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Connection of copper pipes with steel pipes. Copper pipes and fittings - types of connecting elements. Copper piping

Fitting pipeline type are used to connect pipes of various diameters and sizes. Fitting certain type necessary for bending the pipeline, for example, T-shaped and Y-shaped fittings, as well as bends.

Main types of fittings

Straight fittings have components such as plugs, adapters, and couplings. Examples of fittings are shown in the figure below. How each fitting is made depends on the material used to make it.

Examples of steel, copper and plastic fittings

1. Copper fittings, both threaded and unthreaded:
2. T-piece.
3. End sleeve with 90 degree rotation.
4. U-shaped tee.
5. Couplings.
6. Adapter.
7. Copper and plastic fittings:
8. Fitting with internal thread.
9. Fitting rotated 90 degrees.
10. T-piece.
11. U-shaped tee.
12. Adapter.
13. Coupling.
14. Steel fittings:
15. Internal plug.
16. Threaded options.
17. Cap with plug.
18. Sgon.
19. Fitting option.

Photo fittings from a variety of materials

And now a small photo gallery showing the impressive variety of all kinds of fittings that are presented on our market.

Steel chrome fittings

Copper fittings

Fittings made of plastic (PVC)

Coupling, adapter and squeegee

The coupling is necessary for combining two pipe segments with the same diameters into one line. If the pipes have different diameters, you will need adapter. Used frequently drive is a steel tube with an external thread, which is usually available in small pieces up to 30 cm long.

The drive is necessary to increase the length of the pipeline and connect the pipe sections, which can be disconnected at any time. A plug is needed to block the end of the pipe. If pipes made of various materials, then specialized fittings are required to connect them, some of which are shown in the figure below.

A variety of fittings for connecting pipes made of various materials

1. Fitting for connecting a copper pipe to a steel pipe:
2. Thread for screwing a metal pipe.
3. Copper pipe, connected by solder to another copper pipe.
4. Copper fitting, connects with copper pipe.
5. End for screwing into a nut.
6. Rubber gasket.
7. The plastic part is inserted into the nut.
8. Copper pipe.
9. Fitting connected by solder.
10. Fitting for connecting a plastic pipe to a copper pipe:
11. Steel pipe screwed into the nut.
12. End for screwing into a nut.
13. Rubber gasket.
14. Plastic pipe, glued into the insert in the nut.
15. Fittings for connecting plastic pipes to steel.
16. Plastic insert.
17. Screw.

Pipe connections of various materials

How is a steel pipe connected to a copper pipe? For this, a fitting is used, at one end of which there is a thread for fixing on a steel pipe. There is no thread on the other end, it is completely smooth, since the copper pipe will be fastened by soldering.

When installing a pipe in such a fitting, the threads should be wrapped with plastic sealing tape, after which the coupling is screwed onto the pipe. Such a sealing tape is necessary so that corrosion does not begin in the junction of two types of metal.

Steel and plastic fitting

Another example is a steel and plastic fitting. It is also made in two parts. The first part looks like a nut with a threaded segment that is screwed into a steel pipe. The other part is plastic, with gasket and nut also made of plastic.

Standard fitting consisting of steel and plastic parts

The nut is screwed onto another extension of the first part, which has external thread. Further, a special solvent is used to fasten the plastic insert with a plastic pipe.

Fitting made of plastic and copper

There is also a popular fitting made of plastic and copper, which also includes two components. The first component has two ends. One is made of copper and has a thread, but the other end is completely smooth - it is he who is attached to the copper pipe by soldering.

Plastic fitting with copper thread

The other component is a plastic nut with a gasket. The nut is screwed onto a copper thread, and its other end is glued to a plastic pipe.

Fittings for copper and plastic pipes

Soldering is used to connect copper pipes, but plastic pipes connected with specialized glue or solvent. As for cast-iron risers, bushings are usually not used to connect pipes.

Standard method for connecting fittings and cast iron pipes without the use of bushings

1. Cast iron pipe.
2. Casing made from of stainless steel.
3. Collar.
4. Part made of neoprene rubber.
5. T-piece made of cast iron.

For sealing joints sewer pipes sleeves made of neoprene rubber are used. In this case, the sleeve itself is fixed by a casing made of stainless steel.

The following figure shows options for some pipe connections without bushings.

Standard fittings for connecting cast iron pipes without bushings

1. T-piece.
2. curved segment.
3. Curved segment with flange, designed for the toilet.
4. U-shaped tee.

To fasten the casing directly, ordinary casings are used.

Video review of fittings for polypropylene pipes

Consider the use of special fittings for plastic polypropylene pipes. Types of fittings, their purpose and characteristics.

The materials from which pipes are made

For the manufacture of sewer pipes, materials such as plastic, cast iron and copper are used. In the construction of underground collectors located outside the building, glazed ceramic pipes are usually used.

However, it is not uncommon for only pipes to be allowed in a particular area. specific type. You can find out from local authorities.

The ideal option for a sewer pipe is cast iron pipe. It is perfect for creating collectors, sewer risers, sunbeds and ventilation. Any cast iron pipes are of two types - internal and heavy. Standard length cast iron pipe is 1.5 meters.

Cast iron toilet pipe

Copper pipes , with a yellow label, can also be used for sewer pipelines of any type.

Worth mentioning separately ceramic pipes, coated with a special glaze. Such pipes are reliably protected from the influence of sewage waste, whether it be various alkalis or acids.

