Soldering PVC pipes - learning how to do everything yourself. Soldering polypropylene pipes: rules for carrying out work and analysis of possible errors How to solder a plastic pipe

Plastic water pipes made of polypropylene are becoming more and more popular, including because the installation technology is very simple and can be done independently.

But for this you need to know how to properly solder polypropylene pipes, because this is the main operation that determines the durability of the entire system.

Installation of plastic pipes for internal wiring is a fairly simple, but quite labor-intensive process, therefore, first of all, you need to understand how to properly solder polypropylene.

Properties of polypropylene

One of the many materials from the family of plastics - polypropylene - is a product of the polymerization of two gases: ethylene and propylene, mixed in a certain proportion. The result is granules, from which various products are produced by extrusion.

Water supply products are made from PPR plastic with the following characteristics:

• operating temperature range from -10 to +90 degrees;
• plastic melting begins at 149 degrees;
• nominal pressure from 1.5 to 2.5 atmospheres.

The given parameters are suitable for cold water supply, but the need for a wider range of characteristics is obvious. Therefore, certain technological methods are being taken to strengthen them.

One of them is to reinforce the walls with fiberglass or aluminum. To do this, a layer of fiberglass or aluminum foil is placed on top of the finished pipe, and then another layer of polypropylene is applied.

This design makes it possible to obtain polypropylene pipes suitable even for use in heating and hot water supply systems.

The fundamental way to reinforce polypropylene products is to install a metal layer. For this, aluminum foil in the form of a strip is used.

It is wound along a helical line onto the workpiece along a layer of glue, and a second adhesive layer is applied on top of the metal foil. The outer shell is made of the same polypropylene.

Such products are suitable for use in water supply systems with high pressure up to 6 atmospheres.

Which polypropylene products to choose

For low-pressure cold water supply networks, PN16 products are the most practical. They can easily withstand pressure up to 2 atmospheres at temperatures up to +40 degrees. This is quite enough to withstand the loads of a water supply system in a private home or a watering system in a greenhouse or garden.

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Polypropylene products of the PN20 brand are more resistant to various influences, which are considered universal and can be used, among other things, for heating with a coolant temperature of up to 95 degrees.

But the most reliable pipes in any water supply system are PN25 pipes reinforced with aluminum or fiberglass.

Equipment for installation of polypropylene

Polypropylene water pipes have their own characteristics in terms of assembly technology, determined by the properties of the source material. Before soldering polypropylene pipes, you need to purchase a special tool for this.

Its set is not very extensive, but it contains some devices that are used only for this process:

Scissors for cutting polypropylene products. They are needed to ensure a strictly perpendicular cut. If a gap is formed at the interface during soldering, there is a possibility of a violation of the tightness of the connection.

Shaver is a device for cleaning the surface of products before soldering. Without this device, it is generally impossible to solder polypropylene pipes reinforced with any materials. The fact is that soldering polyethylene is a diffusion process in which mutual penetration of the molten material occurs.

Naturally, aluminum or fiberglass are unsuitable for this purpose. Using this tool, you can also chamfer at a 45-degree angle at the ends of the parts to be joined to facilitate joining during the soldering process.

There are many design solutions for this device, so when purchasing a tool, a wide choice is provided.

Soldering iron. The main product used for soldering polypropylene water pipes. Its basis is a plate onto which replaceable bushings of various sizes are attached. These nozzles are paired - one for the fitting, the second for the pipe.

The parts to be connected are installed on a replaceable tool. Switching on is done on the handle of the device, where the temperature regulator is also installed. The heating time of the mating parts is 6 seconds or more.

Typically, the tool kit also includes a screwdriver for installing a replacement tool, a marker for marking, and a tape measure for taking measurements.

Preparation for installation of water supply from polypropylene pipes

It is safe to say that high-quality preparation for wiring assembly largely determines its performance and durability.

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In addition, one of the main tasks of these activities is to calculate the real need for water supply elements.

Selecting a connection diagram

Currently, two main schemes for installing pipework are common:

Tee– with it, each water consumer is connected to a central pipe connected to a riser. Tees are used for this.

The disadvantage of this scheme is the fact, that with the simultaneous opening several taps, the pressure in the supply pipe decreases sharply and the flow of water in each of them decreases. Parsing points remote from the riser are especially affected.

The second negative point is that if the need for routine repairs arises, you have to turn off the entire water supply circuit for this time.

Tee circuits are used in apartments or small private houses. The advantages include ease of installation and relatively low consumption of materials.

