Organizing the water supply of a residential building or construction site is an important task. To conduct water, it is necessary to choose high-quality pipes. For these purposes, polyethylene pipes are often used. The material is divided into several types, each of which has its pros and cons.
Polyethylene is generally more commonly used in film or packaging. But pipes made of this material appeared relatively recently. This also applies to the Russian building materials market.
Where used
There are many applications for polyethylene pipes. They are used for plumbing systems in residential premises. Suitable for cold water, including drinking. They are also used for pressure or non-pressure sewage.
Pipes made of polyethylene have also been widely used in agriculture: drainage systems, systems for irrigating crops, melioration.
The industrial side of the use of such pipes is also not limited toplumbing. HDPE pipes are used in the construction of medium and low pressure gas pipelines, for the removal and transportation of chemical compounds, and in factories for the transportation of process fluids.
Sizes
Pipes are divided into three types by size:
- Plastic water pipes with a diameter of 1 cm to 120 cm along the outer edge.
- Outer surface diameter from 0.3mm to 6mm.
- Dimensions according to GOST 18599-2001.
Until recently, steel pipes were more popular, but HDPE pipe factories have mastered the technology to produce large pipes. This suggests that in the future this material will be able to completely replace steel piping systems in production.
The size and diameter of the pipes, as a rule, is indicated by the manufacturer on each meter of the product. This is necessary so that the buyer can see the necessary information even after the required length of the pipe has been cut.
Views
Pipes are divided according to the way they are used. Below is a list of all types of polyethylene pipes:
- Pressure pipes for outdoor water supply: used for the repair and construction of domestic water systems, also suitable for the discharge of water and other gaseous and chemical substances to which the material is resistant.
- Profiled non-pressure pipes for drainage and sewerage: used for sewer systems. This type of polyethylene is moreheat resistant and able to withstand temperatures over 40 degrees.
- Spirally twisted pipes for drainage and sewerage: made from polyethylene pipe grades PE100, PE800 and PE63. They are used in the construction of networks where a large diameter of pipes is required.
These are the main types of polyethylene water pipes, which are the most common among consumers.
What GOST corresponds to
GOST polyethylene water pipes has the number 18599-2001. The document establishes the following requirements for the material: the walls of all manufactured pipes, both inside and outside, must not have foreign inclusions, cracks, chips, air bubbles. Small deviations in the form of longitudinal stripes or waves are also allowed, but they should not affect the thickness, and the dimensions should be within the normal range.
Product color can be black or grey. Water pipes are indicated by three blue stripes on a black background. If the stripes are yellow, then the pipes are used for gas pipeline systems. In some cases, water pipes may be red.
Markings
Production of polyethylene water pipes implies the need for marking. Most often, this is a record that contains all the information about the product. This should be in the following order:
- The letter combination PE means that the pipes are made from polyethylene.
- Immediately after the capital letters there is a number thatindicates the minimum strength index (PE100, PE80, etc.).
- The following designation (SDR) indicates the relative amount of pressure that the pipe can withstand, the load.
- Outer edge diameter and wall thickness.
- It is spelled out what purpose the pipe has: technical or drinking.
- GOST to which the product belongs.
- Producer information: country, company name.
Specifications
Technical characteristics of water polyethylene pipes are justified by the properties of the material. Polyethylene is resistant to corrosion, but cannot withstand high temperatures. Specifications are the most important for choosing PE water pipes.
The working temperature of all kinds of polyethylene pipes cannot exceed 40 degrees Celsius. The lower temperature limit is 0. Of course, the material will not lose its performance properties, but the water will freeze. The question of how to warm up a polyethylene water pipe if it is frozen has the same solution as with other types of pipes. The most important thing is that the water that is frozen inside melts and starts moving.
The manufacturer indicates the maximum pressure on the pipe, since this parameter depends on the following factors: grade of polyethylene and its density; Wall thickness; pipe diameter (the larger the pipe diameter, the larger the working surface, that is, the pressure on the walls can be greater).
