The heating cable is internal for the sewerage. Heating cable for sewerage. Laying the heating cable inside the sewer pipes

The climatic conditions of our country are quite severe, in winter the ground can freeze several meters. In the Arctic, permafrost does not thaw even in summer. The heating cable for sewer pipes works much more efficiently than the heating main winding technology insulating materials or burying it below the freezing point. Consider what this product is, its device, varieties and installation procedure on drainage systems.

An electrical element is a flexible structure that releases heat when energized by the resistance of the metal. The degree of heating depends on the brand of the product and the current strength that is supplied to it.

The heating cable is designed to maintain a positive temperature in the sewer system, laid above the level of soil freezing or on its surface. Installation of this device requires additional financial costs, but they pay off by reducing the cost of excavation. In addition, drains will be reliably protected from the cold even at extremely low air temperatures.

When heating is needed

Heating of drain pipes is required when they are operated in the cold season. AT without fail it is necessary to maintain heat in them in private houses, summer cottages, baths and other buildings where the sewage system is not deep.

Freezing is fraught with freezing of the draining liquid, blockage of the line and its rupture.

Why does ice accumulate

As a rule, when laying in the ground, sewer pipes are lined with rolled insulating materials. With prolonged contact with frozen ground, the cold reaches the main, the temperature of the walls of which drops below zero. The contact of the liquid with the walls of the sewer leads to the formation of a thin layer of ice, and icicles grow on the top. Gradually, the ice thickens until it completely fills the pipe.

The problem is eliminated in one way - the earth is dug up, the ice is melted using blowtorch or gas burner.

Heating cable device

Depending on the type, the heating elements are designed of varying complexity, thickness and flexibility.

Products consist of the following parts:

heat-releasing conductor (wire);
insulation of cores with high thermal conductivity;
inner polymer shell;
wicker screen protector copper wire or foil;
outer insulating sheath;
sensors and thermal relays;
power cord and electrical plug.

Inside modern self-heating systems, a self-regulating matrix of semiconductor materials is installed.

Principle of operation

Heat is generated due to the fact that the wire, which is the basis of the cable, has a certain electrical resistance.

When current passes through a metal, heat is generated. This principle is used in the manufacture of incandescent lamps and heaters. To prevent wasted energy, the cores are insulated with dielectric materials with a maximum degree of thermal conductivity and flexibility. For the manufacture of heating cable is used flexible metal with medium resistance. The heat generated is sufficient to prevent ice formation and melt the insulation.

Advantages and disadvantages

Using electricity to heat sewer pipes has its pros and cons.

The advantages of this method are the following:

Security. The cable has a significant margin of safety and is protected from impact external factors. The relay cuts off the power supply in the event of a short circuit.
Ability to create and maintain optimal temperature inside the pipeline. No threat of ice formation inside the highway and its destruction.
Ease of installation, no need to carry out time-consuming routine maintenance.
Reducing the time for preparatory activities and the costs associated with this.

The disadvantage is the dependence of devices on the supply of electricity. In its absence, it is necessary to suspend the functioning of the sewerage system.

Types of cables for heating

To create a sewer anti-icing system, devices are used different design. They are installed inside the pipe or on its outer side. The choice is determined by the characteristics of the drain system, its diameter and length. Let us dwell on the design of each type of cable that is used to heat the sewer.

resistive

It is a flexible wire covered with several layers of insulation.

The power and resistance of the cable are constant and not adjustable. The price of this type of heaters is low, many consider this a plus. The downside is that the core temperature gradually drops from the entry point to the end point. In addition, there is a high risk of wire burnout during sudden warming and thawing of the soil.

self-adjusting

The cost of this type of device is higher, but the investment is worth it. The design of the self-adjusting system ensures its switching on and off when the set temperature is reached, maintaining it at a constant level throughout the pipeline. Zonal devices are able to heat certain nodes and sections of the sewer.

Shielding

The metal screen is used to protect the electrically conductive part of the cable from moisture. The screen is made of tinned copper, resistant to corrosion. Copper has enough flexibility and strength to withstand external pressure without losing its tightness.

AT budget options heating systems use aluminum.

Products with aluminum screens are laid outside in a straight line.

Power and duration

The power of the heating cable is measured in watts per running meter at one o'clock. This indicator differs between resistive and self-regulating models. At a voltage of 220-240 volts and maximum temperature 90 ºС average main power is 18 watts. It is easy to calculate how much electricity is required to heat a pipeline 15 m long (namely, this should be minimum distance from the house to the septic tank).

Depending on the settings, the electricity consumption will be 100-270 watts per hour.

Life time

The durability of the cable depends on the materials used in its manufacture and the intensity of operation.

The service life of the products is affected by the correct installation and mechanical impact during seasonal ground movements. The most famous manufacturers from Asia and Europe give a 5-year warranty on their products. At the same time, the estimated service life is 15-20 years.

Make your own or buy

If you have a special education and experience with electricity, you can make a heating cable yourself. For this, low-power spirals and wires are used. Metal insulation is carried out using heat shrink tubing. Ready product can be no worse than analogues of industrial production.

However, the time and money spent on the purchase of materials may not bring tangible benefits and savings.

Professionals recommend choosing products with such a power that will provide high-quality heating of the main line at a critical temperature drop. If it is possible to continuously monitor the condition of the cable, then it is advisable to stop at the resistive version.

