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 work Heating a house with copper pipes

In modern heating systems, copper pipes for heating are used much less frequently than products made from other materials. The low popularity of copper is due to poor awareness of consumers about its merits.

1 Copper pipes for heating - classification and main characteristics

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

Copper pipes for heating have advantages that put them in a leading position among similar products 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 from it are able to withstand low and high temperatures, 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 the wall thickness is provided for rust destruction, and for plastic - to withstand high pressure). Therefore, despite the high density of copper, pipes made from it are quite light. Other benefits will be listed below.

To create a designed heating system, copper pipes of various sizes and sometimes types are supposed to be used. 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 wall thickness. In residential buildings, products with walls of 1–1.5 mm are most often used.
  • According to the production technology, brands are distinguished:
    • D - cold-rolled;
    • G - drawn or pressed.
  • Manufacturing accuracy:
    • normal accuracy;
    • elevated.
  • According to the condition of the material:
    • soft;
    • semi-soft;
    • solid.
  • For additional production conditions:
    • with increased strength;
    • with increased plasticity.
  • For other indicators and characteristics.

Each pipe is marked in accordance with the main characteristics, which facilitates the selection of the necessary one. 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 bear the EN-1057 marking, indicating that the product has been acidified with phosphorus, which provides the material with additional resistance to water.

2 Advantages of copper heating pipes

Benefits of using copper pipes:

3 Disadvantages of copper pipes for heating systems

You should start with the main "disadvantage" of copper pipes - a very high cost. Indeed, copper is an 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 for them is not so high (the price is formed based on the weight of a unit of metal production). At the same time, if a copper pipe is 2–4 times more expensive than a polypropylene one, then copper fittings are 30–50 times cheaper than plastic ones. Due to the branching of in-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 metal-plastic pipes, a system of copper products, especially those connected by soldering, will always be less expensive. The advantage of copper in terms of the cost of heating will be the more tangible, the better the quality of the selected polypropylene or metal-plastic pipes. In addition, we should not forget about the high reliability and durability of copper systems, the cost of their operation, which is an order of magnitude less than that of plastic ones. And when disposing of a used copper pipeline, the funds spent on the material are returned.

The real disadvantages are:

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

Despite the shortcomings, copper pipes are a versatile and most suitable product for transporting coolant. The heating systems assembled from them are highly efficient and reliable. Copper pipes are a great alternative to plastic and steel products.

4 Installation of copper pipes when arranging 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 joining the parts to be joined using the socket method or using fittings, as well as by means of press fittings using a special tool;
  • detachable - with the help of compression fittings and threaded (thread only at one end of the fitting), used to connect devices, fittings, pipeline elements from another material.

The main part of the heating system is made of copper pipes, most often using fittings intended for this. Their main task is to ensure the creation of the necessary branches, turns and connections of pipes with different or the same diameters. The construction market offers a wide range 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 choose components that meet the requirements of the future communication being created. Installation of fittings for soldering is quite complicated and requires the appropriate 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 intended for this purpose (soft or hard). The soldered connection is durable and several times stronger than the copper pipe itself. One of the main conditions for its reliability is to prevent overheating during installation, since in this case the strength properties of the copper pipe can be reduced (up to its gust), or insufficient tightness at the joint can be obtained. In the room where the installation takes place, it is necessary to ensure good ventilation.

Installation of the heating system can be made much more reliable and much easier. This is feasible 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 elbow fittings. If necessary, you can make a transverse insert 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 cause a violation of the laminar flow of the coolant, creating additional resistance to water circulation. Pipes, if necessary and in the case of using non-annealed products, are preheated at the place of bending. During work, it is necessary to ensure that there is no twisting of the copper pipe. In the case of repeated bending or correction of a jam, editing is done only 1 time.

How to paint copper heating pipes?

After installing the copper heating system, the pipes can be painted. This will provide them with additional protection against corrosion and give them a look that matches the interior and design being created (copper pipes look very aesthetic even without applying surface layers). How to paint copper heating pipes in order to achieve the above goals and at the same time get a coating that, over time, under the influence of high temperature (up to 80 C o) will not exfoliate and change color? To do this, you can use the following enamels:

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

Suitable for varnishes:

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

Oil paints should not 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 red lead primer No. 81. When creating the coating, it should be taken into account that the paint does not absorb into copper, therefore, if a brush is used, it is necessary to properly shade ("smear") the applied composition. Spraying from a spray can will provide the highest quality surface.

