The method is based on the capillary rise of liquid (molten solder) along the thinnest gap between the walls of the pipes. There are two types of soldering of copper pipes: low- and high-temperature soldering. The difference in soldering mainly depends on the melting temperature of the solder. For high-temperature soldering, refractory rod solders are used, for low-temperature soldering, soft solders rolled into coils are used. Accordingly, to heat the pipes at high temperature soldering Acetylene and propane torches are used; for low-temperature ones, sometimes a flame from a blowtorch is sufficient. High temperature soldering can be used for all types of copper wiring, including collectors solar heating, where pipes can heat up to 250°C, low-temperature soldering is more demanding in terms of pipe heating temperatures, nevertheless it is successfully used in hot water supply and heating systems. There are no design differences in these types of soldering, however, high-temperature soldering is more often used for socket joints of pipes, and low-temperature soldering is used for pipe connections with fittings with solder melted into them, although the other way around is also possible.

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

For socket soldering (Fig. 36), soft, semi-hard or hard copper pipes with a pre-annealed end are used. Using an expander, one end of the pipe is given the shape of a bell similar to a bell sewer pipes, the end of another pipe will be inserted into it. It must be remembered that when annealing the ends of solid pipes, you release the metal and the pipe at the junction acquires the properties soft pipe. This circumstance must be taken into account when designing a pipeline based on pressure criteria.

Rice. 36. Connecting copper pipes with socket soldering

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

Today, pipe manufacturers produce ready-made fittings and couplings with sockets already made (Fig. 37). The use of such parts makes the pipeline more expensive, but completely eliminates the “human factor” present during self-production bell with an expander.

Rice. 37. Fittings made of copper and its alloys for socket soldering

The pipes at the place of solder are coated with flux (Fig. 38), which will act as a lubricant for the solder and “etch” (cleaning the metal) for copper. For high-temperature soldering with silver or bronze solders, borax is used as a flux. It is mixed with water until a viscous slurry is obtained. Flux is applied without excess only to the pipe collar that will be connected to the fitting or socket, and not inside the fitting or socket. After applying flux, it is recommended to immediately assemble the parts to prevent foreign particles from getting onto the wet surface. If for some reason soldering occurs a little later, then it is better for the parts to wait for this moment already in articulated form. It is recommended to rotate the pipe in the fitting or socket, or, conversely, the fitting around the axis of the pipe, in order to ensure that the flux is evenly distributed in installation gap and feel that the pipe has reached the stop. Then you need to remove visible flux residues from the outer surface of the pipe with a rag.

Rice. 38. Flux coating and soldering of pipes

For soldering copper pipes, solder rods with a diameter of 3 mm made from alloys of copper and silver or bronze are used. After making the socket or when using a ready-made fitting with a socket, the pipes are inserted into each other. The connection point is heated on all sides with a propane or acetylene torch. Heating is carried out until the solder rod brought and pressed to the socket begins to melt. With the acquisition of experience, the heating time of the pipes is determined by the change in the color of the pipe - until a “red glow” is achieved. Threaded fittings for connecting them to other pipelines or plumbing fixtures are made of bronze and brass and require longer heating times when soldering. To determine the solder consumption per connection, the following method is usually used: the solder rod is bent in the shape of the letter L, making the bend slightly larger than the diameter of the socket. As soon as the soldering area is heated to desired temperature, the solder is pressed against the gap between the socket and the pipe inserted into it and moved around the pipe, without stopping the heating of the joint. The solder melts and flows into the gap. You need to fuse the entire bent end of the solder into the gap, no more and no less. An increase in solder consumption leads to the fact that it can leak through the gap and melt internal section pipes, a decrease in solder consumption leads to unsoldered joints.

When soldering pipes, you must observe basic safety precautions for working with open flames. You need to work in canvas gloves, preferably together with an assistant, holding the pipe away from the heating area. When working alone, use clamps to temporarily secure pipes.