When the system works offline, it is better to install a self-regulating device from inside the main.

Do-it-yourself cable manufacturing and installation

The best option for the manufacture of home-made heating systems is to use a communication cable of the P-274 brand or its analogues. These products consist of copper wires and durable insulation that is resistant to moisture and mechanical stress. The wire is fed D.C. voltage 6-27 volts. Changing the parameters is carried out using a manual or automatic controller, tuned to temperature changes.

Drawing and diagrams

The drawing is drawn to scale on a computer or a sheet of paper.

On it, it is necessary to schematically display the following design details:

the beginning of the pipeline;
the exit of the highway to the well;
the line of passage of the sewage system;
corners, tees and taps;
pipe diameter;
trench depth.

Based on the created schemes, the calculation is made necessary materials and equipment.

Size calculation

№	Pipe outside diameter (mm)	Power (W/m)
№	Pipe outside diameter (mm)	Depth 50 cm	Depth 75 cm	Depth 50 cm
1	32	10	8	5
2	42	13	10	7
3	48	15	12	8
4	60	20	15	10
5	75	25	20	12
6	90	30	25	15
7	110	40	30	20
8	160	50	38	25

The calculation is given for air temperature - 30 ºС. A change in parameters by one degree entails a similar change in power by a third of a point.

Installation video

Mounting Features

When assembling a sewer heating system, it is necessary to take into account the following nuances:

Careful preparation of the installation process. Conducting consultations with experts.
The internal cable is pulled through an additional twin, which is installed in the room.
Laying the wire of a self-regulating product is carried out only in a straight line. Resistive devices may be wrapped around pipes and fittings.

Service

External parts of the heating system should be inspected regularly for external damage.

The resistance of the heating conductors should be measured monthly. If abnormalities are found, disconnect the device from the mains.

Repair of damaged areas should be carried out using heat shrink tubing, followed by strengthening the solder joint.

Common errors and installation problems

When installing heating systems, such errors are most often made.

Installation of heating devices below the freezing point. These are extra and unnecessary expenses.
Ignoring additional thermal insulation over pipes. The cable cannot heat them over the entire area, which leads to the formation of ice.
Work electrical equipment in continuous mode without sensors and relays. This leads to high and unjustified energy costs.

The need to heat the sewer pipes and the heating system arises when it is not possible to lay pipes at a depth that would not allow them to freeze even in severe frosts.

As a rule, installation, maintenance and heating of sewer pipes, even in private construction, are carried out by professionals in most cases.

Pipe heating

On the need for heating

Most in a simple way protection of pipes from freezing of liquids in them is the placement sewer system below the ground freezing level. The average depth of soil freezing in winter is considered to be a distance of approximately 1.2-1.4 meters.

However, some sewer areas may still be affected by low winter temperatures, so the heating of sewer pipes is simply necessary.

Types of pipes that need heating

The main types of sewer pipes that need heating include:

pipes that are intended for arranging external sewage;
drain to a local treatment plant or septic tank;
pipes that are designed to drain the washing water of the cleaning filter;
pipes that connect the septic tank to drainage fields or a filtration well.

Methods for heating pipes of sewer systems

The methods of heating pipes of sewer systems include:

heating with a special heating cable;

arrangement of the sewer system with pipes that are equipped with a system of thermal insulation and heating;

laying sewer systems at a level below the freezing of the soil.

Heating cable functions

Often, sewer pipes heated by a heating cable allow solving a number of problems. Heating cable:

prevents the shutdown of the sewer system due to the formation of traffic jams;
increases movement speed Wastewater during the cold season;
retains the technological viscosity of liquids that move through the sewer system;
prevents accumulation of condensate on the surface of sewer pipes.

Heating cable for sewer systems

What is a heating cable?

In most cases, sewer pipes are heated using a heating cable. This is the most reliable and common way.

The heating cable is a flexible heating element. Its base is a heating core for a resistive cable and a polymer matrix. When voltage is applied to the heating element, the cable heats up.

Types of heating cable

There are several types of heating cable for sewer systems:

Resistive (constant power cable). This type of heating cable has a constant design resistance along the entire length.
Heats the pipe evenly load-bearing core regardless of the ambient temperature. Such a heating cable requires constant monitoring of the amount of heat generated.
Self-heating (self-regulating) cable. At the heart of this type of cable is a matrix of semiconductors. It is she who changes the conductive properties of the cable, which depend on the ambient temperature.

The use of a self-heating cable does not require the installation of a control system, since this type of cable automatically reduces or increases power when the ambient temperature changes.

Features of the heating cable

The most common is the heating of sewer pipes with a self-heating cable. Features of this type of heating cable:

The power of a self-heating cable is on average 33 W per meter of pipe.
In a self-heating cable, a special reinforced tape is used adhesive tape with aluminum coating.
The self-heating cable can be cut into pieces of the required length for installation.
A cable longer than eighty meters can be plugged directly into an outlet.

At the first start, the current consumption can be exceeded by three to five times. You shouldn't be afraid of this. The peak load on the first sharp heating will average ninety seconds.

Then the value will acquire the declared value.

Heating cable installation method

Heating of the sewer system can be done in two ways:

Mount the heating cable inside the pipe.
Lay the heating cable outside the pipe.