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

Copper pipes.

Copper pipes for heating have many advantages, including durability, the ability to withstand high temperatures, they kill germs and bend easily. The only significant drawback is the high cost, however, given the durability of copper and how much it will take to repair other types of pipes, the high cost will not seem like a disadvantage at all.

Today, copper pipes are one of the best materials for organizing a heating system in a house. So, let's consider in more detail all the advantages and disadvantages of copper pipes:

Mounting to the floor slab with 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 (a mineral, copper oxide) is formed, which prolongs 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 such a temperature under any circumstances.
  • Not exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
  • Small "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 the copper pipe.
  • Not susceptible to low temperatures. Installation work can be carried out even at sub-zero temperatures, which cannot be said, for example, about.

Flaws

  • High price.
  • Corrosion can form on the outer walls of the pipes, which will eventually 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), as over time, electrochemical corrosion may occur. Copper does not mix well with other materials such as polypropylene, steel and aluminium. For example, when connecting copper products to galvanized steel products, it must be remembered that after a certain time, corrosion can form on steel elements. It is best to use only copper and its alloys (copper is also combined with acid-resistant steel), this will extend the life of the entire heating system.

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

Elbow 90°. Mounting to the floor slab with Hilti fasteners.

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

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

Mounting

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

Connecting copper pipes can be done in several ways:

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

High-temperature ("solid") 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 both parts should be connected. Then remove excess flux with a napkin or rag.

Important! Do not apply flux to the inner surface!

Copper pipe heating system.

Next, a gas burner and silver- or copper-based solder come into play. Using a gas burner or an electric heater, the elements to be welded are heated. Keep the fire until the solder begins to melt and fill the joints between the parts to be joined, and the flux changes color.

Advice! The amount of solder must match the diameter of the pipe. Experts recommend cutting off a twig of the required length before starting soldering.

After the soldering is completed, it is necessary to allow the connected parts to cool (during this time, the parts must be motionless), then remove the remnants of solder and flux, because. because of them, corrosion can form in the future. This is also done with a damp cloth.

Important! To avoid loss of copper strength, no forced cooling is allowed. Cooling should be natural.

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

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

Important! High temperatures affect the hardness of copper, therefore, when performing high-temperature soldering, pipes should not be overheated so as not to damage them.

Solder soft Felder No. 3, 2 mm, 100 gr.

Low-temperature ("soft") soldering. This is a less reliable connection method compared to high-temperature, 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 to be joined). 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 temperature of the heat carrier in the heating system must not exceed 130°C.

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

Connection with fittings. This mounting method is less reliable, because such compounds can withstand low pressure (up to 10 atmospheres). The connection with the pipes takes place with the help of special press tongs that compress the fitting.

Fittings can be different in diameter: from 8 mm to 100 mm. Them can be roughly divided into 2 groups:

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

Types of fittings for copper heating pipes

Copper branch 90 gr., ⌀22 mm.

  • Couplings. There are both “straight” couplings, for connecting identical pipes, and reducing ones, 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 turns at various angles (90°, 45°, 30°);
  • Plugs;
  • Thread transitions (straight, angled, tees);
  • Connectors (American).

Viega copper couplings.

For the installation of heating copper pipes, various fasteners 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 the use of copper pipes in heating systems
  • Installation of heating from copper pipes

Copper currently represents high-quality and modern technology in the plumbing business. If, in the process of designing a heating system, you correctly choose the material, then it would be best to give the choice in favor of copper pipes. Copper is better than other materials for construction needs, it 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 features. If we consider the possibility of using copper for the manufacture of heating pipes, then the first and most important property of the material is its thermal stability. During operation, copper pipes do not experience such side effects as expansion or deterioration in quality: the products retain their hardness and shape. An equally 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 by 2 methods: by means of a threaded type connection using a crimp ring or by soldering.

The first method is so simple in its execution that it is suitable even for a master with no experience in working with copper products. In this case, it will not be necessary to use any specific tool: copper products are easy to mount using ordinary wrenches that tighten the connections. When choosing a fitting, you need to pay attention to the diameter of the copper pipes.

To install a high-quality, reliable and durable heating structure, you will need the following tools and materials:

Single-wire heating circuit.

