Having bought a new apartment, we begin a complete and major renovation in it, but not a single major renovation is complete without replacing pipes. Therefore, if you carry out repairs yourself, you will face the issue of replacing pipes. There is nothing difficult in this, especially if you have skillful hands.

Why you need to change pipes

If old metal pipes are installed in the apartment you bought, then it is simply necessary to replace them.

• Firstly, this must be done in order to improve the water pressure, since grin forms in old metal pipes and they become clogged, as a result of which their throughput is significantly reduced.


• Secondly, this is an aesthetic point, since the white pipes, which have already been painted a fairly large number of times, will not fit in the new bathroom interior in any way.


• Thirdly, now more and more often during repairs, many people hide pipes in the wall, that is, a special box is being built that will close all communications, and they will not run along the entire bathroom as before. You can think over the laying of new pipes in such a way as to hide it as much as possible and press the tubes against the wall.

We strongly recommend that you opt for polypropylene pipes, or as they are popularly called - plastic. This type of pipes has a simple installation method, comparable to the designer, as you can bring pipes even to the most difficult areas. The pipes are connected using a special welding machine, which can be purchased at almost any hardware store. The connecting elements of plastic pipes are special fittings. We will tell you about all this in more detail below.

Advantages of plastic pipes:

• The service life of plastic pipes is 50 years;


• Do not require maintenance, especially painting;


• Excellent thermal insulation properties, due to which there is no heat loss from hot water inside the pipes;


• They make it possible to pass high temperature water through themselves, up to 95 ° C, which allows them to be used both for hot water supply and heating;


• These types of pipes are not afraid of corrosion;


• Easy installation;


• Excellent sound insulation - the sound of water in the pipe is not audible;


• Resistance to water hammer;


• Promote the sliding of water, due to the smoothness of the inner surface.

Installation of plastic water pipes

Plumbing project

The first stage of the installation of plastic pipes will be drawing up a project for laying them around the apartment; for some reason, many people neglect this issue. A real master will never do everything by eye, in order to avoid mistakes and think everything through clearly. Also, we need a project in order to find out what fittings we need to use in order to purchase them in the required quantity and the required shape.

Please note that you can lay new pipes in such a way that it will be most convenient, that is, it is not necessary that the new wiring project should duplicate the previous one, go through the same holes made in the wall, have a branching in the same places and so on. You are completely free in your actions.

In order to draw up a project, we will touch on some of the nuances.

Apartment project

The first thing to focus on when drawing up a pipe laying project is a bathroom, toilet and kitchen project. That is, we need to know where after the repair we will have: a kitchen sink, a dishwasher, a washing machine, a bathroom, a sink, a toilet bowl and other devices to which pipes need to be connected, and think about: what type of connection, for them, we need to make . When we have decided where we need to lead the pipes, we move on to the second point - their diameter.

What diameter pipes to use

On many resources, the question is often asked about what diameter pipes should be used. Due to the fact that there is no specific standard that would be used for plumbing risers, everyone does this at their own discretion. As a rule, most often, a pipe with a diameter of 20 or 25 millimeters is used for water risers. In principle, you don’t have to choose, since the neighbors from below have already given you the diameter of the pipes of the riser.

As for the apartment wiring, the diameter of its pipes should be 16mm.

Height from floor

The branching of the pipe into the apartment is best done at the bottom, so that the pipes are almost invisible. Thanks to this, you can easily hide them in a box, and this will not take away your usable area. The minimum distance of pipes from the floor should be 50mm, we need this for ease of installation.

Structure of the water supply system

How to connect pipes of different diameters

In order to connect pipes of different diameters, a special fitting-adapter is used.

How to branch off a pipe

To make a branch, there is a special tee. Tees come in both the same diameter and for a branch pipe of a smaller diameter. That is, in order to make a branch from the riser to the apartment, we use a tee, which has holes of the same diameter on the sides (for connecting the riser pipe), and in the center there is a hole of a smaller diameter, from which the outlet to the apartment will go. A tee with holes of the same diameter is used to separate the pipe already directly in the apartment.

How to make contours

If pipes intersect in a certain area, then in order to make a bypass, a ready-made piece of plastic pipe is used, which has a slight bend in the center.

How to make a pipe bend at 90 and 45 degrees

You can turn the direction of the plastic pipe using special fittings-corners, which are 90 and 45 degrees.

Plastic Connectors

You can connect a plastic and metal pipe using a special fitting, in the form of a plastic-nut or plastic-thread. At the same time, there are two types of threaded fittings: internal and external.

• A plastic nut is most often used to connect a coarse filter and a meter.


• Plastic thread will be needed to connect faucets, a barrel and a hose from electrical appliances: a washing machine and a dishwasher, etc.

Here it is worth noting another very important connector - a plastic pipe connector. If you need to connect pipes of the same diameter, then there is also a special connector for this.

Stubs

If you have made a branch for something, then you can block it with the help of plugs, or with the help of a crane.