In private construction, it is preferable to use the second option for mounting the heating cable.

The most widespread was the second method and sewage. Experts rarely recommend installing a heating cable inside a sewer pipe, since this method is only suitable for pipes of small diameter.

Heating cable installation

AT middle lane In Russia, heated sewer pipes are more of a necessity than a luxury. with a cable?

Installation of the heating cable consists of several stages:

Carefully read the installation instructions on the packaging of the heating cable.
Prepare pipes for the upcoming installation. The sewer pipe must be not only dry, but also clean.
Place heat shrink tubing over the end of the heating cable.

Heat shrink tubing should be larger.

Peel the end of the cable (about 50 millimeters) from the braid and sheath.
Separate the wires of the cable and also strip them about 40 millimeters.
Place a heat shrink tube on each wire of the cable.
Heat the tube with a building hair dryer.
Strip the ends about 6 millimeters.
Place the braid in metal tube and hold.
Clean the end of the power cable and separate the wires.

The ground wire must be left 80 millimeters long, the rest should be cut to 35 millimeters.

Connect the wires of the power cable to the heating cable.
Wire connections should be insulated with tape.
Connect the metal braid.
Also insulate the connection points with tape.
Then the sewer pipe must be sprinkled with soil.

Proper installation of the sewer system eliminates the question of how to warm the sewer pipe. If you are not sure about own forces, in order to avoid problems during operation, you should seek the help of specialists.

Most of our country is located in a severe climatic zone. Therefore, the protection of sewer pipes from freezing has always been and will be an urgent task. Of course, the ideal option is to lay pipes below the soil freezing limits, but this is not always possible.

Modern technologies come to the rescue, and now you don’t have to worry that drains will freeze, turning comfortable life into inconvenience. A heating cable for sewerage can well guarantee peace of mind during the onset of winter frosts.

How heating cable works

The principle of its operation is based on the heating of the core wire, which forms its basis. The heat created in the wire by the flow of electric current is transferred to the outside, and the liquid in the pipes to which the cable is attached is heated.

The cable is protected by seamless insulation. There are two wires inside it. Heating (hot) and electric (cold). They are connected by laser soldering, and the cold wire ends with a plug.

Any heating cable for sewers can be self-regulating or resistive.

Resistive

These cables are characterized by constant resistance. This means that when turned on, heat is constantly released from it, and the temperature range is 5-130 C. That is, the liquid in the pipes is heated continuously.

To make the operation of such a cable more efficient, apply additional devices. These include thermostats and temperature sensors. They are intended for automatic start and shutdown of the system when the specified temperature parameters are reached. But the minus of the thermal relay is that frequent turning it on and off reduces the service life of the cable.

Self-adjusting

Self-regulating heating cable for sewerage is more complicated. The change in cable resistance is affected by the temperature of the liquid in the pipes. Heat dissipation decreases as the resistance increases and increases as the resistance decreases.

This principle of self-regulation allows you to maintain the cable in the optimal mode. The wire does not overheat, which prevents it from burning out.

The main feature of such a cable is the ability to heat up non-uniformly. On the different areas pipeline temperature can be different, so the cable in these sections will have a different heating temperature.

Rules for mounting heating cables

Specific types of sewer communications need to be heated:

drains to a septic tank or to treatment plants;
outlets of washing waters of cleaning filters;
connecting septic tanks to filtration wells or drainage fields.

Most often, a self-regulating cable is used, because it is more reliable and durable. In order to get the correct heating of the sewer in a private house, it is necessary to comply with some requirements:

it is unacceptable that the bending radius of the cable be less than its possible minimum value;
cable must not be laid sharp objects;
before the pipes are inspected - they should not have any damage;
do not connect a cable that is in a coiled state to the mains;
after installing the cable, it is necessary to carry out the thermal insulation of the pipes.

There are two options for securing the cable.

Along the pipe. Installation is made on a pipe in one or several parallel threads. The number of threads is determined by the expected power.
around the pipe. Mounting occurs in the form of a spiral. But in this case, the length of the cable must be greater than the length of the pipe.

Mount process

The technology for properly mounting the cable on the pipe looks like this:

to achieve uniform heating, pipes made of plastic and polyethylene are initially equipped with an aluminum layer, on which a layer of foil is wound;
fixing the heating cable is carried out with aluminum or other heat-resistant tape;
cable loops (up to one and a half meters) are fixed at flanges and valves for the possibility of subsequent separation of the latter;
the resistive cable must not cross in turns;
it is necessary to provide waterproofing of communications;
fixing the temperature sensor to the pipe is similar to fixing a heating cable;
we must not forget about the markup, which will give information about the placement of the cable.

If these rules are followed, freezing will not happen even in severe frosts.

Internal installation

To mount a heating cable for sewage inside a pipe, you must first install a tee through which it will be introduced into the system. The effectiveness of this option, especially when removing ice plugs, is very high. But there are some negative features:

installing a tee somewhat reduces the reliability of the pipeline;
the cable located inside the pipes makes the risk of blockages higher;
the performance of pipes is somewhat reduced, since their working diameter decreases;
if the sewer system has many bends and turns, then laying the heating cable becomes much more complicated.

Internal installation is much more complicated than external, so specialists will do it better.

