Advantages and disadvantages of copper pipes in heating systems, features of operation and soldering, reviews and cost. Installation of copper heating pipes: features of the technology for performing the work Heating a house with copper pipes

IN modern systems For heating, copper pipes are used for heating much less frequently than products made from other materials. The low popularity of copper is due to poor consumer awareness of its benefits.

1 Copper pipes for heating - classification and main characteristics

Despite a fairly wide selection of various materials used in the construction of heating systems, experts especially highlight copper and consider it the best option of all available.

Copper pipes for heating have advantages that place them in a leading position among similar products made from other materials in many technical indicators.
This material is the first in terms of safety and harmlessness. In addition, copper is endowed with bactericidal properties. Pipes made from it can withstand low and high temperatures and high pressure.

Due to their high strength and corrosion resistance, they are much less material-intensive than other pipes and can be produced with thinner walls (unlike steel, where a reserve of wall thickness is provided for destruction by rust, and for plastic, to withstand high pressure). Therefore, despite high density Copper pipes made from it are quite light. Other advantages will be given below.

To create the designed heating system, it is assumed to use copper pipes various sizes and sometimes types. There is the following classification of this rolled metal:

  • By wall thickness:
    • Thin-walled - thickness 0.2–0.7 mm. Rarely used for heating systems.
    • Thick-walled – 0.8–10 mm. They are mainly used for arranging heating systems due to the sufficient thickness of the walls. In residential buildings, products with walls of 1–1.5 mm are most often used.
  • According to production technology, brands are distinguished:
    • D – cold rolled;
    • G – drawn or pressed.
  • According to manufacturing accuracy:
    • normal accuracy;
    • elevated.
  • According to the condition of the material:
    • soft;
    • semi-soft;
    • solid.
  • By additional conditions production:
    • with increased strength;
    • with increased plasticity.
  • According to other indicators and characteristics.

Each pipe is marked in accordance with the main characteristics, which makes it easier to select the one you need. The first thing you need to pay attention to is that copper pipe products for water supply and heating are produced in accordance with the international DIN standard. They must be marked EN-1057, indicating that the product has been acidified with phosphorus, which provides the material with additional resistance to water.

2 Advantages of copper heating pipes

Advantages of using copper pipes:

3 Disadvantages of copper pipes for heating systems

We should start with the main “disadvantage” of copper pipes – the very high cost. Indeed, copper expensive pleasure. A pipe made from it is much more expensive than products made from other materials. But it is worth noting that due to the ability to produce thin-walled, and therefore very light, copper pipes, the cost of them is not so high (the price is based on the weight of a unit of metal product). At the same time, if a copper pipe is 2–4 times more expensive than a polypropylene pipe, then copper fittings are 30–50 times cheaper than plastic ones. Due to the ramifications of intra-house systems, the total cost of installing heating from polypropylene and copper pipes will be comparable, and in some cases copper may be a less expensive option.

In the case of using metal-plastic pipes, a system made of copper products, especially those connected by soldering, will always be less expensive. The advantage of copper in terms of heating costs will be more noticeable, the higher the quality of the selected polypropylene or metal-plastic pipes. In addition, we must not forget about the high reliability and durability of copper systems, and the cost of their operation, which is an order of magnitude less than that of plastic ones. And when recycling a used copper pipeline, the money spent on the material is returned.

The real disadvantages include:

  • Relatively complex installation– in order to perform high-quality assembly of the system, extensive experience in soldering copper pipes is required.
  • It is prohibited to install elements made of steel, aluminum, or zinc after copper products in the direction of coolant flow to prevent corrosion processes in the latter.
  • When laying a monolithic pipeline inside a wall, it is necessary to use copper pipes in a plastic sheath, which protects against damage and serves as a thermal insulation layer (or provide appropriate protection for existing uncoated pipes). The problem is this: building mixtures in relation to copper they may turn out to be aggressive compounds that cause corrosion; Even in the case of minimal thermal expansion of the pipe, it interacts with solid abrasive fractions of building materials.
  • Limitation of the coolant flow rate – recommended to 0.5 m/s (is optimal for a long service life of the system).
  • The pipeline must be protected from non-ferrous metal thieves - attics and basements must be locked in the building, and access to copper risers must be prevented.
  • Due to high thermal conductivity, areas of the heating system located outside the heated rooms should be insulated with plastic casings to reduce thermal energy losses.

Despite the disadvantages, copper pipes are a universal and most suitable product for transporting coolant. Heating systems installed from them are highly efficient and reliable. Copper pipes are an excellent alternative to plastic and steel products.

4 Installation of copper pipes when installing a heating system

Installation of copper heating pipes is carried out in various ways. Connections are of the following types:

  • one-piece - by soldering after connecting the joined parts using the socket method or using fittings, as well as by means of press fittings using a special tool;
  • detachable - using compression fittings and with threads (thread on only one end of the fitting), used to connect devices, fittings, and pipeline elements made of other materials.

The main part of the heating system is made of copper pipes, most often using fittings designed for this purpose. Their main task is to ensure the creation of the necessary branches, turns and connections of pipes with different or the same diameters. On construction market There is a large assortment of copper fittings of various sizes and shapes (plugs, couplings, corner bends with both one and two sockets, tees, arc bends) - thanks to this variety, any consumer can select components that meet the requirements of the future communication being created. Installation of fittings for soldering is quite complicated and requires the corresponding high qualifications from the performer. Instead of copper, bronze or brass fittings can be used.

Soldering is carried out using a special soldering iron using fluxes and solders (soft or hard) intended for this purpose. The soldered joint is durable and is several times stronger than the copper pipe itself. One of the main conditions for its reliability is to avoid overheating during installation, since in this case the strength properties of the copper pipe may be reduced (up to its rupture), or insufficient tightness at the joint may be obtained. In the room where installation takes place, it is necessary to ensure good ventilation.

Installation of a heating system can be made much more reliable and significantly simplified. This is possible due to the high ductility of copper pipes, which allows them to be bent. In addition, this rolled metal is produced not only as a measured material, but it is also possible to purchase it in coils, which allows you to create a system with a minimum number of linear joints. The required configuration of the heating line is achieved by bending the pipe - there is no need to use corner fittings. If necessary, you can make a transverse insertion followed by soldering.

The main condition for the reliability and durability of such a system is to prevent deformation of the copper pipe during bending - the use of a pipe bender is required. Attempts to obtain a given angle manually will invariably lead to damage to the material as a result of a violation of the internal section, which will disrupt the laminarity of the coolant flow and create additional resistance to water circulation. Pipes, if necessary and in the case of using unannealed products, are preheated at the bending site. During work, you must ensure that there is no kinking of the copper pipe. In case of repeated bending or correction of a jam, editing is carried out only 1 time.