As a rule, ceramic pipes are used as the basis of an underground collector of a house, at a distance of up to 1.5 meters from the foundation. Pipes are laid to the city collector or settling tank.

It is not recommended to use ceramic pipes inside the house.

Both inside and outside the house are actively used pvc pipes and ABS. The connection of pipes made of copper and plastic is carried out in the same way as water pipes. A detailed overview of each type of pipe will be presented in the following articles.

Due to its almost unique performance qualities, copper is today one of the most popular materials used for the installation of communication systems. It is especially common in private homes, where water supply and heating systems are made of copper pipes, the connection of which is carried out using various methods.

One of the main reasons for the use of copper in communication systems is the outstanding resistance of this material to high temperatures and high pressure from the medium circulating through the pipes. So, for example, calculations show that in the case of installing a single-pipe heating system, if you want to get a water temperature in the radiator of 70 degrees, it should not be lower than 120 degrees at the inlet. Many modern materials just not designed for this temperature. As an example, plastic (or polymer) pipes, which are so popular today, can be cited here. They are light, not too expensive (especially in comparison with copper), do not cause difficulties during installation and look quite aesthetically pleasing. But the maximum temperature for which they are designed is 95 degrees Celsius. At higher temperatures, the pipes simply begin to melt. At the same time, copper easily withstands temperatures up to 300 degrees.

During the operation of a domestic pipeline, the reverse situation may also occur - freezing of water in pipes. At the same time, the vast majority of materials cannot withstand the linear expansion of frozen water and are destroyed - ruptures or cracks appear on pipes made of polymer, cast iron or steel. Copper perfectly copes with this problem due to its ductility.

In general, copper pipes are universal elements. They can be used not only in water supply or heating systems. Often, specialized pipelines are installed from them in refrigeration units or air conditioners. Due to the gas impermeability of copper, they are also used for the installation of gas pipelines, both domestic and industrial. In addition, recently, copper pipes for electrical wiring have become quite common, which allow you to reliably protect all its “intricacies” from mechanical and other damage.

Types of connections of copper pipes during the installation of networks.

For connecting copper pipes to single system various techniques and additional details are used. The choice of a specific method depends on the characteristics of the pipeline, and on its purpose, and on its location, and even on national traditions. As for the last point, today in Europe, where copper pipelines are used most often, there are two traditional approaches to their installation:

• "British approach" is a fitting-free connection of pipes to each other (pipe bending, flanging, bending, soldering, welding, etc.). This method makes it possible to simplify the design of a copper pipeline as much as possible, in which practically no additional elements(connecting parts are only required to connect the instruments to the pipeline). But it is worth noting that this approach requires quite a lot of experience and high qualifications from installers. In addition, you can not do without special tools here;
• "German approach" - connecting pipes to each other using fittings. This approach has a number of advantages: the use of fittings requires less time to install the pipeline and less effort on the part of the installers. It can be used for laying pipelines of any configuration and guarantees high quality connection, practically independent of the experience and qualifications of the installer. The disadvantages of the method include the complexity of the pipeline design and the need for regular checks of fitting connections.

All types of copper pipe connections that exist today can be divided into 2 categories:

• one-piece;
• detachable.

Permanent connections- this is a structure that cannot be disassembled without destroying its individual components. These include:

• soldering;
• welding;
• pressing.

Soldering or welding can be fittingless. Factory connectors for copper pipes (various fittings) are also used. For pressing, special press fittings are required, which are supplied with crimp sleeves.

All types of permanent connection can be used in the installation of water supply, gas supply and heating systems.

Note! When installing water pipes and heating systems for pipes of small and medium diameter, low-temperature soldering is most often used, and welding is used for pipes of large diameter. When installing "warm floors" the most common technique is pressing. If it is required to connect copper to steel, then usually soldering or welding is used, depending on the diameter of the pipes (solder - bronze). But when installing a gas pipeline, high-temperature soldering is necessary.

plug connection- This is a collapsible design. It is obtained using various types fittings:

• threaded;
• compression;
• self-locking.

In addition, in this case, a flange can be used - a connector for copper pipes of large and medium cross-section. And when emergency repair pipeline for connecting pipes of the same diameter, a turnbuckle can be temporarily used.

Most often, a variety of fittings and connectors are used to connect various equipment, consuming devices or fittings to the pipeline. The convenience of such connections is that they can be easily disassembled if necessary (for example, if a pipeline needs to be repaired or the equipment connected to it needs to be replaced). They are very reliable and do not require much qualification from the installer. In addition, a minimum of special tools is required for installation - most of the work is done literally by hand.

But at the same time, detachable connections need periodic inspection and maintenance activities. They are weakened by temperature and pressure drops in the system, and sealing elements wear out over time. That is why they must be located in such a way that access to them during the operation of the pipeline is open at any time.

Note! Threading is prohibited on copper pipes. Therefore, special transition type fittings are used to connect copper with threaded elements of the system. Such parts, on the one hand, have a socket for connection with a pipe by soldering or crimping, and on the other hand, a thread.

Whatever type of connection is chosen when installing a copper pipeline, you should know that in any case it does not reduce the mechanical strength of the system. On the contrary, any of the joints, except for welding, increases the thickness of the walls of the system, which means that this part of the pipeline is even more durable than the pipe itself. As for the welded joint, it (initially softer due to the nature of the process) becomes stronger with time.

Preparation of copper pipes for connection during installation of communication networks.

Before connecting pipes to each other, they must be prepared. Preparation includes several stages.

