In order to install a water supply system, it is not at all necessary to always resort to the expensive services of specialists. The article describes step by step the sequence of installing metal-plastic pipes for water supply with your own hands when renovating a bathroom. Using it, you will do similar work yourself.
Properties of metal-plastic pipes
Metal-plastic pipes are currently widely used for the installation of pipelines for heating and water supply systems. Compared to traditional steel ones, they have several valuable properties, thanks to which they are most often used:
- metal-plastic pipes do not rust and deposits do not form on their inner surface;
- have a long service life, manufacturers guarantee a service life of up to 50 years;
- simple and technological installation does not require special qualifications from the performer;
- relatively low price of materials and installation costs.
For installation of water supply major renovation the customer chose from several bathrooms alternative options metal-plastic pipes with connections using press fittings.
Preparation for installation
We come up with the configuration of the future water supply system. It was decided that the use of collectors was not practical. This makes the pipeline more expensive, but does not provide any operational advantages. Therefore, it was decided to make pipeline branches to individual water collection points using tees.
After purchasing all the necessary fittings, we laid them out on the floor in the order in which they would be connected in the pipeline. This “rehearsal” made it possible to make sure that all fittings were purchased correctly.
For installation of the water supply we have prepared the following tools and auxiliary materials:
- Special scissors for cutting metal plastic and a calibrator.
- Press pliers for crimping connections.
- Adjustable and gas wrenches.
- Flax and sealing paste.
Before the installation of the pipeline in the bathroom began, the necessary preparatory work was done. All the old plumbing was dismantled along with the pipes, the walls were plastered with the preliminary installation of beacons. After the plaster had dried, sufficiently loose grooves for the pipes were cut into the wall.
Installation of water supply
Connecting pipes with press fittings involves two operations:
- Use scissors to cut the pipe to the required length. Using a calibrator, we correct the shape of the cut and chamfer simultaneously from the outer and inner surfaces of the pipe.
- Insert the pipe into the fitting sleeve until it stops. The end of the pipe should be visible through special inspection holes. Use pliers to crimp the fitting twice.
The photograph shows that as a result of crimping, two annular compressions are formed on the sleeve.
To simplify the work, we first assemble the individual parts of the water pipe. For example, we crimp water sockets for installing a mixer and attach them to a special mounting plate.
We install the prepared pieces of pipeline in their appropriate place and secure them. Mounting strips They are attached to the wall using dowels and screws, the pipes are carefully bent and laid in grooves.
We connect the assembled parts of the water supply system into a single whole on site. The crimping pliers device allows you to rotate the tool handles into a position convenient for work.
We continue to sequentially install all parts of the water supply system and connect it to the hot and cold water. To make it possible to replace water meters and taps in the future, we make the connection of the pipeline to the meters collapsible, using “American” ones.
The entire work of installing the pipeline from metal-plastic pipes took an hour and a half. Upon completion of installation, we put plugs on all water outlets, opened the taps on the risers and left the pipeline with water under pressure for several days. The grooves were not covered to check the connections for leaks. Work on finishing the bathroom continued at this time.
The installed water supply system turned out to be airtight: there were no leaks in any connection. You can fill the grooves with plaster and finish tiling the walls.
Helpful Tips:
- The connection on press fittings is non-separable. If there is an error, it cannot be redone. It is useful to have a few spare fittings in case this happens.
- You don’t have to buy press jaws; you can rent them.
- Metal-plastic pipes must be bent with care. If the pipe wall becomes damaged during bending, the pipe should be replaced.
- To prevent the pipe from experiencing excessive stress under the plaster when heating and cooling from water, it is better not to smear it directly into the plaster: place an electric corrugation on the pipe. For a pipe with a diameter of 16 mm, a 25 mm corrugation is ideal.
We hope the article will be useful to you, and you will be able to install a pipeline from a metal-plastic pipe with a connection using press fittings yourself.