5 How to paint copper heating pipes?

After installing the copper heating system, the pipes can be painted. This will ensure they additional protection from corrosion and give them a look that matches the interior being created, design (copper pipes look very aesthetically pleasing even without applying surface layers). How to paint copper heating pipes in order to achieve the above goals and at the same time obtain a coating that will not peel off and change color over time under the influence of high temperatures (up to 80 C o)? For this you can use the following enamels:

  • polyurethane;
  • alkyd;
  • , 156, 167, 187, 223 and 519;
  • GF-0119.

Suitable varnishes:

  • a mixture of ethinol and aluminum powder (ratio 9:1);
  • VL-51.

Oil paints cannot be used - as a result of exposure to high temperatures they darken.

Before painting, the surface of copper pipes must be cleaned, degreased and coated with lead-lead primer No. 81. When creating the coating, it should be taken into account that the paint is not absorbed into the copper, so if you use a brush, you must properly shade ("smear") the applied composition. Spraying from a can will ensure the highest quality surface.

For hundreds of years, copper has been used to make water storage tanks and pipes for pumping it. Even in Ancient Egypt people used copper to organize plumbing systems.

Copper pipes.

Copper heating pipes have many advantages, including durability, the ability to withstand high temperatures, they kill germs and are easy to bend. The only significant drawback is the high cost, but if you take into account the durability of copper and how much you have to spend on repairing other types of pipes, then the high cost does not seem like a disadvantage at all.

Today, copper pipes are one of the best materials for organizing a heating system in a home. So, let's take a closer look at all the advantages and disadvantages of copper pipes:

Installation to the floor slab using Hilti fasteners. Technical floor of a high-rise building.

Advantages

  • Long service life (up to 50 years).
  • High thermal conductivity (394 W/m*K).
  • Copper creates an unfavorable habitat for harmful organisms, most of which simply do not take root. Counteracts the infiltration of contaminants in central heating networks.
  • Copper is not susceptible to the effects of chlorinated water. When chlorine interacts with copper, tenorite (mineral, copper oxide) is formed, which extends the life of the heating system.
  • Ability to withstand high pressure (up to 400 atmospheres).
  • High melting point (about 1000°C). Heating pipes do not reach this temperature under any circumstances.
  • Not exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
  • Low “temperature” expansion. A copper heating pipe 10 m long, heated to a temperature of +90°C, lengthens by only about 1 cm.
  • Wide range of fittings.
  • As protection against stray currents, you can use a polymer coating that covers a copper pipe.
  • Insensitive to low temperatures. Installation work can be carried out even with sub-zero temperatures, which cannot be said, for example, about .

Flaws

  • High price.
  • Corrosion can form on the outer walls of the pipes, which over time will eat through the metal.
  • Electrical conductivity. Stray currents have a negative effect on pipes.
  • When installing in openings and walls, it is necessary to use thermal insulation and a protective casing. If this is ignored, corrosion may occur.

Pipe cutter for copper pipe, ⌀6-22mm.

Advice! Do not connect copper and aluminum pipes (or aluminum radiators), because may appear over time electrochemical corrosion. Copper does not combine well with other materials such as polypropylene, steel and aluminum. For example, when connecting copper products with galvanized steel products, it must be remembered that after a certain time has passed steel elements Corrosion may occur. It is best to use only copper and its alloys (copper is also combined with acid-resistant steel), this will extend the service life of the entire heating system.

- a special apparatus for bending the pipe at the required angle. Experts recommend using this particular device, because... When bending manually, the cross-section of the product is almost always disrupted, which in turn affects the hydraulics of the entire heating system.

90° bend. Installation to the floor slab using Hilti fasteners.

When purchasing heating copper pipes, you should remember that high-quality pipes are made from copper grade CU-DPH (composition: copper - 99.90%; phosphorus - 0.015-0.040%) according to DIN 1412 standard. Therefore, you need to pay attention to the presence of a stamp , indicating that they were made precisely to this standard.

Note! To connect copper pipes, soldering is used, which has higher strength than the pipe itself. Therefore, you should not worry about the strength of the weld. Soldering is the most reliable method of installing copper pipes.

Installation

Before installing heating pipes, it is necessary to calculate their diameter and quantity.

Connecting copper pipes can be done in several ways:

  • High temperature soldering;
  • Low temperature soldering;
  • Connection using fittings.

High temperature (“hard”) soldering. Such soldering is carried out at temperatures above 450°C. The parts should be cleaned with an abrasive sponge and flux (paste) should be applied to the pipe, and then the two parts should be connected. Then remove excess flux with a napkin or rag.

Important! It is prohibited to apply flux to the inner surface!

Heating system made of copper pipes.

Next, a gas burner and silver or copper based solder come into play. With help gas burner or electric heater The elements being welded heat up. You should hold the fire until the solder begins to melt and fill the joints between the parts being connected, and the flux changes color.

Advice! The amount of solder must correspond to the diameter of the pipe. Experts recommend cutting the rod to the required length before starting soldering.

After soldering is completed, it is necessary to allow the connected parts to cool (at this time the parts should be motionless), then remove the remaining solder and flux, because Because of them, corrosion may form in the future. This can also be done using a dampened rag.

Important! To avoid loss of copper strength, any forced cooling is prohibited. Cooling should be natural.

90° bend. Those. floor of a high-rise building.

In addition, after completing the installation of the entire system, it is necessary to remove solder and flux from the inner walls of the pipes, because their presence also contributes to the occurrence of corrosion on the internal walls. To do this, it is necessary to circulate hot water throughout the system.

Important! High temperatures affect the hardness of copper, so when carrying out high-temperature soldering, you should not overheat the pipes so as not to damage them.

Soft solder Felder No. 3, 2 mm, 100 g.

Low temperature (“soft”) soldering. This is a less reliable connection method compared to the high-temperature method, but this is compensated by the size of the seam, the width of which can be 7-50 mm (depending on the size of the parts being connected). As a rule, it is used for soldering (at temperatures below 450°C) copper pipes for heating with a diameter of 6-108 mm. Low-melting materials such as tin or lead are used as solder. The coolant temperature in the heating system should not exceed 130°C.

Sparta - Sn60Pb40 solder. Diameter 1 mm, 50 g.

Connection using fittings. This method installation is less reliable, because such connections can withstand low pressure (up to 10 atmospheres). The connection to the pipes occurs using special press pliers that crimp the fitting.

Fittings can vary in diameter: from 8 mm to 100 mm. Their can be divided into 2 groups:

  • straight lines connecting pipes of the same diameter;
  • reduction, with the help of which copper products of different diameters are connected.