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

With the help of the above materials, it is possible to install a heating system using copper fixtures easily, efficiently and quickly enough.

Features of the use of copper pipes in heating systems

Copper structures for heating are characterized, as already mentioned, by the relative ease of installation. A wide range of connecting fittings allows you to install heating of any complexity. For heating, thin-walled pipes made of this material can be used, but usually the wall thickness of such round-section 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 in the case of selling products for scrap, you can return up to 30% of the funds spent.

Among the disadvantages of copper pipes for heating, their relatively high cost can be noted. Although in terms of price, structures made of 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 joints.

If you decide to install such heating structures, 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 master to install copper heating, it is enough just to be attentive to work and strictly follow all the rules. Specialists assemble structures made of this material by hard and soft soldering, which makes the process much more reliable and faster than using threaded connections and welding.

Copper products have many positive characteristics. They protect the heating system from air ingress, are able to withstand pressure up to 30 atmospheres, 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 mounted independently using a press tool 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 one-piece, as well as 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 assembled without damaging the surface.

Permanent connections can be obtained by several methods: hard soldering, soldering, crimping, soft soldering.

Copper products for heating 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 (low-temperature soldering up to 440°C) is performed using special fluxes that can improve soldering quality and increase adhesion. Before soldering, the surface of the material must be cleaned. Such soldering is used in cold and hot water supply systems and in heating structures with a temperature not exceeding 115 ° C. With the help of low-temperature capillary soldering, it is possible to connect any systems made of this material with a diameter of 7 to 110 mm.

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

Crimping can be carried out with products of small and large diameters. For this type of connection, a special press and special fittings are used.

To use copper products for heating construction means to use 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.

Do-it-yourself installation of copper heating pipes


Installation of copper heating pipes can be done by hand, even if you do not have 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 of houses and apartments. The main advantages of the material is resistance to corrosion and high temperatures, as well as ultraviolet radiation. In addition, copper pipes can be easily bent to any angle, making it easy to do-it-yourself connections.

As a disadvantage, it is often indicated that the material has a high cost, however, with such excellent characteristics of the metal, its price cannot be low. Installation of copper pipelines is carried out using fittings. They can be crimp or solder, depending on this, the connection of copper pipes also differs. Crimp fittings create a detachable connection, and solder fittings create a one-piece connection.

The main advantages and areas of use of copper pipeline

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

  • heating;
  • Plumbing;
  • Conditioning;
  • Gas transportation;
  • Obtaining alternative energy, for example, solar systems.

When installing copper pipelines for supplying cold and hot water, you do not have to worry about overgrowing or silting of the internal section. Also, they are not destroyed by chlorine, which is added to tap water in high concentrations. On the contrary, chlorine creates the thinnest protective layer on the inner wall of pipelines, which significantly extends the life of the pipelines. In turn, a small amount of copper is released into drinking water, which has a beneficial effect on human health.

Features of installing pipes for water supply

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

  1. With the use of threaded fittings.
  2. With soldering.

Push-in connections with threaded fittings are the easiest and most affordable way to install with your own hands.

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

  1. Slide the compression nut onto the pipes.
  2. Put on top of the compression ring.
  3. Connect elements together.
  4. Tighten the nut.

The compression ring is responsible for the tightness of the connection, therefore it cannot be reused. If the connection had to be untwisted, the rubber ring should be put in a new one. Copper pipes can be bent in any direction, and therefore there is an opportunity to save on the number of fittings.

Soldering is a somewhat more complicated installation method, however, it is quite doable with your own hands. It is necessary to be careful and observe all safety measures when working with open fire. The connection itself consists of the following steps:

  1. Cleaning the ends of the pipe and fittings with sandpaper to bare 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 building 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 injected into the joint.
  • After curing, excess flux can be removed.

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

Fittings for copper pipes

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 it must be done in the right way. Key recommendations:

  1. Before installation, it is necessary to cut the pipes into segments of the required length.
  2. It is better to cut pipes for heating with a pipe cutter or a hacksaw.
  3. The inner surface of pipelines must be free of burrs and metal chips. To complete this task, you will need a file and scraper.
  4. The cut point 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 the tubular product manually or using a special tool.
  6. If the heating system has curved sections of a particularly complex shape, it is recommended to use a pipe bender. Such a bend will protect the material from unwanted creases, which can subsequently become a place of corrosion.
  7. Products should be bent with the minimum allowable 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 pipes are bent by hand, a bending radius of at least 8 diameters should be performed.