If you plan to install metal-plastic pipes yourself, you need to know exactly what you are doing, since the material is expensive. Let's consider the features of plastic pipelines, laying technology, possible ways bending, cutting and laying, types of fastenings.
Metal-plastic structures are plastic, but you need to work with them carefully
Characteristics of metal-plastic pipes
Metal-plastic products consist of 5 structural layers:
- Inner surface from polyethylene, compacted at the molecular level, or from cross-linked polyethylene layers.
- An adhesive layer that bonds polyethylene to an aluminum layer.
- Aluminum layer.
- The second layer of glue holding the aluminum element together outer covering.
- External plastic covering.
In construction, metal-plastic products are popular due to their strength. The polymer layer protects the pipeline from corrosive destruction. Aluminum in the composition is the key to plasticity and shape retention during operation. When calculating footage, precision to mm is not required. All these characteristics together allow for the rapid installation of metal-plastic pipes in structures of any complexity.
Connection of metal-plastic pipes
Fittings are used to fasten parts of different diameters, design turns and branches. Depending on the type of connecting part, fastening is carried out using crimp nuts or using presses.
Press fittings are used for hidden laying of lines
The advantage of using fittings is the presence of ready-made thread cuts, which reduces the work process. But you shouldn’t lose your vigilance; the technology for installing metal-plastic pipes involves delicately careful handling consumables. As a rule, it is the hidden laying of the communication line that is carried out, therefore it is necessary to ensure ideal tightness of the joints.
Note: discard fittings with unclear or worn threads. If there is no choice, it is allowed to use a shaped part with defective notches, but only if the area of the “defective” thread is no more than 10% of its total surface.
A high-quality screw fitting has smooth ends, perpendicular to the main product, without burrs or inaccuracies on the thread.
Preparatory work
Prepare a tool for installing metal-plastic pipes:
- calibrator and chamfer
- divorced or open-end wrench(if compression fittings are used)
- press pliers (if press fittings are used)
A pruner (pipe cutter) will provide an even cut line and will avoid burrs and damage to the protective coating products when cutting. The calibrator will help to shape the part, flare it to required diameter without deformation of seals. Without experience or lack of time, it is recommended to use electric tools.
Use a pipe cutter to get straight ends.
Before installing metal-plastic pipes, regardless of the chosen type of connecting parts, preparation is carried out according to a simple algorithm:
- the surface of the pipes is marked into the required divisions;
Important: when calculating the length of the segment, take into account the centimeters included in the fitting.
- the product is cut according to the markings (work at right angles);
- if the part was deformed during the process, level it with a calibrator (you can also remove the chamfer from the inside; the outside is removed using a chamfer remover).
Select the tool according to the working diameter. If the edge of the cut is sharp, sharpen it with a sharpened metal drill with a small diameter or a round file.
Installation with compression fittings
Compression connection suitable for open installation
When installing metal-plastic pipes using a crimp (compression) fitting, make sure that all dielectric gaskets and O-rings are present on the tail section. After checking, follow the algorithm:
- Place a tightening nut on the end of the pipe.
- Secure the crimp ring.
Important: if using a cone-shaped ring, put it on from the narrow edge.
- Insert the shank firmly into the pipe.
- Seal the fastening with flax and sealant or tow.
- Secure the fitting with a union nut, tighten it, adjusting the pressure so as not to damage the fastener, but to ensure complete tightness.
Tip: use 2 wrenches for reliability - hold the fitting body with one, and tighten the nut with the second.
Working with press fittings
Here's how to properly install metal-plastic pipes using press fittings:
- Bevel the end of the pipe.
- Treat it with a calibrator.
- Install the ferrule.
- Place O-rings on the fitting, insert the fitting into the pipe, contact point metal elements Protect with a dielectric gasket.
- Insert inserts of a diameter suitable for the part being fastened into the press tongs, and turn the handles of the tongs 180°.
- Place the connection in the pliers, close the handles and crimp until it stops.