Types of fittings for copper heating pipes

Copper outlet 90 gr., ⌀22 mm.

  • Couplings. There are both “straight” couplings for connecting identical pipes, and reduction couplings for connecting parts of different diameters;
  • Tees. Used to connect 3 elements of the system at an angle of 90° or 45°;
  • Corners. Used for turning at different angles (90°, 45°, 30°);
  • Plugs;
  • Transitions to threads (straight, angular, tees);
  • Connectors (American).

Viega copper couplings.

To install copper heating pipes, various fastenings are required:

  • brackets used to fasten system elements to walls;
  • metal clamps with a rubber gasket, using one or two bolts for fastening;
  • plastic clamps.

Video

  • Features of installing a copper heating system
  • Features of using copper pipes in heating systems
  • Installation of heating from copper pipes

Copper currently represents quality and modern technology in plumbing. If you choose the right material when designing a heating system, then it would be best to choose copper pipes. Copper is better suited than other materials for construction needs; with its help, you can quickly and easily solve any problems. It is durable, strong and plastic - it is thanks to these qualities that the material has gained such popularity. No other material can impress with so many quality characteristics. If we consider the possibility of using copper for the manufacture of heating pipes, then the first and most important property a material is its thermal stability. During operation, copper pipes do not experience such side effects, as expansion or deterioration: products retain their hardness and shape. No less important quality is the high resistance of copper to pressure and corrosion.

Copper pipes are the most reliable; they can serve you for many years without requiring repair or replacement.

Features of installing a copper heating system

Installation of copper pipes is carried out in 2 methods: by means of a threaded connection using a crimp ring or by soldering.

The first method is so simple in its implementation that it is suitable even for a master without experience working with copper products. In this case, you will not need to use any specific tool: copper products are easy to install using ordinary wrenches that tighten the connections. When choosing a fitting, you need to pay attention to the diameter of the copper pipes.

To perform installation of high-quality, reliable and durable heating structure, you will need the following tools and materials:

Single-wire heating circuit.

  • metal hacksaw or pipe cutter;
  • manual calibrator;
  • burner;
  • spanners;
  • pliers;
  • file;
  • fine sandpaper;
  • pipe expander;
  • press jaws;
  • press fittings;
  • directly fittings;
  • fittings for copper systems;
  • solder and flux for copper systems;
  • fum tape sealing threaded connections.

Using the above materials, you can install a heating system using copper fixtures easily, efficiently and quickly enough.

Features of using copper pipes in heating systems

Copper heating structures are characterized, as already mentioned, by comparative ease of installation. A wide range of connection fittings allows you to install heating systems of any complexity. For heating, you can use thin-walled pipes made of of this material, however, usually the wall thickness of such round reinforcement is about 1 mm with an outer diameter of 3-3.6 mm. If old copper structures are replaced, they can be reused or sold. Even if the products are sold for scrap, you can get back up to 30% of the money spent.

Among the disadvantages of copper pipes for heating, one can note their relatively high cost. Although, in terms of price, structures made from this material can successfully compete with some metal-plastic ones. If the cost of copper itself is slightly higher than the cost of metal-plastic heating pipes, then all the necessary fittings are much cheaper. In addition, connections made by soldering are much more reliable than metal-plastic collet and pressed connections.

If you decide to install such heating structures, then it is best to buy pipes with a diameter of 3.05 cm (1.2 inches). This size is the most optimal for heating.

High quality characteristics and thin walls allow even an inexperienced craftsman to install copper heating; you just need to pay attention to the work and strictly follow all the rules. Specialists install structures made of this material using hard and soft soldering, which allows the process to be carried out much more reliably and faster than when using threaded connections and welding.

Copper products have many positive characteristics. They protect the heating system from air entering it, are able to withstand pressures of up to 30 atmospheres, and the service life of these products is over 60 years, unlike, for example, polymer products for space heating. What is important when organizing a heating structure in a private country house, pipes can be installed independently using press tools and press fittings.

Installation of heating from copper pipes

Installation of such products can be done in various ways, depending on the types of fittings used. Fittings can be divided into detachable and permanent, just like the connections of the copper pipes themselves. Detachable connections are used when installing products for connection with devices and fittings, as well as with elements made of other materials. Detachable connections should be easily disassembled and reassembled without damaging the surface.

Not detachable connections can be obtained by several methods: hard soldering, welding with a soldering iron, crimping, soft soldering.

Copper heating products with a diameter of more than 110 mm and a wall thickness of more than 1.6 mm can be connected by welding. Soft soldering (a low-temperature type of soldering up to 440°C) is performed using special fluxes that can improve the quality of soldering and increase adhesion. Before soldering, the surface of the material must be cleaned. This type of soldering is used in cold and hot water supply systems and in heating structures with temperatures not exceeding 115°C. Using low-temperature capillary soldering, you can connect any systems made of this material with a diameter from 7 to 110 mm.

Since this material tends to lose hardness at high temperatures, for soldering it is necessary that the solder have the lowest melting point. For this reason, it is recommended to use the low-temperature soldering method to install such heating.

Crimping can be performed on small and large diameter products. For this type of connection, a special press and special fittings are used.

Using copper products for a heating structure means using the most durable and acceptable option. A feature that has already been noted is the relatively high cost of this material, but it is quite justified, because Copper is an almost ideal material with high performance characteristics.

Copper products for heating systems must be marked, this confirms that they are manufactured according to standards and treated with phosphorus, which increases their resistance to various influences.

DIY installation of copper heating pipes


Installation of copper heating pipes can be done with your own hands, even if you lack the appropriate skills and experience. This is very good material.

How to install copper pipes yourself

Copper pipes are widely used in various engineering systems houses and apartments. The main advantages of the material are its resistance to corrosion and high temperatures, as well as ultraviolet radiation. In addition, copper pipes can be easily bent at any angle, making DIY connections easier.

As a disadvantage, it is often pointed out that the material has a high cost, but with such excellent characteristics of the metal, its price cannot be low. Installation of copper pipelines is carried out using fittings. They can be crimped or soldered; depending on this, the connection of copper pipes differs. Compression fittings create a detachable connection, while solder fittings create a permanent connection.

The main advantages and uses of copper pipelines

Copper pipes have operating temperature from -200 to +250 degrees, as well as low linear expansion, which allows them to be successfully used for such systems:

  • Heating;
  • Water supply;
  • Air conditioning;
  • Gas transportation;
  • Receipts alternative energy, for example, solar systems.