Collector wiring diagram. This method of forming a water supply network is that from the riser the supply pipe is led to the topographic center of the water supply system and ends with the installation of a comb.

The comb is a short pipe with threaded elbows installed on it for a ball valve. Thus, a distribution node is formed, from which distribution to points of consumption is carried out.

As a result, it is possible to shut off any water consumption point separately. The rest of the system continues to function as usual with the same water flow.

Operating temperature conditions

Manufacturers of products for water supply systems declare a maximum coolant temperature of 95 degrees. However, the physical properties of the material differ somewhat from this indicator.

Softening of polypropylene begins to appear at a temperature of about 140 degrees, melting occurs at 175. Taking these parameters into account, we can conclude that this material is suitable for any heating water pipes, with the exception of steam.

The operating temperature in the steam lines is exactly 175 degrees.

It would seem, what could be better? But the peculiarity of the material is that depending on the temperature in 135 degrees it starts to soften. The wiring begins to sag, thin out, and eventually a rupture occurs.

Manufacturers of polypropylene pipes officially declare a significantly lower permissible temperature, wanting to insure their products and make them more durable.

It should be noted that in a properly equipped home with sufficient thermal protection of the walls, this operating temperature is quite sufficient.

It should be noted that in heating systems it is advisable to use reinforced polypropylene pipes, which have a number of advantages:

1. Stability of linear expansion of water supply elements under the influence of thermal and mechanical loads. They can withstand pressures of up to 10 atmospheres without noticeable changes.
2. The service life of a reinforced pipeline, constantly under pressure at elevated temperatures, is several times longer than that of non-reinforced products.
3. The melting point in both products is the same, but under equal conditions, a pipe without reinforcement is destroyed, but a reinforced one is not.

How to solder polypropylene pipes with your own hands

The process of soldering polypropylene products is simple and therefore has become widespread in the technology of installing cold and hot water supply pipelines and heating systems.

However, there are some subtleties that you need to know and take into account in your work.

How to properly solder using the diffusion method - step by step instructions

The soldering process is based on melting the surface of a part to a certain depth. If in this state you connect two parts and cool them, the material returns to its original state and takes on its original structure.

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During this time, the melt has time to mix, creating a monolithic material to the depth of penetration. In physics this is called diffusion welding.

Making a joint involves performing the following technological operations:

1. Use special scissors to cut the pipe to the required length.
2. Bevel at a 45 degree angle on both ends.
3. Clean the surfaces to be welded on the outside of the workpiece and on the inside of the fitting from any dirt and degrease.
4. Install the required size nozzles on the soldering iron.
5. Turn on the soldering iron and heat the mating parts for the time specified in the instructions.
6. Remove the parts from the soldering iron and join them in the desired position. Hold until completely cooled.

Careful attention must be paid to maintaining the heating time. To obtain a high-quality connection, it is necessary that a solid base remains under the layer of molten plastic. This will allow the parts to fit coaxially. If the parts are overheated and the plastic softens throughout its entire thickness, it will be impossible to connect them, they will simply crumple.

From the table below you can see how much time is needed to successfully complete each stage of assembly. As you can see, the conditions are quite harsh.

When performing soldering yourself, it is important to assemble several test joints before starting work in order to feel the durability of temporary materials.

It is also necessary to pay attention to the accuracy of installation in the axial direction when mating parts. There will only be a few seconds left for control and correction.

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At what temperature to solder polypropylene pipes is established in the design of the welding machine; it is important to follow the recommendations for the heating time of the parts. This indicator depends on the power of the tool, which may differ in different models.

How to solder using the coupling (socket) method

This joining method is used to connect products to lengthen straight sections. A coupling fitting is used for this.

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It is installed on the end of the pipe by soldering, after which the second part is soldered. Soldering is carried out in accordance with the technology described above.

End soldering

It is more often called welding. The principle of operation remains the same - melting the material, compressing the two ends in a special mechanism, cooling. This joining method is used for products with a diameter of more than 63 millimeters.

End joining using this technology can be successfully used in field conditions. How to smoothly solder polypropylene pipes end-to-end?

To do this, it is necessary to carry out preliminary mechanical processing of the ends, ensuring absolute parallelism of the joined ends.

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How to properly solder reinforced polypropylene

Reinforcing layer, strengthening the structure of the polypropylene pipe. Creates a certain obstacle to the joining of individual parts. The reinforcing insert prevents the diffusion of the material, as a result of which the connection becomes unreliable.