How to buy the right cable

Heating cable for sewerage is sold in the form of ready-made kits various lengths or by size. It is more profitable to buy a cable according to the second option. But you need to remember that the maximum length of the wire intended for external fastening, should not be more than 100, and for the internal - 60 m.

Cables produced for domestic use usually have a power of 9 to 24 watts per linear meter. For external installation, a cable is required that is more powerful than for internal installation, because the heating consumption is much higher.

When choosing a cable, you need to be especially careful. Even the smallest damage to it will lead to the electrification of the pipe. Right choice manufacturer and following the instructions that accompany the product will help to avoid this.

At correct installation sewerage heating will be uninterrupted for up to 20 years, and in some cases twice as much. But we must not forget about standard insulation pipes. The main purpose of the heating cable is an exception emergencies. Even the most powerful cable cannot completely replace the thermal insulation system!

Video with an example of installing a heating cable for sewerage:

To sewer system country house functioned efficiently and effectively, it is necessary to adhere to strict rules when arranging it. Particular attention should be paid to how the sewer pipes will be insulated. If you do not perform insulation, you may encounter a number of unpleasant problems, such as freezing pipes, the formation of traffic jams, bad smell on site and at home.

There are several ways to protect against low temperatures sewer pipes. You can lay them below the freezing level of the soil, but in order to do this it is not always available. technical possibility. Most often, insulation of sewers is carried out using insulation materials. For this purpose, it is used mineral wool, basalt fibers, polystyrene others.

One of the most effective ways is to heat the sewer pipe with a cable. It is also considered the most expensive, since it provides for the costs not only for the implementation installation work but also for service. The cable requires electricity to function. If it's cold outside, it consumes electricity constantly.

Heating a sewer pipe with a cable

How the cable works

With the help of a heating cable, sewer pipes are heated from the inside. The principle of operation of the cable, which is used to heat the sewer system, is significantly different from how conventional cables that conduct current work. In the process of passing its path, the current in the heating cable spends a minimum of energy, saving it in order to do its main job, that is, to heat the sewer pipe.

The cable receives the load simultaneously with the release of heat required to heat the pipe. In order for the cable to do its job effectively, care must be taken to ensure that it is properly wound around the pipe.

Note! Considering that there is an increased risk of freezing at the junctions of sewer pipes, the insulation of these sections must be of high quality.

The cable constantly heats the pipes, protecting them from freezing, frost formation or ice plugs inside. As a result, the functionality of the sewer system is maintained even at very low temperatures.

Heating a sewer pipe with a heating cable

Types of heating cable

During the operation of a conventional heating cable, temperature regulation is carried out using a control system. This is not very convenient, so engineers and technologists have invented another type of cable that does not require the attention of the owner, since it can regulate itself. According to the principle of operation, there are two main types of heating cables.

The resistive cable works without interruption. It emits the same amount of heat along the entire length of the sewer pipe, so a control system is needed in order to regulate electricity consumption.
More modern, efficient and safer is the heating cable for sewer pipes, which is called self-regulating. It is equipped with a matrix that is able to change the temperature of the cable depending on the temperature of the soil. This cable is much more expensive, but it consumes less power.

Note! The self-regulating cable heats the sewer automatically. To bring it into working condition, you need to connect it to the outlet. A heating cable is installed inside the sewer pipes. If you use it for the first time, you may encounter the fact that the temperature will be higher than the declared one, but then it will normalize.

Heating cable fixing

Cable installation

Cable for sewer pipes can be installed by hand. You will need some knowledge and skills related to working with electricity. The process of performing work must consist of several stages.

Clean and dry the surface of the sewer pipe.
Now you need to wind the cable around the pipe or attach it on both sides using special elements.
We wrap the pipe together with the cable with special foil to exclude moisture, microorganisms, and aggressive compounds from affecting the cable and the pipe itself.
The pipe should be wrapped or lined with heat insulator to prevent heat loss.
You can lay the pipe in a previously dug trench and bury it.

Note! To make the connection of the foil and the pipe more reliable, you need to wrap the pipe with tape over the foil.

Heating cable installation

Insulation of a sewer pipe with a heating cable is effective, practical solution how to maintain the normal operation of the sewer system in winter time. Using a cable will help prevent sewerage problems during a sudden change in temperature, and also prevent pipes from freezing.

Heating sewer pipes with a cable: efficient and practical

Usage electric cable for insulation of the sewer system. What cables are used for sewerage heating? Principle of operation and installation rules

Which pipes are better to choose, their types, applications and installation

Heating of sewer pipes with a heating cable

Heating of sewer pipes with a heating cable is used when the system is located in zones of soil freezing. It is not always possible to stretch the drain line below the mentioned level. This may be hindered by:

floater;
laid other communications and much more.

Therefore, there is a need for heating the sewer system. For this task, the industry offers a large number of heaters. All of them are excellent operational characteristics and high quality.

Also hallmark of these materials is their low cost. The most effective of heat insulators is called a heating cable for drain lines.

Heating inside the system

The heating cable inside the sewer pipe has been used for a long time. By its structure, this is an electric cable, where the resistance regulates the temperature regime inside the network. It uses known property metal conductors, this is heating when electricity passes through itself. At the same time, as the resistance increases, the heating level rises.