Cranes

Of course, we will need cranes and even more than one. First, a few words about the cranes themselves. We recommend using only plastic taps, as they:

a) easy to install - the faucet is simply soldered to the pipe, and for brass ones, it is necessary to solder the adapter from one side, and then from the other side - which is not logical;

b) plastic taps are much stronger and more durable, unlike the same brass ones, which tend to stick and then it is difficult to turn them, if at all possible.

As for the number of taps. We will need the first tap immediately after the branch from the riser, it is with the help of it that we will be able to shut off all the water to our wiring. We also recommend installing taps for each outlet, except for mixers. That is, if you are supplying a washing machine, boiler, column, boiler and other equipment, we recommend installing a tap on them. Yes, these are additional costs, but in which case, you can always localize a suddenly formed leak.

How to solder plastic pipes

In order to start soldering pipes, we connect the soldering iron to the outlet. We put on nozzles for soldering pipes of the appropriate diameter. We fix the soldering iron on the stand. The temperature of the soldering iron should be 250-270 degrees. Now we cut off the plastic pipe of the required length with scissors, while the cut should be perpendicular and even.

At the same time, we bring the pipe and fitting to the soldering iron on both sides, stringing them onto the nozzles. After a few seconds, carefully remove both materials from the nozzles and solder them. To do this, you need to slightly press them against each other, in no case scrolling. When you connect the fitting to the pipe, try to keep it strung evenly, without any distortion.

To solder the riser and the joints of several parts of the apartment wiring, the pipes will need to be soldered on site, so it will be tedious to get the soldering iron from the stand. The most difficult moment is when you will make the last connection of the riser, for this, start the installation of the pipe from the top, so that the most difficult moment of soldering is from the bottom, not the top. The difficulty lies in the fact that you will need to solder 2 parts of the pipe into one, and it is difficult to use a soldering iron between these parts, so try to pull up the pipe as much as possible so that the soldering iron enters between the pipe and the fitting.

It may also happen that for installation according to the plan, you will have 2 fittings in a row. To connect them, we cut off a small part of the pipe so that its length allows, after soldering, to bring 2 fittings as close as possible to ourselves, that is, so that there is no distance between them.

Another important aspect is the soldering of individual taps. For example, when making a supply to the mixer, it will be convenient if you separately solder the entire structure with all fittings, then connect this finished section to the main pipe. But at the same time, the plots should not be too large, so as not to miscalculate the size.

If possible, consider the layout of the wiring in such a way that the pipes are connected directly, without using a hose, this applies to a toilet barrel, water heater, etc.

Sequencing

So, based on where and what we will have, as well as having the necessary knowledge for laying plastic pipes, we proceed to draw up a diagram. When the plan is drawn up, we still double-check at least 2 times, and go to the store to purchase the necessary materials. In addition to materials, you can purchase winding for pipes.

Separately, we note that the soldering of pipes is carried out with a special soldering iron, it is also called a welding machine for plastic pipes. In addition to the soldering iron, we need scissors with which pipes are cut. In order to dismantle old metal pipes, we use a grinder.

Before carrying out work on the installation of new plastic pipes, find out if it is possible to turn off the water to the risers, that is, not to turn off the water to the entire entrance, but to turn it off exclusively to your riser. If this is not possible, then we turn off the water to the entrance. It often happens that sometimes there is no tap to shut off the water to the entrance, then we turn off the water for the whole house.

First of all, we must replace the riser. As soon as you solder the riser and make a tap to yourself by soldering the tap, you can open the water to the riser and shut it off at home. Thus, we can already safely do wiring at our place and do not cause inconvenience to our neighbors by the lack of water. Perform the process of resuming the water supply gradually: one person slowly opens the water inlet valve (to the riser, entrance or house), and the second is located directly near the riser, controlling the seams. After making sure that there are no smudges on the seams, and they are tightly sealed, we open the tap to the end.

When we finished with the riser, we proceed to the apartment wiring. What should be done and in what order:

• Crane from the riser;


• Adapter plastic (external thread);


• Coarse filter (nut-thread);


• Water meter (water meter);


• Adapter (nut-plastic).

Next, we already use various fittings for distribution and branching. It is worth noting that if you do not have hot water supply, then immediately after the last adapter, make a separate branch to the column, tank or boiler. If its connection is made further, the remaining branches will take pressure from it.

After the last soldering, when everything is ready, we wait 15 minutes for the seams to cool. At this time, we check the entire apartment wiring so that there are no so-called unfinished sections. A test run must be carried out locally, after installing the mixers and turning off all the taps inside the wiring. Open one tap in the mixer, and gradually open the tap from the riser. We look to see if there are smudges: if not, then gradually turn the tap until it is fully open; if there is, then we immediately turn off this valve and determine the place and cause of the leak. If everything is in order, check the remaining branches.

Installation of plastic heating pipes

Laying and installation of plastic pipes for heating is carried out in the same way as in the previous case. But there are a few nuances, which we will discuss below.

