget about such things as the noise of the coolant in communications, and due to the low coefficient of thermal conductivity, such products cannot be burned.
5. 5. High coefficient of plasticity and elasticity. This characteristic of polypropylene pipelines is especially relevant in private homes, where there is a high risk of "defrosting" of the heating system in extreme cold. Products made of polypropylene practically exclude damage to communications when the coolant freezes, which, however, does not protect radiators used for heating from failure.

It is worth noting that there are practically no shortcomings in polypropylene pipelines, they rather relate to the human factor: it is necessary to purchase products from trusted suppliers and observe the recommended temperature regime during operation. Also, polypropylene is sensitive to mechanical stress and the use of products based on it in rooms with significant risks of damage (workshops, shops, welding) is impractical, and sometimes unsafe.

Choosing the type of pipes based on polypropylene for a private house

The heating system in a private household has some differences from that in an apartment building. The main ones are the following:

• Possibility of independent design with changing the finished project "on the go", which opens up great opportunities for the implementation of various installation schemes.
• Low main pressure and almost complete absence of water hammer.
• The choice of coolant in the system is determined by the owner of a private house. It is possible to change the coolant at any time.
• The short length of the pipe line eliminates air pockets.
• Installing a circulation pump will increase the flow rate of the coolant and ensure a more even distribution of heat throughout the building.

The modern industry offers the widest selection of types and sizes of polypropylene pipes. In order to correctly select the necessary option for a particular private house, we list the most common polypropylene pipes offered on the market, indicating performance characteristics.

Pipe PN-10

Polypropylene conductors of this type are produced with an outer diameter of 20 - 110 mm and an inner diameter of 16.2 - 90 mm. The wall thickness of the material in this case ranges from 1.9 to 10 mm, depending on the diameter. They are made of thin-walled polypropylene, most often single-layer, which has a working temperature of up to 20 C and a pressure of up to 1 MPa. Available in 4 meter lengths. Such pipes cannot be used in heating systems; they are intended for domestic needs for supplying cold water over short distances without pressure in the line.

Pipe PN-16

This type of product is characterized by thicker walls compared to the above option. At the same time, the outer diameter is identical to PN-10 products, but the inner one is slightly smaller - it varies from 14.4 to 79.8 mm. The operating temperature range of the coolant is from 0 C to 60 C, and the operating pressure is 1.6 MPa. The release form is 4 m lengths. It is worth noting that this type of pipe is rarely used in heating, since the upper limit of withstand temperatures of 60 C is low for heating systems, and the cost of such products is comparable to the cost of more functional products. It is recommended to use such conductors for the installation of underfloor heating, where the operating temperature is usually not higher than 50 C, or for hot water supply.

Pipe PN-20

Products are characterized as universal conductors used for heating and hot water supply. However, when used in the heating mains of a private house, it is recommended to install only return water from them, since the temperature of the coolant supplied from an individual heating boiler, unlike the central heating main, can reach up to 100 C, and the maximum operational for this type of conductors is 80 C. They have a two-layer structure, which provides increased strength and ductility. External diameter - from 16 to 110 mm, internal - from 10.6 to 73.2 mm, with a wall thickness of 1.6 - 18.4 mm. As the name suggests, the maximum working pressure is 2 MPa. The use of this product is advisable for arranging underfloor heating, heating greenhouses, hot water supply, when installing a heating main in apartments with central heating.

Pipes PN-25

They are the best for arranging heating systems in a private house. Due to the two-layer design and the presence of aluminum or fiberglass reinforcement between the layers, it has improved performance. Such products are able to withstand a constant temperature of the filler up to 95 degrees, have improved strength characteristics, high thermal insulation properties. The outer diameter of PN-25 pipes varies from 21.2 to 77.9 mm, the inner diameter - from 13.5 to 50 mm. The release form is standard - segments of 4 m.

The inner reinforcing layer reduces the expansion coefficient of the pipeline, which reduces deformation microdamages of polypropylene and increases the service life of the product.

Attention! Before starting work on the installation of a line from polypropylene pipelines, it is recommended to practice soldering. To do this, you should buy the cheapest material, cut it into segments that need to be connected to each other in various variations using couplings and fittings.

Selection of the required diameter

When planning and calculating the heating system in a private house, in addition to the type of pipeline, it is also necessary to correctly select its diameter. There are a few fixed rules here:

• The greater the total length of the pipeline, the more significant should be the diameter of the conductor used.
• The diameter of the pipeline must be the same along the entire length. Exceptions here may be taps to heating appliances.
• If there is a circulation pump in the system, a decrease in the diameter of the line is allowed.

Thus, based on these requirements, experts recommend the following types of pipes for use in heating systems of private households: with a line length of not more than 50 m and the presence of a circulation pump, it is necessary to use a pipe of the PN-25 type, with an inner diameter of 20 mm to 30 mm, in the absence of a pump - from 25 mm to 35 mm.

If the total length of the line is more than 50 meters, then it is necessary to use a pipeline with a large internal diameter, observing the rule - with an increase in length by 10 m, the diameter increases by 2 mm. In this case, it is allowed to use pipe segments with a diameter 25% less than the diameter of the main pipeline as supply lines to heating devices.

When used, it is possible to use pipes of the PN-20 type for the return line, which carries out the removal of the coolant.

Important! To connect the heating main to the heating boiler, it is necessary to use pieces of a metal pipe with a length of at least half a meter. This will prevent damage to polypropylene products from exposure to high temperatures.

Applicable wiring diagrams

The standard frequently used schemes for connecting heaters to the main, used for the installation of polypropylene pipes, do not differ from those of other types of materials. Here it is possible to classify schemes according to three parameters:

• According to the location of waterways.
• By the number of stands.
• By the number of pipes for the circulation of the coolant.

