What are plastic pipes called? Plastic pipes for water supply: types and markings, which ones are best to choose. Characteristics of PVC pipes for water supply: sizes and prices

The main task when designing and arranging a water supply system is to correctly select and buy pipes for water supply. Non-metallic pipes, which are characterized by high performance characteristics, low weight and efficiency, will help solve this problem.

Types of pipes for water supply

To organize the pipeline for household and drinking purposes, polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride pipes are used.

Polyethylene pipes

Products are made from HDPE in accordance with GOST 18599-2001 and comply with TU 2248-016-40270293-2002. The pipes are suitable for transporting household and drinking water, withstand temperatures from 0°C to 40°C and pressure up to 25 atm.

PVC pipes

PVC-U pipes are denser, stronger and more rigid than HDPE pipes. Pressure pipes designed for cold water supply and transportation warm water at temperatures up to +45°C. Gravity pipes suitable for sewer systems, wastewater disposal and drainage. During their operation, a constant temperature of no more than +60°C is permissible. Products can withstand temperatures up to 90°C for a short time.

In our online store you can buy water supply pipes at the price from the manufacturer. The catalog contains products various types and diameters, fittings and other components for laying the pipeline. You can also purchase plastic tubes for cold water with a diameter from 16 to 315 mm. Products with larger diameters are available upon request. Tubular products are packaged in practical, transportable bays.

Almost all products are constantly in stock at the company's warehouse. We deliver orders throughout Moscow and the Moscow region within three days. If you have any questions, call us or leave your contacts in the form for feedback. Our specialist will call you back and advise you.

Under the general name "plastic pipes" in modern construction market A fairly wide range of products are presented, differing in technical characteristics and scope of application. They are distinguished by the polymer material used for manufacturing. On this basis, they are divided into the following types - polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and metal-plastic based on any of the polymers.

The manufacturer's warranty on plastic pipes is 50 years.

By external signs polymer pipes various types can be difficult to tell apart. In accordance with standards, manufacturers carry out labeling containing all the information necessary to identify products. As an example, we can consider one of the common and affordable types - polyvinyl chloride (PVC, or PVC). These products are used in water supply, heating, sewerage networks, and when laying electrical wiring.

Russian manufacturers produce them according to 2 standards - for water supply and heating systems in accordance with GOST R 52134-2003, for systems internal sewerage according to GOST 32412-2013.

Example of markings on plastic pipes.

In the first case, the designation contains the word “pipe”, the material designation indicating ten times the tensile strength MRS, the standard dimensional ratio SDR (the ratio of the nominal outer diameter to the nominal wall thickness), the nominal values ​​of the outer diameter and wall thickness, the service class, the nominal pressure and standard number. The labeling may be supplemented with the inscription “drinkable” if this requirement is met.

Example symbol pipes made of unplasticized polyvinyl chloride with minimum long-term strength MRS = 12.5 MPa, SDR 21, nominal outer diameter 140 mm, nominal wall thickness 6.5 mm, service class 1, maximum operating pressure 1.0 MPa.

PVC-U pipe 125 SDR21 - 140´6.5 class 1/1.0 MPa GOST R 52134-2003.

In the second case, the designation includes the designation of the material, nominal values ​​of the outer diameter and wall thickness, and standard number.

An example of a symbol for a polyvinyl chloride pipe for internal sewage systems with a nominal outer diameter of 160 mm, a nominal wall thickness of 3.2 mm.

PVC-U pipe (PVC-U) 160´3.2 GOST R 32412-2013.

Labeling of imported products is carried out in accordance with the requirements of European and international standards. Compliance with the specified technical characteristics necessary requirements should be checked either according to the standard or a certificate of conformity.

In addition to technical characteristics, manufacturers additionally apply their logo and production date. The marking is applied in 1 m increments in a manner that ensures its preservation for the entire declared service life.

Types of plastic pipes

Due to many properties common to most polymers plastic pipes They have versatility and can be used in a wide variety of systems and designs.