After cooling, the unit is ready for use - this is the most reliable connection copper pipes and very simple. Experience in soldering copper pipes comes quickly, and for those who already own the equipment gas welding, is immediately clear. True, to heat the pipes you need gas welding equipment. Sometimes (for soldering connections of small diameters) you can use hot air from a powerful construction hair dryer, using a nozzle that limits the cone of hot air in order to achieve heating faster. Another method of heating without a flame is electrical contact devices. Externally, they resemble large pliers with replaceable copper heads for gripping pipes different diameters.

Upon completion of soldering of the unit or the entire pipeline, it must be washed to free the internal cavities from flux residues. As already mentioned, flux works not only as a lubricant for solder, but also as a etchant for copper, that is, in essence it is an aggressive oxidizing agent. And if so, then there is nothing else for it to do inside the pipes; it must be removed from there by washing with water. Remove flux from the outer surface of the pipes with a rag.

Butt soldering of pipelines is not permitted. If it is necessary to connect parts end-to-end, then pipes are not soldered, but welded. In principle, almost the same operations are performed as in high-temperature soldering, except that the use of flux is not required, and the heating of pipes and fittings is increased to the melting temperature of the metal.

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

Rice. 39. Fittings with solder melted into them

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

Rice. 40. Connecting copper pipes with fittings with solder melted into them

The connection of copper pipes using low-temperature soldering can be used for all types of household piping, with the exception of pipelines with high temperatures (about 150–250°C), which in an ordinary house can not be.

There are many methods for connecting copper pipes into a single piping system. The market provides a huge number of fittings, solders, fluxes, and fasteners that allow you to create detachable and permanent, serviceable and maintenance-free connections.

Working with copper pipes consists of:

sizing estimates - if the pipe is incorrectly measured, it is impossible to cut it correctly;
cutting - done strictly perpendicularly using a pipe cutter, taking into account that it is better to make more revolutions than to apply force;
stripping - removing burrs after cutting and oxide film (it is better to do this with a special napkin);
connections.

Methods for connecting copper pipes:

capillary soldering;
high temperature soldering;
various fittings.

Solder connection

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

In order for the amount of solder to be optimal, experts offer a simple guideline - the length of the solder rod should be equal to the diameter of the pipe. You can cut the rod to the required length before soldering. If one of the elements is a fitting that has already been treated with solder at the factory, then there is no need to add it.

After filling the gap with solder, it is necessary to allow time for cooling without exposing the assembly to mechanical stress. When the solder has completely hardened, you need to remove all remaining solder and flux. damp cloth. After the entire system is installed, it should be flushed hot water. Flux promotes corrosion, so its presence on the inner surface is undesirable.

Soldering copper pipes

Types of fittings for connecting copper pipes

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

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

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

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

using a soldering fitting with tin underneath the threads. A pipe treated with flux is inserted into it, the assembly is heated until the solder becomes liquid and fills the gap;
using a threaded one (equipped with a thread);
crimp (compression), allowing you to connect elements of different diameters. The pipe and fitting are fixed using an O-shaped seal and a split or one-piece ring. Conventional tools are suitable for installation;
a press fitting, consisting of a body and a bushing and mounted using press pliers;
self-locking fitting, which is based on internal rings, one of which is equipped with teeth. When pressed with a special key, the teeth fit into another ring, forming a reliable connection. It's as easy to put on as it is to take off.

Features of copper products: what to consider

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

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

Fastening elements

For final installation any pipeline requires fastenings for copper pipes

clamps and brackets.

For household pipelines the following are used:

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

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

Copper pipe production

Many, in my opinion, mistakenly believe that copper pipes for installing water supply or heating a house are quite expensive, and some even believe that the age of copper for these purposes is a thing of the past. In this post we will try to prove to you that this is not so, precisely because copper is quite comfortable material for the installation of any structures, and if we take its durability into account, then it is irreplaceable in many cases, and it is precisely what a thrifty owner will choose for his own home.

If we compare copper with other materials from which water and other communication pipes are made (for example, with plastic or), then its advantages are obvious. First of all, it's extraordinary. long term service life: copper pipes and fittings often last as long as the building itself.