• Cutting.

For execution this stage It is best to resort to the help of a pipe cutter. The whole process of using this tool is extremely simple. It is necessary to put a pipe cutter on the end of the pipe where the cut is to be made, advancing it to the place marked for the cut. After that, it is necessary to tightly tighten the clamp (screw) of the tool and start rotating the cutter around the pipe. The screw will then be tightened, causing the pipe to be cut off at the location of the cutter.

Note! The use of a pipe cutter allows you to make an accurate perpendicular cut. But in the process of cutting the pipe, do not use excessive force - this can crush the end of the copper product. It is better to make a couple of extra turns of the pipe cutter.

Of course, everyone knows about the plasticity of copper and that it can be cut with an ordinary hacksaw. But to achieve good quality such a cut and its perpendicularity is quite difficult. When working with a hacksaw, the edges are too uneven and require additional processing. True, in the event that there is no special tool at hand, the hacksaw turns out to be the only way adjust the pipe to the desired length. But then you have to turn Special attention on the edges.

• Pipe edge processing.

After cutting, burrs and irregularities will remain on the edge of the pipe in any case. Before making a connection, these defects must be eliminated. To do this, use a file or file of a rounded shape.

The outer surface of the edge must also be cleaned, removing the oxide film and contamination from it. This work is done with the help of fine-grained skins. In addition, before joining, the inner surface of the edge should also be cleaned. For these purposes, special napkins or brushes are suitable.

Note! Edge cleaning should be carried out until its surface becomes shiny. But at the same time, too much zeal should not be shown, since there is a great chance to remove too much copper layer. In this case, when making a connection by soldering or welding, difficulties may arise.

Connection of copper pipes using capillary soldering.

One of the most common ways to connect copper pipes is capillary soldering. For its implementation, special fittings are used to help the solder be distributed at the place where the seam is received as evenly as possible, regardless of the position of the pipe itself. It is of great importance in this right choice fitting diameter - it should be 0.1-0.15 mm larger than the pipe diameter.

Flux must be applied to the end of the pipe to perform capillary soldering. This is a special composition that, when melted, dissolves the oxide film on the pipe. In addition, it perfectly protects copper from oxidation, which inevitably occurs when it is heated.

Note! Flux is a highly reactive compound, which means that it can interact with the metal it is applied to. Therefore, when applying it, you should be careful not to use more flux than required. It is best to use a brush, applying the flux exclusively to the part of the pipe that will fit inside the fitting. Moreover, this must be done immediately before soldering. After that, immediately insert the end of the pipe into the fitting until it stops, turning it around the axis of the pipe - this is required so that the flux "lies" as evenly as possible. If at the same time some part of the flux appears on the outer surface of the pipe, it must be removed immediately.

After the pipe is inserted into the fitting, the junction must be heated. Heating must be uniform over the entire circumference of the joint. To do this, you can use an open flame - for example, a gas burner with two nozzles. Often used more safe way- industrial dryer. You can determine the degree of heating using the flux or solder used. In the event that a flux is used, which includes tin, silver drops that appear at the junction will indicate that the temperature required for soldering has been reached. If a different type of flux is used, then understand whether the connection has heated up to required temperature, you can by attaching the edge of the solder to it. If the solder immediately begins to melt, it means that it can already be introduced into the gap between the pipe and the fitting. At the same time, you can lead the solder bar both from right to left and from left to right - in any case, it will fill the gap and securely connect the parts to each other.

The amount of solder required is determined very simply - by the diameter of the pipe. To do this, even before starting soldering, you can wrap the pipe with wire, which will act as solder, and cut off a piece of the required length from it.

Note! Capillary soldering fittings are commercially available, inside of which there is already solder in the right amount. Working with such fittings comes down to heating the junction to a temperature where the solder begins to melt. Adding additional solder in this case is not required.

After soldering, the joint must cool naturally. During this time, it should not be subjected to any mechanical stress. Only after the solder has completely solidified can the pipeline installation process be continued.

Other connections are made in a similar way during the installation of a water supply or heat supply system at home. After the entire system is mounted, it must be flushed hot water- this will help remove flux residues from inside the pipes. If this is not done, then the composition remaining on the copper surface can lead to corrosion. copper elements. From the outside of the pipeline, all joints should also be inspected and, if there is any remaining flux or solder on them, clean them with a damp cloth.

Connection of copper pipes with elements from other materials.

Often, when installing a private copper water supply, sewerage or heating system, it becomes necessary to use elements made of other materials. In this case, it should be remembered that in no case should direct contact between copper and galvanized steel be allowed due to the electrochemical processes that occur in this case. As a result of such contact, corrosion processes on the steel surface develop at an accelerated rate, and it is destroyed. In order to avoid this, a brass fitting must be placed between the copper and steel sections of the pipeline. In addition, it is very important here that the galvanized steel parts in the pipeline are located in front of the copper ones - that is, the water circulating through the labor first passes through the steel section, and then enters the copper section. But the contact of copper with plastic, brass or acid-resistant steel is safe from this point of view and does not affect the service life of the pipeline.

Soldered joints are more reliable, simpler and cheaper. There are two types of soldering: high temperature and low temperature. In high-temperature soldering, solders made from alloys of copper and other non-ferrous metals are used. Previously, even silver was sometimes soldered. But I have never done high-temperature soldering and even watched it only once briefly, so I will not bullshit you.