For sewerage

PVC sewer pipes

The advantage of plastic for use in sewage systems is its resistance to corrosion and clogging, and low cost. These systems, especially inside buildings, are non-pressure; the collector consists of blocks connected by a fitting without welding. For such systems, the material sufficient in strength and durability is PVC, and the diameter does not exceed 150 mm.

For needs industrial sewerage and in external utility networks, polypropylene (PP, or PP) pipes of large diameter, 300 mm and above, are used.

Corrugated plastic pipes

The flexible design allows you to connect various equipment to the main sewer collector without additional fittings. Flexibility, along with a high melting point (up to 90°C) and electrical insulating characteristics, is used in corrugated plastic pipes for electrical wiring. In these examples, single-layer corrugation is used.

For sewer collectors and underground installation of communications, they are used, and the inner layer must be smooth.

By permissible load divided into light, heavy and super-heavy.

Depending on the purpose, PVC, polypropylene and polyethylene are used as materials for their manufacture. low pressure(HDPE), and fittings and couplings are used for installation.

For heating

Application of polypropylene pipes in heating systems.

The installation of a heating system must be approached with special attention, since its operation provides not only comfort, but also safety. The material must withstand high temperatures - up to 95 ° C, and pressure in the system, including possible pressure surges and water hammer. Important characteristic for heating pipelines is linear expansion.

These requirements are best met polypropylene materials with random copolymer (PPR), and optimal choice is a pipe reinforced with glass fiber or aluminum foil with a nominal pressure of PN25.

The reinforcement ensures a low coefficient of linear expansion and high strength of the wiring when exposed not only to high temperatures, but also when water in the circuit freezes in emergency situations.

For water supply

For the needs of cold and hot water supply, according to the technical characteristics, we can use the entire range of modern plastic pipes. They provide a maximum service life of 50 years, resistance to corrosion, resistance to temperature changes and low level noise.

PVC pipes for water supply.

The choice of material depends on the purpose of the pipeline, the type of laying, and the complexity of the routing. For reasons of economy and practicality, they are used cold water from PVC materials and HDPE, for hot- or aluminum-reinforced polyethylene (PEX-ALL-PEX).

For hot water

Pipes used for hot water supply must ensure operability at temperatures up to 95°C and operating pressure of the system. For reliability, it is recommended to provide a certain margin of safety for these indicators.

This requirement is best met by reinforced polypropylene pipes, the use of cross-linked reinforced HDPE is also acceptable. PVC is not used for hot water due to its low temperature resistance.

For heated floors

Usage metal-plastic pipes to create a warm floor.

The water temperature in water heated floor systems should not exceed 40°C. Limitations in the selection and use of material impose high costs for rework in the event of poor quality work.

Used for heated floors flexible pipes small diameter - 16 mm, which are laid in a snake pattern with a pitch of 40 cm. To connect the wiring to the heating network, welding is used through special couplings.

The nominal pressure must be at least PN10, the permissible operating temperature must be selected with a margin - at least 80°C. By type of material, the preferred types are cross-linked polyethylene PEX and metal-plastic.

High pressure polyethylene pipes

The chemical structure of high-density polyethylene provides it with softness and elasticity at the same time as sufficient strength and stability.

Three-layer LDPE pipes with synthetic yarn reinforcement can be used in systems with operating pressures up to 3 MPa. The nominal operating temperature for them is +40°C, the maximum permissible is +80°C, but as the temperature rises, the strength characteristics and service life of the material decrease sharply.

LDPE is highly resistant to corrosion and is therefore widely used in the chemical industry.

High pressure polyethylene pipes in coils.

Products with internal diameter 16, 20, 25, 32 mm are produced in coils or coils, with a diameter of up to 180 mm - in straight sections from 5 to 20 m long.

Frost-resistant plastic pipes

Greatest resistance to action low temperatures have polypropylene pipes. When water freezes in them, they can expand slightly and restore their size when thawed, so they can be used for outdoor and underground installation.

The limitation on the lower limit of operating temperature is related to the permissible operating temperature and permissible temperature difference between the walls. When the coolant temperature is not higher than 95°C, they can be used in frosts down to -40°C.