Options for implementing the scheme for the location of the waterway

There are 2 types of coolant supply:

1. 1. Top eyeliner. In this case, the water supply system, through which the hot coolant is supplied, is located on top. This can be an attic space or fixing on the ceiling under a layer of finishing materials. The lower, return channel is laid under the floor or in the basement. The heaters are fed with coolant through vertical risers. The advantage of such wiring is that there is no need for a circulating boiler, which will be relevant if a private household is located in an area with power outages.
2. 2. Bottom eyeliner. In this case, water supply and drainage is carried out through pipelines located from the bottom of the room, in the floor, or in the basement. The advantages of this system are savings on materials and uniform heating of all heating devices, a significant drawback is the impossibility of implementation without the use of a forced circulation pump.

Wiring according to the number of risers

Depending on the number of risers supplying hot coolant, the following options are possible:

1. 1. Scheme with one riser. This option is suitable for use in small two - three-story cottages, when the area of ​​\u200b\u200beach floor is relatively small. The water supply here is carried out by one riser to all floors, from which further wiring is carried out to all rooms of the floors.
2. 2. Scheme with several risers. In this case, several risers are installed, which feed one radiator in separate rooms on each floor. The risers are connected to the boiler by separate lines. This scheme is perfect for large houses. Due to the autonomy of each riser, in the event of a breakdown, there is no need to turn off the entire system, it is enough to close one riser to which the damaged element is connected and make repairs.

Wiring by the number of pipelines

Here, two options for mounting the highway are possible for implementation:

1. 1. One-pipe line. With this scheme, the coolant is supplied to the heating devices through one pipeline, in series, from device to device. A significant drawback of this scheme is the sequential cooling of the coolant, as a result of which the heaters that are located at the end of the line will not warm up well. Therefore, the use of this method is advisable in small houses with no more than three heating radiators.
2. 2. Two-pipe line. Here, the coolant is supplied through the primary pipeline in parallel to all radiators, and the outlet is carried out through the return channel. Due to this, the temperature of all radiators is the same and can be adjusted individually, with a special regulator. The advantage of the system is the possibility of shutting down one of the heating devices in case of its failure, without stopping the entire system.

Thus, when choosing a scheme for installing a heating pipeline in a private house, it is worth taking a closer look at the option with one riser and a two-pipe system on each floor and a lower connection with a two-pipe scheme in the case of a one-story building. These methods are the most practical, maintainable and economical.

Heating system installation

Before starting work, you need to thoroughly prepare:

• Decide on the scheme of the future heating system, the locations of radiators, expansion tank, boiler, taps, etc.
• Purchase all necessary equipment.
• Purchase consumables, which, in addition to pipes, include various fittings, tees, taps and other elements, depending on the chosen scheme.
• Buy or rent a tool: scissors for polypropylene pipes, a soldering iron with interchangeable nozzles, a perforator, a marker, a tape measure, etc.
• Practice soldering pipes on scraps of material.

After that, you can proceed with the installation work, be sure to follow some recommendations:

1. 1. Work must be carried out at an air temperature above +5 C. Otherwise, the polypropylene hardening process will be very fast, and the connection may turn out to be fragile.
2. 2. It is advisable to treat the joints of polypropylene products with an alcohol solution.
3. 3. To determine the time of heating and soldering products, you must use a special reference book

Following simple rules in the process of choosing polypropylene products for installing a heating system in a private house, choosing the right heating scheme and following the instructions during soldering, you can do all the work yourself. At the same time, the quality and accuracy of the work will depend only on the owner of a private house.

Inexpensive and technological option for heating- plastic pipes.

They are durable, easy to install and inexpensive. A well-soldered polypropylene system is capable of serving 30-60 years old without repair, but there are factors that significantly reduce the service life and reliability.

it excessive temperature, pressure, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Polypropylene pipes should not be used when connecting a solid fuel boiler, on steam lines, in contact with hot metal, in heating systems of multi-apartment high-rise buildings.

Types of polypropylene pipes

Throughout the product, the manufacturer makes markings. It indicates the type of material, nominal pressure, operating temperature, diameter, wall thickness, UV protection .

Depending on the material of the wall, pipes are distinguished:

• Monolithic. Serve for transportation of liquids at a low pressure and temperature. Are applied to a water supply system, in watering systems. Designated as PPH, PPB. Rated pressure PN15, PN20.
• Random copolymer. They are used in water supply systems and in the organization of low-temperature heating - warm floors. Designated PPR. Rated pressure PN20 - PN 25.
• Heat resistant reinforced - PPS. The strength of such pipes is higher than metal-plastic, they are used in heating systems. Rated pressure PN 25. Withstand temperature 95°C are used in any heating systems of private houses.
• Reinforced. The walls of polypropylene pipes can be made of monolithic polypropylene or reinforced with fiberglass or aluminum foil. Reinforcement is needed to increase strength, durability and reduce linear expansion.

Important! In heating systems, the most versatile and widely used composite - fiberglass reinforced products.

How to solder the heating system

The huge advantage of polypropylene pipes - ease and manufacturability of docking. The connection is uniform and monolithic. Each type of pipe is connected according to its own technology

End connection

Applies for main pipes of large diameter. They are soldered using heated air and a filler rod. The process is similar to welding metal with an electrode.

An irresponsible joint can also be obtained with small diameters by heating the ends up to 270 °C and joining pipes. This method is not used, since the joint is weak, porous, and leaks are possible.

Electrofusion connection

Applies for high-quality connection of high-pressure pipelines. The ends of the joints are cleaned, compressed with casing clamps. A coupling with electric heaters already soldered in it is installed at the joint. The clamps are loosened, a fixing and centering clamp is put on. A direct current is connected to the clutch contacts. Voltage, current and heating time are indicated on the coupling. After heating, the joint cools down, after which it is ready for use.