Heating system with copper pipes

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

Due to the fact that copper can be easily bent, installation is simple and requires a small number of fittings. However, it is necessary to remember some rules for combining materials in a heating system.

Copper pipes must not 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 to avoid the onset of corrosion when joining copper and aluminum. As for radiators made of other materials, such as steel or cast iron, there are no such problems.

The purpose and purpose of thermal insulation

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

Thermal insulation is made of a material resistant to aggressive environments, which is not afraid of mechanical stress, has a long service life and, at the same time, is affordable. The main tasks that thermal insulation performs are as follows:

Thermal insulation for copper pipes

The most popular material for thermal insulation, which is used, including for the heating system, is polyethylene foam. Polyethylene is made in the form of pipe shells that easily take its shape. The cost of such insulation is cheap, and the reduction in heat loss is quite significant. Thanks to thermal insulation, you can make the house warm and cozy at any time of the year.

Do-it-yourself rules for installing a copper pipeline


In what areas have copper pipes been used and thanks to what indicators, what are the nuances in their installation for plumbing and heating systems, and

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

The layout of the 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 under certain conditions can be used for a long time

  • 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 brand tolerates the aquatic environment well, but for this a small part of phosphorus is introduced into its composition. These 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.
  • Do not require external finishing. The copper pipes themselves look attractive and do not deteriorate over time. If there is a need to paint, it is more likely due to a discrepancy with the new design of the room.

Copper pipes have a fairly attractive appearance

Pretty decent list of pros. But there are also serious drawbacks:

  • Incompatibility with other materials. In the presence of aluminum elements in the system, active electrochemical reactions begin. In direct connection with products 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 enter into a reaction in which a large amount of gases is released, so that in the absence of gas exhaust valves, the system can break.

In direct contact with other materials, active destruction occurs

Fittings for copper pipes

Crimp fittings for copper pipes are installed by hand, but they cannot be cast into walls

There are several more properties that, depending on the point of view or operating conditions, can be attributed to both pluses and minuses:

  • The first is high thermal conductivity. If copper heating pipes are laid openly, they radiate a fairly large amount of heat. Therefore, fewer radiators may be required. This is 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 - with the help of a special device, pipes can be bent within fairly large limits, which leads to fewer joints and fittings. This is good. But the softness of the material leads to the fact that they need to be fixed after a short interval, and in some cases special boxes should be made: at a high temperature of the coolant, copper can soften and lose shape. This is bad. Not the most pleasant moment is that upon impact, the copper pipes are deformed, and therefore the circulation of the coolant worsens. As a result, with a careless attitude and multiple distortions, the efficiency of the system can be greatly reduced. It's not good either.

Most of the problems that may arise during the operation of water pipes are associated with poor product quality. And these are not advertising tricks, but the results of operation: a properly designed system, consisting of proven elements, works perfectly. If there is even a small fragment from the "left" material, problems begin. Example: the cold water and hot water pipeline 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 distribution, purchased from the first tray on the market. The result - after a year and a half of operation, a blue film appeared on the plumbing, to which hot water was supplied (where there is only cold water, there are no changes). The owners had to change the entire DHW manifold due to the presence of an active corrosion process in the "left" section of the pipe.

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

In order to navigate the 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 marking.

Marking and cost

Copper pipes are produced in two types: soft and hard. For heating, solid ones are more often used. The release form is linear segments of 2-5 m long or bays in which segments of 5-10 m are twisted.

Copper pipes are supplied either in lengths or coils

Dimensions. The outer diameter is indicated in millimeters (usually domestic production or from the CIS countries) or inches (imported), and the wall thickness is put through a fraction or “x”: 22x1 mm (22/1mm) - outer diameter 22mm, wall thickness 1mm, which means inner diameter , according to which heating systems are designed, will be 21mm (22-1 \u003d 21). For wiring a household heating system, a wall thickness of 0.8-1 mm is sufficient for a wave.

