Which pipe to choose for water supply: we understand which pipes are better and why

No. 2. Stainless steel pipes

To obtain a corrosion-resistant material, steel is alloyed mainly with chromium. "Stainless steel" looks great, has outstanding performance. It is as durable as pipes made of ordinary and galvanized steel, withstands pressure and temperature drops, and is not afraid of shock. Moreover, such pipes are not afraid of corrosion, so the upper limit of durability exceeds 50 years.Among the main disadvantages is not even the complexity of installation, but the high cost of the material, so stainless steel pipes are rarely used today, although they are great for hot and cold water supply systems.

Choosing pipes

It is best to act according to a certain scheme. First you need to make a list of the desired characteristics of the pipes, and then proceed with the selection.

In the list we evaluate:

• pressure inside the system;
• type of water supply;
• recommended diameter;
• desired value.

It would not be superfluous to add a few additional parameters, such as: the total volume of the water supply system, the type of wiring, media, etc.

Let's go through the list one by one. What you need to know first of all is what pressure is expected inside the future pipeline.

The higher the pressure, the stronger the pipes take. The pressure may also depend on the type of water supply system. In hot water pipes, it is usually much higher.

The pressure directly affects the choice of pipes, since different pressure levels correspond to different types of products.

Try to choose the most ideal option. Do not take pipes whose nominal pressure is less than the working one. With a high probability they will break through. Strongly overdo it with strength, too, there is no need. The stronger the product, the higher its cost. And you are unlikely to want to overpay unnecessarily.

Diameter also has some effect. However, it is impossible to determine one single working diameter of the pipes. At the very least, you need to take pipes with three different sizes. Large diameter for risers, medium for base branches and smallest for side outlets, as well as direct plumbing connections.

If classical collector wiring is meant, then the number of sizes is reduced to two or even one. We will talk about this in more detail in the section on wiring.

Popular materials

It is better to trust proven materials, so we recommend that you pay attention to modern polymer tubular products. Plastic in our time for apartment water supply systems is best suited. Here is a list of its advantages:

Here is a list of its advantages:

Plastic in our time for apartment water supply systems is best suited. Here is a list of its advantages:

• low cost;
• the ability to choose any diameter;
• resistance to corrosion;
• durability;
• ease of installation;
• practicality;
• functionality;
• large selection of products.

There are also unobvious advantages. For example, with plastic products, you can save a lot not only due to their low price, but also due to the possibility of easily combining a wide variety of products.

Remember what a regular steel piping is. This is a pipeline consisting entirely of steel pipe sections of a single sample. The level of pressure, the temperature of the working medium, the type of system - all this rarely matters when we are dealing with steel.

There is either no difference between the parts of the pipeline, or it will be completely insignificant. The only important parameter is the diameter. The diameter in metal pipes affects everything, including their cost.

Choosing the type of wiring

There are two main ways in which wiring inside the apartment is planned. There is a breakdown:

• consistent;
• collector.

Serial or tee wiring is a classic option.It implies a serial connection from a single riser.

A pipe is led from the riser to one or more rooms, a tee cuts into it in the right places and an additional branch is led to the next room. Branches are made from this branch for each plumbing fixture.

Collector wiring - connecting all pipes to a single node. Several branches depart from it, as a rule, at least 10. Each branch is connected to some kind of its own device.

Which option is better? Difficult to say. Collector wiring is more expensive, but only if you need to supply several rooms. But she is more mobile. The pressure in the pipeline is distributed more evenly. If one pipe breaks or clogs, it doesn’t matter, because each branch is isolated and performs separate functions.

Consistent wiring makes it necessary to buy a lot of pipes, tees, to actually assemble the system from pieces, which is not always convenient. But it is advantageous to pull it through several remote rooms. In this case, a series connection is much cheaper than a collector connection.