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The only way to ensure a reliable connection is to remove the reinforced layer. Removal of the outer and reinforcing layer is carried out with a special tool - a shaver.

After cleaning the top layer, you need to carefully remove burrs and clean the surface of dirt, after which you can perform soldering using the above technology.

To understand at what temperature to solder reinforced polypropylene, you need to take into account that its structure is no different from ordinary pipes and the soldering modes are the same.

"Cold welding" in polypropylene joints

A two-component epoxy composition under this name has gained some popularity due to its effectiveness. The ease of use is attractive - just knead a lump of the composition and apply it to the surfaces to be glued. The hardening time of the mixture is about 10 minutes, complete setting is about an hour.

The physical properties of the adhesive composition do not allow its use on hot water supply or heating pipelines. It is only suitable for installing water pipes.

Connecting polypropylene pipes with electrical fittings

This installation method is widely used in industry. In this case, electrical fittings are used to make joints. A heating element is installed in the body of the part during its manufacturing process.

The system is installed without soldering, but each fitting is connected to the power supply. Only after wiring is completed is voltage applied to it.

Under the influence of current, the heating elements melt the mating parts to the required state, and shutdown occurs automatically. After the parts have cooled, the entire network or its local section is ready for operation.

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The use of this installation method significantly increases labor productivity and eliminates the personal factor when performing work. Therefore, the quality of connections is stable for the entire water supply network.

This technology allows for high-quality assembly of pipeline elements in hard-to-reach places.

Soldering pipes in difficult areas

When assembling a water supply or heating system with a complex configuration, problems may arise with access to the soldering area. How to solder polypropylene pipes in hard-to-reach places?

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During the preparation process, it is necessary to roughly break the entire network into separate nodes that can be connected on a workbench, after which the finished branches are welded into the system at two or three points. The following areas can be considered difficult to install:

• pipelines placed under the ceiling;
• in places where it is impossible to place a soldering iron.

The best way to avoid difficulties in this case is to prevent them from occurring. To do this, you need to think about the assembly order, making complex assemblies on a workbench, and not on your hands. If this is not possible, it is better to use electrical fittings.

In general, the occurrence of difficulties of this kind is a consequence of design errors. Manufacturability of installation is the main condition for the designer.

We install saddles in the water supply system

This pipeline element is used to create an additional outlet, and the need to install it usually arises when repairing existing distribution lines.

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A smaller fitting is soldered into a larger diameter pipe, allowing you to install a branch from the existing distribution at an angle of 90 degrees.

To do this you need:

• The craftsman needs to drill a hole of the required diameter in the wall of the existing pipe, remove burrs and make chamfers.

• The mating parts are heated with a soldering iron using traditional technology.

• The saddle (fitting) is tightly installed into the hole in the pipe.

This method of creating additional branches in the water supply system from polypropylene pipes makes it possible to continue the development of the network with the least amount of labor.

Knowing how to properly solder polypropylene will allow you to easily install pipelines of any length and degree of complexity.

Video on how to choose a machine for welding polypropylene

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The ability to assemble pipelines yourself is a definite plus of polypropylene products. Using convenient and lightweight material, you can build a sewer system yourself, repair and modernize the water supply system.

The main thing is to understand the specifics of connecting prefabricated elements to each other. Agree, this is an important part of the work, responsible for the tightness of the highway and its trouble-free operation.

We offer you detailed information about how polypropylene pipes are soldered, what equipment is used in the work, and also list the most common mistakes made by novice welders.

The information we offer will help you build trouble-free communications. For clarity, the article is supplemented with graphic applications and a video guide.

The soldering process is carried out due to the pronounced thermoplastic properties of the material. Polypropylene softens when heated - it acquires a state similar to plasticine.

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This is what a soldering iron (“iron”) for polypropylene pipes looks like. A simple electrical device, semi-automatic, thanks to which plastic soldering is done

The designs of soldering machines for butt welding are characterized by increased complexity. Typically, such equipment contains not only a heating element, but also a system for centering the parts being welded.

As a rule, direct welding equipment, like the technology itself, is rarely used in the domestic sphere. Priority of use is industry.

A more complex device, with the help of which precise alignment of the parts to be welded is carried out with the further process of heating and soldering. Used with direct welding technology

In addition to soldering irons, the master will also need:

• scissors - ;
• construction tape;
• bench square;
• shaver for pipes with reinforcement;
• marker or pencil;
• surface degreasing agent.

Since the work is performed on high-temperature equipment, you should definitely wear thick work gloves.