Socket soldering

Used for small diameters up to 62 mm. For connection, prefabricated fittings are required: adapters, tees, couplings, taps, fittings, turns.

For soldering you will need: soldering iron with Teflon nozzles, pipe cutters, clean rags, degreaser, ruler and pencil.

We trim the pipes to be connected to the required size using spring scissors. Left on freezing stock 8-10 mm for a joint.

Photo 1. The process of socket soldering of polypropylene pipes. For this, a special soldering iron is used.

Degrease and clean the ends and seats in fitting. Dirt, grease and water prevent the welding of polypropylene; a tight, reliable joint will not work.

We mark the depth of the seat in the fitting at the end of the pipe. A few millimeters save for excess plastic.

If a pipe reinforced with aluminum foil is being welded, use a special "sharpener", it will evenly cut the reinforcement, and the joint will turn out to be reliable.

Attention! The surface of the welded polypropylene must be clean and dry. We use rags and a degreaser. Be sure to remove the water in case of repair or alterations of the system.

We heat the soldering iron to a temperature 260-280°C. We put on the pipe and the coupling, not Teflon tips, hold 5-7 seconds. After heating, we connect the joint, fix for 10-15 seconds.

Welding of polypropylene into a monolith occurs during heating. Therefore, it is not worth adjusting the position, twisting or pressing it - the joint will be of poor quality.

If overheated inside the fitting, plastic residue can narrow or even block the fitting.

Space is left in the seat for excess plastic 2-3 mm.

Therefore, the markup stage is also important.

The cooled joint can be used immediately.

The compound gains strength as it cools.

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Polypropylene for heating

Polypropylene pipes are used to transport the heat transfer fluid from the boiler to the heat exchangers. When designing a heating system, you should pay attention to:

• Diameter. The larger the cross section, the lower the hydrodynamic resistance and further the coolant can be supplied.
• Material. For a “warm floor”, it is enough to use cross-linked polyethylene; PPS pipe. The binding of a solid fuel boiler is made of metal.
• The length of the straight sections of the pipeline. Polypropylene has a disadvantage - linear expansion. When heated, the length of the pipe changes. Therefore, it is not necessary to fix corner joints rigidly, but to design compensating loops and bends on long straight sections.

Polypropylene is used in any heating system.

It is suitable for both battery systems and floor heating.

Polypropylene is not suitable for use in systems with superheated coolant ( above 95 °C) or high pressure ( above 10 atmospheres).

How to make a heating system in a private house with your own hands

There are a large number of heating systems. Each system has its own characteristics and is used to solve specific problems. When choosing, you should pay attention to the following initial data:

• Floors and area of ​​the house. For heating several floors, complex systems are used with the calculation of hydrodynamic resistance. A distribution system with a riser, the “Tichelmann loop”, is suitable. For a one-story building with a simple layout, the Leningradka one-pipe system, a simple bottom spill system, will be optimal.
• layout and aesthetic considerations. So that the pipes do not spoil the appearance of the walls and do not interfere with the installation of furniture, you can design decorative screens for the upper spill, hide the lower spill in the walls or floor screed. Pipes should not pass under the doors, do not interfere with walking. Heat is evenly distributed throughout the heated room.
• Energy dependence. If there are frequent and prolonged power outages in the house, it is better to design a gravity system with an open expansion tank. If there are no power outages, a more efficient closed system with a membrane expansion tank and forced circulation is used. Pipes may be smaller.
• Power. Depends on the heat loss of the house. The greater the power of the system, the larger the diameter of the pipes to facilitate the circulation of the coolant.

Mounting tools

To assemble the system, you will need an inexpensive and affordable set of tools.

• Tools for working with polypropylene. This is a soldering iron, pipe cutter, rags, ruler, pencil, degreaser. To remove aluminum reinforcement, a reamer of the appropriate diameter is required.

Photo 2. Special soldering iron for connecting polypropylene pipes. The device has two holes of different diameters.

• Plumbing accessories set- open-end and adjustable wrenches, fum-tape, pliers.
• Construction Tool Set: perforator, grinder, foam gun, mixer.

Stages of work, scheme of the heating structure

The assembly of the heating system is carried out in successive logical steps.

• Marking the installation of the boiler and batteries. Radiators are placed at the entrance and under the windows to create the right convection currents in the room. The boiler can be installed in a boiler room, some types can be placed near any external wall.
• Determining the places where pipes pass. Be sure to design compensation loops - the length of polypropylene pipes changes when heated.
• Hanging the boiler and its strapping. If necessary, we connect water supply, gas to it. The piping of a solid fuel boiler is best made of metal. The gas boiler is connected with polypropylene pipes with heat-resistant characteristics.
• With a collector system, we connect a “comb” - a distributor. If the system is two-arm, you can get by with tees.
• Install the expansion tank and safety group. The volume of the expansion tank is calculated based on the volume of water in the system.
• We fix fasteners to the floor or wall. If the system is with gravitational circulation, we observe slopes.
• We mount pipes, connect batteries.
• After completion of installation, we pressurize the system. We turn off the batteries, turn off all the exits with plugs. Supply air under pressure 8-10 atmospheres. If fistulas are revealed, we eliminate them.
• Connecting the batteries boiler, expansion tank.
• Filling the system with water remove air from high points.
• Conducting a trial run. We pay attention to pipes, joints, connection points. We verify the uniformity of heating of the batteries.
• We close the pipes in the screed, wall or decorative box.

Hello dear readers! Installation of heating pipes is a responsible and multi-level process that requires certain knowledge. If you are interested in the topic of home furnishing - this article is for you! Our goal is to consider the main types of pipes used in this, get acquainted with the tool used, avoid typical mistakes, based on the experience of the craftsmen.