Video: How to work with press fittings
Pipe bending and fastening
Metal-plastic lines are secured to walls and other surfaces using special clips. Such devices make it easier to dismantle metal-plastic pipes with your own hands if necessary.
If the product is deformed, a calibrator will help return it to shape.
Choose clips according to the size and diameter of the pipes.
How to attach: install the clip using dowels and self-tapping screws. To prevent the pipeline from sagging, install fastenings to the wall at a distance of no more than 1 m. When turning or existing bends, the pipeline is fixed on both sides.
You can bend a piece of metal-plastic with your hands, using a spring, construction hair dryer or pipe bender:
- Manually. The product is shaped by manual pressure. Suitable for experienced craftsmen, with small pipe diameters.
- The use of a spring prevents deformation (stretching, tearing, uneven bending) and simplifies operation. The device is inserted into a bendable part and can be bent. The spring must correspond to the working diameter.
- The heat of the hairdryer softens the plastic, and the product made from it bends in one movement. The main thing is not to overheat the material.
- A pipe bender will ensure a perfectly even turn. You need to set the bending angle, insert the part into the grooves and bring the handles together.
Rules for working with metal-plastic
Plastic is vulnerable to UV radiation, thermal and mechanical damage. Therefore, open installation of metal-plastic pipes for water supply or other purposes is allowed only in areas where such factors are absent. Also, the pipeline is installed in the open after finishing the walls.
List of rules:
- If you are making a hidden highway, provide hatches and removable panels without sharp edges in the ceiling so that there is access to joints and fittings.
- Avoid kinks, cuts and ruptures on the pipes. To avoid scratches, do not use sharp objects when unpacking the pipes.
- Pass the pipeline through walls and other ceilings using sleeves, the diameter of which is 5-10 mm larger than the outer circumference of the pipe.
- Remember: installation of metal-plastic products can be carried out at a temperature not lower than 10°. If consumables were at sub-zero temperatures, allow them to warm up to room temperature before use.
Make markings with a pencil or marker, and equip metal connections with gaskets made of soft materials.
You can easily cope with the installation of metal-plastic structures if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be patient.
Video: How to install a compression connection
Tsugunov Anton Valerievich
Reading time: 4 minutes
Where to start replacing the water supply
Pipe installation begins with markings. You can sketch out a plan of the apartment on paper and mark where the water supply will go. This will allow you to accurately determine the amount of material, adapters and tees. You can do it even simpler: make markings and the necessary calculations directly on the walls. You won’t need to constantly look at the drawing, everything will be right before your eyes.
Please note that the liner must be double: hot and cold water. Then you can make additional outlets only for cold water, for example: to the toilet or washing machine.
Important! The water supply system is replaced in the entire apartment at once. This will eliminate this, which will greatly simplify doing the work yourself.
After all the measurements have been made, you need to prepare the necessary tools. For metal-plastic products this set is minimal.
You will need:
- A set of wrenches (including an adjustable one), a hammer drill and pliers.
- Buy a calibrator. You will need this tool to flare pipes.
- Special scissors. Unlike metal, plastic is quite easy to cut with your own hands; you don’t even need to make any special efforts.
After this, you need to turn off the water supply. If you live in a private house, then there will be no special problems; you just need to turn off the inlet valves. IN apartment buildings you will have to block the entire riser. Therefore, it is necessary to warn your neighbors in advance and call a plumber. By the way, you will need a housing office worker to replace the inlet valves near the apartment. If the installation can be done by yourself, then the valves should only be changed by a professional. Then the old water supply in the apartment is dismantled and work can begin.
Filters are installed immediately after the inlet valves. After them, water meters are usually installed. You can install them yourself, but it must be done by a Vodokanal employee.
After this, the pipes are cut in accordance with the prepared drawings. For this you will need special scissors. Metal-plastic products consist of three layers, which are connected by an adhesive layer. Therefore, such products must be handled very carefully. Using scissors you can get the smoothest possible cut. When using a hacksaw or other tools, sharp edges may remain on the cuts, which will lead to damage rubber seals. During cutting, products may become deformed; you can return them to their original shape using a calibrator.