Gas plastic pipes

Gas determines many additional requirements for materials, installation and operating conditions. The use of polyethylene for gas supply systems, including main ones, provides the necessary parameters of gas tightness, frost resistance, and resistance to mechanical loads. At underground installation they do not require additional waterproofing.

Vulnerability to external influences limits their use in civil engineering and in areas with high seismicity.

Existing types of gas polyethylene pipes PE-100 and PE-80 differ in wall thickness and permissible pressure. For the first they are 3.5 mm and 12 atm, respectively, for the second - 2-3 mm and 6 atm.

Square plastic pipes

Plastic products with square profile can also be used to transport various media, for example in ventilation systems. The main direction of their application is the production various designs- furniture, metal-plastic windows and doors, cable ducts.

For wells

When constructing wells, polymer products are mainly used for installation casing pipe, providing protection from the ground. Small diameter pipes can also be used as a needle well for water supply to a private home or cottage.

For wells

The advantage of constructing wells from plastic rings is their light weight and tightness, which does not require additional waterproofing. Plastic rings and pipes can be used not only when constructing a new one, but also to repair an existing concrete well.

Not so long ago, communications were installed using pipes made of steel and cast iron. Working with these materials took a large number of effort and time, and the cost was not cheap. Plastic pipes simplified installation work and reduced the cost of these works.

There has also been a noticeable increase in service life, expansion of application areas, simplified installation and increased safety of use.

Most best option in resolving the issue of water supply to residential buildings

Today there is a huge variety of these products. For use in water supply, there are the following types of plastic pipes: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, metal-plastic.

During the manufacture of these pipes, coloring components are used, which determine the purpose of the pipe.

Pipe technical characteristics - highest value voltage and temperature, which determines its purpose. Pipe parameters: thickness, layering, metric indicator.

Kinds

The range of plastic products includes several types with their own distinctive features.

Pipes


Are very common in economic activity And industrial production. The cost of these pipes is the lowest compared to others. They can be used for open system thanks to aesthetically pleasing. They are mainly connected by welding or using fittings. The welding connection occurs using special glue and a rubber flap.

They have climate resistance, but their best qualities are manifested in the cold. So, these products are not used in hot networks, because... when they are heated to sixty degrees, melting of this material is possible.

Note: For the installation of hot lines, the most suitable are considered CPVC pipes.

PP pipes

This very durable type of pipe is designed for all types of plumbing and heating networks. They are universal and are used when installing various pipelines. Their properties fully correspond to all modern standards, safe and environmentally friendly. One non-existent disadvantage of a polypropylene pipe is its inability to bend. To make corners and bends, materials such as corners and tees are used.

Polypropylene products are resistant to temperature changes due to their multi-layer nature. Installation of PP pipes is carried out by thermal welding, which creates fairly tight joints.

Important: Do not allow the material to overheat when welding work polypropylene products, since in an overheated state the plastic product becomes brittle, which contributes to a short shelf life.

PE pipes

Polypropylene is an elastic material. It can be used even with increased seismic activity. It is one of the most common types of pipes.

These pipes are frost-resistant, UV-resistant, and flexible. Used in the installation of technical and domestic water supply systems.

There are varieties of these pipes - LDPE and HDPE:

  • PVD the pipes have low density; they are not used in household appliances, but only in laying the main pipeline.
  • HDPE Mostly black in color and they are used in the installation of drinking water supply. They are not used for hot water, because this material can become soft due to exposure to heat.

Features during installation work

Carrying out repair work at air temperatures below plus five degrees it should not be done due to the possible loss of flexibility in such conditions. If installation work must be carried out in winter, insulation is used. Installation is carried out using electric welding using a compression fitting.

PEX pipe. Most suitable for hot systems and heating. They have improved properties due to production under pressure. Installation work is carried out using connecting fittings.

PEX-AL-PEX. They have a multilayer structure. They are made from cross-linked polyethylene, the inside is made of aluminum or copper foil.

Home distinctive feature metal-plastic pipes are the ability not to change shape when bent. Resistant to temperature increases and fluctuations atmospheric pressure, however, expansion is possible due to thermal fluctuations. In hot systems using metal-plastic pipes, slight deformation is possible.

