Caps for pipes plastic. Scope of plugs. installation methods
Caps for plastic pipes (plastics) - fittings of rather simple design, which are used to limit the supply of water in the pipeline. exept this, these shaped elements can be used in other cases, when it is necessary to make the pipe airtight: example, when installing fences. For, to install the plug on the pipe, no special skills required. The range of such fittings is wide: vary as the shape of the plugs, and their diameters.
Caps are a special type of fittings, which is installed on pipelines, and other pipe structures
Where plastic pipe plugs are used?
Such shaped details, as plugs, irreplaceable then, when the pipeline or its separate part needs to be isolated. It is impractical to brew the end of a metal pipe - it is possible, devices will be connected to the structure in the future or other segments of the pipeline will be built on it.
Plastic plugs will be needed in the following cases:
- When you need to install an audit in the sewer. Due to the configuration of the sewage system, it is sometimes more desirable to install a plug on a horizontal section of pipe as a prevention of clogging, than the use of special sewer sections with revision.
Importantly! Truth, such a decision is irrelevant for apartments in high-rise buildings, as when removing this part of the environment, located in the system, will begin to pour out. A more acceptable option would be to use an oblique tee, directed bell up.
- Restriction of water supply in a certain branch of the sewer. When repairing or installing a plumbing or sewer system, and some elements (devices) not ready for installation, the easiest way to temporarily shut down the pipeline. The same method works in case of emergencies in the house.
- Caps can be used as a decorative element. This application of square plastic plugs is found in the furniture industry. When installing fences made of corrugated pipe and sheet flooring, the columns also need sealing, so that debris and moisture do not get into their cavity.
- When working with polypropylene pipes. Plastic plugs for polymer pipes are welded to a section of pipeline using a soldering iron. If you need to restore water supply, the fitting is simply cut off. Any other fitting can be welded in place of the plug.
In new sewer systems, plugs are placed in places, where in the future it is planned to connect consumers
in addition, plugs are also available for pipes in polyurethane foam insulation. Metal fittings with output cable are not supplied as separate products, they can be purchased only complete with pipes. With heat-insulated pipes it is possible to use also a polymeric cap for PPU pipes. This fitting protects uninsulated steel areas from moisture, and is able to guarantee the integrity of the remote control cable.
How to choose the right plastic cap?
You can choose a fitting for sealing without even consulting a professional. In addition to visual characteristics (smooth surface, no factory defects, uniformity of material), pay attention to the technical properties of the plugs:
- Section. For isolation of systems of water supply and the sewerage plugs for pipes plastic with round section are applied. They must exactly match the diameter of the pipeline. For profile constructions you will not need round ones, and rectangular or square plugs. These shaped elements, in turn, should fit the length of the pipe length and width.
- Material. Plastic plugs for pipes as square, and round, are made of the same material, as products, which need to be isolated. PVC fittings are designed for PVC pipes, respectively, and HDPE pipes can only be insulated with low pressure polyethylene fittings.
- Appointment. Fittings differ in the degree of reliability. If a temporary system restriction is required, then fitted elements will be quite suitable, designed for manual closure. Fittings for welding or threaded connection are required for long-term fixation.
For decorative purposes, you can choose a cap of any color and shape
Polyethylene plugs are most often produced for decorative purposes. This material has a low price, it is pliable and soft. Such shaped elements can have different colors: color is added to polyethylene, when the polymer is in the molten state. This property allows you to maintain a uniform color of the fitting surface even then, when it appears defects due to active operation.
Installation of plugs in pressure and non-pressure pipelines
The method of installing the fittings will differ depending on, what is the pipeline: pressure or non-pressure. If the system is pressureless, then the pressure of the medium in it will be minimal, and usually does not exceed one atmosphere. In this case installation of caps is possible in a socket. Installation of caps in pressureless systems is carried out in several stages:
- You need to choose a fitting, which is established in a socket, with optimal characteristics: diameter, intersection, material of manufacture. Together with a plastic cap for pipes of round section the ring of a sealant from rubber is bought - it will give to a joint big durability.
- A rubber ring is installed on the pipe section before installation.
- The walls of the fitting are lubricated with soap solution. The product is inserted into the pipe manually: this requires physical effort.
Importantly! Treatment with a soap solution not only provides easier insertion of the fitting into the cavity of the pipe, but also allows you to determine, how tight the connection is. If soap bubbles start to appear on the surface of the fitting, it will mean, that the cap is installed ??not tight enough.
- The compression of the seal is checked with a thin metal plate.
The simplest plugs look like caps and are mounted on the pipes by hand without the help of tools
Additional sealing is not required in that case, if the plastic plug performs only decorative functions.
When working with pressure pipelines shaped elements, pressed manually, do not bring benefits - under the action of fluid pressure, the fitting will quickly become defective. Sealing of sections of pressure systems is possible by the following methods:
- Detachable connection. Threaded fittings are used for this type of joints. Naturally, a thread must also be cut on the pipe section. Threaded plugs are used for temporary structures or to close inspection openings.
- One-piece connection. Fittings are installed under the action of welding, or glued with a special glue. The latter method will be less reliable, a welded joint should be used for greater tightness.
One-piece connections are used for permanent fixation. It is not possible to remove such a plug, the only option is to cut it together with the pipe section.
The use of a plastic round plug is justified in water and sewage networks, in the organization of which round pipes were used. Installation as temporary is possible, and permanent connections: it depends on the purpose of the plug and the type of system.