Metal-plastic pipes are connected using fittings. They do this as follows:
- The inner surface is leveled using a calibrator.
- Insert the fitting.
- Tighten the clamp and screw on the nut.
- Insert the end of the pipe on the other side of the fitting.
- Tighten the structure with keys.
As you can see, installing a water supply system with your own hands is not particularly difficult. But there are some nuances:
- Be sure to tighten the fittings using two wrenches. One holds the fitting, the other screws on the nut. This must be done extremely carefully. The fittings are quite fragile; applying a fair amount of force can damage the structure. The nut must be tightened until a characteristic cracking sound appears. You shouldn't be too zealous either. Places threaded connections It is recommended to treat with silicone or sealant for reliability.
- In any apartment there is a corner where the pipe just needs to be bent. Plastic is a fairly flexible and elastic material, but you can hardly do it yourself. Installation of a water supply system can be significantly simplified by using a spring to bend metal-plastic pipes. If the pipes are not in plain view, they will bend the best option. Any, even the most expensive fitting, does not exclude possible leaks. At the bend point, the pipe remains intact, which prevents leaks in principle.
- Installation water pipes to the wall can be done using special plumbing clips. Such clips are easily attached to any flat surface, after which the pipe is simply inserted into the clamp. There are plumbing clips different diameters, accordingly they are suitable for any pipes. To ensure that these devices hang evenly on the wall, it is recommended to perform preliminary markings.
At this point, do-it-yourself water supply installation can be considered complete. All that remains is to supply water to the apartment.
Previously, the pipeline was associated with heavy metal pipes, which only a master could handle. Now you can make a metal-plastic pipeline with your own hands, if you have the desire. Step by step description working with videos will help you understand the basic principles.
Metal-plastic pipes - a practical “sandwich”
Due to their design, metal-plastic pipes have a number of advantages over other pipeline materials. Their structure is as follows:
- The inner layer consists of molecular polyethylene, cross-linked and compacted in a special way;
- An adhesive layer that bonds the polyethylene layer to the aluminum layer;
- Aluminum layer;
- Adhesive layer connecting the aluminum layer and outer plastic;
- The last outer layer of plastic.
As you can see, the structure of metal-plastic products is similar to a complex sandwich that combines everything strengths plastic and metal. The advantages of such pipes can be described as follows:
All these qualities are very rarely combined in one product, which is why metal-plastic as a material for pipelines is very popular.
Carefully! Unpack a coil of metal-plastic pipes without using sharp objects to avoid damaging their integrity.
Preparation of tools and components
As already mentioned, installation of a metal-plastic pipeline is possible with your own hands, you just need to know the basic principles.
Selection of components
The minimum required kit for completing a metal-plastic water supply system with your own hands is as follows:
- Ball Valves;
- metal-plastic pipes;
- fitting.
Ball Valves
It all starts with the installation of ball valves, the quality of which determines the safety of the entire pipeline. In the event of a leak, the ball valve shuts off the water supply from the common riser to the apartment.
Attention! Avoid Chinese faucets, recognizing them by their poor quality casting.
Choose those models of ball valves that are capable of operating in the conditions in which they will be used. It is best to take models that are designed for 60 atmospheres and 150 ºС.
Pipe marking
When choosing pipes, it is very important to take into account the markings, which indicate the conditions under which they can be used. It is advisable to choose products labeled PEX or PE-RT, which are designed for high pressure systems and can easily withstand water hammer. Products marked PE-RS, PE-HD or HDPE have more low price, but can only be used in low pressure systems. We do not advise you to equip a pipeline using such material, since any water hammer can be destructive for them.
Fitting
Metal-plastic pipes are connected into a single system using fittings, which can be of three types:
- Compression;
- Press;
- Sliding.
In practice, compression or crimp fittings are most often used, due to the fact that this requires only one wrench. This fitting can be used many times and consists of a nut, a fitting and a split ring.