When installing copper pipelines for supplying cold and hot water, you don’t have to worry about overgrowing or silting of the internal section. They are also not destroyed under the influence of chlorine, which is added in high concentrations to tap water. On the contrary, chlorine creates the thinnest protective layer, which significantly extends the service life of highways. In turn, a small amount of copper is released into drinking water, which has a beneficial effect on human health.

Features of installing water pipes

Installation of copper water supply for cold and hot water does not differ in technology. However, attention should be paid to appearance pipelines and related fittings: parts intended for hot water are insulated with PVC film. Installation of copper pipes for water supply can be carried out in one of the following ways:

  1. Using threaded fittings.
  2. Using soldering.

Push-in connections with threaded fittings are the easiest and most accessible connection method for DIY installation.

Threaded fittings create detachable connections that can be unscrewed or tightened repeatedly as needed. In order to carry out installation, you must:

  1. Place the crimp nut on the pipes.
  2. Place the crimp ring on top.
  3. Connect the elements together.
  4. Tighten the nut.

The crimp ring is responsible for the tightness of the connection, and therefore cannot be reuse. If the connection had to be unscrewed, a new rubber ring should be installed. Copper pipes can be bent in any direction, and therefore it is possible to save on the number of fittings.

Soldering connection – slightly more the hard way installation, however, is quite doable with your own hands. You must be careful and follow all safety precautions when working with open flames. The connection itself consists of the following steps:

  1. Cleaning pipe ends and shaped product sandpaper before pure metal.
  2. A thin layer of soldering flux is applied with a brush.
  3. The pipe is inserted into the fitting up to the maximum mark.
  4. The connection point is heated with a gas burner or a hair dryer.

It is very important to evenly heat the elements to be joined; for this it is recommended to use a blowtorch with two burners.

  • When the heating temperature is sufficient to melt the solder, it is introduced into the joint.
  • After hardening, excess flux can be removed.

Copper fittings are available for sale with pre-soldered solder in a special groove. This simplifies DIY installation: you just need to insert the end of the pipeline lubricated with flux and heat it to the required temperature. The solder will melt and flow into the gap between the pipe and the fitting, creating a secure connection.

Copper pipe fittings

Features of installing a heating system using copper pipes

Installation of copper pipes for a heating system begins with preparatory work. The material can be easily bent and cut, but this must be done in the correct way. Basic recommendations:

  1. Before installation, it is necessary to cut the pipes into pieces of the required length.
  2. It is better to cut heating pipes with a pipe cutter or a hacksaw.
  3. The inner surface of the pipelines must be cleaned of burrs and metal shavings. To complete this task you will need a file and scraper.
  4. The cutting site must be leveled, especially in cases where the cutting was carried out with a hacksaw for metal, which slightly deforms the pipe.
  5. You can bend a tubular product manually or using a special tool.
  6. If the heating system has particularly complex curved sections, it is recommended to use a pipe bender. Such a bend will protect the material from unwanted creases, which can subsequently become a site for corrosion.
  7. Products should be bent with the minimum permissible radius.
  8. The bending radius when performing work with a pipe cutter must be at least 3.5 times the diameter of the pipeline. If you bend pipes by hand, you should have a bend radius of at least 8 diameters.

Heating system with copper pipes

The connection of copper heating system elements is carried out in two already known ways:

Due to the fact that copper can be easily bent, installation is not difficult and does not require a large number of fittings. However, it is necessary to remember some rules for combining materials in the heating system.

Copper pipes cannot be connected to aluminum radiators.

If the use of aluminum radiators cannot be avoided, the transition must be made through a steel pipe. This will help avoid the onset of corrosion when joining copper and aluminum. As for radiators made of other materials, for example, steel or cast iron, such problems do not arise.

Purpose and purpose of thermal insulation

Thermal insulation of copper pipes is a foam material intended for cold and hot water supply, heating, and air conditioning systems.

Thermal insulation is made from a material resistant to aggressive environments, which is not afraid of mechanical loads, has a long service life and is at an affordable cost. The main tasks that thermal insulation performs are:

Thermal insulation for copper pipes

The most popular material for thermal insulation, which is used, including for heating systems, is foamed polyethylene. Polyethylene is manufactured in the form of pipe casings that easily take its shape. The cost of such insulation is cheap, but the reduction in heat loss is quite significant. Thanks to thermal insulation, you can make your home warm and cozy at any time of the year.

Rules for installing a copper pipeline with your own hands


In what areas have copper pipes been used and due to what indicators, what are the nuances when installing them for water supply and heating systems, and

Advantages and disadvantages of copper pipes in heating systems, features of operation and soldering, reviews and cost

Wiring a heating system using copper pipes is not the cheapest solution, but, with proper planning, it is durable and reliable: the shelf life of the material is 80-100 years, but how the connecting elements, soldering points and other components of the system will behave is a question.

Advantages and disadvantages of copper pipes in heating systems

Pipelines made of this metal have a long history: they are already more than 5 thousand years old. years. Technologies have changed, but their positive qualities remain the same:

Copper pipes can be used for a long time under certain conditions

  • Long service life: with a properly designed and assembled heating system, pipes can last for decades.
  • Light weight. Copper is ductile and durable, which allows you to make pipes with a small wall thickness. As a result, it turns out that it weighs a little.
  • Withstands both high and low temperatures (operating temperature range from +115 o C to -40 o C).
  • Copper of a certain grade tolerates the aquatic environment well, but for this purpose a small part of phosphorus is introduced into its composition. Such products are marked EN 1057 - in accordance with the DIN standard. Such pipes do not react with water and are used for both plumbing and heating.
  • Not required exterior finishing. The copper pipes themselves look attractive and do not deteriorate over time. If there is a need to paint, it is most likely due to inconsistency with the new design of the room.

Copper pipes have a fairly attractive appearance

Quite a decent list of advantages. But there are also some serious disadvantages:

  • Incompatibility with other materials. If there are aluminum elements in the system, active electrochemical reactions begin. When directly connected to products made from other metals, destruction occurs quickly. To improve the situation, you can use brass adapters and fittings. But it is better not to combine aluminum and copper in one system: they react, which releases a large amount of gases, so that in the absence of gas release valves the system can rupture.

In direct contact with other materials, active destruction occurs

Copper pipe fittings

Crimping fittings for copper pipes can be installed by hand, but they cannot be cast into walls.