Polypropylene Welding Procedure

Important warning! Work on welding polymer materials must be carried out in conditions of good ventilation of the room. When polymers are heated and melted, toxic substances are released, which in a certain concentration have a serious impact on human health.

The procedure for welding polypropylene is simple, but it requires precision and accuracy in work. You should also avoid common mistakes, such as insufficient or excessive heating

The first thing you need to do is prepare for work:

1. Install blanks of the required diameter on the heater plateau.
2. Set the regulator to 260ºС.
3. Prepare the mating parts - mark, chamfer, degrease.
4. Turn on the soldering station.
5. Wait for the operating temperature to reach – the green indicator turns on.

Place the mating parts (pipe - coupling) on ​​the soldering station blanks at the same time. In this case, the polypropylene pipe is inserted into the internal area of ​​one blank, and the coupling (or socket of the shaped part) onto the outer surface of the other blank.

Typically, the ends of the pipe are inserted along the border of the previously marked line, and the coupling is pushed in until it stops. When curing polypropylene parts on heated blanks, you should remember an important nuance of the technology - the holding time.

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Conclusions and useful video on the topic

There is always something to learn from professionals. You can see how to work with polypropylene in the following video:

Installing polymer pipelines by hot soldering is a convenient and popular technique. It is successfully used in the installation of communications, including at the household level.

People without extensive experience can use this welding method. The main thing is to correctly understand the technology and ensure its execution exactly. And technological equipment can be purchased or rented.

Do you have experience soldering polypropylene pipes? Please share information with our readers. You can leave comments and ask questions on the topic in the form below.

You can solder plastic pipes with your own hands, since this is a simpler task compared to the technology of welding metal analogues. This joining method is used to work with polymer communications of different types. However, the techniques for soldering plastic pipes and reinforced analogues differ slightly. To avoid mistakes when welding communications, study the recommendations of specialists.

Soldering plastic pipes with your own hands.

Types of pipes connected by soldering

A soldering iron for working with polymer material is designed for joining water pipes, which differ in production technology and type of material:

• made of polypropylene - they tolerate high temperatures well, thanks to this property they can be used when installing a heating system;
• PVC: when exposed to strong heat, they partially lose their properties;
• plastic with reinforcement - due to the reinforcing layer, strength and resistance to heat increase, such communications are less susceptible to expansion upon contact with a heat source;
• heat-resistant polyethylene - tolerate long-term contact with coolant;
• polybutylene - superior in properties to analogues from other materials: they are durable, resistant to extreme temperatures, elastic, and can be used in pressure heating systems;
• sections of the copper pipeline are connected with a soldering iron or gas torch.

Necessary tools and materials for soldering

When you plan to repair or replace water supply networks, you will need a device for working with plastic.

Additionally, auxiliary tools are prepared:

• building level;
• pipe cutter or slicing scissors;
• a set of nozzles (included in the set of the welding machine for polymers);
• roulette;
• a shaver that allows you to remove the reinforcement of communications;
• chamfer;
• deburring tool;
• solder;
• flux.

Soldering iron for soldering plastic pipes.

Elements of the smallest diameter in everyday life are connected using the butt method much less often. Preference is given to fittings.

Solder for soldering

This is a consumable material used to connect copper sections of the pipeline. It is made in the form of wire, rods. Foil solder is also available. The materials of this group differ in composition. They can be produced on the basis of tin, zinc, lead, antimony, and silver. The quality of the seam joint depends on what metals are included in the composition. In addition, solder is divided into types based on exposure to high temperatures: low-melting, medium- and high-melting.

Fluxes and fittings

Fittings for plastic pipes for soldering.

Flux is necessary for welding metal parts. If you plan to use a machine for soldering plastic elements, this material is not used. Flux helps protect metal surfaces during the oxidation process. Another property of such materials is improved solder fluidity. Flux is available in different variants, differing in composition. Necessary materials for working with copper: zinc chloride, boric and hydrochloric acids.

Fittings are the connecting elements for pipelines: tees, couplings, crosses, etc. Their internal size must be equal to the outer diameter of the elements. This creates a reliable connection. However, if a PVC pipeline or other types of polymer structures are welded, then the seam connection using fittings in this case will be permanent.

Cutting scissors

The purpose of the tool is to make cuts on polymer products. If you use a pipe cutter, the edge of the communications will be more neat, and burrs will not appear. This makes further work easier.

This tool comes in different types, including:

• auto;
• guillotine cutter;
• roller shears;
• pipe cutter with ratchet mechanism (suitable for working with communications up to 75 mm in diameter).