Replace central heating pipes outside the heating season. If a plastic pipe is brought to you from the neighbors, then with the help of a connecting fitting we lead it further, but if a metal pipe comes from the neighbors, then it is advisable to bring a new plastic pipe to them. A plastic pipe with a metal pipe can be connected with a plastic-nut fitting, having previously cut a thread on a metal pipe in order to screw a nut onto it. In no case do not make a connection in the overlap.

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Replacement of old steel pipes

Often in our apartments, replacement of water pipes is required, since most of the old ones have been standing since the commissioning of the house, and this is decades of service! Usually it is a metal water pipe, which today no longer meets all the standards and requirements, as it cannot provide the proper water quality, safety, and ease of use.

Increasingly, plastic pipes are being used, which are not only more durable and stronger, but also easier to install and maintain. Such plumbing can be easily installed with your own hands in just a couple of hours.

In order to replace pipes, you do not need to have special knowledge or expensive equipment: polypropylene pipes, special fittings and other simple tools can be bought at any hardware store.

Such a replacement can be carried out not only with the help of metal-plastic ones, they have shown themselves well, but their cost is quite high, so the installation of plastic ones is increasingly being preferred.

From metal to polypropylene

Today, four types of water pipes are used for installation in apartments, including:

Elements for metal-plastic water pipes: 1 - adapter; 2 - square; 3 - elbow connection; 4 - tee; 5 - union nut; 6 - fitting; 7 - valve; 8 - metal-plastic pipes.

1. Metal, having a different diameter. It can be steel, cast iron, galvanized water pipes. Pros - strength, reliability, long service life. But there are numerous disadvantages, among which it should be noted: the complexity of installation (it is necessary to cut threads, use a welding machine to connect pipes), the walls are covered with rust and plaque from the inside. In order to crash into a water pipe, you must have the appropriate skills. In addition, the metal requires careful maintenance, constant checking for leaks, painting.
2. Copper pipes are more reliable, replacing water pipes with copper can increase reliability and durability, in addition, copper is very aesthetic and looks great in any bathroom. But even here there are drawbacks: in order to replace copper pipes, you need to have special skills, the cost of products is very high, stray currents may occur.
3. Plastic pipelines are easy to install, they are reliable, durable, they can be connected to ordinary metal ones, but at the attachment points, due to sudden temperature changes, they can begin to leak, so the connection method using special welding is often recommended.
4. Polypropylene are considered the best option when installing plumbing in an apartment. Polypropylene is a very reliable material, withstands temperature extremes, and the connection method is simple and reliable. Polypropylene pipes are used for cold, hot water supply, heating, sewerage. The diameter can be different, so it is very easy to select them, and the cost is affordable.

Materials and equipment will need the following:

Replacing polypropylene water pipes is simple, but you should prepare everything you need for work in advance. Today, several ways of laying are offered. Depending on the choice of a specific method, the set of equipment also differs:

• pipe cutter (cutting scissors);
• pipe bender (to give the plumbing the necessary shape);
• soldering iron and nozzles (for hot, so-called diffuser welding);
• calibration scan (when using the press method);
• press tongs (for the press method);
• glue, building level, sandpaper, nozzles for any diameter for a soldering iron, fittings, couplings, adapters and more.

Methods for replacing old pipes

1. Cold welding of plastic pipelines involves processing the inner surface of one pipe, after which a special adhesive composition is applied to the end of the other. It only takes 15-20 seconds to bond. Such plumbing installation is considered the easiest, anyone can do it.
2. Press fittings provide a more secure connection. For fastening, a pipe is put on the press fitting, the crimp sleeve is pressed with special tongs. The work is carried out very quickly, it is only necessary to select the fittings of the desired size and diameter. Additional sealing is only necessary when connecting to mixers and metal pipes.
3. Hot welding is carried out using a soldering iron, while the seams become monolithic, such a connection is the most reliable, but often requires the presence of a specialist.

What should I pay attention to before replacing steel pipes?

When replacing the plumbing in the apartment, you must pay attention to the following:

• whether replacement of water consumption meters is required or polypropylene pipes are simply laid;
• what material the pipes will be laid from (plastic, metal, copper), what installation method is chosen, what pipe diameter is required;
• which inlet taps are installed on the riser (valves to shut off the water);
• what tools are needed for laying pipes in an apartment (depending on the material).

Often the quality of water in our taps leaves much to be desired. To ensure higher water quality, coarse and fine filters are used. Such filters help to extend the life of steel and plastic pipes by cleaning their inner surface from rust, silt and other things.

Such filters are placed at the inlets, before installing plastic and other pipes. With such an installation, it is necessary to foresee what diameter the pipes will be, what connecting elements are necessary for this.

