Joining polypropylene pipes by soldering or glue

As an alternative to outdated water supply or heating systems based on metal pipes, polypropylene pipes have proven to be excellent.. Ease of installation, low specific weight and resistance to corrosion are the main advantages, determining the prevalence of plastic pipes. Experienced installers know, how to connect polypropylene pipes correctly, consistent errors of all stages of assembly of system will help the beginner to avoid mistakes.

Depending on the purpose of the pipeline, you can use the hot or cold method of connecting PP-pipes

The classic method of connecting pipes by thermal diffusion

First, than to start installation, you need to choose the best way to connect polypropylene pipes, most accurately corresponds to the project. Installation of heating or water supply systems during construction or repair (modernization) The existing system provides for different installation methods and different types of pipe connections.

The physical properties of polypropylene pipes allow them to be connected at the molecular level, heating the mating surfaces. The strength and tightness of the connection is ensured by fittings. You will need a special tool to make a good connection to the polypropylene pipes, and practical skills in working with polypropylene pipes.

The method of soldering pipes with a special iron is used by professionals and craftsmen

Tools and equipment

First of all, it is necessary to prepare pipes for installation. High-quality connection of polypropylene pipes is provided precisely - at an angle 90 degrees - a cut of the end edge of the pipe, and compliance with the heating interval. Prerequisite is safety precautions when working with the tool, which must be checked before starting work. Any fault found can adversely affect the quality of the connection, and working with a broken tool is simply dangerous.

Special scissors are ideally used to cut pipes to the required length, are intended for trimming of polyethylene, polypropylene and metal-plastic pipes. Also use a hacksaw for metal, in this case, the edge of the cut pipe is "decorated" inevitably occurs with a fringe of sawn material, and the end edge of the pipe must be cleaned before connecting the polypropylene pipes with fittings.

High-quality connection of polypropylene pipes by thermal diffusion will be difficult to implement without a special welding device. It is often called "pipe soldering iron".. A distinctive feature of the professional tool is the presence of heat indication and temperature control. When working with pipes of small - up to 40 mm - diameters, it is more convenient to use a tubular soldering iron, they find it easier to mount connections in hard-to-reach places, example, in the space between the walls or for mounting a tee or mortise fitting. If a question arises during the repair work, how to connect a polypropylene pipe without welding, use the method of "cold welding".

To obtain a good pipe connection by thermal diffusion, only specialized tools should be used

Such a special tool is also used, as a brother-in-law: they are stripped of the end section of the pipe to remove the reinforcing layer. This is necessary in order to make a good connection when soldering.

Compression pliers are required for compression joints (belong to the precision equipment of professional class) and fittings of a special kind, supplemented with crimping washers. The method requires a professional approach, the cost of good fittings cannot be low. Connection with movable locking elements requires a special tool (expander), which prepare the inner surface of the pipe, and accordingly, tool for tightening the crimping element on the fitting.

It will take some determination, to insert both the fitting and the pipe into the soldering iron nozzle. It is necessary to withstand the temperature range, according to the diameters of the connecting elements - from 5 seconds for pipes with a diameter of 16 mm, to 12 seconds for 40 mm pipes;