The outer diameter of the copper pipes is marked, and the wall thickness is set through the fraction

In order not to make a mistake with the choice of diameter when distributing individual heating, it is easier to “dance” from the boiler outlet. This is the diameter of your pipes 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, a pipe with a diameter one step smaller than the size grid is used. The branch to the heating device (radiator or heated towel rail) also goes one step smaller in diameter. For example, 24mm comes out of the boiler, two branches are separated on the first branch, which are already 22mm pipes, and 20mm goes to the radiators. The "return" is assembled in the same way, but from smaller to larger. If a large area of ​​​​several floors will be heated, a professional heat engineering calculation is desirable.

The fittings from the boiler usually come out either copper or brass, but in each case, specify 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 more pipes annealed and unannealed e. Unannealed pipes have a large margin of safety: they withstand pressure up to 450 MPa, but they do not bend very well: they can only stretch by 6%. To change their characteristics, they are heated to high temperatures, then cooled. The process is called annealing, and the products that came out after it are annealed. The margin of safety has become less - up to 22 MPa, but elasticity has been increased: the material can stretch by 50-60%. Also, the material has become more resistant to temperature extremes, tolerates ultraviolet radiation without problems and is almost insensitive to high humidity. Therefore, annealed copper is used not only in heating, but also in motors and car drives.

One example of soldering copper pipes

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

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

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

Installation of copper heating pipes

When assembling the pipeline, two types of connections are used: using fittings and welding. Pipes with heating devices are joined through collapsible or press fittings. Installation is also possible for connecting / branching pipes, but welding is more often used for these purposes. When using annealed pipes in the right places, they can be bent, reducing the number of joints. For bending use a special device - pipe bender, which allows you to get different angles without reducing the lumen of the pipe and without impairing the patency 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 pipe clearance decreases and circulation worsens

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

Installation press fittings takes place with the help of special press machines. They are not cheap (including rent). But the connection is tight and reliable, but one-piece.

It is considered more versatile and reliable capillary soldering. In this way, sections of pipes of the same diameter can be connected directly: one of the ends to be welded is flared - the diameter is slightly increased so that the pipes can be inserted one into the other. To do this, use a special device. The junction is cleaned with a metal brush or special sponges (commercially available). The bonded surfaces are treated with a flux - a special compound that improves the “adhesion” of the metal with the solder. Processed pipes are inserted one into the other. The gap between them should be minimal - fractions of a millimeter. Then the connection is heated using a welded torch. When the material is heated to the melting temperature of the solder, it is brought into the flame and the existing gaps are poured with the molten composition. After the seam is filled, it is cooled. You can just leave it in the air until it cools, or you can lower it into water. In principle, the process is not very complicated, but it requires experience, skill and meticulous execution: both the flaring and the filling process itself require precision and accuracy. According to this de scheme, connections are soldered 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 a plumbing system, and therefore tin was used as solder. For heating, other compositions are used that have a melting point of at least 115 ° C. Otherwise, the process is the same.

How to paint copper heating pipes

When choosing a paint, the following subtleties should be taken into account: it should not change color at high temperatures, protect from external influences, and should not exfoliate. In order for the paint to lay down more evenly, it is necessary to treat it with a primer for non-ferrous metals. Red lead primer 81 will do.

Moreover, it must be taken into account that the paint is not absorbed, and it is required to spread it with a brush carefully. But to achieve more or less even painting is possible only after applying two layers. It is a little easier to work with paint in spray cans: it lays down more evenly.

You can paint copper pipes, but you will have to apply several thin layers

Oil paints cannot be used for copper pipes - they darken from 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, in which aluminum powder is added in a ratio of 9k1.

Reviews and operating experience

Someone considers copper pipes an excellent way out, but someone does not accept. But, in fact, this is typical for any technology and material. The only thing they pay attention to, and what you should listen to, is that in an acidic environment, copper begins to break down. Therefore, fill in the system with either a coolant with a neutral PH or with a slightly alkaline one. 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 central heating systems, you cannot completely get rid of destruction: the coolant in them is saturated with iron, and if solid particles can be retained by the filter, then there is no escape from those dissolved in it.

Another tip from an experienced installer: copper is very afraid of contact with concrete (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 of similar characteristics.

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

Another tip from the master, but it already concerns soldering: it is important not to overdo it. Firstly, from an excess of diligence, you can weld the entire gap (if the pipe is of small diameter, this is especially important), secondly, when the soft solder is overheated, the paste is overheated, which causes it to coke, which leads to the formation of fistulas, and thirdly , do not overdo it with the amount of solder. If there is no experience, practice welding on small pieces of pipes: you can check both the clearance and the tightness of the joint. And after acquiring at least some experience, you can start 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 the result of an improperly selected coolant composition, high pressure or water hammer. Moreover, it is worth considering that the service life of copper heating systems directly depends on the correct design and installation, that is, even if high-quality leaving ones 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 materials) are also very expensive. Perhaps that is why they rarely put it today, especially since there is a good replacement - polypropylene (reinforced) or metal-plastic.