The specifics of the operation of the heating circuits also determines the characteristics of the pipelines used. It is pipelines that provide a reliable connection of all devices and elements, forming a single system.

Pipes for heating circuits differ in the manufacturer, raw materials, and a number of technical parameters. In the production of pipes for heating networks, various structural materials and their combinations can be used, but it is customary to distinguish several of their main types.

Plastic

In the production of plastic highways, various types of polymers can be used: polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, polyvinyl chloride and other innovative plasticizers based on polyofins. The use of polymer pipelines is justified only in low-temperature low-pressure circuits.

To give plastic components the necessary strength characteristics, polymers are usually used in their production in combination with some kind of reinforcing component.

Polypropylene

Most thermal systems use reinforced polypropylene pipes. This is due to the fact that polypropylene has a relatively high coefficient of linear expansion when heated. The main reinforcing components are aluminum foil and fiberglass. The main purpose of reinforcement is to prevent deformation of pipelines during heating. In addition, there is no need for a large number of compensators in long sections.

Aluminum solid or perforated foil between the layers of polypropylene perfectly protects the heating main from destruction under the influence of oxygen and significantly increases its service life.

Cross-linked polyethylene

Another type of plastic pipelines are. The polymer got its name because of the production method, in which the process of cross-linking the units of ethylene molecules takes place.

Pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene received the designation PEx and stands for: PE - polyethylene, and the index "x" indicates cross-linking. Sections made of cross-linked polypropylene bend well and are resistant to mechanical stress, so they are often used when laying hidden heating circuits of underfloor heating.

Steel

Pipelines made of steel pipes are giving way to more progressive and less costly types of organization of heating systems. However, almost all apartment buildings, industrial and administrative buildings of the old construction have heating systems based on metal pipes.

Steel components of heating networks withstand relatively high pressures and temperatures, so in some cases their use is indispensable.

In private homes, they are used less frequently, but are great for laying main pipelines.

Which pipes are better

It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question which material is better. It all depends on the parameters of a particular heating circuit and the capabilities of the developer. If it is better to entrust the design and assembly of the entire heating system to experts in this field, then you can install small sections of polyethylene pipes yourself. The undeniable advantages of polymer structures include:

• simplicity of technology for connecting parts;
• no need to use expensive and bulky equipment;
• smooth inner surface;
• the possibility of using water and various antifreezes as a coolant, which practically do not react with polypropylene;
• low cost and long service life.

Steel pipes differ for the better:

• resistance to high temperatures, pressure, ultraviolet radiation and mechanical stress;
• low coefficient of specific expansion;
• the possibility of direct threading.

Mounting methods

Docking pipes from various materials has its own characteristics and nuances. Electric or gas welding machines are used to connect steel pipes. Polypropylene products are connected by diffusion welding, chemical bonding (cold welding), and threaded fittings.

The most reliable and inexpensive way to connect polypropylene elements is diffusion welding (soldering) using an electric soldering iron.

Which way is better?

Assembling systems on metal pipes and carrying out welding operations require the use of sufficiently large equipment and special skills. Soldering and laying plastic lines is much easier and even amateurs can do heating with their help, having previously studied the issue from numerous photo and video materials, in many presented on the Internet.

DIY assembly

Fastening heating pipes on supporting structures (open way) using special fasteners can be done quickly enough on your own when carrying out repairs.

Quite often, wiring requires chasing walls with laying pipelines in prepared recesses. This method is most often used during the construction phase.

Necessary tools and materials

For the purpose of laying heating, welding generators, various types of soldering irons, sets of adjustable wrenches, sealing materials for threaded connections (tow, fumlent, paste) can be used. Special crimp tools may be required to connect metal-plastic parts and cross-linked polypropylene pipes. The most budgetary way to lay heating pipes is to connect polypropylene pipes. Of the special equipment, only a soldering iron with nozzles of the 20th, 25th, and 32nd size is required, which can be purchased for 1000-1500 rubles.

When using foil-reinforced pipes, you may need a shaver to clean the ends, the cost of which does not exceed 700 rubles.

Drawing and diagrams

Heating is always divorced on the basis of preliminary calculations with the preparation of plans and schemes. The design determines all subsequent technological operations, so this stage should be treated with special attention.

At the design stage, it is necessary to determine the wiring diagram, which can be one- or two-pipe, horizontal or vertical, dead-end or with oncoming coolant flow. Quite popular in low-rise construction is the wiring diagram, called "Leningrad".

Work order

All installation work must be done in stages. Each stage corresponds to a certain preparation, including the calculation, the acquisition of parts, and the marking of the connected elements. To connect polypropylene thermal sections, you must:

• cut and clean parts of the pipeline of the required length and prepare fittings;
• required diameter;
• Heat up the soldering iron to 260 degrees. Celsius;
• for a few (from 5 to 9 seconds) place the pipe and the element to be connected on the appropriate nozzle in order to melt the polyethylene layer;
• combine the elements and compress until "seizing" when cooling;
• connect the sections with the installed heating equipment, make a rigid fixation with fasteners.

Installation video

And here are some good videos with examples of the work of the masters:

Mounting Features

When installing pipes of different diameters, it is important to avoid connections in which the movement of the coolant is difficult and to observe the distance between the pipes. Otherwise, it all depends on the project, the characteristics of the equipment and the components used.

Major Mistakes

All stages of the organization of heat supply must be carried out with the utmost care.

Soldering of polypropylene joints is required to be carried out at the recommended temperature, which ensures that joints with the required characteristics are obtained. Failure to comply with these conditions may lead to the need for a complete redesign of the system.