Advantages and disadvantages of metal-plastic

Products have their pros and cons. The positive properties of pipes are as follows:

• flexibility to often dispense with fittings;
• light weight;
• the temperature of the working environment reaches +95C;
• low temperature deformation;
• resistance to corrosion and aggressive media;
• slight noise when transporting liquids.

The disadvantages of pipes are as follows:

• combustibility of the material;
• elements have different temperature deformations, leading to pipe delamination along the adhesive layers and at the junctions with brass fittings;
• the material does not withstand ultraviolet radiation;
• low impact strength;
• narrow limits of diameters - 16-33 mm;
• rupture of a pipe when water freezes in it;
• high cost of fittings.

Another disadvantage is the narrower flow area of ​​the fitting compared to the diameter of the pipe. This creates additional resistance to the movement of water.

Selection of optimal PP pipes

As can be seen from the above analysis, polypropylene products are the most optimal for plumbing. They are most in demand among developers. For the correct selection of pipes, the following points must be observed:

1. After the calculation of the number of pipes, and also based on their financial capabilities, decide on the manufacturer.

Pipes from manufacturers from Germany are considered to be of the highest quality and reliable. Not bad products from Czech and Turkish companies as an economical option. Chinese and Russian ones are much cheaper, but they are significantly inferior in quality.

Pay attention to the marking of the pipe, which indicates the working pressure for which this product is designed.
For hot water supply, it is necessary to choose pipes on which the maximum operating temperature of the working medium is indicated, for the transportation of which they can be used.

For hot water it is better to use reinforced pipes. They are characterized by a small coefficient of expansion and high tensile strength.

1. Select pipes of the required diameter, which must correspond to the diameter of the pipes of the inlet riser.

Thus, focusing on which pipes to choose for water supply, you can install the most reliable, efficient and at the same time cost-effective water supply system for your home.

Selection of metal pipes

The types of metals that are used for the production of water pipes have already been listed above. However, if we are talking about creating a water supply system in an apartment or a private suburban household, then steel products are still the best option (read: “Advantages and disadvantages of steel pipes for water supply, types and installation rules”). The fact is that copper itself is a toxic material, the use of cast-iron pipes in these conditions is impossible. The latter are mainly used to create a non-pressure sewer network in summer cottages and country houses.

This type of pipe allows you to create a water supply system that can withstand significant loads of high pressure. In addition, it has an aesthetically attractive appearance and has an impressive operational life. Modern stainless steel plumbing pipes can be used to transport hot and cold water, which does not affect their service life in the least.

But besides the obvious advantages, such products also have disadvantages. First of all, this concerns the cost of the metal. Another disadvantage of these pipes is that the product is not very plastic, and this significantly increases the risk of a water pipe break due to freezing of a stainless pipe. The last drawback can be a decisive factor in choosing the right product for creating a water pipe in certain conditions, for example, in a country house.

The complexity of installing on your own can also not be attributed to the advantages of such pipes.The assembly of communication is carried out using a threaded joint or welding connection. Regardless of the type of installation, it is almost impossible to cope with it without the involvement of a qualified specialist. Only a boilermaker with sufficient experience will be able to weld the end seam so that it is tight and neat.

To seal the joints, it is necessary to use a special sealant that is screwed onto the shackle before the coupling is pressed against the locknut. This stage requires special care when installing pipes on threads. Despite the seeming simplicity of this process, not every plumber or craftsman will be able to accurately wind a threaded stainless steel product. Any mistakes and shortcomings at this stage will lead to the fact that soon there will be leaks even if the liquid in the pipeline is supplied at low pressure.

Types of pipe products

The task of each developer is to choose the most optimal option for the ratio of price and quality of pipeline products for organizing a water supply system. To answer the question of which pipes are best for water supply, consider the pros and cons of each type of pipe.

Depending on the material used, the pipes are:

1. Plastic, which are divided into products made from:
   • polypropylene;
   • metal-plastic;
   • polyethylene;
   • polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
2. Copper.
3. Steel made from:
   • black steel;
   • galvanized steel.