When you plan to weld plastic pipes with your own hands, you need to prepare the tool in advance, since polymer products cool quickly when heated. The main criteria for choosing a soldering iron for working with elastic communications:

• type of heating element: cylindrical, flat;
• the number of nozzles in the set, their outer diameter, which will allow you to work only with pipes of a given size;
• power – determines the heating capacity of the soldering iron; when doing the work yourself, a value of up to 1.2 kW is acceptable; when choosing a tool, the size of the connected communications is taken into account;
• the type of coating of the nozzles, it is important that the polymer material does not stick to them during soldering;
• type of temperature controller - affects the error in determining the temperature of the material.

The essence of the process and soldering methods

This technology is based on the principle of changing the structure of the material for joining individual sections of the pipeline. This ensures a connection with a high degree of strength.

Different ways to connect polymer pipes:

• electric welding installation technique – based on the use of special fittings equipped with conductive elements;
• soldering by heating parts: involves the need to change the temperature of the end sections and further compress them;
• cold welding of PVC pipes: chemicals are used that can change the structure of the plastic; after joining the pipeline sections, a permanent, strong seam is obtained, but in terms of reliability, such a connection is inferior to welding, and the elements of the system do not heat up.

Step-by-step instructions for soldering plastic pipes

During the installation of communications, it is important to avoid mistakes. If the installation technology is violated, the quality of the seam joint is significantly reduced, which leads to a reduction in the service life of the pipeline. The risk of leakage increases.

Security measures

Gloves must be used for work. Do not touch the heating element after turning on the device, as it tends to heat up to +300°C.

The room where welding work is performed must be ventilated. If there is a water source nearby, it is important to secure the work area. Do not allow liquid to get on the soldering iron during the welding process.

It is necessary to make sure that the welding machine is in working condition - the integrity of the wire is not compromised.

Preparation of elements and parts

It is not recommended to connect raw communications. First, the material is cut in accordance with the design of the water supply system. Even if a pipe cutter is used, the burrs still need to be removed, since they are formed, although in smaller quantities. To make communications easier to connect to fittings, chamfers are made at the end sections (angle up to 45°). A special tool is used for this. Before starting welding work, the pipes are degreased.

Before soldering, the pipe is degreased.

Preparing the soldering iron

It is not difficult to operate the machine for welding polymer communications. It is installed on a stand and then connected to the network. At the same time, the required heating temperature is set (if there is such a function), which is implemented via a thermostat. After this, you just have to wait until the thermogulator warms up enough (use an electric thermometer). The duration of this period depends on the power of the unit and the heating rate. You often have to wait up to 30 minutes.

At what temperature should plastic pipes be soldered?

The temperature regime varies depending on the type of communications material. Most often, polypropylene pipes are used; the temperature for them is set at +260°C (upper limit). They work with polyethylene products under less aggressive conditions: temperature not higher than +220°C. In the absence of a thermostat, the main criterion is the heating time. The larger the diameter of the pipe, the longer it takes to warm up. The heating time varies from 6 to 20 seconds (for communications with a diameter of 20-63 mm).

Docking rules

The main requirement when installing polymer communications is compliance with the axis of the pipeline. They are flexible and become plastic when heated. This increases the risk of incorrect pipe installation. To avoid the formation of sagging inside the communications at the joint area, leave a gap of up to 3 mm between the edges.

Sequence of soldering plastic pipes.

Pipe connection

After waiting a sufficient amount of time, the pipe and fitting are removed from the nozzles. It is important to immediately connect them, installing them in the correct position relative to the axis of the pipeline. Complete hardening of the polymer material occurs in 2-3 minutes. However, closer to the end of this period of time, it is no longer possible to adjust the position of the pipe and fitting relative to each other. This will lead to the destruction of the formed molecular bonds. As a result, the quality of the connection will decrease.

Cleaning and cooling connections

Connecting the pipeline to the fitting.

After connecting to the fitting, the pipeline section is left in a stationary position. Wait until the temperature of the material decreases to +40°C (a change of 1-2°C is allowed). After this, it is necessary to partially remove the sagging. Under such conditions, the polymer material manages to gain strength, but still retains sufficient ductility. This makes it easy to remove beads without deforming the seam joint.

The pipeline section must not be subjected to artificial cooling. It needs to cool in the open air. It is prohibited to use special means (blowing, low temperature sources or cold water) for this.