Press fittings are more reliable, so they are used to equip a hot water supply system. But for installation in this way you need to have special press pliers.
Slip-on fittings will also require special equipment - an expander, which is capable of expanding the diameter for installation.
Tools for work
To complete all the work you will need A few simple tools:
- Special scissors;
- Pipe bender;
- Calibrator;
- Chamfer;
- A pair of wrenches.
A chamfer will be required to prepare the end of the pipe for installation. He removes a certain layer, creating a chamfer. Without this step it will be difficult to achieve a tight joint.
To be able to begin direct installation, you need to draw up detailed diagram pipeline. On it you need to mark all pipe sections and connecting points, as well as other key elements: filters, taps, tees, etc.
Plumbing diagram
To install a reliable water supply system made of metal-plastic, you need to know the installation sequence of certain components of this system.
Plumbing diagram:
- Inlet ball valve;
- A coarse filter that will stop large dirt particles;
- Water meter;
- Fine filter;
- Pressure stabilizer, which equalizes the pressure during internal system during surges in the external water supply;
- A collector that distributes water;
- Direct routing of metal-plastic pipes to plumbing fixtures.
For metal-plastic pipes, a coarse filter is highly recommended, since large particles can damage the inner layer of polyethylene. As you know, there are plenty of such particles, for example, sand, metals or scale, in our risers.
The collector evenly distributes water from the riser to the points of consumption: sink, toilet, washing machine etc. These devices have multiple outlets, so you need to choose the model that will fit your plumbing circuit.
Care must be taken first when working with metal-plastic, since careless handling or brute force can easily damage this material. Do not tighten the nuts too tightly or sharply, and do not allow scratches and cuts to appear on the surface of the pipe. Before starting work, we recommend that you watch the installation video.
Installation with compression fittings
First of all, as already noted, we install a ball valve that allows you to shut off the water to your apartment or house.
Stages of DIY pipeline installation:
Wiring using metal-plastic pipes must be carried out in the form of a solid line from the collector to the point of consumption. There is no need to introduce unnecessary connections, since compression fittings periodically need to be pulled in order to maintain the tightness of the structure.
If you are installing heated floors, then the presence of compression fittings under the floor is unacceptable, because their prevention will be unavailable. Fortunately, metal-plastic pipes bend, and they can be laid in any shape, avoiding unnecessary connecting nodes. In addition, there are press fittings that do not require broaching - they are strong and durable, they will provide quick installation and a guarantee of operation for up to 50 years. The installation diagram using such fittings is described below.
Installation with press fittings
Press fittings can withstand a pressure of 10 bar in operating mode. However, to install them you will need at least a simple manual press machine, but there are also hydraulic ones.
Installation diagram with press fitting:
- The first steps are completely the same as installing compression fittings: cut the pipe, and also calibrate and chamfer;
- A stainless steel sleeve is placed on the end of the pipe;
- Now you need to insert the fitting part into the pipe until it stops;
- The sleeve must be clamped using a pressing machine;
- The handle of the press is brought all the way.
Here are some useful tips that will help you avoid basic mistakes when working with metal-plastic pipes:
More tips on working with pipes can be seen in the video.
Do-it-yourself metal-plastic water pipe even a non-professional can do it, having carefully studied the master class on video. This does not require any special expensive devices or special skills. However, despite the strength and flexibility of metal-plastic, in order for these pipes to serve you as long as possible, you need to follow some rules when installing them. The videos and tips in our article will help you complete all the work on installing a metal-plastic water supply system.
If you decide to save money when carrying out repair work, then it is better to do everything yourself. For example, it is quite possible to carry out communications using metal-plastic pipes yourself. The main thing is to prepare everything you need and get acquainted with the advice of experts. And then you can start working. This article talks about how to install metal-plastic pipes with your own hands.
Preparation
Before proceeding with installation, you must prepare necessary tool and devices. Everything will depend on the method of connecting the pipes you choose.