Copper is very plastic, which increases the safety of the water supply system and retains its properties over a wide temperature range (from -200 to +250 ° C), which makes the pipes resistant to freezing when filled with water.

Copper pipes are resistant to ultraviolet radiation (unlike plastic ones) and have a low roughness coefficient, which allows them to be used in similar conditions

Copper pipeline is virtually unaffected various types viruses and bacteria, it is not afraid of oils, fats and various harmful substances. Even chlorine, which is inevitable for our water supply systems, is not capable of destroying a copper pipe, but, on the contrary, due to the formation of an oxide layer on its internal walls, chlorine helps to extend the life of the pipe.

Pipes

Water supply copper pipes round section are produced both in coils (25 and 50 m long) and in sections (rods of various lengths). The most commonly used pipes have diameters from 8 to 28 mm with a wall thickness of 1 mm. It is worth emphasizing that copper pipes, due to their thin walls, are much lighter than steel ones. They may have thermal insulation.

Installation of copper pipes does not cause any particular difficulties, mainly due to the fact that they are easy to cut and bend. Copper pipes can be connected in two ways: detachable and permanent. The second includes soldering, welding, crimping.

Various fittings are used to connect pipes, connect to fittings, and to an existing water supply system.

Fitting

There are a large number of varieties of connecting and transition fittings. Some examples are shown in photos 1-12. Thus, for soldering, not only ordinary and transition couplings are used, but also various angles, tees, crosses, contours, rolls and plugs. There are fittings with a transition from a soldered connection to a threaded one, for example, “American” with a cone seal (15×1/2″). Threaded press fittings often use a ferrule that, when the union nut is tightened, compresses the pipe, thereby sealing the connection.

Soldering copper pipes

Soldering is carried out due to adhesion between molten copper-phosphorus or silver solders and heated pipes being connected. The solder is distributed at the joint by capillary forces, “wetting” the base metal. To improve the quality of soldering and increase the adhesion coefficient, special fluxes are used, and the surfaces for soldering are pre-cleaned. When soldering, you need to uniformly heat the parts to be joined to the required temperature.

Therefore, when soldering, the type of burner flame is important, which indicates the balance of the gas mixture. A decreasing burner flame indicates an excess amount of fuel in the mixture that exceeds the oxygen content. A supersaturated gas mixture due to excess oxygen forms a flame that oxidizes the metal surface. A sign of this phenomenon is a black coating on the metal. When burned, a balanced gas mixture forms a flame that heats the metal without causing any other effect.

When working on soldering copper pipes, also take note of the following:

The application of flux promotes the adhesion of solder to the metal.
The soldering area is pre-tinned.
For high-quality soldering, the necessary heating of the parts being soldered is required.
To solder copper pipes, stripping the connection is required.

Copper Soldering Tools

For soldering copper, special soldering irons and gas torches are used.

When working with copper pipes, in addition to soldering and crimping, they have to be cut, bent, expanded, and beaded. Pipe bending to avoid kinking and flattening is performed using a lever pipe bender. Moreover, for pipes with a diameter of up to 15 mm, the bending radius must be at least 3.5 times the diameter. For pipes of large diameters, the bending radius must be at least 4 diameters. You can also cut pipes with a hacksaw, but it is best to use a pipe cutter, which allows you to do this exactly to the mark and without distortions. After each revolution, you need to tighten the cutting roller, tightening the set screw. Burrs that appear during the cutting process must be removed.

To ensure insertion of the pipe into the pipe, special expander pliers and mandrels are used.

How to bend copper pipes correctly

In the photo above the numbers indicate

The pipe is inserted and fixed in the grip of the pipe bender at the point where the bend begins.
Applying force, gradually turn the movable handle of the lever pipe bender, bending the pipe around the mandrel.
You can also bend a pipe using a spring with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the pipe.

Pipe flaring

In the photo below the numbers indicate

To connect pipes with fittings with union nuts (especially when repairing connections), you have to do flaring.

