In many residential premises of apartments and houses, water and sewer networks are in poor condition. The reasons for this are clogging with various deposits and pipe wear. Since these communications have been in operation for many years.
The need to replace old pipes
Such communications were created under the Soviet Union. In those days, galvanized pipes with a diameter of 15 mm and 20 mm were mainly used for water supply. Over time, the zinc coating erases, the pipes begin to rot. And the quality of tap water leaves much to be desired. The inner walls accumulate plaque in the form of deposits, which significantly reduce the cross-section of the pipe. Under the influence of these factors, the throughput of the water supply system decreased, and therefore, it was time to replace the pipes in the apartment.
Replacing water pipes
At the first stage, we will touch on the topic of replacing water pipes in an apartment. This topic is relevant for many readers. Given the current technical capabilities, the huge material market and the availability of accessible information, it will not be difficult to do the work of replacing pipes in an apartment with your own hands. For users who want to do their homework on their own, this article is intended.
Varieties of water pipes
Nowadays, manufacturers offer on the market two of the most widely used types of pipes for apartments:
Let's consider them in more detail.
The use of plastic pipes
The metal-plastic pipe is a circular construction made of inner and outer layers of plastic. Between them is a metal layer to give strength. Such an element of the water supply system has many good qualities:
- It is not subject to corrosion.
- It does not require painting. It has light weight.
- The ability to make small radius turns without using a fitting.
- Easy assembly system.
- The ability to withstand the pressure of the water supply network.
For the complete replacement of pipes in an apartment using metal-plastic it is not necessary to have the experience of a locksmith. Such a system is assembled quite simply, fittings are used. For a standard apartment, consisting of 2-3 rooms, a bathroom and a toilet, it is quite enough to use a pipe with a diameter of 20 mm for the main and 16 mm for connecting each individual plumbing fixture.
Fitting
So called elements designed for connection, branching, transitions from one diameter to another. Also, with their help, plumbing equipment is connected to the water supply. To work on replacing pipes, you will need tools:
- Pruning shears for cutting.
- Roulette.
- Two wrenches for fittings (adjustable wrenches work well, applicable for different sizes).
- Device for flaring pipe ends to different sizes.
Measuring the required length section, cut it off with a pruner. Unscrew the nut from the fitting and remove the brass compression ring. Put a nut, ring on the end of the pipe. Flare the pipe to the appropriate size, insert the fitting into it until it stops. Slide the brass ring tight and tighten the nut with the keys. The connection is ready. Replacing pipes in an apartment using metal-plastic, despite the advantages, has its drawbacks. The rubber o- rings of the fittings compress over time, and water begins to drip at the point of attachment. Sometimes you have to disassemble the system to replace the seals.
Propylene pipes
Propylene pipes can be called a good alternative. This type of pipe is produced under high pressure. Reinforced and without reinforcement are available. Reinforcement is a thin layer of metal foil located between the layers of plastic. Gives the pipe the ability to withstand high pressure. When using a high-quality reinforced pipe, you can safely brick it into the wall under the plaster, after checking all the joints with a pressure test, i.e., a pressure test.
Work with propylene pipes
For propylene pipes, there is also a wide range of fittings of various types. The inconvenience when working with such pipes can be called the need for soldering joints, a special soldering iron is used for this.
Work with this equipment requires certain skills. But this is not difficult to learn by reading the information and training on inexpensive details. But the joint is very reliable. Propylene pipes are also available in different sizes. For an apartment, as in the previous case, the use of pipes with a diameter of 16 and 20 mm is quite enough. In order to make a high-quality soldering, you need to understand how this is done.
Soldering propylene pipes
Replacing pipes in the apartment with propylene can be done independently. The work is as follows. The soldering iron kit includes matrices for various diameters of pipes and fittings. Having selected the pipes used, fix them on the end of the soldering iron with the screw. Matrices have a difference: put on one fitting and warm its inner surface until it melts. The end of the pipe is inserted inside the other and the outer layer is also heated until melting. With a well-heated soldering iron, the process takes 7-10 seconds. Time depends on the power of the device and is selected empirically. An experienced soldering iron sees when the heat is already sufficient and it's time to connect the parts. Both elements are heated simultaneously on both sides of the soldering device. After warming up, it is necessary to remove both parts from the soldering iron and insert the pipe into the fitting with a quick, accurate movement.
To align the elements will be only 2-3 seconds. After this, the molten plastic begins to solidify, and the joint can no longer be moved. This is also an inconvenience in work. The damaged joint cannot be repaired. Have to cut off the damaged area and solder again.
Sewer pipes
Replacing water supply and sewage pipes in an apartment will not be difficult with modern technologies. The presence of a wide variety of plastic products allows this work to be done at low cost. Replacing sewer pipes in an apartment can be divided into two stages:
- dismantling the old system;
- installation of new pipes.
With the elimination of old cast-iron pipes will have to tinker. Such a system in ancient times was assembled using the so-called coinage. Coinage is a cord impregnated with technical oils for sealing pipe joints. Over the years of operation, it dries up and becomes strong, like a tree. Sometimes removing it from the grooves using wire hooks is simply unrealistic. In this case, with the help of a grinder, you need to cut the pipes in several places and remove. Given that cast iron is a rather brittle material, you can simply break it with a hammer if conditions permit.
Varieties of sewer pipes
The following types are applicable for replacing sewer pipes in an apartment:
- pipe with a diameter of 110 mm;
- pipe with a diameter of 40 and 50 mm;
- corrugated pipe in the form of a hose.
To connect the apartment sewerage system to the riser, a 110 mm pipe is required. To attach the toilet, it is convenient to use a corrugation of 110 mm size. It has rubber sealing rings on both sides. One end of this element is worn on the ceramic part of the toilet outlet, the other end is inserted into the drain of the sewer through a seal. Corrugation easily bends with a small turning radius.
To replace sewer pipes in the apartment, elements with a diameter of 40 mm and 50 mm will be needed. They connect to the system all other plumbing and household appliances: drains of bathtubs and showers, bidets, washing machines and dishwashers. A flexible corrugated hose of 40-50 mm is used to connect siphons of sinks and sinks. It easily bends and extends to the required length.
Sewerage system assembly procedure
Pipes used in the sewer system are available in lengths from 40 centimeters to 3 meters. To replace pipes in the apartment , it is possible to select the required length. If necessary, fit the size of the plastic is easily cut with a hacksaw area of the required length. The cut edge should be smoothed out, give the cut a cone shape. This is necessary in order to make the cut edge easier to enter the o-ring of the connected pipe.
For joining, you need to lubricate the end of the tube and the adjacent seal with slippery material. Insert one element firmly into the other. The whole system is easily mounted on the wall with the help of special clamps. Given the light weight of plastic for attaching sewer pipes to the walls, you can apply beautiful plastic clips. For the normal functioning of the sewer system, it is necessary to withstand the necessary slope of the pipes, guided by the data: per 1 meter of pipe - 30 mm from the horizontal.