A few simple tips, the observance of which will ensure the efficient operation of thermal equipment:

• do not save on the cost of pipes, fittings, sealing materials by purchasing them from trusted suppliers;
• cut polyethylene pipes strictly at an angle of 90 degrees;
• do not skip the stage of stripping the ends of pipes reinforced with aluminum foil;
• when connecting the elements of the system, immediately check each welding seam and threaded connection by hand;

Content

The popularity of polypropylene pipes is explained by the technical characteristics and properties of the material, as well as the affordable cost. Due to the low roughness of the inner surface, the circulation rate of the coolant does not slow down, and the low level of thermal conductivity keeps its temperature unchanged. The ease of connecting the elements allows you to assemble heating in a private house from polypropylene pipes with your own hands in the shortest possible time, minimizing costs.

We make heating from polypropylene on our own

Technical characteristics and features of polypropylene pipes for heating

The main technical parameters of pipe elements made of polypropylene material can be found in the marking, the symbols of which make up the abbreviation.

As a rule, the designation is applied to the outer wall of the product and contains:

• internationally recognized mark of polypropylene - PP;
• manufacturer's name;
• letter cipher indicating material modification (PP-random, PPRC, PPs);
• maximum pressure of the transported medium, in MPa (PN16–25) and in Bars (1.6–2.5);
• operating class;
• diameter and wall thickness;
• manufacturing standard.

The physical properties of polypropylene heating pipes indicate undeniable advantages over metal products. This may include:

• high thermal insulation characteristics;
• plasticity, due to which the material endures several cycles of freezing and subsequent thawing;
• resistance to aggressive substances;
• immunity to corrosion processes;
• ease of joining elements.

When assembling the heating system with polypropylene pipes, individual sections are soldered. The advantage of this method is to minimize the number of threaded, fitting and other assembly connections. The soldering eliminates the possibility of leaks, therefore a hidden laying of the line is allowed.

The cost of polypropylene pipes is comparable to the price of ferrous metal, but much lower than copper or steel products.

A feature of PP pipes is the presence of important restrictions during installation. Not allowed:

• strapping when connected to the boiler;
• use of solid fuel boilers in smoke exhaust systems;
• application as a pipe for gas supply.

When buying, you need to pay attention to the temperature parameters of the products. They must correspond to the values ​​\u200b\u200baccepted for the project for heating systems made of polypropylene pipes in private houses.

Rules for choosing pipes for installing a heating system

Size selection

The diameter of the elements is selected depending on the heating scheme in a private house.

When creating a self-flowing system (without installing a pump), the pipe section should be selected with a large diameter, since the lack of water injection must be compensated by an increased volume of coolant.

Installation of a heating system from polypropylene pipes is impossible without connecting them with metal-plastic or metal products. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the normative combination of sections of joined pipes made of various materials.

The length of the circuit, for which a heating device from a boiler with a power of up to 12 kW is effective, is about 25 m. To heat six ten-section radiators, a 20 × 3.4 mm PP pipe is required. If it is necessary to extend the line, heating should be made from elements of 32 × 5.4 mm or beam wiring should be performed.

Wiring options

The layout of PP pipes is carried out in two main ways:

• horizontally;
• vertically.

Installation in accordance with the first option is possible when arranging a central riser in the house, from which one- or two-pipe horizontal branches extend to each floor. Such systems are chosen for heating two- or three-story buildings, both residential and commercial, as well as in the last few years for multi-apartment buildings.

The horizontal wiring option can be divided into two types:

• ray;
• perimeter, in which the heating system is diverted from the central riser.

The coolant circulates on each floor or inside the apartment in stages, which creates considerable inconvenience for residents. If it is necessary to repair or replace a separate heating radiator, it is necessary to completely turn off the entire perimeter.

The advantages of a perimeter-type polypropylene heating system are that the pipeline can be laid in a hidden way, under the floor. All wiring is placed in one horizontal level, without taking up extra space. But draining the coolant from a single perimeter is difficult.

Choosing fittings

When installing heating from polypropylene pipes with your own hands, one of the weakest points, which also requires time, is the adhesive connection of individual nodes and sections. Instead of welding, fittings of various shapes and sections can be used.

Pipe installation most often requires the use of the following types of fittings:

• adapters;
• tees;
• couplings;
• compensating inserts;
• corners.

Coupling - the simplest type of connecting device, which is used when connecting pipes of the same diameter. Adapters are used to join pipes of different sections.

Corners will be required in places where the pipeline turns. They allow you to arrange the departure of the pipe in the right direction at any angle without deformation. The elements have an external metal thread, which allows the joint assembly of the PP-pipe with any plumbing fixtures and fittings.

A triple fitting will help connect several pipes at the same time. Such parts are made of plastic and are suitable for pipelines that differ in both diameter and material of manufacture.

For pipeline lines going around the object, special fittings are made - contours. With their help, excessive bending of pipes is prevented.

With the help of all these elements, it is possible to join pipes using a threaded connection. In such cases, the use of "American" is necessary. Such a fitting has, on the one hand, a metal thread, and on the other, a base made of polypropylene. Thus, a reliable connection of metal and plastic is ensured.

When choosing fittings, attention must be paid to their cross section. It must correspond to the diameter of the pipes.

It is recommended to buy fittings from the exact manufacturer from whose pipe products it is planned to assemble the heating system. Only in this case can we talk about the quality of the connection.

We draw up a heating scheme

The heating scheme for housing using polypropylene pipes is no different from schemes using other materials. She may be:

• one- or two-pipe;
• collector.

Single-pipe is used for short circuits in small houses. A single pipe connects all the devices in turn and comes to the heating device through the return line. The circulating liquid loses part of the thermal energy, therefore, even when installing regulators, it is not possible to achieve uniform heating of all rooms.