If necessary, remove the union nut by cutting off the flared end of the pipe.
You can cut the flare using a roller pipe cutter by sliding the nut along the pipe.
To restore flaring, the pipe is clamped in the matrix so that the end of the pipe protrudes above the surface of the matrix by approximately 1 mm.
By tightening the screw of the device, the end of the pipe is deformed to form a conical expansion.
After removing the screw clamp, check the funnel-shaped flare, which must have the correct shape.
You can give the end of the pipe a flat shape with light blows of a hammer, again clamping the pipe in the matrix.
A smooth and even flaring surface can be obtained using a velvet file.
All that remains is to put on the sealing gasket, and the pipe can be connected.
If necessary, flaring can also be done on fittings, for example, couplings, elbows.

How to expand a copper tube

To connect pipes by soldering without the use of connecting fittings, the end of one pipe can be expanded using special pliers.

Having inserted the pipe into pliers with a head of the required diameter, apply force to the handles of the pliers, expanding the end of the pipe.

After expanding the pipe, insert a mandrel-gauge into the pipe and lightly hit the mandrel with a hammer to bring the diameter of the expansion to the required expansion using special pliers.

How to cut copper pipes with a pipe cutter:

The pipe is placed between the jaws of the pipe cutter and the cutting roller is pressed with a set screw.

Having made one or two turns around the pipe with a pipe cutter, tighten the roller with a screw and turn the pipe cutter again.

Use a folding knife to remove burrs from the inside of the pipe.

Continue cutting the pipe until the cut part of the pipe can be separated by hand.

Typical types of copper pipe connections

When performing installation work, for example, a water pipeline using copper pipes, it is necessary to provide connections, make bends, bypasses, and install plumbing fixtures.

The photo shows types of “copper” connections

Connecting a flexible hose.
Connecting pipes of different diameters by soldering using a straight coupling.
The outlet is made using a tee and a single-socket bypass.
Square with wall mount and the valve ensures the connection of a flexible line.
Contour with extended bells.
Insertion of a ball valve connected using union nuts.

Also on the topic read:

Option for a plumbing system using copper components

In order to optimize the water supply system, equalize pressure in the system, reduce additional loads on the pump and reduce the cost of the system, the diameters of copper pipes are selected depending on the water flow at each point of consumption. Typically, for flow rates up to 50 l/min, pipes with a diameter of 10 mm are used, for flow rates up to 160 l/min, pipes with a cross-section of 16 mm, and for flow rates of 250 l/min, pipes with a cross-section of 20 mm. The plumbing system option and the diameters of the copper pipes are shown in the figure.

For pipes of different diameters it is usually used threaded fittings appropriate sizes. For example, turnkey fittings 15x22 mm can be used for soldered connections with pipes with a cross-section of 10-18 mm (table).

Fitting	Pipe diameter, mm
12x18	8	10	12	14	16	18	20	22
15×22	8	10	12	14	16	18	20	22
20×28	8	10	12	14	16	18	20	22

1 set hookah accessories battery powered LED led light With…

Copper pipes - universal material, used almost everywhere: when creating water pipelines, gas pipelines, heating systems. They are not afraid of chlorinated water, which makes them especially attractive for installing city water supply networks. Copper is not afraid of corrosion and has a very long service life.

Installation of a copper pipeline is carried out using a variety of different types connections, and this is not only welding and soldering, but also the use of compression (crimp) elements.

Advantages and disadvantages of compression fittings

Connecting copper pipes with compression fittings is convenient because it does not require high temperature and special equipment.

This means that they can be used to install pipes in hard to reach places, the only tools you will need are:

spanners,
calibrator,
cutter.

The work time is reduced, labor costs are reduced, and the resulting system turns out to be completely sealed and durable.

However, this design is not without drawbacks. Compression fittings need to be checked and tightened periodically, so they should not be concreted.

They are designed for low pressure in the system, and therefore are considered less reliable than soldering. The design is reusable, that is, it can be disassembled and reassembled, but in practice, reconnection is unreliable, and it will soon have to be replaced.