There are several other properties that, depending on the point of view or operating conditions, can be classified as both pros and cons:

  • The first is high thermal conductivity. If copper heating pipes are laid openly, they emit a fairly large amount of heat. Therefore, fewer radiators may be required. That's a plus. When laying closed in a wall or floor, careful thermal insulation is required so that the coolant through the pipe does not transfer all the heat to the wall (this is especially possible when laying in walls facing the street). This is a minus.
  • Softness and plasticity. On the one hand, this is good - using a special device, pipes can be bent within fairly large limits, which leads to fewer connections and fittings. This is good. But the softness of the material means that they need to be fixed after a short interval, and in some cases special boxes must be made: at a high temperature of the coolant, copper can soften and lose its shape. This is bad. Not the best nice moment also lies in the fact that upon impact, copper pipes are deformed, therefore the coolant circulation deteriorates. As a result, with careless attitude and multiple distortions, the efficiency of the system can be greatly reduced. Not good either.

Most of the problems that may arise during the operation of water pipes are associated with low quality products. And these are not advertising gimmicks, but the results of operation: a properly designed system, consisting of proven elements, works perfectly. If there is even a small fragment of “left” material, problems begin. Example: a cold water and hot water supply system is assembled from copper, all materials are of high quality, branded, with the exception of one piece of pipe (not enough) in the hot water supply, purchased from the first tray on the market. The result is that after a year and a half of operation, a blue film appeared on the plumbing fixtures to which hot water was supplied (where there was only cold water, there were no changes). The owners had to change the entire DHW comb due to the presence of an active corrosion process in the “left” section of the pipe.

Most problems with copper piping are due to poor quality materials.

To navigate brands and buy copper pipes that are suitable for heating, you need to know the types of components produced, their types, area of ​​operation and markings.

Labeling and cost

Copper pipes are available in two types: soft and hard. Solid ones are often used for heating. Release form - linear sections of 2-5 m long or coils in which sections of 5-10 m are twisted.

Copper pipes are supplied either in lengths or coils

Dimensions. Designated outside diameter in millimeters (usually domestically produced or from the CIS countries) or inches (imported), and the wall thickness is indicated through a fraction or “x”: 22x1 mm (22/1mm) – outer diameter 22mm, wall thickness 1mm, which means the inner diameter along which and heating systems are designed, will be 21mm (22-1=21). For wiring household system For heating waves, a wall thickness of 0.8-1mm is sufficient.

The outer diameter of copper pipes is marked, and the wall thickness is indicated after the fraction.

In order not to make a mistake with the choice of diameter when installing individual heating, it is easier to “dance” from the boiler outlet. This is the diameter your pipes will be before the first branch. If the system is small, the entire wiring can be done with one pipe, but if it is large enough, you need to follow the rule: after each branch, use a pipe with a diameter that is one step smaller on the dimensional grid. The branch to the heating device (radiator or heated towel rail) also has a diameter that is one step smaller. For example, 24mm comes out of the boiler, at the first branch two branches are separated, which go with 22mm pipes, and 20mm goes from it to the radiators. The “return” is assembled in the same way, but from smaller to larger sizes. If a large area of ​​several floors will be heated, a professional thermal engineering calculation is desirable.

The fittings coming out of the boiler are usually either copper or brass, but in each case, check and remember that other materials cannot be directly connected to copper. In order to avoid a chemical reaction, you will have to use brass or bronze fittings or adapters.

There are still pipes annealed and unannealed e. Unheated pipes have a large margin of safety: they can withstand pressures of up to 450 MPa, but do not bend very well: they can only stretch by 6%. To change their characteristics, they are heated to high temperatures and then cooled. The process is called annealing, and the products that come out after it are annealed. The safety factor has become smaller - up to 22 MPa, but the elasticity has increased: the material can stretch by 50-60%. The material has also become more resistant to temperature changes, tolerates ultraviolet radiation without problems and is almost insensitive to high humidity. That’s why annealed copper is used not only in heating, but also in car engines and drives.

One example of soldering copper pipes

Price copper pipes for heating is high. We can compare:

  • reinforced polypropylene pipes diameter 16mm - from 40 rub/m;
  • metal-plastic pipes with a diameter of 16mm – from 47 rubles/m;
  • unannealed copper diameter 10mm - from 280rub/m;
  • annealed copper diameter 18mm – from 400rub/m.

Approximately the same picture will be in fittings: copper ones are many times more expensive even than those used in metal-plastic systems. As an example, the following are not the most expensive PPR and MP pipes; some are more expensive, many times more expensive, but copper ones are also not the most expensive. So you can roughly imagine the difference.

Installation of copper heating pipes

When assembling a pipeline, two types of connections are used: using fittings and welding. Pipes are connected to heating devices through collapsible or press fittings. Installation is also possible for connecting/branching pipes, but welding is more often used for these purposes. By using annealed pipes in the right places, they can be bent, reducing the number of joints. For bending, a special device is used - pipe bender, which allows you to get different angles without reducing the lumen of the pipe and without impairing the permeability of the system. It is almost impossible to bend copper pipes by hand: although the material is plastic, it is impossible to bend it manually without reducing the clearance. So it is better not to use this method.

To bend a copper pipe, special equipment is used - this cannot be done by hand, as the lumen of the pipe decreases and circulation deteriorates

For installation compression fittings no special equipment is required: the pipe is inserted into the corresponding groove until it stops, and then tightened using a nut, pressing the pipe material against the fitting body. For a tight fit, you may need two keys - tighten until completely sealed. This is all the required equipment. But the specifics crimp connections is such that constant monitoring of tightness is required: periodically they begin to “drip”. Therefore, such connections cannot be walled up.

Installation press fittings occurs using special press machines. They are not cheap (including rent). But the connection turns out to be sealed and reliable, but inseparable.

It is considered more universal and reliable capillary soldering. In this way, you can connect sections of pipes of the same diameter directly: one of the welded ends is flared - the diameter is slightly increased so that the pipes can be inserted into one another. A special device is used for this. The joint is cleaned using a metal brush or special sponges (commercially available). The surfaces to be joined are treated with flux - special composition, which improves the “adhesion” of the metal to the solder. The treated pipes are inserted one into the other. The gap between them should be minimal - fractions of a millimeter. The joint is then heated using a welding torch. When the material is heated to the melting temperature of the solder, it is brought into the flame and the existing cracks are filled with the molten composition. After the seam is filled, it is cooled. You can simply leave it in the air until it cools, or you can put it in water. In principle, the process is not very complicated, but it requires experience, skill and thoroughness of execution: both flaring and the filling process itself require precision and accuracy. According to this diagram, connections with special copper fittings for soldering.

The process of soldering a copper pipe and the same fitting is well demonstrated in this video, but it is intended to be used in plumbing system, and therefore tin was used as solder. For heating, other compositions are used that have a melting point of at least 115 o C. Otherwise, the process is the same.