From the foregoing, it becomes clear that the heating cable for sewer pipes must be equipped with good waterproofing, because it is constantly in the water.

The cable that is laid inside is arranged as follows:

metal conductor for heating;
cores enclosed within heat-resistant insulation;
another layer of PTFE insulation;
copper screen;
outer layer of insulation.

In addition, the broach inside drain design, contains a temperature controller. It prevents overheating on the mechanism and saves energy.

Advantages of sewer heating

Heating sewer pipes with a heating cable from the inside has a number of advantages:

Wires that warm up from the inside make it possible to maintain the desired temperature level so that the liquid in the system does not freeze.
High security of cables drawn from the inside and their regulators.
Such devices can be used not only from the inside, but also on the outside of the highway.
Simple and convenient application.
The ability to save electricity due to the automatic regulator.

The only drawback of devices installed from the inside is the dependence on the supply of electricity. For these reasons, on important pipelines, it is necessary to put additional sources, which will come to the rescue in case of interruptions in the operation of the main source.

Types of devices that can be bought in Yakutsk

Heating cable for sewer pipes in Yakutsk can be bought of the following types:

Resistive options that are offered in Yakutsk are divided into the following types:

Products of a linear type emit heat when they enter the conductors of electricity. They can be single-stranded, or they can consist of several metal strands, which are often shaped like a spiral.

To buy quality products of this line in Yakutsk, you need to know that they differ in the type of application. For installation on domestic pipelines, low-power types are recommended.

ADVICE. Most often in country houses and cottages for heating the sewer network use the option with a power of 50 watts per meter of pipe. For a small drain design, this is quite enough.

For an important main line in Yakutsk, you can purchase cable system with more high power, it will effectively protect pipes from freezing even in this cold region.

You need to understand that the power of the heating cable depends not only on the diameter, but also on its length. Since the climate in Yakutsk is cold, preference will have to be given to more powerful options, and this will be reflected in electricity consumption.

Self-Regulating Heating Wire

The above information makes it clear that, in winter, heating sewer pipes is simply necessary. For this, special devices are used.

The heating self-regulating cable for heating sewer pipes is distinguished by the ability to warm up or cool down, depending on the temperature of the environment. In this case, there is no need to apply any additional regulatory mechanisms.

Self-regulating heating internal method installation is placed on drain networks with a volume of up to 50 mm, which cannot be reached directly.

A heating device from the middle of the line is placed along its entire length. For this, a stuffing box is used, and all work is carried out in accordance with safety rules.

Here are a few conventions to follow:

When inserting, cover all parts of the edges and the threads of the fittings.
Do not damage the outer shell of the heating device.
The cable installation location must be marked on the outer part of the trunk.
The length of the heat pipe must correspond to the length of the line.
It is not allowed to pass a self-regulating heating device through the shut-off valves.

This type of installation allows you to achieve the most high efficiency heating, and it is used for the structures put into operation. Before this, accurate measurements of the zone that will warm up are carried out.

Self-regulating wire for protection against short circuits is equipped with a device automatic shutdown . To the above, it must be added that a self-regulating heater within the network is not recommended for highways, pitchers drinking water , but for drain systems, this option is very suitable.

Features of outdoor installation

Self-regulating heating cable for heating sewer pipes on the outside of the main is very often located.

There are several options for this work:

Laying in the form of a wavy line.
Placement along tubular straight.
Several heating wires running parallel to the main.
In the form of a spiral.
On knees and taps when installing a heat pipe, combine the previous methods at the same time.

A self-regulating cable with an external pull needs constant monitoring for damage. The heating wire is attached to the upper part of the sewer pipes with adhesive tape. Only a special aluminum tape is allowed to be used, and plastic tape is not allowed to be glued for this task.

At first, the device for heating the drain network is fixed with small pieces of tape. They are placed at a distance of 0.3 m from one another. Then aluminum tape is carried out along the entire length of the heat pipe. In this way, a strong attachment to the upper part of the highway is created.

ADVICE. The minimum bend volume for a heating wire is equal to the sum of its six volumes.

If a this montage it is made on a plastic system, it must first be glued with adhesive tape, you can also take aluminum foil for this task. This will allow the heat to be evenly distributed over the entire pipeline area.

After fixing the heating device, it is recommended to insulate the pipe system with special materials.

Heating of sewer pipes with a heating cable is easy to perform efficiently, thanks to manufacturers such as Raychem, Esto, Lavita, and others. And Devi's products received the highest marks from the craftsmen. All of them help to extend the life of the system, because it directly depends on the quality of heating in the cold winter.

Heating sewer pipes with a heating cable: consider the types of devices, their advantages and disadvantages, installation features

Heating of sewer pipes with a heating cable is carried out both inside the line and outside. The heating cable inside the sewer pipe must have good waterproofing, as it is constantly in the water

Heating of sewer pipes: external and internal

Considering climatic features most regions of Russia, when laying external sewerage systems, it is necessary to provide heating for sewer pipes. More recently, to prevent freezing of water in pipelines, the technology of laying pipes below the freezing level of the soil and insulating them with various heat-insulating materials was used. About more modern technology you can find out from our article.

Sewer pipes need heating

Electric heating of sewer pipes

Today, this method is considered obsolete, it was replaced by latest developments in the field of heat engineering, which make it possible to supply heating pipes laid above the soil freezing limit, and even external ones.