Low-temperature soldering is performed with lead-tin solder. The outer surface of the pipe and the inner surface of the fitting are cleaned. Flux is applied to the outer surface of the pipe. It is not worth smearing the flux inside the fitting, because then, when inserting the pipe, you will squeeze out part of the flux inside the fitting, which is undesirable. We immediately insert the pipe into the fitting and turn it back and forth a little so that the flux is distributed evenly. I advise soldering immediately after preparation so that the flux does not dry out and run out.

The junction is heated by a burner or a special electric powerful heater. The end of the solder wire is applied to the gap between the parts. The wire melts and flows into the slot. They say that the reason is in the capillary effect. I don’t know, but the fact remains - in the space between the pipe and the fitting, the flux is replaced by solder melt without additional effort.

When soldering, you need to use a special flux for soldering copper pipes. The fact is that the universal flux is not suitable here. I have learned this from my own sad experience. The soldering technology is such that the flux must withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees (not burn out). Only then will the solder melt and begin to flow into the space between the parts. Universal flux loses its fluidity at temperatures below 200 degrees.

Soldering also has some serious drawbacks. Firstly, everything looks very good in theory, in practice imagine yourself with gas burner in a room saturated with heat-resistant elements ( wall panels, pipe fixtures, sewer pipes, etc.). You try to heat the junction evenly from all sides, but the pipe is fixed to the wall, it is very difficult to crawl up to it from the side of the wall, and you need to heat it carefully, if you overheat, the flux will burn out and nothing will be soldered. You also need to keep the connected elements in a strictly defined position relative to each other so that the gap between them is the same on all sides. Otherwise, the solder will not leak and will not solder the joint from all sides. As my mentor, who taught me this matter, said, oh, why am I not the many-armed Shiva?

Secondly, the solder contains lead, and the seam is in contact with water. For hot water and heating is not critical, but drinking water I would not pass through such a pipe.

Third, Provide complete removal flux residues are not always possible. And the flux is corrosive and can eat through the copper pipe.

glue

Therefore, lately I have been gluing copper pipelines. I use cyanoacrylate (superglue) (its version with metal bonding additives) or poxypol depending on my mood. Cyanoacrylate holds very well, but sets in one second, so it's hard to glue them. Poxipol holds a little worse, but you have 5 minutes for the mutual positioning of the pipe and fitting.

Solder fittings are used. The fitting from the inside and the pipe from the outside are cleaned with sandpaper. Care must be taken to leave small grooves on the pipe and fitting from sandpaper across the pipe. This will increase the strength of the connection. Next, the parts are degreased with acetone. The glue is applied in a thin layer both to the end of the pipe and to the inner surface of the fitting where the pipe is inserted. Poxipol must be prepared before application: mix the two components according to the instructions. Glue should be applied a little, but evenly. It should not be strongly squeezed out of the gap. It is better to first practice on a table with a pipe cut. Now we insert the pipe into the fitting, turn it back and forth a little so that the glue is evenly distributed, and wait for the glue to rise.

The connection is surprisingly strong and neat. I have been using this technology for several years with excellent results.

My colleagues complain that such a connection is not separable. But this is not true. It is collapsible to the same extent as soldering. It is enough to drain the water, heat the fitting with a soldering torch. The poxypol or cyanoacrylate will melt and the connection with little effort figure it out. Parts can be cooled, cleaned of adhesive residue, degreased and glued again. Soldering parts with solder residue after disassembly is also possible, but more difficult.

Be very careful when disassembling. When heated, cyanoacrylate vapors are released, which are very toxic. This is another argument in favor of poxypol.

By the way, there is a special two-component adhesive for metal on sale. Try it, it should hold up even better.

If the connection is leaking

If a soldered or glued joint leaks a little (drips - 2 drops per minute or less), then it is not necessary to disassemble and redo it. Water always contains suspended impurities. Such a small hole will quickly become clogged with these small particles. The flow will stop. You can substitute a container so that the water does not flow to the floor and wait a week. The leak must stop. In an autonomous heating system, it is even easier to eliminate a leak, more on that at the link.

Unfortunately, errors occur periodically in articles, they are corrected, articles are supplemented, developed, new ones are being prepared.

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Communications from copper are rare today, but exclusively reliable option for water supply and heating of a private house. The prevailing opinion about the difficulties of installing copper pipelines is not absolutely confirmed in practice. Self-brazing of copper pipes is available for a non-professional, if he knows the process technology and owns the tools. Master the intricacies of connecting copper pipes, assemble your own plumbing and you will never have to deal with communications again.

Copper pipes are good because they are: not subject to corrosion, have a service life of more than half a century, soft enough not to be afraid of water freezing in them. Copper is a perfectly smooth material, which prevents the formation of plaque in pipes, and the material also has bactericidal properties.

Note! The composition of copper pipe material for domestic communications should be 99% pure copper. Alloys with "additives" form poorly soluble oxides on the surface, which prevents high-quality soldering.

There are two types of copper pipes, depending on the method of their manufacture:

• annealed;
• unannealed.

These pipes may have the same composition, but differ dramatically in physical properties.

Annealed pipes are flexible pipe material. The degree of flexibility can be judged by the fact that they are sold in coils wound like a hose. The flexibility of annealed pipes is a big plus during installation. From them, you can form different configurations without using additional parts. This gives material savings on fittings and consumables. Reduces labor costs, fewer connections are used.

And although these pipes are considered less strong than unannealed ones, their safety margin is quite enough for communications in individual houses.