Design and principle of operation of a compression fitting

A compression fitting for copper pipes consists of several parts:

housings;
crimp nut;
ferrule ring.

Ferrules (usually one or two) are designed to create a sealed connection and make it resistant to high blood pressure and durability. Thanks to them, the structure becomes resistant to vibration fatigue and can serve for many years.

High-quality crimp fittings for copper pipes can last up to 50 years.

Advice!
It is better to choose parts in which special EPD M material is used for connecting rings, rather than ordinary rubber, as they will last much longer.

Compression fittings are made from:

brass,
copper,
plastic,
metal

In this case, brass is most often used connecting elements, since this material is easy to process and costs less than pure copper. It is inferior in strength of stainless steel, but on the other hand, it is much easier to install.

Sometimes brass fittings are additionally treated with nickel to increase resistance to various influences.

When choosing, pay attention to the weight of the product; this indicator should not be too light. You can ask the seller for a quality certificate; in addition, professionals advise immediately choosing parts from a well-known manufacturer.

This ensures that you do not waste your money and that the installed system is reliable. Many people advise using a brass fitting for HDPE pipes, as it is not subject to corrosion, but provides a greater margin of safety than plastic.

Types of compression fittings

IN various systems pipelines, several types of connecting devices are used, which you can see in the photo:

tees(used when creating a one-way branch);
crosses(installation of double-sided branches);
couplings(connect two sections of pipe of the same diameter);
bends(used to create 45 degree turns);
stubs(installed at the end of a pipe section).

If it is intended to connect pipes of the same diameter, then direct connecting devices are used, and if they are different, transitional ones are used.

Installation of compression fittings on copper pipes

Since this type of connection does not require special equipment, it is quite possible to do it yourself.

In the European classification, there are two types of components, marked with the letters A and B.

Type A used only for the installation of above-ground piping systems made of semi-solid copper or stainless steel.
Type B used for underground and above-ground communications, it is designed for soft and semi-hard copper grades with a thick wall.

Installation instructions for different types require strict adherence to certain rules to ensure the connection is as reliable as possible.

Installation of Type A compression fittings

Select the desired element size. This is not difficult to do, since all connecting structures are manufactured according to a single European standard in accordance with the nomenclature;
Cut the pipe and remove the burrs. Check the cut with a gauge. Make sure there is no dirt, rough edges or scratches on the surface. A crimp ring is placed on the pipe; you can moisten the joint with water to prevent the seal from tearing or slipping;
Insert the pipe into the fitting until it stops. Tighten the clamp nut by hand first and then use a wrench.

Advice!
Excessive use of force is not required here, since this will not make the connection more airtight. When using cheap parts, the ring may be squeezed out, in which case the fitting will have to be completely replaced.

As a result of the actions taken, the pipe should be only slightly deformed, and this confirms that the connection is made airtight. The video in this article will show in detail in practice all the stages of work to create a durable structure.

Installation of Type B Compression Fittings

Fittings of the second type are mounted in approximately the same way. The cut is cleaned of dirt; it is important to ensure that the threads in the new fitting are clean. You can just lubricate it a little machine oil to make it easier to wrap. The seal cone must be pressed against the inner edge of the tube; the edge of the tube itself must be flared.

It is important to choose the right wrench and make sure that it is not loose, otherwise you can easily damage the nut. For example, if a connection with a diameter of 54 mm is required, it is better to take a wrench 750 mm long.

Features of connecting copper pipes

The price of a copper pipeline is quite high, so it is recommended to follow several rules when choosing materials.

It is better that they are uniform, this will increase the service life of the entire structure.
Copper cannot be combined with unalloyed steels. Because of this, electrochemical processes begin between metals that are detrimental to the connection. Steel elements and even galvanized steel in this case begin to suffer from corrosion.
As a last resort, if a dissimilar connection cannot be avoided, they are installed in front of the copper ones in the direction of the water flow.
Copper pipes combine well with PVC pipeline parts, in this case there will be no negative consequences for the connection.
PVC pipes for sewerage are increasingly replacing metal pipes, as they are cheaper, easier to install and at the same time practically not inferior to them in strength and durability.