How to paint copper heating pipes

When selecting paint, you need to take into account the following subtleties: it should not change color at high temperatures, protect from external influences, and should not flake. In order for the paint to apply more evenly, treatment with a primer for non-ferrous metals is necessary. Lead-lead primer 81 is suitable.

Moreover, you need to take into account that the paint is not absorbed, and you need to carefully spread it with a brush. But more or less even painting can be achieved only after applying two layers. It is a little easier to work with paint in cans: it goes on more evenly.

It is possible to paint copper pipes, but you will have to apply several thin layers

You cannot use oil paints for copper pipes - they darken due to temperature, and in heating systems it is considerable. The following paints are suitable: PF enamels - 115, 156, 167, 187, 223 and 519, alkyd, polyurethane and GF enamels - 0119. The use of varnishes is allowed: VL-51 or ethinol varnish, to which aluminum powder is added in a ratio of 9 to 1.

Reviews and operating experience

Some people consider copper pipes an excellent solution, while others do not accept them. But, in fact, this is typical for any technology and material. The only thing that people pay attention to and what is worth listening to is the fact that in an acidic environment, copper begins to deteriorate. Therefore, fill the system with either coolant with a neutral PH or slightly alkaline. It is also not recommended to use steel, aluminum or cast iron radiators. It is imperative to protect the system from stray currents (grounding and dielectric gaskets are required), otherwise chemical or electrochemical destruction begins. But in systems central heating you will not completely get rid of destruction: the coolant in them is saturated with iron, and if solid particles can be retained by a filter, then there is no escape from those dissolved in it.

Another piece of advice from an experienced installer: copper is very sensitive to contact with concrete (it oxidizes). The rate of destruction depends on the composition of the wall, but in any case it is better to lay the pipe in a PVC sheath or any insulator with similar characteristics.

Copper pipes react actively with concrete, so it is better to lay them in a protective shell

Another piece of advice from the master, but this already concerns soldering: it is important not to overdo it. Firstly, from an overabundance of diligence, you can weld the entire lumen (if a pipe of small diameter is especially important), secondly, when the soft solder overheats, the paste is overheated, which is why it cokes, which leads to the formation of fistulas, and thirdly , do not overdo it with the amount of solder. If you have no experience, practice welding on small pieces of pipe: you can check both the clearance and tightness of the connection. And after gaining at least some experience, you can begin welding the system.

As you can see, copper pipes for heating are a good, but not ideal option. This material has many advantages, but no less disadvantages. Corrosion may occur - this may be a consequence of an incorrectly selected coolant composition, high pressure or water hammer. Moreover, it is worth considering that the service life of copper heating systems directly depends on proper design and installation, that is, even if high-quality components are used, but they are soldered or laid with “crooked” hands, there will be no long-term operation. And today there are very few specialists who competently work with copper, and their services (in addition to the materials) are also very expensive. Perhaps this is why they rarely install it today, especially since there is a good replacement - polypropylene (reinforced) or metal-plastic.

Copper pipes for heating, advantages and disadvantages, installation and operation features, welding technology


Pros and cons of copper pipes in the heating system, features of the design and operation of systems with copper pipes, installation, soldering and connection with fittings.

Copper heating pipes: the best quality for heating your home

In modern systems, copper heating pipes and fittings are used much less frequently than pipes made of other materials. And yet, the significant list of advantages that copper has makes it very popular among both specialists and ordinary users.

Copper is one of the best options for heating system

Copper in the heating system

Operational advantages disadvantages

Despite the wide choice various materials used for heating systems, copper is considered almost best choice of all available.

And this is not just a matter of tradition, since copper heating pipes have a number of quite objective advantages:

  • Firstly, this material can be safely called a leader in terms of harmlessness. In this indicator, only some modern polymers can compete with copper (see also reinforced polypropylene pipes for heating).

In addition, do not forget about the bactericidal properties of this metal!

  • The service life of the products is quite long, they do not age and over time practically do not lose their performance characteristics.

As a rule, copper pipes for heating and water supply last as long as the building itself costs.

  • High technical performance: this material is resistant to corrosion and ultraviolet radiation. The temperature range at which a copper heating pipe will function effectively is from – 200 to +350 0 C.

At the same time, the pipes retain an attractive appearance, which is also important when designing residential heating systems.

Fittings for installation

Note! An important component of corrosion resistance is the insusceptibility of the internal surface of the heating system to chlorinated water. For use in apartment buildings this parameter is very important!

In addition, it is worth mentioning such an advantage of copper as high thermal conductivity. It ensures maximum heat transfer, which increases the efficiency of the heating system and warms up the room much faster. The consequence of this will be a reduction in energy consumption, which means you will have the opportunity to save on energy.

Photo of copper pipes in the heating system

The only disadvantages include the relative complexity of installation, as well as the high cost of the material itself and its components. Besides, high price Copper in the non-ferrous metals market is often the cause of theft of pipeline parts - take this into account and take appropriate measures!

Classification

Heating with copper pipes involves the use of pipe products of various sizes. These products can be classified according to various parameters.

Pipes of different diameters

According to wall thickness:

  • Thick-walled– can have a metal thickness of 0.8 to 10 mm; for heating systems in residential buildings, products with a wall thickness of 1-1.5 mm are most often used.

Manufacturing is regulated by GOST 617 - 90; material grades M1, M2 and M3 are used for production.

The grade shows the purity of the alloy and, by and large, has virtually no effect on the performance characteristics of the heating system.

  • Thin-walled– are made of the same grades of metal, but the pipe wall thickness is in the range from 0.2 to 0.7 mm. They are rarely used for heating systems.

According to the method of production of pipes there are:

  • Drawn or cold rolled (index “D”).
  • Drawn from a welded billet (index “C”).

There are also classifications of copper pipes according to the accuracy of the diameter and the condition of the material. In addition, if necessary, you can purchase products that are characterized by increased ductility, increased strength or increased bending accuracy.

The last parameter is especially important when copper pipes are used, for example, for the manufacture of designer heaters (see also copper radiators heating).

Heating system installation

Preparation for soldering

Despite the widespread belief that installing copper heating pipes is very complicated and time-consuming, it can be done with your own hands. To do this, you just need to learn how to solder copper pipes to ensure their reliable connection to the fittings and to each other.

Installation of heating with copper pipes using threaded connections is practically not used today, since it does not provide sufficient durability and tightness.

Soldering is carried out according to the following algorithm:

Copper stripping sponges

  • Using a pipe cutter, we cut off a piece of pipe of the diameter and valley we need, after which we remove the chamfer from the inner surface.

Chamfering is not necessary, but it reduces the hydraulic resistance in the system.