Cost of work: calculation example

Before changing the pipes in the apartment, it is necessary to correctly calculate all the costs that will be spent on such plumbing work. We offer a calculation for replacing pipes in a typical apartment, which includes the cost of dismantling old metal pipes, purchasing new ones, and installing them:

• replace the wiring from the inlet taps - 5000-5500 rubles;
• replace the riser - from 1800 rubles;
• replace existing pipes from inlet taps, install water meters - from 7,500 rubles;
• replace the hot water riser and heated towel rail - from 4500 rubles.

Carrying out plumbing work in an apartment is a rather responsible, difficult task, which, however, can be done with your own hands. Often this is a simple replacement of old metal pipes with new and reliable plastic ones, installation of meters, water filters. It is best to trust professionals in this matter, but modern plastic pipes, unlike traditional steel pipes, are not only of high quality, but are also easy to install even by a person who has no experience in such repairs.

There is nothing eternal! And if there is, it may cease to suit. So it is with communications. The owners sometimes have a desire to update the network in whole or in part. There can be a lot of reasons for this - from an elementary leak to a change in design.

Let's figure out how to replace pipes with plastic ones with your own hands.

Plastic is the most sought after material today.

Introduction to plastic pipes

What are the advantages of the material and are there any disadvantages? How to make sure that the optimal choice is made? About everything in order.

Advantages and disadvantages

Why is replacing metal pipes with plastic ones a wise decision? The secret is in the special properties of this material.

Among the advantages are:

• service life (up to 100 years, depending on the type of structure);
• lightness of the material;
• resistance to corrosion;
• ease of installation;
• strength;
• noiselessness during network operation;
• elasticity;
• environmental friendliness (the chemical composition of the liquid moving through the system does not change);
• low thermal conductivity;
• versatility of the gasket (the material can be mounted both open and closed);
• ease of transportation;
• moderation in price.

Pluses - a lot. Plastic is the most optimal material among its "brothers". Networks from it serve for a long time and do not cause trouble for the owners, of course, if the replacement of plastic pipes in the apartment was done correctly.

There are few disadvantages - just a few:

• restrictions on the temperature of transported substances (depending on the type of structure);
• selection of installation technology (they also vary and depend on the type of material);
• compatibility in composition (control that liquids that can corrode plastic are not transported through the network).

See how neat the metal-plastic heating system looks

Types of plastic structures

Let's consider how to replace the old ones with plastic pipes so that the minuses do not appear. In the process of manufacturing products, other substances are added to plastic, so you can find the following markings on purchased items:

1. MP - metal-plastic. It is said that this "duo" of components is ideal for honing home skills. The material does not fail either in the cold (it withstands frost very well), or when transporting liquids with high temperatures (up to 900 degrees). The only negative is the sensitivity to external deformation. Bend such elements carefully.
2. PE or polyethylene. The main advantage of such a composition is that you can work with it even at low temperatures, that is, even when it is -20˚ outside the window, you can carry out work on laying a network of polyethylene or repair already installed communications. The main thing is to choose the right pressure threshold - low or high.
3. PES, which means cross-linked polyethylene. Such material is used both for laying water supply lines and for heating networks. Why "stitched"? It's just that the technology of processing products under pressure, aimed at increasing the threshold of resistance to temperature changes and increasing stability, is called "crosslinking". Elements are treated with nitrogen, silane gas, peroxide method or electron beam irradiation.

It looks like cross-linked polyethylene

1. PVC or polyvinyl chloride. If you see such a marking, do not buy the product if you plan to install a network for domestic use, since chloride is present in the composition. Such material is suitable for arranging swimming pools, chemical plants, but not for the home.
2. PP - polypropylene. This material is suitable for bringing water to housing. Thanks to a special device (3 layers - protective, plastic itself and foil), the products are resistant to temperature changes, they can successfully transport liquids that reach temperatures of more than 1000 degrees. However, there are also disadvantages: low elasticity (products do not bend well), the impossibility of replacing elements (welding is used “forever”, therefore replacing a damaged section of a plastic pipe is impossible in this case).

And this is polypropylene.

Replacement technology

It's time to move on to practice. Consider how the replacement of metal-plastic pipes takes place.

Due to its lightness and plasticity, it is a pleasure to mount plastic

Work order

Planning everything right is half the battle. The preparatory stage is no less important than the repair work. If you have decided on the material, then proceed according to the following scenario:

1. Draw a plan or a drawing of what exactly you are changing and how you are going to do it.
2. Calculate how much material is required for the work.
3. Purchase pipes and fittings.
4. Find tools and devices for connecting products.
5. Turn off the water.
6. Dismantle the old network fragment.
7. Install plastic parts.
8. Check system performance.
9. Get rid of trash.
10. Enjoy the result.

Photo tip - an example of wiring a bathroom in an apartment

Dismantling of old elements

Do-it-yourself replacement of pipes with metal-plastic pipes begins with destruction. Dismantling can differ only in technology and the number of tools involved. Breaking is not building, so you can figure out how to remove failed network fragments yourself. Somewhere it’s really possible to unscrew it, and in other places you will have to use a grinder to cut it off.

