A sewage system is provided in each living room. If we talk about Soviet-built apartments, very often such communications become unusable due to their great age. Replacing the sewage system in the Khrushchev apartment is an urgent issue for many owners. You need to understand that old pipes can not only clog, but also exhale unpleasant odors, as well as leak. Therefore, it is better not to wait for the emergency and proceed to replace the water supply and sewage pipes in the apartment. In today's article, we will consider this operation in more detail.
At whose expense is the work done?
Many are interested in who should pay for these events. The situation depends on where the communications are located. If the sewer is replaced in the apartment, the housing and communal services is not required to pay for this work. Replacement is carried out entirely by the owners of the apartments. Risers that run vertically through all apartments are another matter. They are common property. If necessary, they are changed at the expense of the funds that the owners paid monthly to the housing and communal services under the article "Maintenance and repair of housing."
What can be a sewer?
Today pipes of the following materials can be used:
What should we choose when replacing sewers in an apartment? Consider each type in more detail.
Metal pipes
For their manufacture, steel or cast iron is used. Among the positive aspects, reviews note:
- High strength.
- Low cost.
- Resistance to temperature extremes.
But do not forget about the shortcomings. These pipes are very heavy, and what is most unpleasant, poorly protected from corrosion. And if earlier they were used everywhere in apartments, now they are practically not used.
If we make a choice between steel and cast iron, then the choice is best given to the last option. Such communications, although heavy, are not subject to corrosion. However, the throughput of these pipes decreases over time.
Ceramics
Just note that ceramic pipes will be expensive. Therefore, when replacing sewage pipes in an apartment, they are practically not used. But the material has several advantages. Ceramics are resistant to aggressive environments and do not rust.
Polymers
Plastic pipes - this is the most popular option when replacing sewers in an apartment. Inside, such products have a smooth surface. Therefore, over time, deposits do not accumulate here, and the throughput remains the same. Polymer pipes are of two types:
- Polypropylene
- Polyvinyl chloride.
The first option is the most optimal when replacing the internal sewage system. Repairing such pipes is easy. In addition, communications are resistant to different temperatures and have a high service life.
The second type is also labeled PVC. Such products are resistant to ultraviolet and quite durable. But when heated, PVC pipes will emit harmful substances. Also, the material is not resistant to aggressive environments. But the products are easy to install. You can replace such pipes yourself.
Connection methods
When replacing the sewage system in an apartment with your own hands, pipes can be connected:
- Rubber couplings. This method is relevant when installing cast iron products.
- Bell method. This method is chosen when installing plastic communications. In this case, the end of one pipe is placed in the socket of the other. And for better sealing, a special rubber ring is used.
If there is a need to shorten the pipe, you need to use a hacksaw. Further, the chamfer is removed from the edge of the product (to facilitate installation work). If you skip this step, there is a risk of damage to the sealing collar.
Preparation for work
Before replacing the sewage system in the apartment, you need to draw a diagram of the sewer system. Here we can not only calculate the number of pipes, but also additional elements. The scheme takes into account all plumbing fixtures, which are planned to be installed further. When developing a scheme, it must be borne in mind that the rotation of the pipeline should not be carried out at a right angle of 90 degrees.
Now for the tools and materials. In addition to the pipes themselves with a bell, you need to prepare:
- Crosspiece.
- Coupling.
- Compensation branch pipe.
- Adapters between plastic and cast iron pipes.
- Tee.
We dismantle the old cast-iron sewer
Replacing sewage in an apartment begins with the dismantling of old pipes. In this case, it is necessary to warn tenants from above about the upcoming work. It is important that they do not use sewers at this point. The best option is to replace the cast-iron sewer riser in apartments on all floors. But if the neighbors do not want to perform such work, you will have to cut out part of the old riser only at home. It is important not to damage the pipes of the neighbors.