Polypropylene pipes

The most popular plastic pipes are polypropylene products. Such pipes are widely used for cold water supply, as well as for transporting hot water.Reinforced polypropylene pipes can be effectively used in high pressure systems. Polypropylene products are positively different:

• the ability to withstand the temperature of the working environment up to 90ºС;
• low cost;
• long service life (over 50 years);
• simple technology for connecting pipes with fittings;
• sealed and durable connections;
• possibility of use, both for external, and for internal (hidden) water pipes.

PP products

Metal-plastic pipes

Metal-plastic pipes are optimally suited for hot water supply, as well as for supplying cold water when installing internal water pipes. The presence of metal in the composition of the product does not prevent the pipes from having a certain flexibility. The following pipes are positively characterized:

• low cost;
• ease of installation;
• no need to purchase additional equipment for connection.

Among the disadvantages are:

• the possibility of destruction at low temperatures;
• the need for constant monitoring and periodic tightening of threaded connections;
• the need to use expensive metal fittings.

Polyethylene pipe products

Due to frost resistance, in addition to the internal water supply, polyethylene pipes are used for external water supply. For supplying hot water, products made from dense cross-linked polyethylene are provided. In addition, these pipes are different:

• good plasticity;
• kink resistance;
• the ability to make connections using fittings.

As a disadvantage, the increased cost of dense cross-linked polyethylene can be noted.

Polyethylene products

PVC pipes

Polyvinyl chloride pipes, due to the chemical activity of the material and the release of harmful components, are not suitable for use in an apartment and other residential buildings. At industrial facilities, such pipes are in demand due to their low cost.

copper products

The copper pipeline is the most environmentally friendly and durable, and also has a long service life (up to 100 years). Having laid copper pipes, you can not worry about its reliability. However, copper pipes for domestic water supply have two significant drawbacks:

• relatively high cost;
• the need for professional welding.

In addition, copper is chemically incompatible with galvanized steel pipes.

Copper pipes

Steel products

Before the advent of plastic products, steel pipes were the most classic and popular option for laying water systems. Products made of galvanized steel are characterized by increased resistance to corrosion and sufficiently high strength.

No. 2. What to consider when choosing heating pipes?

There are no universal pipes that would function equally well in different rooms. To select the best pipes for heating, i.e.

the most optimal and suitable in specific conditions, it is necessary to take into account the following factors:

• temperature and pressure in the system, which largely depend on what kind of heating is used, individual or centralized. In individual systems, the pressure rarely exceeds 2-3 atmospheres, and in centralized systems it can rise to 16 atmospheres;
• type of pipe laying, outdoor or hidden;
• total area of ​​heated housing;
• design capacity of the boiler and type of fuel (for private houses);
• pipeline operating conditions. This refers to the presence of unheated premises in certain areas;
• the possibility of repair.

All characteristics of pipes depend on the material of their manufacture - this is the most important parameter that must be considered when choosing.

Polypropylene plumbing: the golden mean

This plumbing system can be called not cheap and not expensive - it costs not much more than metal-plastic pipes, but in terms of its qualities it approaches copper pipes, which stand apart in this construction industry and are out of competition. This pipe has only one significant drawback, and it is easily compensated for - this is a high thermal deformation coefficient.

A polypropylene pipe, even stabilized with aluminum or nylon thread, increases in size when heated, which leads to its deformation. The way out of this situation lies in the use of insulation (merilon) for hidden wiring and the manufacture of compensators for open installation.

Polypropylene pipes for water supply photo

All other qualities of polypropylene pipes can be attributed solely to the advantages - this is a 50-year manufacturer's guarantee, and the reliability of soldered joints, and all the same ease of connecting pipe elements, and, of course, their cost. For relatively little money, you can assemble a reliable water supply system.

For information on how to choose the right polypropylene pipes for plumbing, see the video.

