Pipes for water supply - we analyze all possible options

07-02-2018

Pipes

For arranging water in the house or apartment there is an impressive list of materials that can be used for installation. But because of their abundance, many of us are lost, not knowing what to choose and which pipes for water supply are better. In this article we will try to understand this problem.

In fact, to give the only correct answer to it is impossible. Therefore, let's consider the main types of pipes for water supply and their features, and based on the information provided, you can make your choice.

In the whole wide variety of modern materials, you can simply get lost

Steel

Metal lines are a very practical solution. Over the years, it is steel that makes up the lion's share of all cushioning work. Consider their key properties.

Merits

First, we analyze the advantages:

Resistance to high pressure. Even if we are talking about a colossal head and the water velocity in the water supply pipes is high, they can easily withstand such conditions.
Long service life (at least 20 years).
Withstand high temperatures. Therefore, they can be safely used for the hot line.

Low coefficient of thermal expansion. This eliminates the need for installation with compensators.

As you can see, there are quite a few reasons to buy such products.

disadvantages

Let's not ignore the negative sides:

Difficult installation of water pipes. To implement such a procedure, you must have certain skills. In addition, there can not do without a welding machine.
Susceptibility to corrosion.
A large number of counterfeit (low-quality) industries.

Tip: in order not to become the owner of the goods of "handicraft" production, before buying buy all kinds of quality certificates from the seller. This will greatly protect you from the acquisition of "the cat in the bag."

Stainless steel

Some words should be said about stainless steel. Until recently, these were the best products in their class. Their service life is several times longer than that of their usual counterparts.

They have all the advantages listed above, as well as:

Do not affect the quality of water supplied. Surely, many people are familiar with the situation when the coveted liquid obtained from a tap gives off a taste of rust.

This photo shows the stainless steel connections, which greatly facilitate the process of collecting highway

Good sound absorption, as a result, there is no hum in the water supply pipes.
They are much easier to install.

Such material is rapidly reducing its leading position, as cheaper analogs began to appear, which are almost as good as any other. In addition, the repair of water pipelines from the "stainless steel" is very expensive, which is not the case with most of its competitors.

Copper

The choice of pipes for water supply is a very important matter, so one option is not enough here. Another, no less interesting competitor is copper. This noble metal deserves the highest accolades.

Merits

Consider what these products are so good:

Their most important plus is colossal durability. The instructions of most manufacturers states that they can last for a hundred years. Such reliability is provided by a special installation technology using fittings for connecting pipes.
They are resistant to high temperatures, pressure drops, corrosion and other corrosive environments.

With all this, they have a very nice appearance, which for many is an extremely important factor.

disadvantages

Even this seemingly ideal material has its drawbacks:

Pretty high price. This is perhaps the main factor in the fact that copper is not a leader in this field.
When laying it is necessary to consider compatibility with other used materials. In particular, there may be a risk of oxidation. However, if copper is used exclusively in the entire system, then this aspect can be omitted.
Relative complexity of installation. Hardly a simple person will be able to assemble such a highway with his own hands. In addition, this procedure requires the purchase of very expensive equipment.

However, if a person is not at all constrained in his means, then this option can be called the most reasonable.

Plastic

Whatever advantages the varieties presented above would not possess, today plastic is at the peak of popularity in this segment.

Polyethylene

This variety should be used only for cold water, because it is not able to withstand high temperatures.

We publish key features:

Installation of polyethylene pipes for water supply does not cause serious difficulties even for inexperienced people.

Polyethylene systems are connected using special fittings.

Resistance to low temperatures. Even in conditions of extreme cold, polyethylene will not crack.
Low weight of such structures.
Excellent resistance to mechanical stress.

A special type is cross-linked polyethylene. It has a higher resistance to all stimuli.

Polypropylene

There is another no less interesting variety.

Highlight its differences:

Possibility of use for hot water. Manufacturers claim that they can withstand heating up to 100 degrees, which is quite enough.
Connection with fittings, which ensures the highest assembly speed of the structure.

Metal plastic

Such patterns are the most perfect among the whole family. They have a metal frame that gives them improved performance. Usually it is presented in the form of a spiral.

Metal-plastic owns all the above advantages, but at the same time its strength is comparable to steel.

Do they have negative sides

Above, we talked exclusively about positive moments, but we did not say about negative ones.

They need to know:

Poor sound absorption. Because of this, there is noise in the water pipes. As a result, there is a need to create a box for pipes.

In this section you can see which layers they are made up of.

Relatively weak mechanical strength. Of course, metal products are quite comparable with their steel counterparts. However, all the others (especially PVC) in this aspect are significantly inferior to other competitors.
As the operating temperature increases, the service life is significantly reduced.

What else should you know

Now we will give you some useful recommendations that will help to achieve the desired result.

The choice of the diameter of the pipes for water supply should be made after the purchase of all sanitary appliances. Particular attention should be paid to the water heater (if any). However, you can always use various adapters.

Tip: Each adapter or outlet is a potential leak. Therefore, try to keep such elements as small as possible.

Combining materials is not the best method. Experts advise to build the entire system from one particular species. This is due to the complexity of fitting fittings and some incompatibility (for example, copper-aluminum).

When laying in private housing, it is desirable to use insulation where the highway passes outside

To make the calculation of the diameter without errors, use the computer programs for designing. You can also invite a specialist. Impressive costs will not incur, but you protect yourself from unnecessary consequences.

findings

That ended our story, but we made sure that you get the most complete store of knowledge. In the presented video in this article you will find additional information on this topic. Viewing this video will allow to understand everything.