In many residential areas of apartments and houses, water and sewer networks are in a deplorable state. The reasons for this are clogging with various deposits and pipe wear. Since these communications have been in operation for many years.
The need to replace old pipes
Such communications were created during the Soviet Union. In those days, galvanized pipes with a diameter of 15 mm and 20 mm were mainly used for water supply. Over time, the zinc coating is erased, the pipes begin to rot. And the quality of tap water leaves much to be desired. On the inner walls, plaque accumulates in the form of deposits, which significantly reduce the cross section of the pipe. Under the influence of these factors, the throughput of the water supply system has decreased, and therefore, it is time to replace the pipes in the apartment.
Replacement of water pipes
At the first stage, we will touch on the topic of replacing water pipes in an apartment. This topic is relevant for many readers. Taking into account the current technical capabilities, the huge material market and the availability of available information, work on replacing pipes in the apartmentwith your own hands will not be difficult. For users who want to do their own homework, this article is intended.
Varieties of water pipes
Today, manufacturers offer the two most widely used types of pipes for apartments on the market:
- metal-plastic,
- propylene.
Let's take a closer look at them.
Use of plastic pipes
Metal-plastic pipe is a circular section structure made of inner and outer layers of plastic. Between them is a metal layer to give strength. Such an element of the plumbing system has many good qualities:
- Does not corrode.
- Does not require painting. Light weight.
- Able to make small radius turns without fitting.
- Easy system assembly.
- Ability to withstand water mains pressure.
For a major replacement of pipes in an apartment using metal-plastic, it is not necessary to have the experience of a locksmith. Such a system is assembled quite simply, fittings are used. For a standard apartment, consisting of 2-3 rooms, a bathroom and a bathroom, it is enough to use a pipe with a diameter of 20 mm for the main line and 16 mm for connecting each individual plumbing fixture.
Fitting
This is the name of the elements intended for connection, branching, transitions from one diameter to another. They are also used to connectplumbing fixtures for plumbing. To work on replacing pipes, you will need tools:
- Pruning scissors.
- Roulette.
- Two wrenches for fittings (adjustable fit well, applicable for different sizes).
- Device for expanding pipe ends into different sizes.
Having measured the required section of length, cut it off with a pruner. Unscrew the nut from the fitting and remove the brass ferrule. Put a nut, ring on the end of the pipe. Flare the pipe with the appropriate size, insert the fitting into it until it stops. Close the brass ring and tighten the nut with wrenches. The connection is ready. Replacing pipes in an apartment with the use of metal-plastic, despite the advantages, has its drawbacks. The sealing rubber rings of the fittings shrink over time, and water begins to drip at the connection point. Sometimes you have to disassemble the system to replace the seals.
Propylene pipes
Propylene pipes are a good alternative. This type of pipe is produced under high pressure. Reinforced and without reinforcement are produced. The reinforcement is a thin layer of metal foil sandwiched between layers of plastic. Gives the pipe the ability to withstand high pressure. When using a high-quality reinforced pipe, you can safely brick it into the wall under plaster, after checking all the joints by pressure testing, i.e. pressure test.
Working with propylene pipes
For propylene pipes there is also a largerange of fittings of different types. An inconvenience when working with such pipes can be called the need for soldering joints, a special soldering iron is used for this.
Working with this equipment requires certain skills. But this is easy to learn by reading the information and practicing on inexpensive parts. But the joint is very reliable. Propylene pipes are also available in different sizes. For an apartment, as in the previous case, the use of pipes with a diameter of 16 and 20 mm is quite sufficient. To make high-quality soldering, you need to understand how it is done.
Propylene pipe soldering
Replacing pipes in an apartment with propylene pipes can be done on your own. The work is done as follows. The soldering iron kit includes matrices for various diameters of pipes and fittings. Having selected the pipes corresponding to the pipes used, fix them to the end of the soldering iron with a screw. The matrices have a difference: a fitting is put on one and its inner surface is heated until melting. The end of the pipe is inserted inside the other and the outer layer is also heated up to melting. With a well-heated soldering iron, the process takes 7-10 seconds. The time depends on the power of the device and is chosen empirically. An experienced solderer can see when the heat is already sufficient and it's time to join the parts. Both elements are heated simultaneously from both sides of the soldering device. After warming up, it is necessary to remove both parts from the soldering iron and insert the pipe into the fitting with a quick, precise movement.
It will only take 2-3 seconds to align the elements. After that, the molten plastic will begin to solidify, and it is no longer possible to move the joint. This is also an inconvenience at work. A damaged soldering spot cannot be restored. I'll have to cut off the damaged area and solder again.
Sewer pipes
Replacing water and sewer pipes in an apartment will not be difficult with modern technology. The presence of a wide variety of plastic products allows this work to be done at low cost. The replacement of sewer pipes in an apartment can be divided into two stages:
- dismantling the old system;
- installation of new pipes.
With the elimination of old cast-iron pipes will have to tinker. Such a system in ancient times was assembled using the so-called coinage. Chasing is a cord impregnated with technical oils for sealing pipe joints. Over the years of operation, it dries up and becomes strong, like a tree. Sometimes removing it from the grooves using wire hooks is simply unrealistic. In this case, with the help of a grinder, you need to cut the pipes in several places and remove them. Considering that cast iron is a fairly brittle material, it can be easily smashed with a hammer if conditions permit.
Varieties of pipes of the sewer system
To replace sewer pipes in an apartment, the following types are applicable:
- 110 mm pipe;
- pipe diameter 40 and 50mm;
- corrugated pipe in the form of a hose.
To connect the apartment systemsewerage to the riser will require a pipe of 110 mm. To attach the toilet, it is convenient to use a corrugation of 110 mm in size. It has sealing rubber rings on both sides. One end of this element is put on the ceramic part of the toilet outlet, the other end is inserted into the sewer drain by means of a seal. The corrugation bends easily with a small turning radius.
To replace the sewer pipes in the apartment, you will need elements with a diameter of 40 mm and 50 mm. They join the system with all other plumbing and household appliances: bath and shower drains, bidets, washing machines and dishwashers. A flexible corrugated hose 40-50 mm is used to connect the siphons of sinks and sinks. It bends easily and stretches to the required length.
Sewer system assembly order
Pipes used in the sewer system are available in lengths from 40 centimeters to 3 meters. To replace pipes in the apartment, it is possible to select the required length. If it is necessary to adjust the size, the plastic is easily cut off with a hacksaw with a section of the required length. The cut edge should be cleaned, give the cut a cone shape. This is necessary so that the cut edge is easier to enter into the sealing ring of the attached pipe.
For docking, you need to lubricate the end of the tube and the seal of the adjacent tube with a slippery material. Firmly insert one element inside the other. The whole system is easily mounted on the wall using specialclamps. Given the light weight of plastic for attaching sewer pipes to walls, beautiful plastic clamps can be used. For the normal functioning of the sewer system, it is required to withstand the required slope of the pipes, guided by the data: for 1 meter of the pipe - 30 mm from the horizontal.
