Poor water quality, rust in it, low pressure and unpleasant taste are the main signs that it is time to replace the water supply system. However, waiting for their manifestation is not necessary. If the communications in the house have not changed for many years, then when carrying out repairs in the bathroom, first of all, you need to do the replacement of water pipes. What materials should be chosen for these purposes, and whether the process of their installation is complicated, we will consider in this article.
Why have metal pipes ceased to be popular?
Soviet-built houses were equipped with a metal water and sewage system, however, such communications are rarely used in modern buildings. Firstly, this is due to the complexity of mounting these structures, since a reliable connection of pipes can only be achieved using welding. The main properties of the material play a significant role - susceptibility to corrosion and oxidation. They significantly reduce the life of the entire system, and owners are forced to perform a complete replacement of water pipes.
This is due to the fact that, under the influence of moisture, rust forms inside the mains, on which various water impurities settle. As a result of such changes, the diameter of the hole gradually decreases, and the owner of the room notes a significant deterioration in water supply. After a certain time, the appearance of metal pipes suffers, which spoils the interior of the entire room. For this reason, modern and more practical materials are used today.
Varieties of modern water pipes
When planning the replacement of water pipes, first of all, you should choose the material for arranging the main. Today we have two main options available:
- Polypropylene water supply . This variety is now the most popular. It is valued for its increased wear resistance, ability to withstand high temperatures, ease of installation and affordable cost. The disadvantages of such pipes can only be attributed to the fact that the finished line cannot be disassembled, since all the elements are soldered together. However, this fact also indicates the reliability of these compounds. Replacing water pipes with polypropylene options ensures that there is no leakage and that the water pipe can be installed in enclosed spaces and inside walls.
- Metal-plastic systems . This option is appreciated for its beautiful and neat appearance. Its advantages include excellent flexibility. To form an angle of 90 degrees, it is enough to bend the pipe gently with your hands, which greatly simplifies the installation of the water supply. The weak point of such highways is the connection points (fittings). In these areas, leaks are often observed, especially when it comes to hot water supply. After several cycles of heating and cooling, it becomes necessary to tighten the connecting nuts. This makes it impossible to use pipes in enclosed structures.
Preparation for work
Since the most preferred and optimal option today is the installation of a polypropylene water supply system, we will pay attention to this particular variety.
Work on replacing water pipes can be done by yourself, but for this you will need the following tools:
- grinder (for dismantling railways);
- cutter (scissors for plastic pipes);
- soldering iron and nozzles for polypropylene products;
- plastic pipes;
- corner and threaded elements.
Before starting work, you must make sure the safety valves. It is important that they do not let water through. If the risers do not have these devices, then you should contact the house management company, which will block the water for the duration of the work.
Beginning of work
Before proceeding with the replacement of water pipes, you need to carefully consider the work plan and draw a diagram of the future water supply (taking into account the real length and width of all segments). This plan will help you calculate how much material you need to purchase for repairs.
Then proceed to surface preparation. At this stage, all interfering elements of furniture and plumbing should be removed. If the pipes will be mounted in the wall, to install them you need to make the strobes. Further work is performed in the following sequence:
- Replacing the riser . At a height of about 15-25 cm (from the floor surface), a special tee (fitting) is installed. If a plastic pipe comes from the floor, then the tee is simply soldered to it. In the case of a metal terminal, an adapter from metal to plastic is used. It should have an appropriate diameter. The junction of the two pipes is best located above or below the floor slab.
- Mounting the valve . At the branch to the apartment, immediately install a valve that will block the water if necessary. After the valve, an adapter is fixed to a metal pipe, onto which a filter is wound to purify water. It has a lid to the floor so that accumulated debris does not enter the apartment’s water supply network.
- Installation of water meters . A check valve is installed immediately after the filter. After it, a water meter and an adapter from metal to polypropylene are mounted. Next, the water pipe is soldered using tees and corner elements (according to the plan).
Water soldering process
In order for the replacement of water pipes in the bathroom or kitchen to be successful, it is important to correctly solder all the components of the system. This process is as follows:
- Two necessary elements are put on the soldering iron nozzle (it should correspond to the diameter of the pipes) and are pressed tightly against it.
- When the ends of the pipes are sufficiently melted, it is necessary to reduce the pressure on them and wait about 10 seconds to uniformly warm the edges of the element.
- Next, the pipes are removed from the nozzle of the soldering iron and tightly pressed against each other. This stage is performed quickly and accurately enough to avoid cooling of the ends of the pipe and sealing of its internal space.
Thus, the entire internal water supply system is mounted. To install mixers and connect various equipment at the ends of the pipes adapters with threaded connections are installed.
Cost and Life
At the end of the topic should be announced prices for the replacement of water pipes and their service life. As for durability, polypropylene pipes can last 30-40 years without replacement, which significantly exceeds the warranty period of metal systems.
The cost of 1 running meter of such a pipe is 500-600 rubles. Additionally, the price of various adapters and faucets should be considered. If the work will be performed by the master, then to the total cost you need to add payment for his services. It amounts to about 1000-1500 rubles for the connection to 1 element (toilet, wash basin, washing machine, etc.).
If we add up the expenses for the purchase of material and its installation, then in any case, the total amount will be much lower than the cost of arranging a metal water supply. And taking into account the service life of polypropylene systems, we can safely say that this material is the most optimal today.