Of course installation electrical systems pipe heating is an additional material investment, but if there is electric heating there are no costs for laying pipes in the ground.

Electric cable for pipe heating is manufactured by many different manufacturers. According to the installation method, heating systems are divided into:

Example of external pipe heating

External heating systems for sewer pipes

Outdoor heating methods

External heating of sewer pipes can be film and cable.

Film type outdoor heating systems is the most common and relevant. The fact is that the cost of such a system is quite acceptable, and its installation does not cause difficulties. The material for the production of film heating is a heat-radiating film. The film system has the following advantages:

heat is distributed evenly over the entire area of the pipe;
the system has a low power, which saves money during operation.

Film heating for pipes

Another option for heating sewer pipes is also possible - using a heating cable. In this case, the cable laid along the heated pipe, when the system is turned on, heats it up to a predetermined temperature.

Electric heating cable is available in various types:

Self-regulating cable - the most promising of all existing species heating cable. He is able to "adjust" to climatic conditions: When the outdoor temperature rises, the cable resistance automatically decreases, which leads to a decrease in power consumption and, consequently, to a reduction in energy costs. Moreover, the heating power may not be the same in different parts of the insulated pipe. When using a self-regulating heating cable, thermostats can be dispensed with.

Diagram of a self-regulating cable

Resistive cable it is cheaper, but the power and resistance in such heating systems are not regulated when the ambient temperature changes, so the cable may fail due to overheating. To prevent damage to the heating system, sensors and thermostats must be installed.

Resistive cable diagram

Zone cable according to the principle of operation, it is similar to resistive, but unlike it, it does not emit heat over its entire length, but only in certain zones. Thanks to this feature, cutting and redistribution of the cable to any place in the sewer system is allowed. The use of a zonal cable is advisable for the insulation of metal pipelines and tanks.

Zone cable diagram

Installation of the heating cable outside the pipes

When laying an electric heating cable, consider the following rules:

The cable is pulled strictly along the pipe - this is the only way to avoid possible errors installation, prevent various cable damage and significantly save time.
The electrical cable can be laid with a spiral gasket, but only if the project requires it.
When laying, it is not allowed to cross the cable on supports and in other places.
Cable installation must take into account dead-end and bypass lines.

The principle of installing the cable outside the pipe

Fixing the heating cable to the sewer pipes

The heating cable must be attached to the heated sewer pipes. Fastening is carried out at intervals of at least 200 mm with heat-resistant adhesive tape or synthetic cable bandage. If the heating cable has mineral insulation, fastening is done with tie-down bands or steel cable ties.

The principle of fixing the heating cable

When choosing fasteners, the following recommendations are taken into account:

the preferred means of fastening is adhesive tape;
when using a cable tie, its resistance to chemicals and elevated temperature effects;
if the heating cable is placed in a polymer sheath, the use of metal fasteners is prohibited;
when sticking an aluminum-based adhesive tape on a heating cable, its thermal power, therefore, the use of such a tape must be justified by the requirements of the project;
if it is necessary to insulate synthetic sewer pipes, the best way the cable will be secured with aluminum adhesive tape or passing foil under the cable (in some cases under and over it), as this provides effective heat transfer and evenly distributes heat.

It is better to insulate the structure from the outside

Internal heating systems for sewer pipes

The use of internal heating systems occurs in small sections of the sewer pipeline, most often on street pumps. Internal systems according to the principle of operation, they are similar to external systems, however, when entering the heating cable into the pipe, a preliminary installation of a tee is necessary. Through it, the heating cable will be inserted into the pipe.

Laying the heating cable inside the sewer pipes

Entering the heating cable into the sewerage system

There are cases when laying an electric heating cable is required to be carried out inside a sewer pipe. Then the cable is placed into the pipe through a special sleeve - a nipple. However, this comes with disadvantages:

due to the introduction of the tee into the sewer pipeline, its reliability is reduced;
the inner diameter of the pipe is reduced;
increases the likelihood of blockages;
if the pipeline is mounted with numerous transitions, bends, and also has a significant length, the installation of the heating cable inside the pipe is very complicated and time consuming.

Installing the cable inside the pipe

In conclusion, I would like to say that high-quality heating of sewer pipes - important condition effective work sewers during the cold season. And although heating systems consume a certain amount of electricity, they can be economical, even in the face of ever-increasing electricity prices. After all, the system can be supplemented with switches or controllers and thermostats that will monitor changes in temperature in the pipes and regulate energy consumption.

Heating of sewer pipes: external, internal, film and cable

Heating of sewer pipes can be both external and internal. The most popular heating of sewer pipes is with a heating cable, thanks to which the pipes become heated.

Sewerage heating with electric cable

The performance of the sewer system in the winter season depends entirely on compliance with the recommendations regarding the deepening of the collector to a depth below the freezing mark. However, it is not always possible to adhere to such recommendations at the installation stage due to the characteristics of the soil on the site or other conditions. Common causes are:

Wetlands that do not allow pipes to be lowered below the groundwater level;
Part of the external collector, which is responsible for connecting the system to the septic tank;
Pipes at the exit from the house;
The pipeline leading from the filters to drainage fields etc.

In this case, the sewer cable will help to heat the collector.