Please note that they are not the best - polypropylene is the best option.If we talk about the best pipes, then, undoubtedly, these will be copper pipes - this is even evidenced by their cost, which is several times higher than that of polypropylene. Perhaps this is their only drawback, if you do not take into account the impossibility of self-assembly.

Copper pipes for water supply photo

Well, in conclusion, a few words about the size of water pipes. We will not go deep into the jungle of plumbing affairs, but will focus exclusively on apartment and home plumbing. They use minimum pipe diameters - from ½" to 1". It should be noted that for different water pipes, the diameter is described by different systems. For example, a ½” bore diameter corresponds to a metal-plastic pipe 16mm, and a polypropylene pipe 20mm.

This is how the question is solved, which pipes to choose for the water supply? Maybe someone, of course, has a different point of view on this problem, but this is unlikely. Any more or less competent plumber who has managed to work with all types of water pipes and find out the consequences of using low-quality material will adhere to just such an opinion.

Advantages and disadvantages of metal

All variants of pipes made of this material are highly durable. Therefore, they can be selected, having correctly selected the diameter, for installing a water supply system in private housing or in an apartment in particularly difficult areas. They perfectly tolerate both internal and external loads.

If copper or stainless steel is used, then the structure made from them will last a very long time. But there are also some disadvantages, for example:

1. Big weight.

2. Susceptibility to corrosion.

3. High price.

4. Assembly complexity.

Therefore, such pipes are extremely rarely used for plumbing apartments; it is more reasonable to use them in industrial enterprises. Especially where a large diameter is required.

Pipe coupling is carried out in two ways: collapsible and non-collapsible. During collapsible assembly, the coupling of all pipe sections to each other is carried out by means of threaded fittings and other docking elements. For this work, wrenches are required. But the process itself is quite long and complicated. For non-separable installation, welding is used, especially if the riser has a large diameter. The process is much simpler than described above, but requires specialized tools and experience. And what methods to use, it's up to homeowners to decide.

Stainless steel and copper

A serious problem of metal can be called the appearance of corrosion on the surface during prolonged use without waterproofing. That is why they began to produce versions of copper and stainless steel. They are reliable and durable, can be used in the case of cold and warm water supply, as well as wastewater disposal. Often they are chosen by people who do not seek to save on work on the supply of water or drainage.

Despite a fairly large number of advantages, the pipes in question are rarely used today. This is related to the following points:

1. There is a high probability of deposits and plaque on the walls.
2. When carrying out installation work, welding work is required.
3. High cost, especially copper versions.
4. Large weight, which determines the difficulties in the delivery and installation work.
5. High insulation requirements to eliminate the possibility of water crystallization when the ground freezes, which leads to a breakthrough of the system due to liquid expansion.

For a suburban area, such pipes are recommended to be used only with careful isolation of the line. The cost of insulation, the complexity of the work carried out, the cost of the materials used determine that a system of stainless and copper pipes is a very expensive investment.

We choose pipes depending on the scope of their use

Operating conditions are a fundamental feature when choosing the material and type of water pipes. Consider possible places where water supply systems are mounted.

street plumbing

On the street, a supply pipeline is laid from a well or a main network. It is buried in the ground and insulated to prevent water from freezing in winter. For this, pipes are used:

• steel galvanized;
• polyethylene low pressure HDPE.

Steel pipes without anti-corrosion coating quickly fail. A good replacement for metal is plastic. HDPE pipelines are durable and do not decompose in the ground.

For drinking water supply, a material with three blue longitudinal stripes is used, which characterizes its chemical resistance and safety for humans.

Domestic plumbing in a private house

Steel pipelines are still used for domestic plumbing, preference is given to galvanized or stainless steel, copper pipes. Modern materials are polypropylene. It is necessary to distinguish between brands for cold and hot water. PVC pipes can be used inside the house up to the heating boiler.

