The introduction of sanitary water manifolds increases the comfort of using the liquid, adjusting the flow to all taps evenly. Consider the installation features of this device, varieties and capabilities, as well as user reviews.
General Description
The water collector is a separating device that transforms the liquid supply into several streams. The principle of operation of the design is based on the principle of a tee (there is one inlet pipe and several outlet analogues). The inlet is 30-40 percent larger in diameter, which allows, when opening several taps, to stabilize the working pressure of the water supply at the same level. The device divides the main stream into several small jets. The larger the pipe diameter, the higher the rate of fluid passage per unit of time.
The specified water supply scheme is more efficient than the traditional counterpart with risers, additional wiring and tees. However, when installing it, it should be borne in mind that the price of the system is 8-10 times higher. Therefore, with a limited budget, her gasket is inappropriate.
Device and varieties
Collectors forwaters are subdivided according to the number of outlets (usually from two to six pieces). Each assembly has a pair of fasteners, the diameter of which is identical to the pipe supplying the liquid. They are designed to connect several units into one system without the need for additional adapters. If one element is enough, special plugs are used for the plug.
Considered designs are made of brass, stainless steel, cross-linked polyethylene or polypropylene. According to the method of fixing the working parts, water collectors are divided into the following types:
- Options with internal or external threads.
- Versions with compression type fittings for multilayer and plastic pipes.
- Analogues for soldering.
- Models with Eurocone.
- Combined modifications.
Selection criteria
Before choosing a device, it is necessary to determine the amount of cold and hot water consumed, taking into account the operation of taps, toilet bowls, household appliances. Depending on the type of pipes used, the appropriate collector material is selected.
If the number of consumers does not match the number of outlets, you should purchase several distributors and build one system out of them. The polypropylene water manifold is used with piping made of the same material or XLPE. They are cheaper than metal models, while they are not inferior to them in reliability, they are easy to install. It should be noted that the versionpolypropylene is connected by soldering, and polyethylene elements are connected using compression fittings.
If the water supply scheme does not include filters, a check valve and a water meter, they must be mounted directly in front of the distributor. This facilitates repair and maintenance of the entire assembly.
Installing a water manifold
After choosing a device or a system of several devices, you need to purchase fittings, gaskets, insulation, adapters. It is desirable that the elements are from the same manufacturer. This is due to the fact that the fittings of different brands may vary slightly in size, which greatly complicates the installation of the structure.
Before installing a distribution manifold for water with taps, filters, meters and a check valve are pre-installed. Then the system in question is connected. The specified sequence of actions allows you to reduce the load at the connection points, preventing their deformation during installation work.
Choose location
The location should be based on the principle of locating the equipment at the same distance from the collector. If this moment is ignored, overpressure can occur in long sections of the pipeline, adversely affecting the condition of pipes and fittings.
When arranging a heating system with a collector, it is necessary to ensure that the difference in the lengths of the pipeline sections from the distributor to the radiators does not exceed a ratio of 1:2. I.ethe length of the pipes from the first battery to the collector and the following radiators should not be less than twice. If these parameters are exceeded, it will be very problematic to achieve correct wiring operation. In a multi-storey building, the distributor is mounted on each level in a special cabinet or directly on the wall.
Recommendations
To install a homemade water collector, a special niche is built, slightly above the floor surface. The assembly site must be dry and clean. As a rule, a corridor or utility room is used for these purposes.
In the corridor, when installing the collector, it is advisable to provide a special cabinet. For this, a metal box with a door and technical holes for pipe outlet is suitable. Fasteners are additionally placed.
Solar collector for water heating
The efficiency of solar water heating depends both on the choice of collector material and on the correct installation. There are many connection options, but it is better to focus on the most understandable and simple of them.
For example, the standard "summer" scheme provides for the natural circulation of fluid. In this case, the collector battery is mounted 800-1000 millimeters below the level of the tank for hot water. This solution provides an optimal difference in the density of the heated and cold liquids. To connect the nodes, pipes with a diameter of ¾ inch or more are used.
To keep the water in the tankwarm as long as possible, it is necessary to insulate the walls with mineral wool and polyethylene. It is even better to place the container in a stationary shelter that will protect the structure from rain. If hot water is required outside or in summer buildings, the tank is placed in the yard. For distributing water supply around the house, the tank is mounted indoors.
Winter option
If it is planned to operate the solar collector for heating water all year round, an antifreeze liquid (antifreeze) is poured into the working circuit. This will prevent the water from freezing and possibly bursting fittings or pipes. An indirect heating boiler is included in the circuit so that the hot refrigerant passes through the heat exchanger coil, heating the water in the tank.
An expansion tank and a safety unit must be installed in the "winter" system. It is an automatic air vent, a pressure gauge and a safety valve adjusted to the working pressure. A special pump provides continuous circulation of the coolant.
Opinion of users
As for the solar collector, consumers note its efficiency and relative cost-effectiveness. The fact is that home-made designs can be made from improvised materials:
- Rubber hose and black pipes as heat exchanger.
- Plastic containers for arranging the contour casing.
- Metal or wood scraps for the stand.
You will have to spend money on an additional battery, connectors and the main tank.
Reviews about standard type water collectors are also predominantly positive. Despite the high cost of arranging such a system, it pays for itself quickly, providing simplified installation and maintenance of the structure. At the same time, water is supplied in a stable flow to all connected consumers.
In conclusion
A variety of building technologies are presented on the modern market in terms of arranging plumbing plumbing systems. Water collectors are one of the most popular elements for organizing a uniform supply of liquid with a stable pressure. When choosing parts, you should take into account all the pros and cons, choosing the most optimal option for each specific case.