For work, get the following tools:

• hammer with a wooden or rubber nozzle;
• Bulgarian;
• perforator;
• chisel;
• grinding discs;
• screwdrivers;
• wrenches.

Worth paying attention! Try to combine pipe replacement and repair, then you can hide the new network in the walls.

This is what the wall looks like after changing steel to plastic

Plastic installation

Once the old items are unmounted, you have two options:

• install new ones in their place - plastic fragments;
• lay the network differently - according to the new plan.

The connection of plastic products depends on their complete composition. Construction solder/welder or chemist welding techniques can be applied, either with fittings or gaskets and bolts. Focus on the type of plastic pipes you prefer.

If you want to "drown" the network in the walls, you will have to make strobes before installation. Do not forget about the insulation of the elements. Turn on the water only when the products turn into a complete system.

Video: do-it-yourself replacement of pipes with metal-plastic

Plastic is called modern building "plasticine", and you, since you install pipes from such material, can be called a creator. Dare!

Video: how to choose polypropylene pipes

In new buildings, the installation of water supply, sewerage and heating systems is carried out using modern materials. In old houses, replacing pipes in an apartment is a vital necessity, since the wear and tear of materials has exceeded all conceivable and unthinkable norms. Most residents of apartment buildings cannot count on someone's help in this matter. After all, the replacement of water pipes in an apartment after privatization should be carried out by homeowners at their expense.

Previously, only steel pipes were used to provide water supply, which corrode over time. Dirt and rust accumulate on the rough surface of their inner walls, which leads to a narrowing of the inner diameter and a weakening of the pressure of the incoming cold water. Hardly anyone wants to put up with a situation where water flows from a tap in a thin stream. So, it's time to replace the old pipes throughout the apartment, from the bathroom to the kitchen itself.

Types of water pipes

Installation of a water supply system in an apartment or a country house can be carried out using:

• polypropylene pipes;
• copper pipes;
• steel pipes;
• metal-plastic pipes.

When choosing, it should be borne in mind that replacing pipes with polypropylene requires the use of special equipment, as well as knowledge and practical skills in soldering them. The smooth inner surface of modern plastic pipes does not contribute to the adhesion of dirt and the accumulation of silt deposits on the walls, which affects the quality of the water supply, which remains at a high level throughout the entire service life. Note that such pipes can serve up to 50 years. In addition, polypropylene does not conduct electricity. Considering all the advantages, one can understand why replacing pipes with plastic analogues is in great demand among the population. At the same time, the service life of the pipes declared by the manufacturer can be maintained only if the installation of the plumbing system is carried out correctly.

Important! For hidden installation, experts advise choosing polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass for laying in a strobe.

Copper pipes are resistant to high temperatures and pressure drops. Their service life can reach up to 60 years. However, the undeniable advantages are completely covered by a number of disadvantages, namely:

• high price;
• complex installation;
• electrical conductivity, leading to the appearance of electrocorrosion;
• oxidation.

It is also possible to use metal-plastic pipes for mounting the wiring of the water supply system, but some specific points must be taken into account. This system may not withstand temperature extremes and high pressure. In order to level this drawback, it is necessary, together with the use of a metal-layer, to carry out the installation of a pressure reducer without fail. If this is not done, it is possible that plastic pipes installed just a few years ago will soon need to be replaced.

Important! Installation of all collapsible connections (compression fittings) of metal-plastic pipes should be carried out only in accessible places. In accordance with the requirements of SNiPs, it is forbidden to hide them in floors, boxes, ceilings and other secret places.

When choosing pipes for installing a water supply system in an apartment, one should take into account factors such as the amount of the budget allocated for this type of work, the temperature and pressure of the incoming water, and its qualitative composition.

What does the replacement work consist of?

• Before starting work on replacing elements of the plumbing system, it is necessary to draw up a plan for laying new pipes. This takes into account household appliances and plumbing fixtures that are already installed and that are expected to be installed at the time of repair or in the near future. Also at this stage, the issue of the need to install meters simultaneously with the installation work is being decided. They are determined with the material of the pipeline and the number of inlet taps (valves) that allow you to turn off the water in any important section of the network for the repair of connected equipment.

One of the possible plumbing layouts in the apartment - click to enlarge

Important! When choosing cranes, give preference to high-quality products that have a spherical design.

• Next, the water supply is shut off and the dismantling of old water pipes begins.
• Then new water pipes are laid, while attention is paid to the reliability of their fastening. Cranes, adapters, collectors are installed.

Features of replacing pipes in bathrooms

The largest volume of installation work of the plumbing system falls on the bathroom. After all, it is there that the largest amount of sanitary equipment is concentrated. Therefore, replacing pipes in the bathroom takes more time and takes more effort. If the sanitary unit is not combined, then a separate replacement of pipes in the toilet is carried out. Usually, when performing a major overhaul of bathrooms, sewer pipes are also replaced at the same time.