Conclusion

Compression fittings for connecting copper pipes are used quite often, as it is both convenient and profitable. But it is important not to skimp on the quality of parts, otherwise the need for repairs will arise very soon. The more responsible you are in selecting and installing components, the longer they will ultimately serve you.

Add to bookmarks

Copper pipeline laying

The unique performance qualities of copper have ensured that pipe products made from it, despite their high cost, have been widely used. Copper pipes are not afraid of ultraviolet rays, have a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and high corrosion resistance in non-acidic environments. The ability of copper to maintain ductility when negative temperatures makes it possible to install copper pipes even in winter conditions. The durability of copper pipes does not depend on the temperature and pressure of the media transported through them.

Copper pipes make it possible to transport high-temperature liquids in them.

Applications of copper pipes

Installation of copper pipes in heating systems possible due to their high resistance when working with high-temperature liquids. This property is especially relevant for a single-pipe heating scheme, in which to ensure the coolant temperature in the last radiator is about 70ºC, it is necessary that in the first it is equal to approximately 120ºC

Connecting pipes with compression fittings does not provide an absolute guarantee of reliability and requires constant monitoring during operation.

The maximum temperature that polymers used in heating systems can withstand does not exceed 95ºC, and media with temperatures up to 300ºC can be transported through copper pipes. An important property of a pipeline made of this metal is its ability to withstand pressure of 200-400 atm, while the soldered connection of copper pipes, made by hand, remains sealed. At the same time, metal-plastic products can withstand, on average, a pressure of 6 atm with a possible operating pressure in the system of 6 - 8 atm. Heating pipes made of soft copper can easily withstand 3-4 freeze-thaw cycles.

Thanks to its antibacterial properties, copper can resist the infiltration of contaminants in urban water supplies. Plumbing copper is resistant to chlorine. Moreover, chlorine, being a strong oxidizing agent, promotes the formation of a protective oxide film on copper, which extends the service life of the pipeline. However, it should be remembered that hidden laying of copper pipes with your own hands can only be done if there is a polymer shell on the pipes, which protects the copper from stray currents.

When using copper pipes in heating and water supply systems, combinations in the system should be avoided. different materials, which leads to local electrochemical corrosion. If it is necessary to connect, for example, aluminum with copper, brass transition elements are used.

Copper pipes are universal: in addition to water supply and heating systems, they are used to transfer gases and refrigerants to refrigeration systems, used in air conditioning systems.

Connecting pipes with compression fittings

Before installation, ensure that there are no burrs, cracks or other damage on the pipe ends. This will help avoid problems in the future operation of the pipes.

To connect copper pipes with your own hands, use crimp or solder fittings - connecting parts various shapes and appointments.

Compression fittings are made from brass and have a crimp ring inside them to ensure a tight fit. The ring is tightened by hand using a wrench. However, it is advisable to use such fittings only in places where it is impossible to carry out work with open fire and it is possible to easily check the tightness of the connection. Compression fitting connections are designed for lower permissible pressures than solder fittings and must be periodically checked and tightened.

The connection of steel and plastic heating and water supply pipes with copper pipes is often carried out using compression fittings. To connect such a fitting with, you need to disassemble it, then put a clamping nut on the pipe, and then a ferrule. The assembly, consisting of pipe, clamp nut and ferrule, is inserted into the fitting. The nut is tightened using a wrench by a number of turns depending on the diameter of the pipe and determined by the fitting’s passport data.

Connections with compression fittings are not absolutely reliable and require constant monitoring during operation.

Capillary soldering method

Before you begin laying the water supply, you need to cut the copper pipes to the required sizes.

This method is based on the capillary effect, which promotes uniform distribution of solder throughout the entire cross-section, regardless of the position of the pipe. To create a capillary effect, special fittings are used, the diameters of which must differ from the diameters of the pipe by a strictly defined value. For soldering over an open fire, a gap of 0.1-0.15 mm is recommended.