Copper pipes for heating, advantages and disadvantages, features of installation and operation, 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 pipes for heating: the best quality for home heating

In modern systems, copper pipes for heating and fittings are used much less frequently than pipes made of other materials. And yet, a 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 a heating system

Copper in the heating system

Operational advantages disadvantages

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

And the point here is not only in traditions, since copper heating pipes have a number of quite objective advantages:

  • Firstly, this material can be safely called a leader in terms of safety. According to 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 products is quite long, they do not age and practically do not lose their performance characteristics over time.

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

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

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

Fittings for mounting

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

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

Photo of copper pipes in the heating system

The disadvantages include only the relative complexity of installation, as well as the high cost of the material itself and its components. In addition, the high price of copper in the non-ferrous metal market is often the reason for the 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

By wall thickness:

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

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

The brand shows the purity of the alloy and, by and large, has practically no effect on the performance of the heating system.

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

According to the production method, pipes 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 accuracy in bending.

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

Heating system installation

Preparation for soldering

Despite the widespread belief that the installation of copper heating pipes is very difficult and time-consuming, it is quite possible to do it yourself. To do this, you just need to learn how to solder copper pipes to ensure their reliable connection with fittings and among themselves.

Installation of heating with copper pipes by 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:

Scouring sponges for copper

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

Chamfering is not mandatory, but it allows you to reduce the hydraulic resistance in the system.

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

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

Soldering fittings by 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 burner, we heat the joint of the fitting with the nozzle until the flux melts.
  • When the desired temperature is reached, take a bar of soft solder and apply it to the weld.
  • If the stripping quality was sufficient, and the temperature was optimally selected, then the solder will melt and flow into the gap between the pipe and the fitting itself (according to the law of capillary motion 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 the heating system does not present any difficulties, since the fittings are easily connected to each other.

If we take into account all the arguments set forth in this article, then heating from copper pipes will no longer seem so complicated and expensive (and if you want alternatives, read the article How to choose polypropylene pipes for heating). And taking into account the quality and durability of the copper pipe heating system, you begin to understand why experts consider copper to be 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

21 September 2015 Alexei

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

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

Among them are plastic, metal, cast iron. And each material has its 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 is it allowed to use

Copper is one of the most reliable and practical materials. Previously, it was not widely used in the manufacture of pipes only because it had a higher cost. However, the development of technology has gradually led to the conquest of this material 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:

  • Heating systems radiator and panel;
  • Water supply;
  • sewers.

In addition to household purposes, they have proven themselves well when laying fuel lines 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 industries? Perhaps the answer to this question lies in its remarkable properties. The fact is that thick-walled copper pipes are practically impervious to various aggressive environments, such as:

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

So it turns out that using them to organize a water supply system will allow you to get clean water and guarantee the absence of any impurities in it. Another excellent quality of this material is its resistance to chlorine, which is contained in the water coming from the central line. Copper plumbing pipes not only will not collapse when interacting with this material, but also, on the contrary, will become more durable. And all due 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, application specifics:

Also, the use of plumbing pipes for supplying water to the house is also explained by the non-susceptibility of the latter to the growth of various kinds of deposits and the ability to withstand temperature changes. For such products, the temperature range is from minus 200 to plus 250°C.

If we talk about installation work, then copper pipes for heating systems are far superior to any others. They are highly flexible and UV resistant. In addition, an insignificant roughness coefficient makes it possible to choose products with a smaller diameter, and therefore at a lower cost.

Advantages and disadvantages

What is the reason for the popularity of this product in the organization of heating systems? The first and indisputable advantage is the non-susceptibility of copper to corrosion. If the pipeline is made correctly, then even a very high temperature of the coolant will not damage it. The pipe copper chromeplated possess high elasticity and perfectly maintain any loadings.

We 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 surface heating systems. Moreover, the use of a copper pipeline as a warm floor makes it possible to avoid the mutual movement of elements and their friction, which means that it will be possible to avoid their premature wear.