Therefore, the main criterion when choosing pp pipes for private homes is functional features pipeline. So, if you need pipes for hot water supply, you need to choose polypropylene models. The functions of cross-linked polyethylene are also suitable, but the price is much more expensive.

Also, when choosing, you need to take into account the value of the diameter, it is this that affects the throughput characteristics of the entire network.

Note: For plumbing systems the diameter of the plastic pipes must be at least fifteen millimeters, and the riser is mounted with a pipe 25 millimeters in diameter.

If your water supply plan includes many corners, then it is not recommended to use small plastic pipes. This may cause problems in the system.
When installing an external water supply, do not forget about insulation.

Pros and cons of pp pipes

Plastic has the main advantage - it is long term services. Such pipes are more resistant to external irritants than their metal counterparts. They are not susceptible to corrosive formations and salt and other formations on the walls.


Plastic pipes They became widespread not so long ago and it is difficult to determine exactly how long they will last. Manufacturers claim a service life of 50 years.

New generation plastics are made from environmentally friendly substances that do not have a negative impact on the environment. They are not able to change the properties of the liquid. The material has low thermal conductivity, so they are able to maintain heat. It is also believed that due to the good density of the pipe walls, noise from the water flow is suppressed.

The only downside of plastic is that not all types of pipes may be suitable for hot water supply. But thanks the latest technologies There are plastic pipes that can withstand temperatures up to ninety degrees Celsius.

Types of installation

There are different types of installation of plastic pipelines:

  • Butt welding: fasten pipes of the same diameter. The ends of the pipes are heated and connected using a special press;
  • Butt welding using electric spiral and coupling: the ends of the pipes are heated with a resistive component until melting, due to which the connection has good tightness;
  • Flange method: a fitting is welded to the end of each pipe, then they are bolted together, having first laid a sealed gasket.
  • With fittings: used here compression fittings- components made of polymers or bronze, which, as in the previous method, are attached to pipes and fastened to each other.

Of course, installation work must be carried out experienced specialists, using special equipment to ensure the tightness of your pipeline.

Plastic pipes are long products with a constant cross-sectional diameter, which are widely used to create water supply systems, heating systems and sewerage systems. The popularity of these products is due to their economical price, light weight and hygiene. The products are not subject to corrosion, do not react with aggressive environments and have low thermal conductivity, which avoids heat loss when transporting hot water. The smoothness of the walls allows the speed of fluid movement to be increased by 30% compared to steel. Plaque does not accumulate on their surface, and the cross-sectional area remains unchanged throughout the entire service life. Since the walls remain clean, they are not a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria. Ease plastic structures simplifies and speeds up their installation. The disadvantages of plastic include lower mechanical strength and instability to ultraviolet radiation. Polymers have limited temperature Range operation, which does not allow their use, for example, for steam heating.

Types of plastic products

Currently there are three types available plastic products: made of polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC. Polyethylene pipes are manufactured with a diameter from 20 to 160 mm; they can be used in the installation of pressure and non-pressure systems in residential, administrative and production premises. These products can withstand temperatures down to -20 degrees and are resistant to pressure changes in the water supply system, but the temperature range does not allow them to be used for hot water supply and heating systems. When laying pipes in the ground, its mobility is of great importance, since polyethylene may not withstand the load.

Polypropylene pipes are characterized by a higher degree of rigidity and strength, but they bend much less easily, which requires the use of more fittings. The advantage of this polymer is the ability to withstand temperatures up to 95 degrees, making such pipes suitable for installation heating systems and hot water supply. For this reason, polypropylene products are very popular, which is also facilitated by the affordable price of pipes and fittings. The products can be joined by welding and withstand sufficient high pressure, therefore it is used in the design of irrigation systems. Sewage polypropylene pipes for non-pressure systems are also produced. They are convenient because they allow for a hermetically sealed connection with old cast iron products.