Heating in an apartment or a private house with two pipes provides for the appointment of one separate line for supplying coolant and for return. The productivity of this option is somewhat higher than the previous one, but it does not solve the issue of uniform heating of the radiators.

The best option for private houses of a large area can be called a heating system arranged according to a collector (beam) scheme. From the distribution manifold, pipes (supply and return) go to separate heating devices and small circuits. At the same time, hot water is supplied to all areas simultaneously.

The collector circuit is arranged with an upper or lower wiring. The first option provides for the location of the highway in the attic, risers descend to individual circuits or devices. A special valve must be installed at the top point for venting air. This method of heating a private house with your own hands is used with natural circulation of the coolant in buildings with a height of two floors.

The lower installation involves the installation of the line below the floor level, the risers in this case go up.

Walkthrough

Work on the installation of heating from polypropylene begins with the introduction of pipes into the room for their "acclimatization" and the elimination of the consequences of expansion or contraction in the heat or in severe frost.

The main work when connecting pipes is the welding of polypropylene (soldering). For these purposes, it should. The process itself does not take much time and is simple. The main thing is to quickly connect the heated ends of the elements, trying not to overheat them. The duration of heating depends on the diameter of the pipe. The larger it is, the longer the heating should be. The cross section of the nozzle of the soldering device must correspond to the diameter of the pipe.

Step-by-step instructions for assembling the heating pipeline are as follows:

• a wiring diagram is drawn up;
• markings are made on the walls for all sections, I focus on which the elements of the heating system will be laid;
• fittings are selected;
• the time allocated for the installation and performance of welding work is determined;
• pipes are outlined and cut into segments of a certain length, the cut is performed at right angles to the axis;
• to degrease and remove dust microparticles, the ends are wiped with alcohol, the dust is removed with a dry, clean cloth;
• the nozzle of the soldering iron is degreased, installed in the working position and warmed up to +265 ° С;
• a fitting and a pipe are placed in the nozzle, they are jointly heated and docked with each other;
• after waiting for the time necessary for cooling, the connected section is attached to the wall with clips.

Do-it-yourself polypropylene heating also requires the installation of control equipment, a boiler, heating devices, an expansion tank, and a pump. Their installation is carried out according to the instructions and recommendations of the manufacturer.

The nuances of installing polypropylene pipes

How to properly install a polypropylene heating system in a private house?

In the immediate vicinity of the boiler, all fittings and pipes are installed only from metal. A plastic faucet cannot be installed, as it will become unusable too quickly and begin to leak. It is recommended to place a bronze valve and a threaded adapter, followed by a polypropylene pipeline.

The connection to the boiler of the pipeline should be done through the connection "American". It is not recommended to install plastic taps near branch tees, as this makes the entire assembly vulnerable: if the tap fails, both the tap and the fitting will need to be replaced.

Before you start home heating, you should draw up a plan of the house, showing each element on it. All elements of the system must be provided with unhindered access in case of possible repair, replacement or shutdown.

On horizontal sections, it is required to install a mud filter, and on both sides of it - shut-off valves, eliminating the need to drain water from the circuit.

A distance of at least 5 cm must be maintained between adjacent pipes. The pipes are fixed to the wall with a fastening step depending on the diameter and type of product.

If you are assembling a polypropylene heating system yourself, you should take into account the most important feature of PP products: the ability of the material to increase the length by up to 15%. When heated, the length of the contour may increase, which will lead to its deformation. Therefore, for each section longer than five meters, the installation of a compensator is required. It is made in the shape of the letter "P" from bends or use a ready-made loop.

Due to thermal expansion, most supports must be made movable. When installing a U-shaped compensator, fastening with movable supports is required on both sides.

Compensators must be installed with the hinge down to avoid air in the system.

Conclusion

Even an inexperienced person can install a heating system from polypropylene pipes. The process is quite simple, does not take much time, and with a properly drawn up project and following the technology for performing work, it provides efficient and reliable heating of the house.

In order for the pipeline connections to be reliable, installation work must not be carried out at an air temperature in the room below 5 ° C.
All components (pipes, fittings, valves) must not be contaminated or damaged.
Therefore, it is important to observe safety precautions when transporting and storing the material.
It is important to prevent open flame from reaching the material. Otherwise, pipes and fittings will be deformed and unusable.
If it is necessary to cross pipes, use special (triple, cross) fittings.
Where there should be a threaded connection, threaded fittings are arranged
It is unacceptable to cut threads on polypropylene pipes with your own hands.
For the density and tightness of the threaded connection, linen tow or FUM tape is used.

Materials and tools

Polypropylene pipes PN 10 are designed for cold water supply, PN 20 - for hot water with temperatures up to 80o.

Especially for heating in a private house with polypropylene, PN 25 pipes were developed, reinforced with aluminum foil and withstanding temperatures of 95 degrees.

Polypropylene pipes PN 25 have the following characteristics:

• Melting point - 150 degrees
• Maximum working pressure - 25 atm
• Density - 0.9 g / cu. cm
• Thermal expansion coefficient - 0.15 mm/mmC
• Thermal conductivity - 0.24 W/ms
• Outer diameter - 21.2 - 77.9 mm
• Inner diameter - 13.2 - 50 mm
• Wall thickness - 4 - 13.3 mm

The advantages of polypropylene pipes for heating are:

• Resistant to corrosion and scale deposits on the inner walls
• Pipes do not burst when water freezes
• Low cost
• Light weight
• Plastic
• Temperature resistance
• High level of sound insulation
• Long service life - up to 50 years

Disadvantages include low melting point and exposure to ultraviolet rays.