Plumbing in the apartment

Water is supplied to the apartment from the risers of the hot and cold main pipeline. Taking into account the temperature, the material of the pipe elements is chosen - polypropylene, metal-plastic, PVC, galvanized steel. The apartment has a fairly simple plumbing system. Sanitary facilities and the kitchen are usually located near and close to the water inlet. A large amount of material is not required. In rich interiors with open laying, copper pipes are used, although this solution has not received wide distribution.

Polypropylene pipes

Pipes from polypropylene happen one - or two-layer. The former are suitable for conventional water supply, the latter for hot and heating. Two-layer ones consist of a certain type of polypropylene, inside of which a reinforcing foil layer is laid. They are connected by special welding and an adhesive layer, and therefore the delamination of the material is excluded.

During installation, pipe parts and fittings are connected by welding with a special tool. The parts placed in the heating nozzle begin to melt and, after their combination, “stick”, forming a single whole. A feature of the method is the complete absence of seams, which is why leakage at the joints is completely excluded.

Advantages of polypropylene:

• affordable cost of material and fitting. For plumbing, you can purchase the simplest option, without a reinforced layer, which is inferior to the latter in price;
• ease of installation: the ability to rotate at any angle, slightly bend the pipe, etc.;
• ease of welding. If desired, it is easy to learn the welding process yourself;
• corrosion resistance. Plastic is not affected by impurities and salts;
• lack of resistance due to the smooth surface.

Flaws:

• the maximum temperature of the heat carrier must not exceed 80 ºС. The exception is another class of propylene (PPS), capable of withstanding up to 95 ºС;
• when the coolant passes over 60ºС, they can be deformed. From heating, propylene expands, after which it does not return to its original state. As a result, the pipes can "sag".

Attention! To prevent the pipes from being deformed from heating, they must be attached to the wall with frequent steps.

metal-plastic material

Metal-plastic pipes are lightweight and durable. They will be a good option for arranging water supply in a multi-storey building. The combination of metal and plastic made this product versatile.

Thermal stability indicators depend on the production technology. You can determine this by the color of the product: blue ones are designed for installation of cold water pipes, white ones can withstand water temperatures above 45 degrees.

With the installation procedure in this case, no problems should arise. For this, compression fittings of various diameters are used. If fittings are connected with a ferrule, there must be room for regular tightening.

Metal-plastic construction

The presence of a multilayer structure allows us to talk about high strength indicators. Metal-plastic is created in the form of a multilayer cake and consists of:

• metal frame;
• soft plastic covering the base on both sides.

In this case, the frame can be solid, spiral and perforated.

The service life is about 35 years. The material is able to withstand heating up to 75 degrees.

The benefits of this material include:

• Ease of assembly of structures and its further operation;
• When heated, they are able to bend and take the necessary shape;
• Relatively low price;
• The soldering passes directly and does not require additional equipment for connection;
• Resistant to low temperatures, so they can be laid even in the soil.

Noiselessness can also be attributed to positive qualities. Due to the features of the multi-layer construction, they absorb noise well.

This type also has its drawbacks. Metal-plastic does not tolerate a sharp temperature drop, which can cause delamination of the base. It is worth mentioning the fitting connection, which is not reliable.

Which water pipes are better - polypropylene or metal-plastic?

pipe installation

Polypropylene pipes are produced in a wider range of diameters in the direction of their increase, starting from 63 mm. For large diameters, the question of which water pipes are better - plastic or metal-plastic, is not worth it. Obviously, polypropylene should be used here.

Metal-plastic products have a significantly lower coefficient of thermal expansion than polymer products due to the presence of a metal layer (5-6 times lower). Therefore, thermal compensators in the form of loops are required for polypropylene pipes. The presence of materials with different thermal expansion in one system reduces the period of operation of metal-plastic pipes with frequent temperature effects.

Metal-plastic plumbing is easier to install and does not require an expensive welding machine. Polypropylene communications are non-separable, but the welding points do not differ in strength from the pipe material.