It is important to know that the average depth of the sewer collector varies between 1-1.4 m. The pipeline laid above is prone to freezing. And this means that peculiar growths-icicles will form inside the pipe, which will subsequently gradually collect drains on themselves, thereby forming a large ice plug from the inside in the drainage system. As a result, the sewer will simply fail.

Important: a heater in the form of a special cable will prevent possible freezing of the pipeline of the sewer system.

Sewer heating methods

Heating of sewer pipes can be carried out and equipped even at the stage of collector installation in two ways:

Through the use of special heated pipes, which have a sandwich structure and are equipped inside with a special heating element. This collector is made of plastic. A heating element is placed on top of the plastic collector, and already on top the pipes are wrapped with a special heat-insulating material. The cost of such a sewer collector will be several times higher than the standard one.
And you can heat the sewer pipeline with a special heat cord. Such a device is a sealed and waterproofed heating element, which in most cases is located outside the pipeline. It is not recommended to mount such an electrical cable from the inside. There are only a few situations when the heating cable is mounted inside. One of them is the insufficient cross section of the collector.

Benefits of using cable

Applying special cable for heating the sewer with his own hands, the master receives a lot of advantages from such a solution:

So, the sewer collector is in working order all the time, regardless of the temperature outside the window and the intensity of use of the sewerage system.
The speed of transporting wastewater from the house to the septic tank (pit) increases significantly, which prevents stagnation in the pipes.
The technological consistency of the aggressive environment remains in its original state, which accelerates the bacteriological treatment of wastewater in the septic tank in winter.
In addition, there will be no condensation on the surface of the collector, which means that the risk of corrosion inside the collector is minimized.

Types of heating cable

You can use three types of cable to create pipe heating with your own hands. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Resistive heating element (heating cable). This type of device works on the principle of constant heating, regardless of the temperature outside. That is, installed temperature regime is constant, which means that the current consumption will also be constant. A resistive type heater needs constant monitoring.
Zone cable. This type of heating element is identical to the principle of operation of a resistive one. But at the same time, it has a significant difference - the heating element works in zones, and not along its entire length. Most often, such a wire for heating the system is used in separate sections of the sewer network.
Self-heating cable. This type of heating element for heating the sewer is more productive and economical. The wire is able to regulate the collector heating temperature depending on ambient temperature. At the heart of the operation of such a wire is a semiconductor matrix, which regulates the amount of heat. Self-regulating cable consumes only 33 W of electricity per linear meter. At the same time, the installation of the wire is simplified due to the presence of an adhesive aluminum side on it. The convenience of using such an element is due to the fact that it can be easily cut into pieces and at the same time it will not lose its working properties. And the cable, which is 80 m long, can be plugged directly into a socket. Also, the self-heating cable can be adjusted according to temperature parameters at any desired section of the pipeline. That is, where the collector is located higher to the earth's surface, the temperature can be made higher and vice versa.

Important: during the initial connection of the heating system, a one-time consumption of electricity exceeding the nominal one may be observed. But already within 1-2 minutes, the heating system equalizes the current consumption and switches to normal operating mode.

Do-it-yourself heating cable installation

It is worth remembering that the installation of a heating element inside the system is not recommended. If there is an urgent need to mount the HPV inside the collector, then it is better to invite specialists for this. Outside of the system, it is quite possible to mount the wire with your own hands.

Work rules

If you decide to install a heating system with your own hands, then you should follow these important rules:

It is forbidden to mount the heating element on any sharp and cutting surfaces;
Before carrying out work, it is worth inspecting the collector for tightness and detection of possible leaks;
It is forbidden to connect a cable wound into a ball to electricity;
The finished heating system must be wrapped with hydro- and heat-insulating materials;
If the collector is made of plastic, then it is recommended to first wrap it with foil material to increase the thermal conductivity of the collector;
When laying the heating cable, it is necessary to make 3-4 loops 1.4 m long throughout the entire pipeline (depending on the length of the collector) in case of emergency disconnection of the pipeline. Loops are attached to the valves or neatly laid along the manifold;
Depending on the diameter of the cable, it is possible to strengthen the heating system by winding the heating element outside the collector with a spiral in two steps in opposite directions relative to each other.
Installation of the heating system for sewer pipes can also be carried out parallel to each other in a straight line. But in any of the cases, it is necessary to use additional clamps that will not allow the wire to move away from the collector in the future.
To avoid possible damage to the heating element, a mark is placed outside the pipeline stating that the collector is equipped with electronic system heating.

Important: overlaying layer on layer or crossing a resistive type cable during the installation phase is not allowed, as the cable may burn out. The self-regulating wire can be twisted during installation.

Performing installation work

If you purchased a cable in a reel and are going to mount it yourself, you will have to make a plug to the wire. To do this, you need to perform the following stages of work:

Measure 10 cm from the end of the cable and remove the outer sheath on this section of the wire. To do this, use a clerical or any other knife.
Now carefully unwind the braid with an awl and twist it into a bundle. In the future, this harness will be connected to the ground wire.
Again, remove the outer layer of thermal protection to the same length. Under it will be a conductive matrix. To easily remove it, you need to heat the material with a hair dryer to a state of plasticity. When the matrix becomes pliable, remove it.
We will have two copper current conductors in our hands, which must be connected to the wires of the prepared plug.
We reliably isolate all contacts of the heating cable after connection.