It is allowed to use products from this material in the organization of heating systems powered by solar energy. But during their installation, only hard soldering is allowed. This makes it possible to ensure the reliability and tightness of connections under high workloads.

The specifics of the choice of pipes and accessories for them

There are no trifles in the matter of organizing a heating system in a private house. Everything is important here from the selection and purchase of pipes and fittings, to their correct installation. Speaking about the elements of the system, it is important to take into account their full compliance. For example, when using copper products, you will have to organize the protection of aluminum radiators from direct contact with them. Since these two metals, interacting in an aggressive environment, lead to significant gas formation, which is fraught with rupture of radiators.

To avoid an emergency, special fittings and adapters made of steel or polymer are used. But besides this, each radiator must be equipped with a special gas outlet valve.

But in addition to these parameters, you should also consider such as:

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

They are also important when choosing elements of a future heating system. There is a variety of pipes with polyurethane foam sheath. Therefore, when choosing them, it is necessary to check the availability of a certificate, which indicates 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, it is allowed to use elements from the same metal.

Popular brands of copper products

KME products

In the domestic market, such products are represented by the world's largest manufacturers, 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.

As for the model range, each company has its own. So the German manufacturer produces products of the following series:

Sanco - universal;

WICU Rohr - reinforced copper pipes with increased resistance to aggressive media;

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

WICU Flex - for the organization of water supply;

WICU Frio - for air conditioning systems.

At the same time, all products are of high quality and reliability and are designed for a wide range of applications.

The Finnish manufacturer produces models most often used for industrial purposes. Its copper plumbing pipes are characterized by excellent performance 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 from copper products, two types of connections are allowed:

  • Non-separable;
  • Collapsible.

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

We watch the video, we bend the pipes before soldering:

If you decide to use welding, then you should know that the expander for alloy pipes is used 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.

The connection of thin-walled copper pipes using flaring allows you to get a detachable system that can be easily dismantled if necessary.

But still the simplest is a threaded connection. For it, special fittings are used, fixed on the pipe with 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 has become popular in recent years. 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 justify themselves. Let us consider in more detail 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 for the manufacture of copper pipes is copper, and High Quality. Sometimes copper-zinc alloys are used (no more than 5%). Often, copper surfaces are coated with a PVC or polyethylene layer, which improves their appearance and also reduces heat loss.

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

Main Benefits 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 metal-layer.
  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 not subject to deformation do not crack or melt.
  4. The ability of pipes and their brazed joints to withstand high (200–400 atm.) Pressure is ten times higher than that of a metal-layer.
  5. Little thermal expansion. With prolonged exposure to temperatures above 90 ° C, each meter of the pipe lengthens by no more than 0.1%.
  6. Beautiful aesthetic appearance of this material.
  7. Absolute harmlessness to human health, since copper - environmentally friendly, natural material.

Disadvantages of copper pipes:

  1. Copper pipes are highly undesirable to use combined with other metals, as this can cause a chemical reaction, and as a result, corrosion of the heating system. This will lead to a significant reduction in the life of the pipes.
  2. The presence of "stray currents" in the heating system in certain cases can adversely affect the life of the pipes.

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

Popular copper pipe manufacturers

The most common types of copper pipes for heating:

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

Copper pipes Sanso KME, Wieland, Feinrohren, MKM are leaders in sales. The performance 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 not annealed. Annealed pipes are soft and flexible, non-annealed pipes are rigid, 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 sheath. Mounted by soldering or compression fittings .

The 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 per 1 m, rub. 110 145 180 210 185 235 295 380 600

Calculation of the heating system

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

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

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

Corners, tees and couplings can be with the transition 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 - 15-20 rubles, and a two-digit tee (with the transition to another diameter) - over 100 rubles.

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 means and materials necessary for installation of heating from copper pipes. It is still better to entrust the final calculation to professionals involved in this type of work.

To connect copper pipes with 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 torch with solder. For heating use a gas post Oxygen - Propane. The solder flows into the joints and fills the entire capillary space of the joint.

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

Aluminum radiators should not be used in combination with copper pipes, as this will soon attract a corrosive process. If it becomes necessary 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), they are preferably wrap in a protective sheath. For this, corrugation is quite suitable. Such insulation will protect the pipe from mechanical damage that may be caused by fluctuations in the temperature of the coolant.

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

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