Connections using capillary soldering are carried out using special fluxes and solders - thin wires made of metal alloys with a low melting point, usually tin with small additions of copper and silver. Soldered joints are used in cases where water supply is carried out with one’s own hands in the floor or walls, or in other cases when visual control of the integrity of the joints is impossible.

There are two soldering methods: high temperature and low temperature.

High temperature soldering, otherwise known as hard soldering, is used where the operating conditions of copper piping are related to the presence of high temperatures. Such soldering is carried out using special fluxes and hard solders. For do-it-yourself pipeline installation, this type of soldering is practically not used.

Low-temperature, or soft, soldering is used for pipelines used for transporting liquid and gaseous media, the operating temperature of which does not exceed 110ºC. When doing low-temperature soldering with your own hands, the joints are heated to a temperature of approximately 300ºC.

Copper pipe soldering process

The time needed to solder copper pipes will be helped by markings on the fitting itself with recommendations for the required solder size.

Before soldering begins, the outer part of the pipe end and the inner fitting are treated with sandpaper to the state of pure metal. Next to the cleaned end of the pipe thin layer apply solder paste or flux. These materials, in a molten state, dissolve oxide films on the elements being connected, protecting their surfaces from further oxidation, which is caused by high temperatures.

However, given the fact that flux destroys the surface of the metal, when soldering with your own hands, it must be applied just before starting work and only on the area that will go into the fitting. After hardening, the flux forms a film that does not require removal.

Next, the pipe is inserted into the socket of the capillary fitting until it stops. Places are heated evenly with the flame of a gas burner or a hot air gun. For this purpose, it is advisable to use a lamp equipped with two burners or nozzles with sprayers.

If the flux used contains tin, then when it is heated to the required temperature, silvery drops will appear. In other cases, you can make sure that the desired temperature has been achieved by touching the solder to the heated surface - the solder should spread. The molten solder must be injected into the joint immediately. Moreover, it does not matter at all from which side it will be introduced. Thanks to capillary action, the solder will evenly fill the entire joint. Remains of flux from the fitting are removed using a rag.

The use of a variety of fittings that have a bead of solder placed inside by the manufacturer will help reduce soldering time. the right size. The fitting is put on a pipe coated with flux, heated with a torch or hot air gun until liquid state solder. After cooling, the water supply and heating pipeline structure is ready for operation.

Installation of copper pipes

During installation plumbing systems With your own hands, there is often a need to connect copper pipes with products made from other materials. In heating systems, cold and hot water supply, copper connections with steel, plastic and brass are safe from the point of view of corrosion processes. But the contact of copper with galvanized steel is dangerous for galvanized pipes and leads to their destruction due to electrolytic processes. To avoid failure of the pipeline, it is necessary to make the connection using, and ensure the flow of water is directed from steel to copper.

Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare a tool for installing copper pipes of a heating system or hot water supply. cold water. To do this you will need: a pipe cutter or hacksaw for metal, a file or scraper, if there are areas of complex configuration - a pipe bender, gas-burner or a hot air gun.

Laying a copper pipeline with your own hands begins with sections of a pre-calculated length. Then it is necessary to clean the outer and inner parts of the pipe from burrs, and if necessary, level the cut. Using a pipe bender will prevent the pipe from flattening and the formation of creases, which can cause a decrease in the performance of the pipeline in these places.

If the diameters of the pipes do not exceed 15 mm, then their bending radius should be at least 3.5 diameters, and if more than 15 mm, then four diameters. When bending by hand, a high-quality bend can be obtained only with a radius equal to 8 diameters.

Despite its resistance to corrosion, copper pipes, due to violations of manufacturing technology, incorrect soldering and severe contamination of water with abrasive inclusions, can be subject to very dangerous pitting corrosion. The pipe corrodes where the oxide film is destroyed. One way to avoid this process is to install filters on water supply and heating pipelines.

On modern construction market Copper pipes, thanks to their unique performance qualities, quite successfully compete with products made from steel, plastic and metal-plastic, despite their high cost.