Checking the connection quality

The appearance of the pipe section is assessed. So, there should be no cracks in the seam. The material here should be uniform, without leaks, and the structure should not be porous. A connection without defects and with an influx of 2-4 mm is considered to be of high quality. If the pipe wall thickness is less than 10 mm, then leave a bead on the seam up to 2 mm high. When larger communications are welded, the overlap must be at least 4 mm.

Common mistakes

Inadmissible actions that can lead to a decrease in the quality of the seam joint:

• violation of the temperature regime when heating pipes: insufficient thermal effect or, conversely, overheating;
• complete removal of beads or cutting off excess material from the seam before it cools;
• applying excessive force when connecting pipes, which will lead to deterioration in the quality of the joint;
• if welding is carried out without preliminary treatment of communications, the seam will not last long, because dust and dirt remain on the pipes, which reduces the adhesion of materials.

If you do not have enough experience in performing welding work, you can study the recommendations of the masters.

Soldering in hard-to-reach places and corners

When work is carried out in areas where it is difficult to reach, it is permissible to heat the pipeline elements sequentially. First, you need to install a flange on the soldering iron nozzle, then a section of pipe. To prevent the first element from cooling down, it should be heated more strongly. To transition from difficult sections to the main pipeline line, angle fittings are used.

Connecting plastic pipes without soldering

If there is no welding machine, consider other methods:

1. Cold soldering. In this case, it is assumed that a special adhesive composition must be applied to the inner walls of the pipe and the outer surface of the fitting. The material can be pre-treated with sandpaper, then the pipeline elements are degreased and connected.
2. Application of a compression fitting: a connecting element is used, which is fixed with a nut.

Welding large diameter plastic pipes

If there is a need to install larger communications, use the butt connection method. In this case, fittings are not used. A minimum gap is left between the pipes; they are fixed with special equipment. After alignment is completed, proceed to soldering.

Reading time: 4 minutes.

Water supply and sewer pipes made of polymer materials are confidently pushing out their older iron brothers from apartments, cottages and public places. This is due to their low cost, durability, resistance to corrosion and ease of installation. Read more about how to solder plastic pipes in this article.

Types of pipes to be welded

The concept of “plastic pipes” includes several types of plumbing products made from different polymers. They differ in the scope of application (for water supply or sewerage), technical characteristics and installation method.

The following polymer pipes are installed by welding:

1. Polypropylene (PP). A pipeline made of this material can withstand high temperatures and pressure and is wear-resistant and durable. Polypropylene is used for the installation of cold and hot water supply circuits, as well as heating systems, the installation of which is carried out using reinforced polypropylene materials.
2. Polyethylene (PE). Having all the advantages of polypropylene, polyethylene pipe is characterized by higher flexibility and ductility, therefore, unlike polypropylene products, it is stored and sold in rolls. The only disadvantage compared to polypropylene is lower thermal stability, so polyethylene is unsuitable for use in heating and hot water supply systems.
3. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The range of products made from this polymer is extensive - with a wide range of diameters, stiffness and operating pressure. A distinctive feature of polyvinyl chloride is its high bactericidal properties.

There are types of plastic pipes, the assembly of communications from which does not require welding. These include:

• made of cross-linked polyethylene;
• metal-plastic pipes.

A pipeline made of these materials is installed using metal connecting elements - fittings, which increases the cost of installation.

Necessary equipment and tools

Welding PVC, polypropylene and polyethylene water pipes requires a minimum amount of tools and equipment:

1. The welding machine is an electric heating device with a set of paired Teflon-coated nozzles of standard diameters. The nozzles correspond to the internal and external diameters of the pipes used. If you plan to use the device one time, it makes sense not to buy it, but to rent it for a short term.
2. Pipe cutter - for quick, accurate and even cutting of pipes of the required size. If you don’t have a pipe cutter, you can use a hacksaw, but in this case the cut will not be as neat.
3. Tape measure, building level and marker - for measuring the length of pipeline sections and marking during installation.
4. Rags, solvent - for degreasing the welded areas.

In the case of inserting a plastic pipeline into metal communications, you may need a pair of gas wrenches (or wrenches of the required diameter), plumbing flax (or fum tape), and sealant to seal the threaded connections.

If the installation is carried out with reinforced pipes, a scraper will be needed - a device for stripping away foil.

To attach the pipeline to the wall you will need a hammer drill.

Preparing for work

Welding PVC pipes, like other polymer materials, requires preparatory measures.