Installation of additional equipment:

• By replacing water pipes, it is possible to install meters that control the flow of cold and hot water, if they have not been installed before. In addition to the counter, you will need to buy a ball valve, a coupling and a coarse filter.
• Installing a booster pump at the entrance to the apartment will ensure normal water pressure at low pressure in the network, which is below 0.5 atm. However, one must understand that if there is practically no water in the network, then the pump will not help.
• Installation of water purification filters will ensure the supply of water purified from sand and rust. For these purposes, coarse filters are purchased. If it is necessary to remove smaller impurities from the water, such as lime, salts and other substances, then fine filters are installed. To reduce the unpleasant smell of water, carbon cartridges are used for filters.

In principle, do-it-yourself replacement of water supply pipes can be done, but it will take much more time to understand the essence of the issue. If you want to install a new pipeline within one day, then contact the professional masters.

Plumbing is one of the most important components of a home, but did you know that it needs to be changed over time? It is easy to change the plumbing in an apartment or a private house on your own, with instructions, a set of plumbing tools and a bright head at hand.

Related articles:

In recent years, there has been a great demand for European-style renovation in the country - covering the apartment with plasterboard, the massive use of plastic and many other miracles of progress. But at the same time, they are increasingly forgetting about the water supply, and in fact in old houses there are often (overgrown with rust and plaque) still Soviet pipes.

Why you need to change old water pipes

In addition to pure H2O, a huge amount of impurities pass through the water supply every second, which tend to settle on the inner surface of the pipes. Over time, the lines become clogged with particles of oxidized metal, which leads to corrosion. In addition, the appearance of old Soviet metal pipes does not harmonize with the modern interior of the apartment at all. Sooner or later, but almost all owners of old apartments come up with one simple thought - pipes need to be changed.

The cost of replacing water pipes with plastic ones

At the moment, the most popular pipes are made of polypropylene, metal-plastic (the so-called "reinforced pipes"), or polyethylene. The price for them differs not only depending on the material, but also depending on the region of residence.

So, the price per meter of a propylene pipe with a diameter of 100 mm will be 500-600 rubles, a reinforced pipe with the same characteristics will cost 1300-1600, and the cost of a polyethylene pipe will be in the region of 300-500 rubles.

To determine the price of a new water supply, take a diagram, calculate the total length of the pipes, add 15% - just in case, add the cost of fittings and fasteners and ... voila - you will have the cost of all elements and installation of the main in your hands.

Benefits of plastic plumbing

Firstly, plastic does not rust, which makes it much more durable and safer than Soviet-era metal plumbing.

Secondly, it does not have a fragile internal coating, which again prolongs its service life and keeps the water clean even after a couple of decades of operation.

Thirdly, it is more reliable, as it is easy to solder and resistant to temperature extremes. So, if you do not know what to choose - metal or plastic - feel free to buy a polymer.

The frequency of replacing water pipes

There is no unequivocal answer to this question, but the result of a statistical survey was obtained “once in 30-40 years if it is plastic and once in 20 years if it is metal”. Due to the high wear rate of the latter, the water supply system becomes unusable faster. On the other hand, if the pipes are outwardly in good condition, and the pressure and purity of the water in them correspond to your understanding of the norm, you can postpone the replacement.

As the saying goes, "don't break what still works." But if troubles appear ahead of time, you need to change it, and quite urgently, since problems with pipes can have disastrous consequences. In addition, it is recommended to immediately change the entire system - simply because the method of joining plastic with metal is still not as reliable as joining two identical materials that can be securely fixed in many different ways.

Decide on the choice of material

Before you plunge into the work, decide on some questions. And the first of them is what kind of material to use in the apartment. The three most popular options have already been presented, so now let's look at their pros and cons.

Polypropylene plumbing

Until recently, polypropylene pipes were the absolute champion in the choice of material for plumbing. They are almost not subject to wear, are relatively easy to install, do not conduct electricity, are thermally stable, and reliable. But there are also disadvantages - for example, the connections cannot be disconnected, since the only really reliable method of connecting one pipe to another is welding, and the only way to fix bad soldering is a pipe cutter.

Metal-plastic and reinforced pipes

An older version from the 90s. It was then that the country was hit by a plastic boom and reinforced polymer was almost everywhere, including plumbing. On the other hand, since polypropylene simply did not exist then, metal-plastic was indeed the best option, especially in comparison with galvanized (or even non-galvanized) Soviet steel pipes. Metal-plastic holds physical impacts well, wears out little and looks great, but it also has disadvantages - it is much more expensive than its competitors and is extremely negative about temperature changes, which is why it starts to flow after 2-3 seasons. On the other hand, it is even easier to install than polypropylene, so if you are doing plumbing in a country house or other place where there is no electricity for welding yet, metal-plastic will be the best choice.