Unannealed pipes are not subjected to additional processing- they remain rigid. You can buy such material by direct runs, like the usual steel ones. The wiring of unannealed communications is carried out using fittings.

The method is based on the capillary rise of a liquid (molten solder) along the thinnest gap between the pipe walls. There are two types of soldering copper pipes: low-temperature and high-temperature soldering. The difference in soldering mainly depends on the melting temperature of the solder. For high-temperature solders, refractory solders are used, for low-temperature solders, soft solders rolled into coils are used. Accordingly, acetylene and propane torches are used to heat pipes during high-temperature soldering, sometimes it is enough for low-temperature ones, fire from a blowtorch. High temperature brazing can be used for all types of copper wiring, including solar heating collectors, where pipes can be heated up to 250 ° C, low temperature brazing is more demanding on pipe heating temperatures, nevertheless it is successfully used in hot water and heating systems. There are no structural differences in these types of soldering, however, high-temperature soldering is more often used for socket pipe joints, and low-temperature soldering is used for pipe joints with fittings with solder fused into them, although vice versa is also possible.

For the installation of copper pipelines, three types of pipes are used: soft (R 220), semi-solid (R 250) and hard (R 290). As a hardness (hardness) parameter, the tensile strength in MPa (N/mm²) is proposed. Soft pipes are sold rolled into bays, semi-solid and hard - straight rods. The fundamental difference in these types of pipes is the pressure of the transported medium that the pipes can withstand. Hard pipes withstand the highest pressure (290 N/mm²), soft pipes withstand the lowest pressure (220 N/mm²). The pressure that is created in apartment and even cottage pipelines will successfully withstand any of these pipes. And if you need to build a steam boiler house or a mini-production, then you can’t do without calculation and drafting a project, but that’s another topic.

Socket soldering (Fig. 36) uses soft, semi-hard or hard copper pipes with a pre-annealed end. One of the ends of the pipe is shaped with an expander into a socket, similar to the socket of sewer pipes, the end of another pipe will be inserted into it. It must be remembered that when you anneal the ends of hard pipes, you release the metal and the pipe at the junction acquires the properties of a soft pipe. This circumstance must be taken into account when designing a pipeline according to pressure criteria.

To make a socket, you need to use only those heads on the expander that are designed for a given pipe diameter, then the diameter of the socket will automatically turn out to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pipe. Typically, the gap between the inner walls of the socket and the outer walls of the pipe inserted into the socket is approximately 0.2 mm. Such a gap provides "drawing in" of the molten solder and its uniform distribution over the entire inner surface of the socket at any position of the pipe. In other words, pipes can be soldered in any position, even with the socket down, the capillary gap between the pipes will still "suck" the molten solder into itself, which will be evenly distributed over the place of soldering. Using the “correct” expander head is 80% of soldering success - the gap between the pipes and the depth of the socket is set by this particular tool.

Today, pipe manufacturers produce ready-made fittings and couplings, on which sockets are already made (Fig. 37). The use of such parts makes the pipeline more expensive, but completely eliminates the "human factor" present during self-manufacturing expander socket.

The pipes at the place of the solder are covered with a flux (Fig. 38), which will act as a lubricant for the solder and a “pickle” (cleansing of the metal) for copper. When high-temperature soldering with silver or bronze solders, borax is used as a flux. It is mixed with water until a viscous slurry is obtained. The flux is applied without excess only to the collar of the pipe that will mate with the fitting or socket, and not into the fitting or socket. After applying the flux, it is recommended to immediately articulate the parts to prevent foreign particles from entering the wet surface. If, for some reason, soldering will take place a little later, then it is better for the parts to wait for this moment already in the articulated form. It is recommended to rotate the pipe in the fitting or socket, or vice versa, the fitting around the axis of the pipe, in order to make sure that the flux is evenly distributed in the mounting gap and to feel that the pipe has reached the stop. Then it is necessary to remove visible flux residues from the outer surface of the pipe with a rag.

For soldering copper pipes, solder rods with a diameter of 3 mm from copper and silver or bronze alloys are used. After the socket is made, or when using a ready-made fitting with a socket, the pipes are inserted into each other. The junction is heated from all sides with a propane or acetylene torch. Heating is carried out until the solder bar brought up and pressed against the socket begins to melt. With the acquisition of experience, the heating time of the pipes is determined by the change in color of the pipe - until a "red glow" is reached. Threaded fittings for connecting them to other pipelines or to plumbing fixtures are made of bronze and brass and require a longer heating time when soldering. To determine the solder consumption per joint, the following method is usually used: the solder bar is bent in the form of the letter G, making the bend slightly larger than the socket diameter. As soon as the place of soldering is warmed up to desired temperature, the solder is pressed against the gap between the socket and the pipe inserted into it and lead it around the pipe, without stopping the heating of the joint. The solder melts and flows into the gap. It is necessary to melt the entire bent end of the solder into the gap, no more and no less. An increase in solder consumption leads to the fact that it can flow through the slot and melt the inner section of the pipes. A decrease in solder consumption leads to non-soldering of the joint.

When soldering pipes, you must follow basic safety measures for working with open flames. It is necessary to work in canvas gloves, it is better together with an assistant, to hold the pipe away from the place of heating. When working alone, use clamps to temporarily secure the pipes.