The diameter of the pipe depends on the application. For residential buildings, the diameter of the water pipe is considered ideal,equal to 20 mm. Large diameter pipes are used for water supply systems of a large area and in the construction of highways. Also often used for the walls of wells. Acts and regulations set the diameter of the pipes from 10 mm to 1200 mm, and the thickness - from 2 mm to 6 cm.
The weight of the pipe is determined by its size. The larger the diameter, the greater the weight. Installation of large polyethylene pipes is carried out using special equipment.
As for the margin of safety, if the manufacturer indicates the maximum pressure, then in fact the pipes are able to withstand more. This is necessary for operational safety. What is the margin of safety should be indicated on the pipe at every meter.
The average service life of polyethylene pipes starts from 50+, the maximum life is not calculated. But in terms of its properties, the material promises to be durable for a much longer period.
Dignity
Compared to other types of pipes (steel, metal), polyethylene pipes have many advantages:
- Cost. Due to the fact that inexpensive raw materials are used for production, the prices for such pipes are not very high.
- Long service life. Polyethylene is resistant to rust, corrosion and environmental influences.
- Ease of installation due to the light weight of the material.
- Welding is cheaper than joining metal pipes.
- The tightness remains unchanged (even if the water inside freezes). Have a highfrost resistance.
- If polyethylene is used as pressure pipes, this will become an additional protection against bacteria and microorganisms.
Flaws
Like any material, polyethylene pipes have pros and cons too. But here the number of advantages many times exceeds the disadvantages. You should know about the disadvantages of this material before buying:
- Low technological characteristics, which are inferior to steel or cast iron pipes.
- Installation work is best entrusted to a specialist with experience. If you want to handle the work yourself, then you should choose polyethylene pipes with fittings.
- Unstable to sunlight, which may adversely affect performance. Ultraviolet radiation can destroy the integrity of polyethylene.
The presence of flaws indicates that the material is not ideal. But the benefits still outweigh. What to choose? You decide.
Do-it-yourself polyethylene pipe connection
Installation of water pipes is easy. If you have experience connecting other pipes, then you can handle it here. The main methods (how to connect polyethylene water pipes): welding and fastening on fittings.
To weld pipes, you must use a special machine. This is quite expensive, it is better to invite a person who does this at a professional level to perform the work.
But most products with a diameter of less than 16 cm,equipped with a fitting system. This greatly facilitates the installation of water polyethylene pipes.
When installing polyethylene pipes, it is worth considering some features. For example, laying is best done under a concrete coating or cement screed. This is necessary to protect the pipeline. Products will not overheat in the sun or freeze in the cold.
To cut pipes smoothly and without chips, you should use a special pipe cutter. If you need to make a bend, a pipe bender will come in handy.
When conducting plumbing, it is worth taking care of insulation in advance. This will protect against further mold and dampness in the room.
Expert Tips
The plumbing system (whether it be for the home or at work) requires a careful and responsible approach. It is very important that the water is clean, free of impurities and odors. Polyethylene pipes will cope with this task perfectly.
The properties of the material allow the use of pipes in all weather conditions and climatic zones. They are not subject to rotting and corrosion, resistant to mold, dampness and fungi. Service life exceeds 50 years.
Conclusion
The quality of the supplied water largely depends on the pipes through which it moves. Steel and metal fade into the background. They were replaced by water pipes made of polyethylene. In their properties, they are no worse than their predecessors, and in some ways even surpassed them.
Specialists for a long timethey say that in the near future PE pipes will completely replace steel and cast iron pipes. The first step towards this has already been taken.
If you want to create a durable and inexpensive water supply system, then you should pay attention to polyethylene water pipes. You will get a quality product at an attractive price that will last a very long time.
On the building materials market in modern stores there is a large selection of not only products that differ in diameter, but also manufacturers. Before buying, make sure that the product meets the stated requirements of GOST and other regulatory documents. Also choose products from a trusted manufacturer that has a good reputation and positive reviews.