For the installation of polypropylene heating, the following special tools will be required:

• Soldering iron with a set of nozzles for connecting pipes
• Plastic pipe shears or roller pipe cutter
• Deburring and chamfering cutter
• foil shaver

Every home should have heating. However, summer houses are an exception. For example, frame garden houses, which are designed to relax in the hot season. Therefore, it is not worth installing a heating boiler, because. summer temperature itself will warm up such a house.

If you plan to relax only in the summer, then you can build such a garden house with your own hands. Read about how to build such a wonderful building here.

Pipe selection

Before making a selection, you should carefully analyze the specifics of the room, determine the type of heating system, and also take into account the fact that certain skills and knowledge are required when installing a particular pipe fitting, think about whether you can do everything yourself or have to seek help from a specialist .

Types of polypropylene pipes: (1 - with aluminum reinforcement, 2 - with fiberglass reinforcement).

Manufacturers provide a wide range of products for installing heating from various materials: metal, metal-plastic, polypropylene, each of which has its positive and negative sides.

Today, both specialists and non-professionals recognize pipes made of polypropylene as the most popular and optimal option.

Metal pipeline products are the most expensive, subject to corrosion, which, accordingly, reduces the period of use, and there are certain difficulties in assembling.

Metal-plastic pipes are well known for their low cost and easy installation process, but they do not differ in strength and durability.

For heating and plumbing systems, the best option is polypropylene pipes, especially when doing do-it-yourself installation. At the same time, it should be noted that, depending on the purpose of use (heating, hot or cold water supply), pipeline fittings differ significantly in technical characteristics and in no case can they be interchangeable.

The wide scope of use of polypropylene pipes is justified by a large number of advantages: reliability and durability (up to a hundred years of operation); resistance to corrosion; resistance to chemical influence; protection from the sediment of mineral deposits; easy installation and subsequent repair.

And yet this material also has a drawback - low refractoriness.

To make a choice which polypropylene pipes are needed for the heating system, you should choose a diameter that does not affect the water pressure, but not too wide, since then you will have to overpay unreasonably.

Disadvantages and methods for their elimination

• The main disadvantage of polypropylene pipes is considered to be a large coefficient of expansion. At a coolant temperature of 100°C, 10 meters of the pipe lengthens up to 15 cm. This leads to deformation of the structure. In order to prevent damage, flexible supports are placed and compensation loops are made. Later, foil-reinforced pipes began to be used, which significantly reduced the expansion coefficient. Now the most practical pipes are reinforced with fiberglass: under the same conditions, they lengthen by only 1 cm.
• Polypropylene products, especially connecting elements, are inferior to metal pipes in strength. It is not even correct to compare them: with strong impacts with hard objects, polypropylene is deformed and can collapse.

Heating system diagrams

Choose the optimal piping scheme for self-installation of polypropylene heating. In the future, you will receive recommendations for connecting individual elements and place them in accordance with the chosen plan.

Single pipe scheme

Single pipe scheme

The easiest way to equip the heating system. In accordance with this wiring method, each battery installed farther from the heating unit will be heated to a lower temperature than the previously installed battery.

This method makes it possible to reduce the consumption of materials for the arrangement of the heating system. However, the heating efficiency will be low because the temperature distribution with such piping is uneven.

In view of this, one should try to refrain from a single-pipe piping scheme.

Collector scheme

Collector scheme

More materials will have to be spent on arranging a heating system according to such a scheme, however, the main operational properties of such heating will be much higher.

The distribution of heat throughout the premises will be carried out fairly evenly and efficiently.

Two-pipe system

Two-pipe system

The most optimal method of arranging a heating system. Pipe laying is carried out in the floor or in the walls of the house around the perimeter. Two-pipe heating is best suited for heating a home. Therefore, experts recommend giving preference in favor of this particular piping option.

Advantages of polypropylene

Pipes and connectors

• the heating system made of polypropylene is not subject to corrosion;
• more reasonable price than metal counterparts;
• there are no reactions of exposure to acidic or alkaline media;
• no accumulation of deposits on internal surfaces;
• there are no significant changes in the temperature of the coolant, depending on the microclimate of the room, due to the low coefficient of thermal conductivity;
• the movement of the coolant is not accompanied by noise;
• due to the property of plasticity, it is possible to perform bends in the required places;
• coolant temperature drops do not affect the structure in any way;
• durability and ease of installation.

The main advantages of polypropylene pipes

If you list all the advantages of polypropylene pipes, then it is worth noting their high level of quality, as well as affordable cost. Heating systems created from these elements will regularly serve their owners for decades. The use of unique technologies in the manufacture of polypropylene pipes allows us to speak with full confidence about the high strength of products.

Polypropylene pipes during operation are not susceptible to the negative effects of corrosion, and also perfectly resist mechanical influences from the outside. Dirt and impurities will not accumulate on the walls of the pipes. Therefore, the water will be clean and transparent for a long period of time.

As for installation, this is another advantage inherent in polypropylene pipes. Do-it-yourself installation of heating with polypropylene with your own hands will not be difficult.

Heating system planning

The main components of the system under consideration include the boiler, the pipes themselves, radiators (batteries) and fasteners.

Scheme for planning the heating of a private house.

Heating elements (or boilers) differ in types of fuel and characteristics. Their installation is recommended in a specially designated room (room, outbuilding) with good ventilation and a gas sensor. The boiler must be installed below or at the level of the lowest point of the heating system, in no case above.

It is necessary to develop a pipe installation project, including schemes in all rooms where the heating installation will be organized. If you are going with your own hands, you should remember that you will need additional accessories, such as corners and angles of rotation, couplings and various adapters. These points must be reflected in the project at each site where these details will be used according to the plan. In addition, the diagram should indicate the installation locations of the radiators and indicate the length of the pipes between them.

You should take care of fasteners for fastening pipes. Fasteners are selected in accordance with the type and diameter of pipes, the weight of radiators (batteries).

