Copper pipes and fittings: detailed material overview

Copper products are an excellent option for organizing virtually any pipeline.

1. Firstly, because the line from such material will probably last a long time - because copper does not rot and does not rust.
2. Secondly, no harmful or toxic growths are formed on the surface of the copper.
3. Thirdly, the material does not deteriorate due to temperature fluctuations and is strong enough. In addition, since copper expands and contracts when heated or cooled, it reduces the level of friction inside the product. Accordingly, due to the absence of wear, the life and quality of service of the entire line increases.

However, despite the obvious advantages, not everyone can use such products in his apartment or house. Just because the price of copper elements is quite high.

But if the budget allows, then know that the copper lines can be successfully used for such purposes:

• for plumbing;
• for gas mains;
• for heating pipes;
• for air conditioning systems.

At the same time, remember that due to the presence of a wide variety of fittings for copper systems, you can create a “route” with any, even very complex configuration.

As for the quality of the connections, this is also all right, since copper pipes and fittings can be joined in completely different ways. There are standard threaded connections, and soldering.

Let's look at everything in more detail.

Types of fittings

And here it is worth noting that, first of all, connections for copper pipelines are divided into two main types - those that are designed for multiple assembly and disassembly with their own hands and those that are attached only once (see also the article Pipes and cross-linked polyethylene fittings : technical characteristics and installation features).

That is, the first option is suitable for the repair of the pipeline, and the second only for its primary assembly.

Compression Parts

Products are adapters with a crimp ring, which is tightened with a conventional wrench. In essence, this is a part, the ends of which are most often inserted into the pipe, and the ring is tightened around it and, as it were, pinches the main line around the diameter of the fitting itself.

On one product there can be ends of different diameters - this makes it easy to connect systems of different sizes. In most cases, “compressions” are used for heating and water supply systems.

These parts can be made from various raw materials, namely:

Such are the useful details.

Please note that all "compression" have one major drawback - the density of such a connection must be constantly monitored. The fact is that crimping rings are fixed, as it were, within a certain diameter, and as mentioned earlier - copper systems tend to taper and expand slightly under the influence of temperature.

As a rule, the gap in such cases is small - within one millimeter, but for water leaks (and even more so for gas), this is quite enough.

Now consider the fittings for soldering copper pipes.

Capillary products

These parts are made of copper and are designed to connect copper "tracks" with other metals. In the capillary fittings inside, wire from copper, tin or silver was initially laid, which was melted using a special torch, and then the product was put on the main lines. It turns out that the solder cools down and fills all the gaps between the fitting and the line.

This type of connection is very durable due to high tightness.

Fittings for copper pipes for brazing are divided into the following main types:

1. At the corners of 90 and 45 degrees. The diameter of the ends on the same product may be different. In addition, the thread on the internal and external can vary.

1. On tap. These are bent-shaped adapters that are designed to bend around channels at the points of intersection of trunk lines.
2. On ordinary tees and couplings.

The next type of connections.

Press fittings

In fact, this is a part that is fixed on the pipes under the influence of pressure - it, in turn, is created using a special press. That is, the ring is taken, the ends of the “track” are implanted into it and the ring is clamped around them.

Press fittings for copper pipes are relevant when soldering cannot be carried out. In this case, the method is considered much more reliable than the compression connection.

Pay attention to that it is necessary to press out rings on copper elements very carefully. Copper because the material is soft and under too strong mechanical pressure can simply bend.

And the last option.

Threaded Parts

Standard threaded fittings for copper pipes are manufactured as:

• couplings,
• tees,
• cranes, etc.

The main distinguishing feature is the possibility of multiple use of products. They can be removed without problems, and then re-put on the pipe.

The structural structure is very simple - it is, in fact, a part with internal or external thread. Instructions for the use of such a fitting implies that there is a thread at the ends of the pipe to which the adapter must be connected.

Threaded parts for copper lines can be made from both copper and any other metal. And if the compound is made of steel or brass, for example, then it is better to buy those options that have a protective coating of zinc or chromium.

Tip: when assembling a system with threaded fittings, try to additionally seal them. This is done using tow - it is simply wound on the thread before twisting, or with the help of silicone. And if the adapter has a rubber gasket, then you can easily do without such additional operations.

What else I want to mention is that threaded adapters are best bought with the same brand as the pipes. Otherwise, there may be minor difficulties with the docking of elements. The fact is that there may be errors between the lines of the thread, etc.

Also, do not purchase pipes and fittings of copper of dubious origin. It is better not to save and trust only brands whose quality is time-tested.

So let's summarize.

Conclusion

We have examined in detail where the copper pipes are used and what fittings can be selected for them. We hope that after reading this review you will be able to buy really high-quality elements of the system and install a durable pipeline (see also the article Fitting for PVC pipes: an economical option for installing communications).

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