The water supply collector is needed in order to increase the comfort of using water. When wiring with a single pipe, when several taps are opened, the pressure may weaken. As a result, a person taking a shower can be scalded if someone turns on the water in the kitchen. You can fix this problem with a distribution manifold, but it is important to know how to choose it.
Description
Water supply collector - a device that divides water into several streams at once. The principle of operation remains the same as that of a conventional tee. One flow enters the pipe, and two flow out of it at once. The diameter of the inlet should be larger than the diameter of the outlet by an average of 20-40%. Therefore, when several taps are opened at once, there is no decrease in the flow and pressure of water.
The water supply collector can divide one flow into several small ones, while the pressure remains stable with increased consumption, the separation of flows is carried out in a larger diameter pipe compared to the traditional scheme. The more impressive the diameter of the pipe, the more water will pass through it forcertain time.
Why choose a comb
As practice shows, the collector circuit of the water supply system is more comfortable to use when compared with the traditional circuit, which has tees and joints. However, the cost of materials for arrangement exceeds this parameter by 8-10 times. That is why this scheme does not apply if the budget for laying water pipes is limited.
Main types of distribution manifolds
Water supply manifold can be classified according to the base material. In the production process can be used:
- brass;
- cross-linked polyethylene;
- polypropylene;
- stainless steel.
Varieties by mounting technology
You can also subdivide the collectors according to the method of attaching pipes. If the thread is internal or external, then the mount is threaded. Fixation can be carried out using a eurocone or by means of compression fittings for metal-plastic and plastic pipes. Solder fittings are still used for plastic pipes, among other things, the fastening can be combined. In the latter case, a thread is located on the holes of a more impressive diameter, while a compression fitting is located on a small diameter, it is still sometimes replaced by a eurocone.
Varieties of collectors by the number of outlets
The cold water supply manifold, like hot water, can be subdivided according to the number of outlets. Their number can be equal to the limit from 2 to 6. Products have two fasteners that correspond to the diameter of the supply pipe and are intended for docking. With their help, several blocks are connected into one collector without the use of additional adapters.
Sometimes it happens that one block is enough, but as an alternative solution, special plugs are used for the plug. Collectors can be used to turn off some consumers, while the rest are not affected. This is useful when you need to repair or replace a plumbing fixture, repair a damaged area, or clean out a sewer or a specific area of piping.
Varieties of collectors by manufacturers
Considering the types of combs, the consumer sometimes pays attention to the Far collector, which can be purchased at a cost ranging from 1000 to 2400 rubles. In the first case, we are talking about a regulating manifold with two outlets. Operating temperature range can vary from +5 to +100 °С. The working pressure is 10 bar, the distance between the outlets is equivalent to 45 mm.
If you need a manifold with three outlets, then you may prefer a model that will have to pay 1500 rubles. The operating temperature range and operating pressure remain the same as the distance betweentaps. The Far collector can also have 4 outlets, while the model will have to pay 2050 rubles. The rest of the characteristics remain the same. The most expensive collector model from this manufacturer - (BP-NR) 1 "-1/2" has 4 outlets and costs 2309 rubles
You can also find Rehau collectors on sale. They cost a little more. For example, a model with two outlets for radiator heating systems costs 5,500 rubles. If there are three taps, the model will cost a little less. The cost in this case is 5300 rubles. The device consists of distribution pipes, the diameter of which is equal to one inch. The seal used is flat and the connection is possible on both sides. Straight brackets have soundproof properties and are made of galvanized metal. Rehau manifolds for water supply require connecting nipples for a clamp connection. The whole structure is made of brass.
Installation
Installation of the water supply collector is carried out in a specific place, which will depend on the purpose of the device. Most often, this element of the scheme is intended for the organization of multi-circuit heat supply. In addition, the comb may be a mandatory component for a warm water floor. Before starting the installation, it is necessary to calculate the comb, the main task is to evenly distribute the pressure along the circuit.
If the system has a complex circuit of highways, then the calculation should be performed withusing special programs. To equip a system with a number of circuits within five, you can use the principle of equal sections: N0 \u003d N1 + N2 + N3 + N4. In this formula, N0 denotes the diameter of the collector, while all other values \u200b\u200bare the cross sections of its outlet pipes. This calculation system is used in the manufacture of combs with their own hands. It is important to ensure that the dimensions of the output and input manifolds match. The standard collector device has no shape requirements. It can be round or square.
The main principle of installation is as follows: in order to improve circulation, it is necessary to install pumps for each circuit, while the distribution manifold should not provide synchronization of the pumps. A distribution manifold for water supply can become part of a system that provides for a boiler room. If the node is located in it, then the use of a protective box is optional. An exception is the installation of a comb for heating in an underfloor heating system, the elements of which are made of polypropylene. In order to regulate the volume of the coolant, it is necessary to install control valves on the outlet and inlet pipes, these can be a balancing flow meter and inlet valves.
Water supply manifolds should be installed after installation planning, and the master must provide for the presence of a security group at the distribution site. Depending on the specific parameters of the heating system, general recommendations may be supplemented andchange. In addition to these rules, professionals are advised to take into account the difference in the length of the circuits when calculating the heating manifold. It is important to draw up a diagram in such a way that the length of the contours is approximately the same. In order to reduce energy consumption, a mixing comb unit can be installed, which will reduce heating costs.
How to choose the right collector
Before you purchase a collector, you must determine what will be the number of consumers of hot and cold water. This should include toilets, faucets, dishwashers, washing appliances and other devices. The master should determine the type of water pipes, which will determine the choice of device and additional fittings. If you purchase a comb with valves installed, it will perform quite well during installation, because each valve does not have to be mounted separately.
Conclusion
If the number of consumers does not match the number of outlets, then you can purchase several combs, making up a single whole from them. In order to connect to a supply pipe made of cross-linked polyethylene or polypropylene, you should buy a collector made of these metals. They are cheaper than metal ones, easier to install and are not inferior in reliability. The polypropylene comb will be soldered, while the polyethylene comb will be connected using compression fittings.