Before installing the water supply system, you should draw a diagram of future communications on paper, minimizing the number of branches if possible. Then mark the laying of the pipeline “on the ground” - on the walls or on the floor, marking the connecting elements (tees, angles and couplings), valves, meters, filters and all points of water consumption (faucets, toilet, washing machine, etc.) .

After marking the water supply system, it is necessary to calculate the footage of the pipes and the number of fittings. The next step is going to the store. You should buy materials with a 10% reserve. Valves, filters, meters and adapter couplings with threaded connections are purchased in accordance with the drawn diagram.

A feature of polymer materials is their linear expansion under thermal influence. To avoid sagging and deformation of communications over long sections (5 m or more), it is recommended to use compensators - loop-shaped connecting elements that compensate for the physical impact of high temperatures on the pipeline.

Soldering process

The necessary materials have been purchased, the equipment has been prepared - it’s time to move on to installing the water supply system.

Let's take a closer look at how to properly solder plastic pipes with your own hands.

The technology for welding plastic pipes is extremely simple: heating the elements to be joined to the required temperature and joining them to each other, resulting in a high-strength, homogeneous polymer compound.

The sequence of welding work is as follows:

1. The pipes are cut into pieces of the required sizes according to the installation diagram.
2. When using reinforced pipes, they are cleared of reinforcing foil at the welding points.
3. Nozzles corresponding to the diameters of the parts being welded are attached to the welding machine. The device is connected to the mains. Welding is carried out at a temperature of +260⁰С.
4. Markers mark risks on the elements being connected to ensure alignment of the parts.
5. We insert the parts to be connected into the nozzles. One of the connected elements is heated from the outside, the other from the inside. Warm-up time depends on the diameter of the material.
6. The heated elements are quickly connected to each other according to previously identified risks. The connection is fixed, displacement is not allowed.
7. Cooling time is given for 2-8 minutes depending on the diameter.

Table of correspondence between pipeline diameter and welding time

If all requirements are met, the result of welding is a monolithic connection that guarantees the tightness and reliability of the pipeline.

Manufacturers of materials for laying utility networks offer a wide selection of modern solutions that have replaced traditional ones. In particular, this applies to pipes for installation in a house or apartment of water supply, hot water supply, radiator and floor heating systems. To lay or repair a local pipeline made of polymer pipes (polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene), you need a special tool and some skill in working with it. Soldering plastic pipes is not a complex job, but it is important to understand the technology and take into account a number of points in order to get a reliable and durable result.

Tool for soldering plastic pipes

Pipe soldering machine

In everyday life, a special device is used, designed to connect a polymer pipe to the corresponding fitting or coupling. The maximum permissible pipe diameter that a home craftsman can handle is 63 mm. Larger diameter pipes are mostly butt welded using professional equipment.

A soldering tool for home use is a unit equipped with a stand, the working part of which is heated to a predetermined temperature. The heating element (sole) is equipped with holes for installing nozzles of various diameters (from 16 to 32 mm).

The devices differ in design:

• xiphoid;
• cylindrical.

There is no fundamental difference which one to use for soldering plastic pipes with your own hands. In any case, strictly following the instructions will help you get the desired result.

Secrets of high-quality soldering

Soldering of pipes should be carried out in a room with a positive temperature, and the colder the air, the more time it will take to warm up plastic or metal-plastic parts for a tight and durable connection.

To avoid common mistakes when installing heating or water supply pipes, pay attention to the following recommendations:

• The power of a household tool should be 1200 W.
• The device for home use is designed to work with pipes with a diameter of up to 32 mm; in other cases, you need to use a professional soldering iron.
• Before you start soldering, warm up the device for at least 5–10 minutes so that the working part with nozzles warms up to the specified parameters.
• Having soldered the pipeline elements together, do not twist them or move the seam so as not to damage its integrity. It is only permissible to carefully straighten the distortions, otherwise the seam will leak under load.
• Do not squeeze the parts together too much. Since the melted plastic will be pressed inward and reduce the bore diameter of the fitting, which will worsen the operating parameters of the system.
• Do not leave gaps between the edge of the pipe and the inside of the fitting. Such a connection will leak under pressure.
• Be sure to allow the soldered area to cool completely before applying stress.
• After each soldering operation, clean the nozzles from traces of melted plastic. This will prevent the appearance of carbon deposits, as well as damage to elements that need to be soldered.
• Clean the nozzles using a flat wooden stick. This will protect the Teflon coating from damage. Metal objects cannot be used, as scratches will render the nozzle unusable, and the plastic will stick to it and burn.