There are several options for installing a polypropylene heating system. First of all, systems with upper and lower spills are distinguished.

The first method involves the principle of gravity flow of water. In this case, there is no need to install a circulation pump, since the water will flow through the pipes on its own. This type of heating system is effective in cases of frequent power outages, when the use of a pump is excluded.

Heating systems with a bottom spill usually involve radiant wiring and the use of a pump that enhances the water pressure. In this case, it becomes possible to use pipes with a smaller diameter, which, accordingly, allows you to save a little.

The next classification option is the division into one- and two-pipe systems with side and bottom connections to radiators (batteries).

Existing types of polypropylene pipes and their characteristics

To date, manufacturers offer a wide range of polypropylene products. And before you buy pipes, you should understand their markings and properties.

There are several categories of such products:

PN-10 - are produced with an inner diameter of 16.2-90 mm, outer - 20-110 mm; for such pipes, thin-walled polypropylene is used (its thickness can be 1.9-10 mm), designed for operating pressure in the system up to 1 MPa and temperatures up to 20 0С, therefore it is not used for heating systems.

• PN-20 - such products can have an outer / inner diameter of 16-110 mm and 10.6-73.2 mm, respectively; the thickness of their walls is 1.6-18.4 mm; they are designed for working pressure up to 2 MPa and temperature up to 80 0C. Despite the fact that this category is considered universal, these pipes in the heating system can only be used in the return pipeline, provided that the temperature of the coolant does not exceed the previously indicated value.

PN-25 is the best option for heat supply, the distinguishing feature of which is its multilayer nature (a pipe in cross section consists of two layers of plastic, between which a thin layer of aluminum treated with glue is laid). Manufactured reinforced products can have an inner/outer diameter of 13.5-50 mm and 21.2-77.9 mm, respectively, and a wall thickness of 4.0-13.3 mm. Such polypropylene is able to function in a system with a coolant temperature of up to 95 0C and an operating pressure of up to 2.5 MPa.

• PN-16 - can be used for pipelines with a coolant temperature of up to 80 0С, however, this variety is not common, and therefore is practically not used.

There is another variety: fiberglass reinforced pipes, which are similar in quality to products with a foil layer. However, the first type has a slightly higher coefficient of thermal expansion, but their installation is somewhat simpler (PN-25 category requires preliminary removal of the foil on the welded area if it is located close to the outer surface).

Picture 4 - Polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass

Do-it-yourself installation

When installing heating from polypropylene pipes, it is initially necessary to calculate the laying schemes. With this installation, it is necessary to observe the slope level to the lowest point of the system, because a tap or drain valve is installed at this point. The length of the pipe sections must be calculated for each section of the communication. If the pipeline is divided into sectors that can be closed at any time separately, the operation of the communications system will become much safer. All installation tools and parts must be at room temperature, for which they must be brought into the room immediately before the installation process. This action is necessary to prevent cracking of the material during operation. Using a felt-tip pen, it is necessary to make marks according to the calculations of the measured pipe sections.

You need to cut polypropylene with your own hands evenly and perpendicular to the surface with special scissors or a pipe cutter, after which the cut edges of the pipe are treated with an alcohol solution, and the rest of the dirt is removed with a dry rag. A nozzle with an appropriate cross-sectional diameter is installed on the soldering iron, which must first be degreased, the apparatus is installed horizontally and heated to 260 ° C. Pre-prepared parts (pipe and fitting) are placed in the heater holes in a horizontal position, then the time is determined from the table and the parts are heated.

Then the parts are removed, the pipe is inserted into the fitting and a certain period of time is held for the elements to completely solidify, it is forbidden to twist the parts during the solidification process. This method of welding (soldering) parts is the most reliable and durable. Communication details must be dry and clean during soldering work, but if installation is carried out in a working (operating) system, then water must be drained from the heating systems. To conduct trial tests of the heating system, it is not worth purchasing water meters; devices showing the deaeration of pipes are quite enough.

Choosing a heating source

Before proceeding with the installation of a pipeline made of polypropylene, you should decide on the source of heating. This will affect the overall scheme of the heating system and the choice of additional elements.

Gas

It is considered a very economical and environmentally friendly type of fuel. However, it is appropriate to talk about efficiency only if the house is already gasified or at least located near the main gas pipeline. Otherwise, connecting to a remote network will cost the owner a round sum.

The best option for installing a gas-fired heating system is a modern wall-mounted gas boiler equipped with a set of necessary devices and protective mechanisms that ensure maximum automation of system control processes.

Another plus of this solution is the ability to abandon the chimney so familiar to private households. Modern gas boilers are equipped with a closed combustion chamber, supplying oxygen and exhaust air from which is carried out through a thin tube.

Electricity

Another environmentally friendly way to heat a room, although more expensive than gas. To ensure the operation of the heating system, you will need a special boiler equipped with safety equipment, a coolant circulation pump (depending on the chosen scheme) and an expansion tank.

Solid fuel systems

They are distinguished by a higher temperature of the coolant at the outlet of the boiler, which imposes increased requirements on the organization of the security system.

Advantages of polypropylene. Material and tool

For heating, metal-plastic pipes are perfect.

Internal almost mirror and slippery surfaces interfere with various types of deposits. The price category of this type of pipe is much lower than cast iron and metal counterparts. Polypropylene pipes are plastic; on the way of laying a heat main, you can make any turns and bends with your own hands. They react neutrally to almost any impact of an aggressive environment, are resistant to sudden temperature changes and are distinguished by excellent performance characteristics. In addition, heating from polypropylene pipes is distinguished by high soundproofing properties, water passes through the system almost silently. Long service life of heating on polypropylene, easy assembly and production from environmentally friendly materials are additional advantages.