HDPE pipes (polyethylene)

A relative newcomer to the market, so it will be difficult to say exactly how good they are, but in theory everything looks just fine - polyethylene pipes are not only strong, but also flexible, which allows them to be used even where a construction made of polypropylene or metal-plastic would be too bulky. In addition, they can freely change geometry, which provides a high level of protection against physical impact. On the other hand, heat resistance raises some doubts, but for water pipes this is still not so important, especially considering that the price of these pipes is lower than that of polypropylene analogues. Alas, they also share a minus with polypropylene - the only truly durable connection method is welding.

Choosing a mounting method

There are two ways of normal installation of plastic pipes - welding and press fitting. Welding is divided into two types - cold (using epoxy glue) and hot (with a welding machine).

cold method

Cold welding is not only a method, but also the name of the main consumable when using it. These days, almost every hardware store sells a fast-curing, reliable adhesive that allows you to tightly connect plastic pipes together. This method is more resource-intensive than hot welding, but does not require an expensive welding machine. It will also take a little more time - the glue needs to harden, and money, since the material, although inexpensive, needs a lot of it.

On the other hand, it prevents the appearance of sagging inside the pipes, which increases their normal service life. We recommend using this method, as durability and reliability are more important than immediate savings in time and money.

Welding

The classic method of joining pipes, not only plastic, but also metal. Requires a powerful power source, as well as a set of equipment - a welding machine, a protective mask, etc. This method is faster than cold welding and traditionally considered more reliable. But, as studies show, cold welding is not inferior to hot welding in terms of speed and reliability. On the other hand, improper use of hot welding can lead to the formation of sagging on the pipes, which is guaranteed to lead to clogging of the pipes in the next few years.

Press fittings

Another option for connecting pipes, this time - purely mechanical. This method is characterized by the use of fittings made of plastic material, which, after installing pipes in them, are pressed with force by a special press machine. This leads to their deformation and fixation of the joints. The result is a strong connection.

Do-it-yourself plumbing installation in an apartment

Preparing for plumbing installation

Dismantling old pipes and installing new ones is easy, so you can do it all yourself. It is better to do the work with at least one assistant. What to do first:

1. Locate the inlet valve and close. Make sure you wrap it up completely - even if the remaining trickle is as thick as a match, a lot of water can leak out. Be careful not to break the valve.
2. Disconnect all plumbing fixtures. Do not forget about the heating boiler, if any, as well as the washing machine and dishwasher.
3. Dismantle old pipes. If they are steel or cast iron, wear goggles and a respirator. Cast iron tends to crumble, which makes it easy to break, but small particles can get into the eyes or windpipe. Cover your ears, wear thick gloves.
4. Cut the pipes according to the diagram. This is done with a pipe cutter, regardless of the type and material of the pipes. You can try an ordinary grinder, but the cut should be perfectly even. When cutting, consider the depth - that is, add half the depth of the fitting to each end of the pipe that will enter it.
5. Align the pipes with a gauge. This will eliminate the ovality and make them round.
6. Clean the pipes of any contaminants, and also remove bumps at the ends, if any, remain after the pipe cutter has been used.

Then everything depends on the chosen method of fastening. If hot welding - warm up the welding machine, if the press fitting - prepare the press machine and the fittings themselves, if cold welding - no preparation is required, unless you forgot to buy glue.

How to glue pipes with cold welding

The simplest option, requiring only high accuracy in the execution of instructions:

1. Chamfer the end of the pipe. The angle is 15 degrees. The tool is a beveler, bought at any hardware store. The procedure is quite complicated, since barbs must be avoided as much as possible. In general, we advise you to practice first and start installing pipes only after you are completely confident in your abilities.
2. Clean the fitting sockets of dirt, dust and moisture manually or using a special CPVC cleaner. Better than the last - it's more reliable.
3. Apply glue with a brush, manually, carefully. As tightly as possible both on the surface of the pipe and on the inner surface of the socket. In this case, it is better to spend more glue than you need than to think about how to patch the current connection.
4. Insert the pipe into the socket. Do it as soon as possible, ideally immediately after applying the glue.
5. Rotate the pipe 90 degrees around the fitting. Or vice versa - rotate the fitting relative to the pipe. This is done in order to distribute the glue as evenly as possible.
6. Hold the pipe and fitting together for 20-30 seconds. Need absolute fixation, scrolling or changing the depth of the pipe entering the fitting - not recommended.
7. Check for an even layer of adhesive around the circumference. After the fixing period has ended, inspect the pipe from all sides and make sure that excess adhesive has come out of the fitting. If there is too much, remove with a soft cloth.
8. Continue installing other pipes, but remember that it will take a long time before the final solidification of the glue.

We connect pipes with hot welding

Hot welding can be different - polyethylene pipes can also be welded by the butt method, but polypropylene will have to be processed with a socket. And there is also electrofusion, which will also have to be taken into account. So first decide on the method that you will use, and then proceed to the appropriate procedures.