Attention! Before you begin installing the pipeline, watch the detailed video instructions and practice on unnecessary scraps of plastic pipes.

Security measures

It is important not only to know how to solder plastic pipes, but also to follow safety precautions when working with power tools so as not to get burned or injured.

1. When working, be sure to wear protective gloves.
2. Pay attention to the cleanliness of the floor and dustiness of the room. Dirt trapped in the molten plastic impairs the quality of the weld and makes the joint unsightly.
3. The soldering unit must be placed on a horizontal, flat surface.
4. During the entire working process, the unit is not de-energized.
5. You can start welding elements only after the soldering iron has completely warmed up. In modern models, the indicator switched off indicates that the operating mode has been reached. Using an old device, wait about 20 minutes from the moment you turn it on.

Work progress

Let's take a closer look at how to properly solder plastic pipes at home. At the preliminary stage, you need to prepare all the necessary tools:

• tape measure and marker;
• needle file or file;
• fine grain sandpaper;
• pipe cutter;
• sharp mounting knife;
• soldering iron for welding plastic.

You will also need a rag and alcohol (or another degreasing agent) to treat the surfaces to be soldered.

Preparing elements

The pipes are cut to the required length using a special pipe cutter or a sharp mounting knife. Make sure that the cut is strictly perpendicular, otherwise you will not be able to make a tight connection.

Next you need to process the edge of the pipe. It is advisable to use a special tool - a shaver, but in its absence it is enough to use a mounting knife (used to remove burrs), after which the edge of an ordinary pipe made of propylene or fiberglass reinforced needs to be processed until smooth using a needle file and fine-grained sandpaper.

Important! For an aluminum-reinforced PVC pipe, it is recommended to remove the top layer of polymer and the foil layer at the edge to improve the quality of the connection.

After making sure that the smoothness of the treated edge is almost as good as the inside of a fitting purchased in a store, you can begin to solder the elements, having previously degreased the surfaces to be joined with alcohol.

Soldering technology

Let's look at how to use a soldering iron and what temperature mode you need to choose for different types of plastic pipes. Do-it-yourself installation of a polymer pipeline is carried out in several stages:

1. The soldering unit is securely fixed to the platform and installed on the working part of the nozzle of a suitable diameter.
2. The electric soldering iron is turned on after setting the required temperature. To solder polypropylene parts to each other, the working part must be heated to 260°C; when welding PVC products, heating to 220°C is required.
3. After the apparatus has warmed up, the fitting and the prepared edge of the pipe are put on the nozzles and the parts are heated for several seconds (the exact heating time is indicated in the table below, it depends on the diameter of the elements).
4. After waiting the required time, the parts are carefully joined together and left to cool completely. All other elements of the pipeline are fastened in the same way.

The depth of welding of the pipe corresponds to the parameters of the inside of the fitting - nozzles on the soldering iron ensure heating of the elements to the same depth to ensure maximum contact of surfaces for better adhesion.

The method of connecting polymer pipes using temperature welding is quite simple if you master the skill of accurately connecting heated elements and know how to solder the parts. Once the pipe is inserted into the fitting, it is not moved or rotated so that the heated polymer can form a monolith. If the joint is moved before the material hardens, the polymer will bunch up and the joint will depressurize.

Checking the connection quality

Testing the tightness of connections begins after all the joints have been installed and have had time to cool. To do this, water is poured into the finished system and the pipeline is inspected to identify leaks. Before adding water, let the installed system stand for at least an hour at normal room temperature, and if the air in the room is cooler, then the pre-test pause should last at least 2-3 hours.

If leaky joints are found, it is necessary to drain the water from the system and reinstall the pipeline section by installing new fittings and taking a piece of pipe of the appropriate length. An attempt to somehow seal a leaky connection or solder it using an electric soldering iron is doomed to failure in advance. Installation of a polymer pipeline requires strict adherence to technology.

At the end of the repair work, the tightness of the system is checked again by pouring water into it. If we are talking about a heating system, the pipeline will undergo a real check only after heating the coolant in the boiler, at elevated temperatures and pressure.

Conclusion

Instructions on how to solder plastic pipes allow you to understand the technology of the process. If there is a need for one-time work, it is not economically profitable to buy an electric soldering iron for pipes; it is easier to rent a tool from a company that provides similar services.

When planning to carry out independent work for the first time, it is advisable to buy material with a small supply. Knowing only in theory how to solder pipes, before starting work in the house, you need to practice. If the experience is unsuccessful, entrust the installation or repair of pipelines in your home to professionals.