After cooling, the assembly is ready for operation - this is the most reliable connection of copper pipes and is not difficult at all. The experience of soldering copper pipes comes quickly, and for those who already know the technique of gas welding, it is immediately clear. True, to heat pipes, you need equipment for gas welding. Sometimes (for soldering joints of small diameters) you can use the hot air of a powerful building hair dryer, using a nozzle that limits the hot air cone, in order to achieve heating faster. Another way of heating without a flame are electrocontact devices. Outwardly, they resemble large tongs with interchangeable copper heads to cover pipes of different diameters.

After soldering the assembly or the entire pipeline, it must be flushed to free the internal cavities from flux residues. As already mentioned, the flux works not only as a lubricant for solder, but also as an etchant for copper, that is, in fact, it is an aggressive oxidizing agent. And if so, then there is nothing more for him to do inside the pipes, he must be removed from there by washing with water. The leaked flux is removed from the outer surface of the pipes with a rag.

Butt soldering of pipelines is not allowed. If it is necessary to connect the parts end-to-end, then they do not solder the pipes, but weld them. In principle, almost the same operations are done as in high-temperature soldering, except that no flux is required, and the heating of pipes and fittings is increased to the melting temperature of the metal.

For low-temperature soldering, fittings with solder fused into them are used. Outwardly, these are the same fittings for socket soldering, but a belt is squeezed out along the surface of the socket (Fig. 39), inside which manufacturers poured solder even at the stage of fittings manufacturing. Both refractory and low-melting solder can be poured into the fitting, thanks to which both types of soldering can be performed. However, most often, low-melting solder is poured into the fittings, so the joints on such fittings are classified as low-temperature soldering.

The technology for connecting copper pipes on fused solder fittings is even simpler than on conventional fittings. Pipes and fittings are processed in exactly the same way as described above. The pipes are then inserted into fittings or couplings. The fittings are heated by the fire of a blowtorch or the hot air of a building hair dryer, the solder embedded in the fittings melts and spreads along the socket, soldering the parts (Fig. 40). That's the whole technology: stuck the cleaned and fluxed parts into each other, warmed up the knot blowtorch and let it cool.

Soldered copper pipe connections can be used for all types of house piping, with the exception of pipelines with high temperatures (about 150–250 ° C), which are not found in an ordinary house.

Connecting pipes by soldering
Tight joining of copper pipes without soldering
Mandatory Connection Rules

Even taking into account that polymer pipes increasingly used, hardware are still enjoying great success. As a rule, copper, brass and steel are used as the metal. IN better side copper differs in terms of resistance to corrosion and high temperatures. Actually, the connection of copper pipes will be discussed in this article.

Even despite the fact that copper pipes are distinguished by their high cost, given all the characteristics of the material, their use is quite justified.

First of all, before connecting copper pipes, it is worth deciding how to connect them, by soldering or otherwise.

Connecting pipes by soldering

Consider the connection copper tubes fittings with subsequent soldering, which can be low- and high-temperature. In the first method, soldering is carried out at a temperature of 300 ºC. The second method is used in the arrangement of systems with high loads for industrial purposes.

Couplings act as connectors for copper pipes; tin-lead solder and flux are additionally needed.

The pipe soldering technology will be as follows:

• First of all, a pipe of a certain size is cut.

  Copper pipe connection: types and features

  This process must be carried out carefully, taking into account the dimensions of the existing fittings.

• Pipe ends should be inspected for any defects such as chips, cracks or burrs. If they are not eliminated, then there will be problems with the tightness of the connection after all work has been completed.
• After making sure that the ends are cleaned, you can start connecting. Due to the fact that several pipes will be connected, and they can be with different sections, the fittings must be selected accordingly.
• Next, the end of the pipe and the inner walls of the couplings should be treated with a flux, which will degrease the surfaces to obtain the highest quality connection.
• Now the end of the pipe is threaded into the copper tube connector and heated. It must be selected so that the cross section is more section pipes by 1-1.5 cm. The pipes are heated with a gas burner. The gap between the pipe and the coupling is filled with molten solder. Nowadays, you can find any type of solder to suit your needs on the market, so choosing should not be any problem.
• After uniform distribution solder around the circumference, the parts to be joined must be left until it has completely hardened.

• On finishing stage you need to check the connectors for copper pipes and the entire system by running water into it. At this point, not only the system will be checked, but it will also be cleaned of flux residues, which over time can cause metal corrosion.

Tight joining of copper pipes without soldering

In addition, it is worth noting that, despite the fact that connecting pipes by soldering is considered the most reliable method in most cases, there are still situations when it is not possible to use this method. In such cases, you can resort to connecting copper tubes without soldering. You will need special fittings that will ensure a secure connection due to the clamping effect that is formed during the threaded connection.

In this case, the connection is made in the following sequence:

• First, the fittings are disconnected, which often have two components.
• One of the elements is put on the pipe. As a rule, this is a nut and a clamping ring.
• Next, a pipe is threaded into the fitting and the nut is tightened.

Typically, such fittings are completed with detailed instructions, which must be followed without fail, otherwise the work performed will be of poor quality.

It is worth noting that before you connect copper pipes without soldering, you should be aware of all the risks, since it is quite difficult to get a high-quality connection. Minimal distortions of the connected parts are not allowed at all, otherwise the technology is grossly violated. To threaded connection it turned out to be extremely tight, it is desirable to additionally seal it with special threads. At the same time, care should be taken that they do not end up with inside pipes, as subsequently the water may not pass through the system properly.

