Polypropylene in modern conditions is gaining its popularity. It has the qualities that meet all the requirements, is easy to install and is characterized by a relatively low cost.
Therefore, more and more often, water supply systems, as well as heating systems, are assembled using this material. Polypropylene, the fittings from which are connected by soldering, allows you to create a monolithic structure. It is no different at the joints from a solid pipe.
However, polypropylene fittings must be properly selected for heating, sewage, plumbing.
General concept of fittings
Any system through which water is transported consists of pipes and their connections. These are fittings. Polypropylene in this case is considered a good choice.
Translated from English, the word "fitting" means "mount", "connect". They are used for folding straight pipes, making turns, branching. With their help, transitions from one pipe diameter to another are carried out.
Fittings and pipes for water supply from a material such as polypropylene can beweld. This happens very quickly when using a soldering iron with nozzles. In this case, the joints will not leak with a high degree of probability.
This property is one of the most important advantages. Today such fittings are in demand. Polypropylene is used everywhere.
Sizes
Manufacturers produce a wide variety of fitting sizes. This makes it easy to select the desired variety. There are threaded and non-threaded connections. They are selected taking into account operating conditions.
If it is a threaded fitting, it can be split and solid. This must be taken into account when choosing the right size.
Polypropylene, fittings from which are often used in different systems, allows the production of a large number of different elements from it.
The most commonly used sizes are parts with a cross section of 20, 25, 32, 40 mm. For the arrangement of the water supply system in multi-storey buildings, even a size such as 110 mm is used.
Diameter calculation is based on the length of the entire system. The larger it is, the wider the pipes and fittings should be installed.
Assortment
The purpose of the elements of the system is different. Fittings available in various configurations (polypropylene).
Sewage, ventilation, heating or water supply use them to the fullest. Pipes made of this material do not bend, so you will have to use connections in any case. There are:
- couplings;
- transitions;
- fitting;
- crosses;
- stubs;
- corners.
The coupling will allow you to connect pipes of the same diameter, and the transition - of different cross sections. A fitting will be required, if necessary, to connect communications with a flexible hose. Crosses are used to carry out branches. The plug will seal the dead end pipe.
Accordingly, the rotation can be done using a corner. Most often they are 45 and 90 degrees.
Marking
In order not to have to replace pipes in a short time, you should choose them correctly. To do this, pay attention to the markings.
Pipes and fittings made of polypropylene for water supply are not suitable for heating. Marking is applied to all parts.
PN10 belongs to thin-walled parts for cold water supply up to +20 degrees. Working pressure - 1 MPa.
PN16 are designed for pressurized cold water supply.
PN20 indicates that the material can withstand heating up to +80 degrees, and pressure up to 2 MPa.
For hot water supply and heating, elements marked PN25 should be used. They are able to hold heat up to +95 degrees. At the same time, the allowable pressure in the system can reach 2.5 MPa.
If a liquid with a higher temperature is put through the pipes for cold water, they will begin to deform. Therefore, although the cost of different classes of pipes is very different, you should purchase only those that are suitable for the parameters of the system.fittings and pipes.
Dignity
Polypropylene fittings for heating, water supply have a number of advantages.
- Light weight makes work easier.
- Long service life. In heating systems, polypropylene will last about 25 years, and in cold plumbing communications - 50 years.
- Relatively low cost.
- Quick installation.
- Aesthetic appearance.
All these qualities make the material so popular. Its popularity is increasing almost every day. Fittings are resistant to corrosion and chemical influences. They do not deposit lime deposits, do not breed microorganisms.
Flaws
Polypropylene fittings for plumbing and other systems have a number of negative qualities. They include great rigidity. They cannot be bent. Therefore, during installation, a fairly large number of connections will be required.
The disadvantages also include the need to use special equipment. It will have to be bought for assembly.
Polypropylene is also too sensitive to temperature rise. Because of this, it can expand in diameter and elongate linearly. Temperature conditions are important for this material.
However, these shortcomings fade before all the virtues. A soldering device is not very expensive if you need to solder pipes at home. Professionals will quickly pay for the cost of expensive equipment for frequent use.
Installation
Polypropylene, fittings from which are used in the arrangement of various systems, involves the use of a certain assembly technology.
To do this, you will need to purchase a special soldering iron with nozzles of the required diameter. It is necessary to cut pipes with special scissors. Also, a trimmer, a tape measure, a marker are prepared in advance.
For assembly, the temperature of 240-260 degrees is set in the electric soldering iron. Using a trimmer, the middle layer of foil is removed from the pipe by 2 mm.
A pipe is put on one side of the soldering iron nozzle, and a fitting is put on the other. The heating time is maintained for 3-5 s. They are simultaneously removed and the pipe is connected to the fitting. Allow the elements to cool and check the joint. This is a quick and fairly simple installation, accessible even to beginners.
Having become acquainted with such material as polypropylene, fittings from which are in great demand today, you can independently assemble different types of systems. Having correctly selected all the elements and properly assembled them, you can count on a long service life of the system. As one of the most commonly used materials, polypropylene has many positive qualities. Ease of installation, durability and low cost increase the demand for fittings from it.