Important: if there is no grounding barrier in the plug circuit, then you can simply cut off the remaining braid braid.

We mount the prepared cable on the pipeline in the intended position and insulate the pipes.

Cable selection

In order to choose the right heating system, it is necessary to pay attention not only to the type of the wire itself (resistant, self-regulating), but also to the power of the wire. Since not always a more powerful element is needed in a particular case. Most likely, you just have to overpay for electricity.

So, for water pipes with a diameter of 22 to 36 mm, a cable with a power of 16 W per linear meter is suitable.
If water pipe or the sewer has a diameter of 50 to 110 mm, then a wire with a power of 24 W / running meter is suitable.
For pipes with a larger diameter, you will need an electric cable with a power of 33 W per linear meter and above.

Heating of any water supply or drainage system using a heating cable will be more efficient in this case than when using standard insulation materials.

Sewer heating: heating cable for pipes

Sewer heating methods and the benefits of using an electric cable. Types of cables and installation methods. Choose a cable.

The principle by which heating works lies in the operation of the core wire, which is actually the basis. The heat generated by the passage of electricity is transferred to the surface of the pipes. Heating is carried out not only on the surface, but also from the inside, not allowing condensate to accumulate.

The outer sheath of the cable and its protection from external factors is the outer insulation. Inside it are two cores. Conductive wire (cold), heating wire (hot). The elements are connected by the most precise laser soldering, and there is a plug at the end of the cold wire.

All heating cables used to maintain the temperature outside and inside, the sewer pipe laid at the required depth, are divided into two types:

self-regulating;
resistive.

Self-regulating cables

The complex design of the cable puts it one line higher in terms of cost. Changes in temperature and heating of pipelines are regulated by sensors installed in it. The release of heat increases when the indicators fall below the specified norm, and decreases or turns off altogether, when the indicators are normalized.

On a note. This principle of self-regulation of the cable that heats the pipes allows you to maintain the optimal mode and exclude the possibility of overheating, and as a result, failure.

The main feature is the possibility of uneven heating. In one area, the temperature may be different relative to the degree of cooling of the sewer pipe from the outside and inside.

Resistive control system

Cables belonging to this category operate with a constant current resistance. This means that once the heating is turned on, the temperature will be maintained continuously.

You can reduce energy consumption and eliminate the possibility of cable burnout by installing additional sensors. They regulate the switching on and off of the system upon reaching certain temperature set in advance. The disadvantage of the thermal relay is that it significantly reduces the service life of the cable heating the sewer pipes.

For uninterrupted operation and an increase in the period after which it will be necessary to repair the sewerage system in the apartment and outside, it is not necessary to heat all pipes, but only the following sections:

connection points of the septic tank, with filtration wells;
cleaning filter outlets;
connection points to treatment plants and septic tanks.

Given the characteristics of the systems presented above, self-regulating cables are more often used. Heating pipes with such a system is faster. And so that no force majeure situations happen during the heating process, some requirements must be observed:

during installation, it is forbidden to lay the cable on sharp objects, stones or metal bars found in the ground;
the permissible bending radius must not be exceeded;
do not connect coiled cable to the network;
after laying the system, the cable must be covered with heat-insulating material.

Laying is done in two ways. The first is along the pipe. One or more parallel threads are mounted, depending on the power consumption and output of energy. The second is around the pipes. The cable is wound in a spiral.

Proper connection is the key to trouble-free operation

There are several nuances of fastening regarding the material of sewer pipes. If the system is laid out plastic material, before laying the cable, the line is wrapped with foil films. Fixation directly on the pipe is carried out aluminum foil. It is not necessary to omit the process of insulating sewer pipes. This is also additional protection cable.

Loops of wires are attached at flange connections in such a way that they can be disconnected at any time. That is, no capital fixations. Keep your distance when laying. Resistive cables should not intersect in turns and must be treated with waterproofing materials before laying the line. Thermal sensors are installed on the pipe according to the type of fixation of the heating element itself.

By adhering to these rules, the heating of pipes will be at a high level and they will not freeze even in the most severe frost.

There is an option to install a heating cable inside the sewer lines. Using such a scheme, tees are pre-installed through which it will be introduced. This option is effective for eliminating ice jams, but there are certain risks:

installation of a tee affects the reliability of the pipeline;
the cable located inside can be an obstacle in the way of garbage dumping;
it is difficult to install the system if the highway is laid with large quantity bends.

On sale, the heating cable is offered in ready-made kits of a certain length or footage. The second option is more profitable because you can purchase as many as you need to protect all lines when installing sewer pipes.

On a note. Maximum length cable for heating pipes should not exceed 100 meters in outdoor use and 60 m in indoor.

Systems manufactured for domestic use are characterized by power from 9 to 24 watts per meter of product. For installation on the outside, more powerful equipment is required. For the location of the heating inside, a less powerful system is suitable.

Carefully inspect the cable when purchasing it in a store. Even minimal damage will be the result of the electrification of the pipe. Be guided by the recommendations in the accompanying documents and do not hesitate to ask for advice from experts.

If you do everything right, then for 20 years you can forget that the sewer pipe can freeze. Heating in automatic mode will maintain the required parameters.

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