Copper pipes for water supply - features and installation

Without running water, it is impossible to imagine the daily life of a modern person, therefore arranging this system in your home, you need to take care that it is reliable and durable. The best option in this regard are copper pipes for water supply, the service life of which can reach two hundred years. Next, we take a closer look at their features and methods of installation.

Special features

As is known, chlorine is often added to purify cold water. Since this chemical element is an oxidizing agent, it gradually destroys the steel pipeline. Copper, when interacting with chlorine, forms a patina (copper oxide), which covers the inner walls of pipes, thereby forming a protective film.

Patina helps to strengthen the walls of the pipeline, as a result of which it increases its service life. In addition, using copper pipes in the water supply system, you will relieve yourself of the need to regularly clean the system, since sediments do not accumulate on the copper walls.

Merits

We have resulted only the main features of copper pipes.

But besides this, they have a number of other advantages:

• Resistant to high pressure;
• Able to withstand high temperatures;
• UV resistant;
• Bend easily if, for example, you need to turn the pipeline or “bypass” an obstacle.
• Have antibacterial properties - for hundreds of years, copper has been used for the production of dishes and containers for drinking water;
• They are not afraid of freezing and thawing of the system.;
• Do not lose their strength over time;
• Possess anti-corrosion property;
• Exist a variety of fittings for pipes that allow you to run a water pipe from copper pipes of any complexity;
• Attractive appearance, so that the pipeline itself can serve as a decoration for the kitchen or, for example, a bathroom.

disadvantages

As for the drawbacks of these pipes, the following points can be highlighted:

• The high price, however, the price / quality ratio among them, perhaps, is one of the best;
• As a result of the high cost, they are quite rare in the sale, the same goes for fittings;
• Moderate mechanical strength;
• Installation is quite expensive and time consuming.

Installation of copper piping

Installation of the pipeline can be done in two ways:

• Rezbovym;
• With the help of soldering.

Next, take a closer look at these methods.

Necessary materials

To install a water pipe from copper pipes, you must prepare the following tools:

As for the materials, in addition to the pipes themselves should be prepared:

• Fittings - tees, couplings for pipes and various adapters;
• Fum-tape - designed for sealing threaded connections;

Threaded connection

Even a beginner will be able to assemble a water pipe using a threaded way. The only thing before you get to work, you must perform a scheme of its location and calculate the amount of material.

Tip! When calculating the number of pipes, you need to make a few meters of stock. This will avoid the shortage of material in the process of installing plumbing.

Installation instructions are as follows:

• The first step is to cut the pipe into pieces of the desired length in accordance with the scheme.
• Then it is necessary to remove the burrs with a file, which appear after the cut.
• After that you need to chamfer the pipes.
• Then a cap nut is put on the pipe, and then a compression ring.
• Then the thread should be wound fum-tape to ensure the tightness of the connection.
• The prepared fitting must be docked with the nut, and the threaded connection will be tightened smoothly. At first, the part is twisted with a hand, and then with a key. As a result, the ring will gradually burn the pipe and thereby form a sealed joint.

Note! The threaded connection is collapsible, but in the case of dismantling the structure, the compression ring must be replaced.

Soldering

Installation of copper pipes for plumbing by soldering is more preferable, since it is more reliable. True, he requires some skills.

The procedure is as follows:

• The first step is to cut the pipe into pieces of suitable length.
• If the pipes are thermally insulated, they must be removed at the edges.
• The plumbing copper pipe should be smooth at the ends, so after trimming, the ends should be filed with a file, as in the previous case, in order to eliminate burrs.
• Next, using an abrasive cloth, you need to remove the oxide film from the ends (from the places that will be soldered).

• Then you need to sand the fitting. The resulting dust must be thoroughly wiped off.
• After that, the flux should be applied to the surface of the pipe, which will allow the solder to spread evenly.
• After completing all the preparatory stages, the end of the pipe must be inserted into the fitting, and a uniform gap of about 0.4 millimeters should form between the walls of the parts.
• With the help of a gas heater, the place of the future connection must be well warmed up.
• After that, you need to insert a solder into the gap, which melts and flows into the slot.
• After the system is fully assembled, it must be rinsed well, so that no flux particles remain inside.

Tip! If there is no special torch for soldering pipes, you can use a blowtorch. In this case, the flame needs to be moved evenly throughout the soldered area so that the heating is uniform and moderate.

That's all the features of installation of copper plumbing. With some skill, this work does not take much time and effort.

Conclusion

If the cost when choosing a pipe for you is not a determining factor, then copper pipes will be the best option. Besides the fact that they are very durable, such a pipeline will become a real decoration of the room. From the video in this article, you can get additional information on this topic.