Mandatory Connection Rules

For any type of connection, the list of work performed will look like this:

• The pipes to be joined must be made of the same metal. In case you are going to connect a copper pipe with a pipe made of any other material, you must decide on the desired connection method. For example, for joining pipes made of copper and polyvinyl chloride, the soldering method cannot be used.
• When connecting a copper pipe to a steel pipe, the copper pipe should be placed after the steel pipe.
• When tightening a threaded connection, you need to be extremely careful, especially if you have thin-walled pipes at your disposal.
• To correctly determine the amount of solder needed, a piece of wire must have the circumference of the pipe to be soldered.
• A special burner is best suited for heating pipes.

  You can, of course, use a simple blowtorch, but in this case you need to be prepared that the junction will overheat, and the whole workflow will become somewhat more complicated.

• It is no secret that copper pipes are quite expensive material. In this regard, even before the work is carried out, it will not be superfluous to carry out preliminary calculations of the volume of the necessary material. However, remember that all connecting parts also have their own dimensions, so they must be taken into account.

In conclusion, it would not be out of place to note that the connection of copper pipes is technologically a process of medium complexity. If you are engaged in such work for the first time, then you need to be prepared for the fact that some nuances may arise. To understand the process and get as much insight as possible about it, it will not be superfluous to get advice from professional workers, or at least to get acquainted with the available video materials.

How to connect copper pipes: basic methods

There are many methods for connecting copper pipes into a single piping system. The market provides a huge number of fittings, solders, fluxes, fasteners, allowing you to create detachable and non-detachable, serviced and unattended connections.

Work with copper pipes consists of:

• sizing - if the pipe is incorrectly measured, it is impossible to cut it correctly;
• cutting - made strictly perpendicular with a pipe cutter, given that it is better to make more turns than to apply force;
• stripping - removing burrs after cutting and oxide film (it is better to do this with a special napkin);
• connections.

Ways of connecting copper pipes:

• capillary soldering;
• high-temperature soldering;
• various fittings.

Connection by soldering

For connecting copper products by soldering flux should be applied to the cleaned surface and the parts should be immediately connected. Heat the connection unit evenly with a gas burner (blowtorch, soldering iron) until the flux begins to change color and the solder melts. The burner fire is diverted, the solder fills the gap between the elements.

In order for the amount of solder to be optimal, experts offer a simple guideline - the length of the solder rod should be equal to the diameter of the pipe. You can cut the bar of the required length before soldering. If one of the elements is a fitting that has already been soldered at the factory, then it does not need to be added.

After filling the gap with solder, it is necessary to allow time for cooling without exposing the assembly to mechanical stress. Once the solder has completely cured, remove any remaining solder and flux with a damp cloth.

Copper fittings: soldered and flared, threaded and crimped

After the entire system is mounted, it should be rinsed with hot water. Flux contributes to corrosion, so its presence on the inner surface is undesirable.

Types of fittings for connecting copper pipes

Connection without soldering is made using fittings, which are divided into two large groups- direct (connection of elements of the same diameter) and transitional (connection of elements of different diameters). Diameters can be from 8 to 100 millimeters.

Based on the configuration, a fitting (connector) for copper pipes is called:

• coupling - must be made of the same material as the pipes, can be used both for elements with the same diameter and for elements with different diameters, used when there is no need to change direction;
• square - designed to change the direction of the system by 30, 45 or 90 degrees;
• tee - used to connect three ends located relative to each other at an angle of 45 or 90 degrees;
• cross - joins together four pipes located perpendicular to each other on the same plane;
• adapter ("American", futorka, sgon, nipple) - for combining pipes from different material using various methods;
• plug - a cap, a plug for sealing the end of the tube;
• fitting - for connecting a pipe and a flexible hose.

Based on the method, the connection of copper pipes with fittings can be:

• using a soldering fitting, under the thread of which there is tin. A flux-treated pipe is inserted into it, the assembly is heated until the solder becomes liquid and fills the gap;
• using threaded (equipped with threads);
• crimp (compression), allowing you to connect the elements different diameter. The pipe is fixed with a fitting using an O-shaped seal and a detachable or one-piece ring.

  Conventional tools are suitable for installation;

• press - fitting, consisting of a body and a sleeve and mounted using press - tongs;
• self-locking fitting, which is based on internal rings, one of which is equipped with teeth. When pressed with a special key, the teeth enter another ring, forming a secure connection. Just as easy as putting on, taking off.

Features of copper products: what to consider

When installing a copper pipeline, it is important to know not only how to connect copper pipes, but also to fulfill several additional conditions:

• to extend the life of the system, only copper and its alloys should be used;
• if it is necessary to use products from other materials, then it should be taken into account that copper cannot be combined with galvanized steel, as this leads to corrosion in steel elements;
• if the use of steel products cannot be avoided in any way, then they should be mounted in front of copper elements;
• safe connection of copper and acid-resistant steel.

Fasteners

For final installation any pipeline requires fixings for copper pipes

For domestic pipelines are used:

• metal C-shaped (fastening with one bolt) and O-shaped (fastening with two bolts) clamps made of steel and equipped with a rubber coating that neutralizes mechanical and acoustic vibrations;
• plastic clamps (movable and stationary) - for internal systems, equipped with dowel and screw;
• brackets - for hanging or arranging system elements.

It is obvious that for each system it is necessary to select its own methods of installation and fastening. Only when choosing quality materials And correct installation the pipeline will be reliable and durable.