Yulia Petrichenko, expert

Butt method

Due to the high flexibility and ductility of polyethylene pipes, they are welded directly without the use of fittings. For this you need:

1. Center the pipes.
2. Make sure they are as close to each other as possible. This is important because reflow cannot correct really large defects (greater than 1/5 of the pipe wall thickness).
3. Separate them again and insert a heated heating element between them. Then press them against him again.
4. Wait until the ends melt - you will know this by the amount of burr squeezed out under the influence of mechanical pressure. The height of the burr must be indicated on the welding table that came with the pipe or with the welding machine.
5. When the ends have melted, release the pressing force and wait for the deep heating of the ends. This takes the time indicated in the welding table.
6. Now remove the heating element and firmly press the ends of the pipes together for a while, gradually increasing the pressure. This must be done as quickly as possible. The phase is relatively short and should never be exceeded, so it would be better to interrupt the “settlement of the seam” procedure a little earlier than ruin the whole work from excess diligence.
7. Maintain the compression force of the pipes for some more time, but just do not increase it! This will help the pipes not "play" back during the cooling.

Socket welding

This process requires the use of fittings. Ideal for polypropylene pipes. It is carried out with a welding machine according to the relevant instructions, but since we work “with our own hands”, we will show the installation using an ordinary blowtorch with a special nozzle consisting of a mandrel and a sleeve.

1. Warm up the welding machine to the desired temperature.
2. Put the fitting on the mandrel (this will require effort), and insert the pipe into the sleeve. This must be done as quickly as possible.
3. In the process of heating, increase the pressing force of the pipes to the mandrel and the coupling. This must be done until they are completely inserted into the nozzle for welding. After that, stop the pressure.
4. When the parts are hot enough, quickly remove them from the nozzle and press them together. After that, you get a one-piece construction of two parts.
5. Weld a plug or the next pipe into the other end of the fitting.

Electrofusion welding

This type of welding is used in the installation of gas pipelines, as it is expensive, but reliable. If you want "only the best", you can use it when installing the plumbing. It will require a special electrical fitting - a polyethylene fitting with a built-in heating element. The method is only suitable for round polypropylene pipes.

1. Prepare the welding machine.
2. Degrease and clean the contact surfaces of the pipe and fitting.
3. Put a mark on the pipe, indicating the boundary of its entry into the fitting.
4. Firmly fix the pipe and fitting. The fitting can push it out due to thermal expansion, and your task is to prevent this.
5. Connect the welding machine to the fitting and press the "Start" button on it. It will turn off automatically.
6. Leave the parts and fitting alone for at least an hour. Before the expiration of this time, the connection cannot be used!

Press fittings

A press fitting is used in cases where the pipe does not tolerate welding well and is the main method of fastening metal-plastic pipes, although polypropylene can also be fastened this way. This is the simplest method of all listed, but the least reliable.

1. Slide the compression fitting onto the pipe.
2. Insert the fitting with o-rings into the pipe.
3. Crimp the coupling with special press tongs. It is advisable to use electric tongs, as they provide more force and high reliability.

Using the selected technology, replace all water pipes with new ones. The sewerage system is installed in much the same way (it is shown in more detail in the video below), and preferably at the same time as the water supply, so as not to stop the riser again later. It is very important to do everything according to the scheme, but even after the end of the process, do not rush to turn on the water. First you need to test the system with a pressure pump.

Video lesson: Replacing water pipes with plastic ones

Pipe pressure testing

Pressure testing of pipes is an increase in pressure in one of the sections of the network in order to identify leaks or structural weaknesses in it. This is done using a special pressure test pump.

1. Hermetically cut off the pipe section from the rest of the network. This is done either by elevator valves or pneumatic plugs.
2. Connect a pipe pressure pump to the site and pump cold water into the site.
3. Give the pipe a pressure that exceeds the standard by 10-20%. For heating, plumbing and sewerage, this is 6-8 kgf / m2.

If the site passes the test, move on to the next one. If not, think about how to replace it or at least strengthen it.

TOP-5 mistakes when installing a plastic water pipe

In this section, we have collected the most offensive and popular mistakes when installing plastic pipes.

1. Incorrectly marked boundary of the pipe entry into the electrical fitting. It will force you to lose one fitting and two pipes, but in general - nothing fatal.
2. Too much butt welding force. Again, there are two pipes in the list of losses, but you lost them not because of inattention, but because of your own diligence.
3. Loose bevels in cold welding. The result will be a fragile connection that will only hold on to the glue.
4. Uncleaned pipes from dust and grease during welding. The result is a fragile connection that will simply crumble after a few years.
5. Incorrectly measured fitting size before pipe cutting. Forced to spoil all the material. There is no solution, and the process itself is characterized by large financial and time losses, for which this error gets the first place. As the saying goes: "Measure seven times, cut once."

Expertise - sewerage, water supply

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Do-it-yourself replacement of water pipes in an apartment with plastic ones: cost, video instruction - print version