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Copper pipeline laying

The unique performance qualities of copper have ensured that pipe products made from it, despite their high cost, are quite wide application. Copper pipes are not afraid ultraviolet rays, have a low coefficient of thermal expansion, high corrosion resistance in non-acidic environments. The ability of copper to maintain ductility when negative temperatures makes it possible to carry out installation 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

Pipe connection 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. In 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 gasket Making 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. Solder joints are used in cases where water supply is carried out with your own hands in the floor or walls or in other cases when it is not possible visual control integrity of connections.

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 pipelines involve 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 to transport liquid and gaseous media, working temperature which does not exceed 110ºС. 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 starting soldering outer part the end of the pipe and internal fitting processed with sandpaper until it becomes 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 heated to desired 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 in which the manufacturer has applied a bead of solder of the required size inside will help reduce soldering time. The fitting is placed on a pipe coated with flux and heated with a torch or hot air gun until the solder becomes liquid. After cooling, the water supply and heating pipeline structure is ready for operation.

Installation of copper pipes

In the process of installing plumbing systems with your own hands, it often becomes necessary 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 a hacksaw for metal, a file or scraper, and if there are areas of complex configuration - a pipe bender, a gas torch 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 their resistance to corrosion, copper pipes, due to violations of manufacturing technology, improper 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.

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 that use connecting rings special material EPD M, rather than regular rubber, as they will last much longer.

Compression fittings are made from:

brass,
copper,
plastic,
metal

In this case, brass connecting elements are most often used, 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 pipeline systems, 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

Pick up right size element. 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, electricity begins between metals. chemical processes 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.

Copper components for pipeline installation are not inferior to analogues made from other materials, and are even superior in durability and resistance to temperatures. However, the reliability and functionality of copper communications completely depends on the quality of the connection nodes.

Fittings and pipes made of high-quality copper are not inferior in technical qualities to components for pipelines made from other popular materials. Unlike iron-based alloys, copper does not rust at all. In addition, it is not afraid of ultraviolet radiation, extremely low and high temperatures, whereas polymer compounds are equally destructive to sunlight, frost and extreme heat. Copper pipes weigh little, are easy to transport, store and install.

All these positive traits allow copper pipe products to remain popular as components for installation of systems:

hot and cold water supply,
air conditioning,
gas distribution,
heating.

Features of connecting elements for copper pipes

Since copper components are used in areas where even the slightest leaks are unacceptable, high demands are placed on copper pipeline components. When connecting pipes, it is important to ensure not only maximum reliability and tightness, but also to prevent chemical processes that will negatively affect the composition of the working environment and the condition of the pipeline.

To install the pipeline, you can use shaped elements from different materials:

Note! To connect copper pipes, you cannot use fittings made of black steel, even if it is chrome-plated or galvanized. With unalloyed steel, copper reacts, as a result of which the shaped element may collapse.

Types of fittings

All connecting fittings are divided into several types according to their functions:

Straight - for direct connection of two pipes of the same diameter. Such fittings are called couplings; the body usually has the shape of a cylinder.
Transitional – for direct connection of two pipes of different diameters. Adapters, or reducers, have complex shape: two short cylinders of different sizes are connected by a truncated cone.
Angular, or rotary, - for connection identical pipes at an angle. Such fittings are called bends or angles; the bending angle of the body is from 15 to 90 degrees.
Branching - for combining two or more streams or dividing one stream into several. Tee bodies have three pipes, the diameters of which may vary. Cross bodies consist of four or more pipes connected at right angles.
Sealing – for blocking free pipes. These shaped elements, called plugs, represent a lid or plug.

Pipeline fittings are used to connect pipes of a wide variety of diameters and sizes. Fitting certain type necessary for bending the pipeline, for example, T-shaped and Y-shaped fittings, as well as bends.

Main types of fittings

Straight fittings have components such as plugs, adapters, and couplings. Examples of fittings are shown in the figure below. Exactly how each fitting is made depends on the material used to make it.

Examples of steel, copper and plastic fittings

Copper fittings, both with and without threads:
T-piece.
End coupling with 90 degree rotation.
Y-shaped tee.
Couplings.
Adapter.
Copper and plastic fittings:
Fitting with internal thread.
Fitting with 90 degree rotation.
T-piece.
Y-shaped tee.
Adapter.
Clutch.
Steel fittings:
Internal plug.
Threaded options.
Cover with plug.
Sgon.
Fitting option.