  • After chamfering, we clean the outer surface of the pipe and the inner surface of the fitting. To clean copper products, it is best to use a synthetic sponge made of fairly hard fibers that does not contain metal.
  • Apply soldering flux to the cleaned areas. The function of flux is similar to that of a primer when performing paint and varnish work - it ensures a reliable connection of two surfaces.

We put the fitting on the cleaned edge and proceed directly to soldering.

Soldering fittings using the capillary method

The process of soldering copper pipelines is demonstrated in sufficient detail in the video.

Here are instructions for performing the most basic operations:

  • Using a gas torch, heat the joint between the fitting and the pipe until the flux melts.
  • When the desired temperature is reached, take a rod of soft solder and apply it to the weld.
  • If the quality of stripping was sufficient and the temperature was selected optimally, the solder will melt and flow into the gap between the pipe and the fitting (according to the law of capillary movement of liquids).

Warming up the joint before applying solder

After soldering is completed, cool the joint with water or simply leave it in the air. Further use of such a pipe for assembling a heating system does not present any difficulties, since the fittings are easily connected to each other.

If we take into account all the arguments presented in this article, then heating from copper pipes will no longer seem such a complex and expensive undertaking (and if you want an alternative, read the article How to choose polypropylene pipes for heating). And taking into account the quality and durability of a heating system made of copper pipes, you begin to understand why experts consider copper the best solution for heating a house or apartment!

Copper pipes for heating and fittings: do-it-yourself installation instructions, price, video, photo


Copper pipes for heating and fittings: do-it-yourself installation instructions, price, video, photo

September 21, 2015 Alexei

Rising energy prices are forcing people to look for materials that have good heat-saving properties. Only their use will save on heating costs and help create a comfortable indoor microclimate.

But which pipes to choose for the heating system? Today these elements are presented in a wide range.

Among them there are plastic, metal, cast iron. And each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, but then why are more and more consumers choosing copper pipes for heating? To answer this question, let’s look at the features of the material and products made from it.

Where application is allowed

Copper is one of the most reliable and practical materials. She hadn't found it before wide application in the manufacture of pipes only because it had a higher cost. However, the development of technology gradually led to this material gaining its niche in the market. And today, copper plumbing pipes are used quite widely.

Due to the excellent performance characteristics of the material, they are used in:

  • Radiator and panel heating systems;
  • Water supply;
  • Sewers.

In addition to domestic use, they have proven themselves to be excellent in laying fuel pipelines and gas lines.

Features of copper pipes and their performance characteristics

Why today, despite the availability of modern materials, copper still remains in demand in various fields industry? Perhaps the answer to this question lies in its remarkable properties. The fact is that thick-walled copper pipes are practically impenetrable to various aggressive environments, such as:

  • Viruses and bacteria;
  • Fats and oils;
  • Herbicides and insecticides.

So it turns out that using them to organize water supply will allow you to get clean water and guarantees the absence of any impurities in it. Another excellent quality of this material is its immunity to chlorine, which is contained in the water coming from the central line. Copper plumbing pipes will not only not be destroyed when interacting with this material, but also, on the contrary, will become more durable. And all thanks to the fact that the interaction of these two substances forms a strong protective layer on the inner walls of the water supply.

Watch the video, specifics of application:

Also, the use of plumbing pipes to supply water to the house is explained by the latter’s insusceptibility to the growth of various types of deposits and the ability to withstand temperature changes. For such products, the temperature range is from minus 200 to plus 250°C.

If speak about installation work, then here too copper pipes for heating systems are significantly superior to any others. They have high plasticity and are resistant to UV radiation. In addition, the insignificant roughness coefficient makes it possible to choose products with a smaller diameter, which means a lower cost.

Advantages and disadvantages

What is the reason for the popularity of this product when organizing heating systems? First and undeniable advantage– this is the resistance of copper to corrosion. If the pipeline is executed correctly, it will not be damaged even by very heat coolant. Chrome-plated copper pipes have high elasticity and can withstand any load perfectly.

Let's watch the video, all the pros and cons, steel or copper:

In addition, products of this product group can be used both in radiator and panel heating. Moreover, the use of a copper pipeline as a heated floor allows you to avoid mutual movement of elements and their friction, which means you can avoid their premature wear.

It is allowed to use products made from this material when organizing heating systems operating on solar energy. But when installing them, only hard soldering is allowed. This makes it possible to ensure reliability and tightness of connections under high operating loads.

Specifics of choosing pipes and components for them

There are no trifles when it comes to organizing a heating system in a private home. Everything is important here, from the selection and purchase of pipes and connecting parts, to their correct installation. When talking about the elements of the system, it is important to take into account their full compliance. For example, when using copper products, it will be necessary to protect aluminum radiators from direct contact with them. Since these two metals interact in an aggressive environment, they lead to significant gas formation, which can lead to rupture of radiators.

To avoid emergency situation special fittings and adapters made of steel or polymer are used. But in addition, each radiator must be equipped with a special gas release valve.

But in addition to these parameters, the following should be taken into account:

  1. Product quality;
  2. Allowable service life;
  3. Ease of installation;
  4. Price.

They are also important when choosing elements of a future heating system. There is a type of pipe with a polyurethane foam shell. Therefore, when choosing them, it is necessary to check for a certificate indicating for what purposes they can be used.

It is also important to choose products of the same brand so that they do not differ in physical and chemical properties, since when organizing a heating system, the use of elements from the same metal is allowed.

Popular brands of copper products

KME Products

On the domestic market, such products are represented by the world's largest manufacturers and companies:

  • KME (Germany);
  • Outokumpu (Finland).

Copper pipes from these manufacturers are available in standard sizes:

  • Diameter 10-28 mm – wall thickness 1 mm;
  • 35-54 mm – 1.5 mm.

Concerning model range, then each company has its own. Thus, the German manufacturer produces products in the following series:

Sanco - universal;

WICU Rohr – reinforced copper pipes with increased resistance to aggressive environments;

WICU Eco - with excellent heat-saving properties due to polyurethane foam insulation;

WICU Flex – for organizing water supply;

WICU Frio – for air conditioning systems.

However, all products are different high quality and reliability and are designed for wide application.

The Finnish manufacturer produces models most often used for industrial purposes. Its copper plumbing pipes are distinguished by excellent performance characteristics and are manufactured at production facilities located in many countries around the world. They can also be used for arranging heating systems.

Having decided to make your heating system one of the most reliable and durable, you need not only to choose the right components, but also to assemble them in accordance with existing standards. For example, when installing pipelines made of copper products, two types of connections are allowed:

  • Non-dismountable;
  • Collapsible.

The first method involves the use of welding, soldering or pressing. In the second case, special flanges, fittings or threaded fasteners are used.