PVC pipes are significantly limited in use, since the material releases toxic substances after a certain period of operation, therefore this type of product is mainly used when laying sewer systems. An important advantage of this material that contributes to its scope of application is its resistance to aggressive environment. The products are available in a wide range of sizes for pressure and non-pressure systems.

How do plastic products differ from metal-plastic ones?

All plastic products consist of one dense layer of material, that is, they are homogeneous. What is most important during thermal expansion. It is because of the difference in the indicators of this parameter that three-layer metal-plastic pipes begin to leak at the joints. The diameter of plastic products is practically unlimited and ranges from 16-160 mm, while metal-plastic products are produced in the range of 16-63 mm. Thanks to thicker walls, polypropylene pipes can withstand greater pressure drops and have better mechanical characteristics. The thermal conductivity of metal-plastic is higher, which is a plus for heating systems, but a minus for hot water supply systems. Benefits metal-plastic structures is a wider temperature range and resistance to ultraviolet radiation and atmospheric oxygen. Installation plastic water pipe does not require expensive equipment and is less costly in time and effort. Even beginners can install it.

July 29, 2016
Specialization: Capital construction works(laying a foundation, erecting walls, constructing a roof, etc.). Internal construction work (laying internal communications, rough and fine finishing). Hobbies: mobile communications, high technology, computer equipment, programming.

As you know, Poseidon, the lord of water, controlled this element with the help of his magical trident, forcing rivers and lakes to flow in the direction he needed. IN modern construction everything is not as simple as in Ancient Greece, so if you want to enjoy the benefits of civilization, you will have to choose and install plastic or metal-plastic pipes for the water supply.

The topic of choosing these particular products is very relevant for me, since in the near future I am going to make repairs in one-room apartment, which my son is purchasing with a mortgage (he is currently completing the paperwork).

The house is a new building, so there are no utilities, only vertical risers. Therefore, we will do everything with him from scratch. I think that you, inquisitive home craftsmen, will also be interested in which plastic pipes are best for plumbing.

So let’s look at the pros and cons existing options right now, without postponing, as popular wisdom says, until tomorrow.

Types of plastic pipes for water supply installations

Let me warn you right away that the term “plastic pipes” hides several types of polymer products. They are distinguished from each other by price, diameter and several other technical characteristics, which determine the scope of use. I will tell you about the features of each variety, and you can choose the one that suits your specific situation.

If you are going to install plastic pipes for water supply with your own hands, pay attention to the technology for assembling engineering systems. Some parts need to be glued, others twisted, and sometimes welded.
If you don’t know how to solder pipes, I recommend paying attention to other types that use glue or threaded fittings for connections.

So let's get started.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Design features

I put this type in first place, since polyvinyl chloride, in my opinion, is superior to other varieties in terms of application. By adding certain additives to this plastic, manufacturers obtain pipes with different performance properties.

I've dealt most with rigid PVC pipes. They lose flexibility, but acquire other properties:

  • tolerate high temperatures well;
  • have strong walls;
  • do not burst at low air temperatures.

In addition, although this is not necessary when household use, such pipes can be used to transport aggressive liquids (acids, oil and petroleum products, fatty liquids, and so on). At the same time, the plastic itself is absolutely non-toxic, does not impart an extraneous taste to the water and does not color it.

There are several types of PVC pipes:

  • non-pressure (socket-type);
  • pressure;
  • for gaseous media.

Considering that the water in utility network city ​​apartment is supplied under pressure; the second type is used to construct the water supply system. They are colored in grey colour and comply with Russian GOST number 51613-2000. The permissible fluid pressure in the system is from 6 to 16 atmospheres.

The sizes of plastic pipes for water supply are as follows:

  • the length of individual elements is from 1 to 6 meters;
  • pipe diameter from 16 to 630 mm;
  • The ratio of pipe diameter to wall thickness complies with SDR17, 26, 33 and 41 standards.

Advantages and disadvantages

I’ll dwell a little on the pros and cons of this type of pipe. I will not list all of them, but those that I personally consider important. I put everything together in a table to make it more convenient for you, my readers.