There are two main ways to perform docking:
- using compression fittings;
- using press fittings.
The first option is faster and does not require the use of a special tool. If installation is carried out using press fittings, then it is necessary to purchase or rent a special device - press pliers.
So, if you chose the first fitting option, then you will need the following:
- to cut pipes you need to prepare special scissors or a hacksaw;
- set of wrenches;
- fine-grained sanding paper;
- a special tool for giving pipes the correct round shape (reamer or calibration);
- metal-plastic pipes themselves.
If you decide to use press fittings, then you should buy (or rent, cheaper) press pliers for this set. Such a tool can be either automatic or manual.
Connection using the compression method
This method is the most common, although some experts do not praise it. The fact is that compression connecting elements Over time, they become loose and leaks appear. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically inspect the joints and, if necessary, tighten the nuts.
The instructions for connecting metal-plastic pipes using compression fittings look quite simple. All work is performed in the following sequence:
- first you need to straighten the pipe over a section of ten centimeters in each direction from the joint;
- We mark the place of the cut and perform it using special scissors or a hacksaw. This must be done strictly at a right angle;
- then the ends of the pipe are ground using sandpaper to remove burrs. After this, calibration is carried out using a special tool. This operation is necessary to give the pipes the correct rounded shape;
- Now you need to moisten the flange fitting with water, so it will be easier to put on the pipe. You need to put it on the end so that the pipe evenly touches the fitting. Together with the flange, a compression ring is put on the end;
- then take two keys and use them to tighten the nut. The first revolutions can be done manually. The nut should go easily. If this does not happen, then most likely you have missed the thread. You need to unscrew the nut and try again;
- After this, you need to test the assembled section for leaks.
When connecting metal-plastic pipes using a compression fitting, it is not allowed to apply much force. If you overtighten the nuts, you can damage the fitting, which will lead to leakage and the need to replace the unit.
Note! If the tightness of the connection is insufficient, then you just need to slightly tighten the nut.
We carry out press installation
Joining metal-plastic pipes using press fittings is considered a more reliable and durable connection. True, this method makes the connection inseparable, which may interfere with repairs or reconstruction of the system.
The work process itself looks like this:
- the pipe section is straightened and markings are made;
- pipe is cut;
- the end is processed using sanding paper, a reamer and calibrated;
- then the crimp coupling included in the fitting kit is put on the pipe;
- Next, you need to put an insulating gasket on the fitting fitting. It is necessary to protect the device from electrocorrosion;
- then the fitting is inserted into the pipe and crimped using press pliers. This must be done carefully and carefully so as not to damage the connecting device. Otherwise, you will have to cut the pipe again and carry out all the procedures again.
You can check the correct connection by appearance coupling. Two uniform rings should appear on its surface. If crimping is done incorrectly, it cannot be repeated. It is necessary to cut the pipe and carry out all the work again.
Installation rules
In order for the connections and the entire system to work properly and without leaks, it is necessary to follow some installation recommendations:
- installation work should be carried out at an ambient temperature not lower than +10ºС;
- if during transportation of metal-plastic pipes they were at sub-zero temperatures, then before installation they must be kept in a warm room for at least a day;
- It is advisable to lay metal-plastic pipes in a closed way. If this is not possible, then protection from mechanical stress and ultraviolet radiation must be provided;
- if at repair work welding is planned, it must be completed before the installation of metal-plastic pipes begins;
- The pipe must not be twisted or excessively bent. According to manufacturers' recommendations, the bend radius should not exceed five pipe diameters. The bending itself can be done manually;
- Since the pipes are quite flexible, it is necessary to secure them. Fastening is carried out every half a meter in a horizontal position and every meter in a vertical position. For this purpose, special fastening clips are used;
- If there is a need to lay a pipe through a wall, then you need to use sleeves.
If you follow these recommendations when installing systems using metal-plastic pipes, the communications will last a long time and will not cause you problems.
Video
In this video you will see how metal-plastic pipes are installed using compression fittings.