Watch the video, bending pipes before soldering:

If you decide to use welding, you should know that the expander for pipes made of alloys uses an arc. For products made of pure metal, the use of tungsten electrodes will be required, and the process itself must take place in an argon or nitrogen environment.

Connecting thin-walled copper pipes using flaring allows you to obtain a detachable system that can be easily dismantled if necessary.

But still the simplest is the threaded connection. For it, special fittings are used, secured to the pipe using a union nut.

What you choose depends on the characteristics of the room, the heating system and many other factors. Therefore, it does not hurt to consult a specialist in advance.

The use of copper pipes in heating systems is becoming popular in Lately. This is due to the high heat transfer, strength and durability of this material. And, despite the high cost of copper products, over time such costs are justified. Let's take a closer look at the main characteristics of copper pipes, their advantages and disadvantages, popular modifications, cost, as well as installation features in heating systems.

Characteristics of copper pipes

Naturally, the main material used to make copper pipes is copper, and High Quality. Sometimes alloys of copper and zinc are used (no more than 5%). Often, copper surfaces are coated with a polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene layer, which improves their appearance and also reduces heat loss.

For heating systems, the most suitable copper pipes are marked EN 1057, which indicates that these pipes treated with phosphorus, which significantly increases their resistance to water.

Basic advantages copper pipes:

  1. Copper pipes do not corrode, have high strength, so their service life can last up to 100 years.
  2. Thermal conductivity of copper - 389.6 W/mK, which is much higher than the thermal conductivity of steel, cast iron and plastic.
  3. Copper pipes have a wide operating temperature range. They are able to withstand both fairly high (+250 C°) and low (-100 C°) temperatures. At these temperatures the pipes are not subject to deformation, do not crack or melt.
  4. The ability of pipes and their soldered joints to withstand high (200-400 atm.) pressure is tens of times higher than that of plastic.
  5. Slight thermal expansion. With prolonged exposure to temperatures above 90 C°, each meter of pipe lengthens by no more than 0.1%.
  6. Beautiful aesthetic appearance of this material.
  7. Absolutely harmless to human health, since copper is environmentally friendly, natural material.

Disadvantages of copper pipes:

  1. It is highly undesirable to use copper pipes in combination with other metals, as this can cause a chemical reaction, and ultimately corrosion of the heating system. This will lead to a significant reduction in the service life of the pipes.
  2. The presence of “stray currents” in the heating system in certain cases can negatively affect the durability of the pipes.

The softness and elasticity of this metal in some cases can be considered a “plus” of copper pipes, and in others vice versa.

Popular copper pipe manufacturers

The most common types of copper pipes for heating:

  • Sanso KME copper pipes;
  • Wieland copper pipes;
  • Feinrohren copper pipes;
  • MKM copper pipes;
  • copper pipes KME Cuprothem.

Copper pipes Sanso KME, Wieland, Feinrohren, MKM are sales leaders. The performance characteristics and quality of these pipes are quite high. Their use in heating systems allows significantly reduce the cost of their installation. According to the manufacturing method, these pipes are divided into annealed and non-annealed. Annealed pipes are soft and elastic, unannealed pipes are hard, they are most used in heating systems. Mounted by hard soldering.

KME Cuprothem copper pipes are used in floor heating systems. These pipes are made in a special plastic shell. Mounted by soldering or compression fittings .

Cost of copper pipes for heating

Prices for copper pipes depend on their diameter. Estimated cost of copper pipes most used in heating systems of apartments and cottages:

diameter, mm 6 8 10 12 15 18 22 28 35
price for 1 m, rub. 110 145 180 210 185 235 295 380 600

Heating system calculation

Heating systems come in two types - single-pipe and double-pipe. Water pumps circulate the heating fluid through a single-pipe heating system. In a two-pipe system, movement occurs naturally, naturally. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages. Often layout or location heated premises allows the use of only a certain type. Therefore, first you need to decide on the type of heating system, the number of radiators and connection points. Number of copper pipes required for installation two-pipe system heating will be twice as much than for a single pipe.

The next step would be counting fittings. The most suitable for installation of heating systems are capillary fittings. When using them, the pipes are connected by soldering. It is also possible to carry out installation using press fittings, which are much more expensive. Such connections also withstand lower operating pressure(no more than 10 atm.). It is important that the fittings are made of the same material as the pipes being connected. According to their purpose, fittings are of the following types:

  • tees;
  • corners;
  • couplings;
  • plugs;
  • contours.

Angles, tees and couplings can be transitioned to smaller diameter or threaded. The cost of one fitting depends on their diameter and purpose. A simple angle with a diameter of 15 mm, for example, costs 10−15 rubles, a tee of the same diameter costs 15−20 rubles, and a two-digit tee (with a transition to another diameter) costs over 100 rub.

In addition, when installing heating from copper pipes, you will need related materials: solder, solder flux, brushes, etc.

Any consumer can independently make an approximate calculation of the funds and materials needed for installation of heating from copper pipes. It is still better to entrust the final calculations to professionals involved in this type of work.

To connect copper pipes using capillary fittings, special welding is used - high temperature soldering and silver-bronze solder. Before soldering, flux is applied to the joints of pipes and fittings. The pipe and fitting are first heated at the soldering point, after which soldered with a solder torch. For heating, a gas station Oxygen - Propane is used. Solder flows into the joints and fills the entire capillary space of the joint.

In cases where this will not affect the aesthetic appearance of the heating system, the pipes are bent at different angles. This allows save number of fittings, reduce the number of connections and right angles, which will ultimately reduce the resistance to the flow of hot water. The pipes are bent using a special tool - a pipe bender. Soft pipes bend easily. Rigid - they are preheated, then bent, after which they are allowed to cool naturally(without the use of coolants).

Aluminum radiators cannot be used in combination with copper pipes, as this will soon lead to a corrosion process. If there is a need to use aluminum radiators, then they must be connected to copper pipes through a steel pipe. This restriction does not apply to other types of radiators (steel, cast iron, etc.).

When using copper pipes in a monolith (floor and walls), it is advisable to wrap in a protective shell. Corrugation is quite suitable for this. This insulation will protect the pipe from mechanical damage, which can be caused by fluctuations in coolant temperature.

At first glance, the use of copper pipes for heating has become popular only in recent years. However, we should not forget that copper has been used in heating systems of domestic cars for quite some time. Copper stoves, radiators and tubes connecting them served their cars for half a century under different climatic influences, in conditions constant vibrations. Considering this fact, we can confidently assume that copper pipes will soon take a leading position in the heating systems of residential premises and other buildings.

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