Advantages Flaws
Non-toxic Intolerance high temperature(more than + 65 degrees Celsius)
Chemical resistance The need for thermal insulation for external installation, if the temperature environment drops below – 15 degrees Celsius
Antiseptic Decrease in plasticity with decreasing air temperature
Light weight Susceptibility to scratches and chips during installation
Excellent throughput Difficulty in joining with pipeline sections made of other materials
Smooth inner surface, preventing the accumulation of mineral deposits Difficult to dispose of after use
Corrosion resistance
Non-flammability (in case of fire, they do not support combustion and contribute to flame extinction)
Long service life
Tightness and reliability of connections
Possibility of use for laying water pipes in moving soil.
Ability to maintain integrity during hydraulic shocks
Low thermal conductivity

Areas of use

I recommend using PVC pipes to supply water whose temperature is between 0 and 45 degrees Celsius. Most often, such pipes are used in the construction of commercial or industrial facilities, and even more often when installing sewerage systems.

Well, a few more tips that I developed while working with such pipes:

  1. When purchasing pipes for drinking water supply, be sure to check the certificate of conformity. You should drink this water later.
  2. Make sure that the wall has a constant thickness along its entire length and that the pipe itself is round.
  3. If, when examining the pipes, you see bulges or roughness on the surface of the plastic, go to another store.
  4. Buy Italian or German pipes. Of course, the cost of Turkish products is less, but the quality is also worse.

Polypropylene

These pipes are made of polypropylene - chemical reaction propylene with metal catalysts. In simple terms I can say that the raw materials for them are white granules, which are melted at the factory and extruded through a special machine - an extruder.

Advantages and disadvantages

I really like these pipes and have often used them for construction. I can name the following main advantages:

  1. Ability to tolerate high temperature liquids. Polypropylene becomes soft only at 140 degrees Celsius, and melts at 175. Therefore, they are suitable for both hot and cold water supply. What can I say, I used them to heat my dacha.
  2. Corrosion resistance. There is no comparison with the metal that was previously used for plumbing. I laid the pipes in a basement with high humidity, but in general they can be installed even in flooded rooms or aggressive environments.
  3. No electrical conductivity. Polypropylene is an insulator, so neither static electricity, nor stray currents, nor galvanic fumes will cause you any inconvenience.
  4. Wear resistance. The type of pipes under consideration has a long service life. Even in my dacha, where the water in the heating system is not very clean, I don’t think about replacing it yet.

Although plastic pipes do not become overgrown with mineral deposits, I recommend installing filters at the entrance to the apartment. This will save engineering system and household appliances from damage.

I cannot help but note several shortcomings, due to which sometimes it is necessary to look for alternative solutions:

  1. Sensitivity to light. If pipelines are laid openly, that is, the sun will often shine on them, the pipes will turn yellow over time and lose strength. But for the toilet and bath it does not matter, since there engineering Communication disguised with panels or laid inside the walls.
  2. Fragility. Although pipes bend, a careless blow, such as with a hammer, can destroy them.

Features of use

So, based on what was described above, I can say that the pipes are excellent for installing cold and hot water supply systems. The maximum pressure of the liquid inside should not exceed 20 atmospheres, and the temperature should not exceed 95 degrees Celsius.

If the installation is done correctly, the water supply system, according to manufacturers, will last more than 100 years. Although this has not been confirmed by anyone, since polypropylene pipes did not appear at the beginning of the last century, but much later.

Polyethylene

To supply consumers drinking water Polyethylene pipes made from polymerized ethylene gas are often used. They have all the advantages of plastic pipes, but differ from their analogues in their very high ductility.

Polyethylene pipe is so flexible that it is sold not in lengths, but in rolls. In addition, I can safely include the following advantages of this type of product:

  • absence of rust and plaque on the pipe walls even after prolonged use;
  • very light weight;
  • ease of design of complex engineering communications;
  • durability;
  • low cost.

Standard polyethylene pipes cannot be used to transport hot water. When heated, polyethylene softens and becomes plastic, which can cause a breakout. In addition, the material has a high coefficient of linear expansion, and this leads to warping and destruction of pipelines.