In the market of modern communication systems, the most popular products are made of plastic and stainless steel. They are widely used to create pipelines for water supply, sewerage and heating. However, copper communications, despite high cost, also firmly occupied their niche. They are less susceptible to corrosion (unlike steel), more reliable than plastic, which allows you to create durable pipelines that will work for decades.

How to choose copper pipes for arranging a heating or plumbing system in a house, and how to install copper pipes with our own hands, we will describe in our article.

The undeniable and most important advantages of copper communications are:

• resistance to corrosion;
• high strength;
• plasticity and flexibility, which makes it easier and faster to install;
• no growths of inorganic compounds and microorganisms are formed inside the products;
• longevity of communication systems.

Most important question is how to choose copper pipes so that they for a long time fulfilled their purpose without additional maintenance and repair measures.

When choosing copper communications, you need to consider a number of factors:

• pipe dimensions;
• pressure in specific system heating or water supply;
• temperature of transported substances;
• the presence of an insulating layer of polyvinyl chloride or other polymer;
• pipeline assignment.

One of the main parameters is the diameter of copper pipes, on which technical specifications depend. characteristics of the pipeline and the choice of fittings for installation. For pipeline construction household purpose used in the two most common sizes

For larger systems, larger products can be used.

The difference between copper pipes and steel counterparts is that even with such a small thickness, the working pressure of copper products is much higher.

Methods for connecting copper pipes

The installation of copper pipes and the connection of individual elements of the copper pipeline can be done using threaded couplings, using a press fitting, as well as by soldering copper parts when using a gas burner.

The first two methods are the simplest and should not cause difficulties, even with self-assembly communications. Soldering of copper products is carried out only by specialists with experience and special tools. However, this is the most reliable, strong and durable type of connection of copper products.

To equip a copper pipeline, you may need the following tools:

• grinder with cutting disc or a special device - a pipe cutter;
• calibrator, which is needed to restore the ideal round shape after processing products;

Copper pipe calibrator

• regular set wrenches, including adjustable;
• a file with a fine notch for cleaning pipe sections;
• pliers and abrasive skin for removing oxide and preparing metal for soldering;
• gas burner or powerful hot soldering iron;
• solder and flux for better adhesion of copper to tin.

Features of the installation of the pipeline

Consider in detail each connection of copper pipes.

To connect products with a threaded method, the following procedure is performed in stages.

cut off the pipe required size. Calibrate and, if necessary, flare the pipe section, depending on the type of fitting used. Clean the ends of the products to be joined from burrs and dust and make a small chamfer for better connection with clutch.

If the fitting does not contain a polymer gasket, then a special winding tape must be wound around the cut of the product, which will improve the sealing of the connection.

Put the fixing nut on the pipe.

Fittings for copper pipes: types, characteristics, installation features

Install a cone-shaped compression ring to create a reliable connection of the entire structure. Insert the section of the product into the fitting and tighten the connection with a nut using a regular wrench

The entire installation process can be seen more clearly in the video below:

Installing copper pipes with a press fitting will not cause any difficulties. Sections of the product are prepared in the same way. The ends of the pipes to be connected are inserted into the clamp fitting, inside which there is a gasket, and with the help of the clamp the material is squeezed.

To do this, you need special pliers that wrap around the product around the entire circumference. Ordinary pliers will not work, as they only grab certain areas connections.

This method and the threaded connection of copper pipes are the most simple and convenient. Anyone, even a novice communications system installer, can quickly do this job. However, they are designed for pipelines with low water pressure. To perform bends, turns and bypass obstacles when laying pipes, there are special elements made of the same metal.

Connection of copper pipes by soldering

The highest quality and reliable installation - copper pipes are connected by soldering.

Products must be prepared and cleaned from foreign metal particles and dust.

If there is an insulating layer of polymer on the copper pipe, then it must be removed at a distance of 15-20 centimeters from the cut of the product.

The surface of copper is subject to oxidation on outdoors, therefore, a layer of metal oxide is formed on top, which can interfere with high-quality soldering of elements. He's cleaning up mechanically using fine sandpaper.

After processing the cut of the product, it is necessary to wipe the place of soldering with a clean and dry cloth to remove sawdust and dust. Then the cleaned surface should be treated with a flux, which is a solution of sulfuric acid and other substances that contribute to the best adhesion of metals.

It will not be superfluous to tin with solder the part of the pipe that is to be soldered. For this it must be heated and a thin layer of molten solder is applied. For the installation of copper pipes, this is extremely important.

The end of the product prepared in this way must be inserted into a fitting with a small gap, into which molten solder will enter during soldering. Next, heat the place to be soldered with a gas burner or a powerful soldering iron.

However, it should be noted that too heat can damage the joint as the solder will roll down.

Before soldering, you need to firmly fix the joint, because even a small vibration can disrupt the quality of the connection.

At the final stage of laying copper pipes, insert solder into the gap between the product and the fitting, which is similar in shape to an ordinary wire, and melt it. After cooling, the connection is ready for use.

I would like to draw attention to the fact that the process of cooling the place of soldering should occur gradually naturally. The procedure with cold water or a damp cloth, as in electric welding, is strictly prohibited in this case. Otherwise, the solder will crumble, and the connection will have to be redone.

After the installation is completed - copper pipes are installed in the pipeline in compliance with all the rules, it is necessary to test the performance of the entire system by briefly supplying water. During the test, all pipe connections and connections to plumbing fixtures should be carefully inspected. For your peace of mind, you need to supply water with a pressure slightly higher than the working value. If the pipeline passes this test, then it can be safely connected to the operating mode.