How to solder polypropylene pipes: 8 steps of successful

Plastic pipes have taught an incredibly wide distribution in plumbing due to the many undeniable advantages. One of them is the ease of connecting individual polypropylene elements by soldering.

Next, we consider the basic principles of such a task.

Technical features

Before soldering polypropylene pipes, you should be familiar with some of the nuances that have a significant impact on this process.

Heat resistance

At what temperature to solder polypropylene pipes? There are three main temperature thresholds for answering this question:

Tip: It is not recommended to use plastic products when arranging a pipeline intended for heating apartments in regions with particularly harsh winters. In case of severe frosts, supply of heat transfer media is possible there, the temperature of which exceeds 95 degrees Celsius, which can lead to an emergency situation.

From the table you can see what temperature to solder polypropylene pipes, they are enough to warm up to 260 ^aboutC so that the connection can be made. This is a fairly low figure, which is easy to reproduce at home with the help of a special tool, which we'll talk about a little later.

Effect of thermal expansion

Thermal expansion is characteristic of all materials, and plastic is not an exception. And in the case of pipes, it would be more correct to call it an elongation, since when heated they are drawn out, sagging or taking a wavy appearance.

How to solder polypropylene pipes to avoid the unpleasant effects of thermal elongation?

For this there is a yes method:

1. Use instead of conventional products reinforced. Their deformation in the case of heating is five times less.
2. To install in the joints of the U-shaped elements. Thanks to them, everything will be reduced to the convergence of the "legs" of the structure.

Tip: It is recommended to use both methods for greater efficiency, since reinforcement does not prevent elongation, but only reduces it.

Features of the soldering of the reinforced pipes

How to solder polypropylene pipes with a reinforced layer?

It depends primarily on what material was used to create it:

• Fiberglass is soldered as well as ordinary products.
• Aluminum needs preliminary cleaning with the help of a special tool - shaver. If the reinforcing layer is located in the middle of the pipe, then you will need a flat-cutter to remove it.

Tip: it should be remembered that it makes sense to acquire reinforced products only if they are used in the heating system, since they are able to withstand a higher temperature threshold without deformations. For arrangement of the sewage system and water supply, their higher price will be unjustified.

We start soldering

But first, let's see, how to solder polypropylene pipes:

Instruments

The most important value, of course, has a special soldering iron, since it is to them that you will create connections. The power of the simplest unit suitable for operation does not exceed 800 W, and the kit includes nozzles for the most common in domestic use pipes with sections of 20, 25 and 32 mm.

Tip: do not spend money on more powerful devices, since this indicator affects only the heating time, and not the quality of the soldering.

You will also need the following accessories:

Tip: It is recommended to use special pipe cutter for cutting. In one motion, they produce an even cut strictly at right angles, which significantly saves time and effort.

If you are planning to work with reinforced products, then you must get a suitable shaver. There is no sense in choosing an expensive tool, since its cost is determined by durability, and a cheap model is enough for you to use it once.

Soldering

Now we come directly to the question, how to solder a polypropylene pipe? Check the availability of all necessary at hand and proceed.

Step 1

Instruction:

• We measure the necessary segment, add to it 20 mm, which, undoubtedly, will melt in the process of work.

Step 2

• Cut off exactly on the intended line.

Step 3

• Install a suitable nozzle into the soldering iron and wait for it to warm up.

Step 4

• Cut the chamfer from the outside of the pipe and from the inside of the fitting. If this is not done, the melted edges may come up, which will make the connection unusable.

Step 5

• Shaver remove the reinforced layer. To do this, insert the product into the device and turn it several times.

Step 6

• We insert the prepared edge of the pipe into the wide nozzle, and the coupling sleeve into the narrow one. It should be borne in mind that the fitting may have a much greater wall thickness and, therefore, needs more heating time.

Step 7

• After the material has started to melt, we take out the products and tightly connect them to the stop.

Tip: in no case do not turn the pipe at the time of connection. This will lead to the appearance of folds and the integrity of the structure.

Step 8

• We hold the structure for about fifteen seconds, after which the work can be considered completed.

Tip: in the case of the formation of plastic on the nozzle is not recommended to remove them with a knife, since you can damage the chrome surface. It is better to turn on the soldering iron and carefully, so as not to burn yourself, remove the drops with a rag.

Conclusion

How to learn how to solder polypropylene pipes? Read all the above recommendations and rules, then check them in practice. After that, you can be sure that in domestic volumes you can perfectly cope with the laying of a plastic pipeline.

The video in this article will provide you with additional material directly related to the topic presented.

Good luck with the installation!