However, I have already seen in stores a special type of polyethylene pipes that can transport liquid hot media. That is hot water. It uses a special polymer, but I did not delve into the essence of the technology.

Such pipes have the following features:

  • can be used for installation of pressure water supply;
  • capable of withstanding internal liquid pressure reaching 10 atmospheres;
  • can be operated at liquid temperatures from 20 to 110 degrees Celsius;
  • Suitable for installation of drinking water supply systems.

However, most often they are used for arranging main engineering systems, where the diameter of plastic pipes for water supply reaches 100 centimeters or more.

Made from cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)

These pipes are highlighted in separate sections, since thanks to a special production technology they acquire unique properties, which distinguish them from conventional polyethylene products.

For those who do not know, the word “cross-linking” refers to a special procedure that occurs at the molecular level. And, naturally, it has nothing to do with threads and needles.

Be that as it may, plastic pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene have the following features:

  1. High strength. I want to note this separately. Even with long-term operation V extreme conditions, when the temperature inside exceeds 90 degrees, the pipes will last for decades. And maybe much more.
  2. Form stability. If the pipes are not exposed to external influences, they retain their original shape and performance characteristics even if the water temperature increases to + 200 degrees Celsius.
  3. No cracks. I have not yet encountered a situation where cross-linked polyethylene pipes cracked on their own, without any external influence. Therefore, you can have no doubt about the reliability of the designed and assembled water supply system.

The strength of the pipes is maintained even with negative temperature air. I read about tests where pipes were cooled to -50 degrees Celsius.
And when struck, they retained their integrity.

  1. Flexibility and strength. Moreover, these parameters are in an ideal ratio. You can bend the pipes as needed, and at the same time they will retain the required strength throughout their entire service life.
  2. Resistance to chemicals. Of course, this is especially unimportant for plumbing, but I will say it anyway. Such pipes can be used not only for water supply, but also for transporting aggressive liquids.

Another point is abrasive resistance. Even if the water in your tap water is not clean and pieces of sand or scale sometimes get into the glass, the products in question will withstand the effects of abrasives, maintaining their characteristics for as long as you need.

By the way, regarding the service life. It directly depends on the conditions in which they will be used:

  • if the fluid pressure does not exceed 9 bar and the temperature does not exceed 95 degrees, the service life will be at least 15 years;
  • if the pressure is the same and the temperature is two dozen degrees lower, the pipes will last more than half a century.

I personally recommend using cross-linked polyethylene pipes for heating installation. However, no one is stopping you from making water pipes out of them. Although the price will be slightly higher.

Metal-plastic

In last place in order of presentation, but not in importance, I placed metal-plastic pipes. They are a layer cake consisting of several parts:

  • food-grade polyethylene, with which the water inside the pipe comes into contact;
  • foil reinforcing layer;
  • dense outer polyethylene that protects the pipe from mechanical damage.

All these layers are glued together with a special compound. Products gain plastic flexibility and strength metal products. In addition, I consider several other features significant:

  • corrosion resistance;
  • frost resistance.

They can be bent in any direction. After bending, they retain their given shape throughout their entire service life. I often used this property if I needed to install a complex engineering system in a house.

They can be used to transport liquid media with the following parameters:

  • temperature up to + 95 degrees Celsius;
  • pressure from 10 (if the temperature reaches 95 degrees) to 25 (at a temperature of 25 degrees);
  • the maximum liquid temperature that does not destroy the inner layer of polyethylene is +130 degrees Celsius.

Additional elements for metal-plastic pipes - twisted, screwed and let the water run.

Installation of metal-plastic pipes is as simple as possible. Connections are made using threaded fittings, and there is no need to make corners at all - you can just fit a pipe under the right angle by inserting a special spring inside.

Conclusion

As you can see, the choice of pipes for installing water supply systems is quite large. And I don’t dare give specific advice. Based on the information I have presented, you can easily choose on your own. And if you want to tell us about your purchasing experience water pipes, you can do this in the comments.

As a bonus, I can suggest watching the video in this article, which discusses other aspects of renovation in apartments and private houses.