Before proceeding with the cut, you need to disconnect the plumbing. To extract the riser, you need to make two files with a grinder and a pipe cutter with an interval of 150 millimeters at a slight angle relative to each other. Cutting the pipe completely is not necessary, since the upper part of the riser can damage the disc on the grinder.
The next step is to remove the cut out piece of the structure. After that, two segments of the riser will remain. One will be on the tee, and the second on the ceiling. The first step is to remove the top. The cutout is made taking into account the size of the shaped part that will be worn on the rest of the riser.
Next, the bottom piece is removed. It can be gently rocked and pulled to the top. If the segment is firmly stuck in place, you need to clear the seam between the riser and the tee and swing it again. When this did not bring a result, the tee is cut off. At the same time, they retreat from the bell by 30 millimeters. Then, using the wedge, the remnants of the tee are taken out piece by piece. It is important that at this moment the fragments of the old communications do not fall into the sewers. To do this, experts advise covering the hole with a rag.
Installation of a new riser
Before installing sewers in the apartment, a riser must be installed. How it's done? First, the tee is connected to a piece of pipe that sticks out below. If the diameters of the holes are different, you need to apply a cuff. Then a pipe of the required length is cut off and all the components of the riser are tried on. Then the product is put on the compensator. After that, the design is installed in the lower tee.
The top of the pipe connects to the length that remains on the ceiling. The fitting installation is done without the use of gaskets. After this, the marking of fasteners is performed. Proceed with the installation of the upper and lower clamp. Next, the design is disassembled and put in place, but with all the gaskets. To make the assembly easier, experts recommend the use of liquid soap. They can grease the ends of the pipes for a better approach.
Performing internal wiring
This operation should be performed in accordance with the drawn up scheme. Next, they connect the plumbing to a new or to the same place. To prevent internal stress, you can use a floating or rigid mount. The latter option prevents the pipe from moving due to the clamp on the bolts with the seal. Sometimes plastic fasteners are involved. With floating mounts, only longitudinal displacement is allowed. It is carried out in the same way, but without a seal.
What rules must be observed when performing work:
- The installation of the bell is carried out towards the movement of drains. This is necessary in order to avoid leakage of the sewer network in the event of an accident.
- Communication slope is towards the riser.
- It is unacceptable to change the shape and shorten the fittings. It is also forbidden for the riser to pass at right angles into the discharge pipe.
- The diameter of the pipe that is brought to the toilet should be 110 millimeters. If these are other plumbing fixtures, the sewer should have a diameter of 50 millimeters.
After the sewer has been replaced in the apartment, you need to test the system for leaks. If all is well, you can begin the full operation of communications.
Replacing sewer tee in an apartment
This element is the most popular shaped element. It can be made of cast iron or plastic. Replace the sewer tee in the apartment if:
- The element is pretty much worn out.
- It is necessary to reduce the level of placement of the tee.
- Sewer cannot be cleaned due to severe deposits.
What we need:
- Roulette.
- Hacksaw.
- Pencil.
- Compensation coupling.
- New tee.
- Latex gloves.
- A piece of pipe 20 centimeters long (up to three centimeters in diameter).
How are dismantling works performed:
- A punch or chisel beat off the concrete seal, which is under the bell.
- Using a hammer and a screwdriver, a cement seal is removed from the tee socket.
- The riser is cut.
- It is removed with a gas key or manually tee. At the same time it needs to be rotated. The socket below is to be cleaned.
How to install a plastic tee in place of a cast iron?
- Over the cut, the riser is cleaned of old paint and dirt.
- A plastic clamp is installed under the cut. It will serve to keep the compensator from shifting.
- Pull on the cleaned piece of pipe compensating pipe.
- Using a rubber cuff, the tee is inserted into the socket. In this case, the compensator should enter the upper socket of the tee.
- Fixation with a clamp.
- Mount the toilet and connect the combs.
Conclusion
So, we found out how to replace the sewer in the apartment. As you can see, this operation does not require special knowledge and skills. The work is quite possible to do with your own hands.