Photos of fittings made of various materials

And now small photo gallery, showing the impressive variety of all kinds of fittings that are presented on our market.

Steel chrome fittings

Copper fittings

Plastic fittings (PVC)

Coupling, adapter and drive

A coupling is necessary to combine two pipe sections of the same diameter into one line. If at the pipes different diameter, will be needed adapter. Used frequently drive is a tube of steel with an external thread, usually available in small lengths up to 30 cm long.

Squeezing is necessary to increase the length of the pipeline and connect pipe sections that can be disconnected at any time. The plug is needed to block the end of the pipe. If pipes made from various materials, then specialized fittings are required to connect them, some of which are shown in the figure below.

A variety of fittings for connecting pipes made of different materials

Fitting for connecting a copper pipe to a steel pipe:
Thread for screwing on a metal pipe.
A copper pipe is connected by solder to another copper pipe.
Copper fitting, connects to copper pipe.
The end for screwing into the nut.
Rubber gasket.
The plastic part is inserted into the nut.
Copper pipe.
Fitting connected with solder.
Fitting for connecting a plastic pipe to a copper pipe:
Steel pipe screwed into a nut.
End for screwing into a nut.
Rubber gasket.
A plastic pipe is glued into the insert in the nut.
Fittings for connecting plastic pipes to steel.
Plastic insert.
Screw.

Pipe connections made of various materials

How is a steel pipe connected to a copper pipe? For this purpose, a fitting is used, at one end of which there is a thread for fixing to steel pipe. There are no threads on the other end; it is completely smooth, since the copper pipe will be attached by soldering.

When installing a pipe into such a fitting, the threads should be wrapped with plastic sealing tape, after which the coupling is screwed onto the pipe. Such sealing tape necessary to prevent corrosion from starting in the area where two types of metal are joined.

Steel and plastic fitting

Another example is a fitting made of steel and plastic. It is also made of two parts. The first part looks like a nut with a threaded segment that screws into a steel pipe. The other part is plastic, with a gasket and nut also made of plastic.

Standard fitting consisting of steel and plastic parts

The nut is screwed onto another extension of the first part, which has external thread. Next, a special solvent is used to attach the plastic insert to the plastic pipe.

Plastic and copper fitting

There is also a popular fitting made of plastic and copper, which also includes two components. The first component has two ends. One is made of copper and has a thread, but the other end is completely smooth - it is this that is attached to the copper pipe by soldering.

Plastic fitting with copper thread

The other component is a plastic nut with a spacer. The nut is screwed onto the copper thread, and its other end is glued to the plastic pipe.

Fittings for copper and plastic pipes

Soldering is used to connect copper pipes, but plastic pipes are connected with a specialized glue or solvent. As for cast iron risers, bushings are usually not used to connect pipes.

Standard method for joining fittings and cast iron pipes without the use of bushings

Cast iron pipe.
Casing made of stainless steel.
Clamp.
Neoprene rubber part.
T-piece made of cast iron.

For sealing joints sewer pipes Sleeves made of neoprene rubber are used. In this case, the sleeve itself is fixed with a casing made of stainless steel.

The following figure shows options for some pipe connections without bushings.

Standard fittings for connecting cast iron pipes without the use of bushings

T-piece.
Curved segment.
Curved segment with flange, designed for toilet.
Y-shaped tee.

To attach the casing directly, conventional casings are used.

Video review of fittings for polypropylene pipes

Consider the use of special fittings for plastic polypropylene pipes. Types of fittings, their purpose and characteristics.

Materials from which pipes are made

Materials such as plastic, cast iron and copper are used to make sewer pipes. When constructing underground sewers located outside a building, glazed ceramic pipes are usually used.

However, it is not uncommon for only a specific type of pipe to be permitted in a certain area. You can find out this from local authorities.

The ideal sewer pipe option is cast iron pipe. It is perfect for creating collectors, sewer risers, sun beds and ventilation. Any cast iron pipes come in two types - internal and heavy. Standard length cast iron pipe is 1.5 meters.

Cast iron pipe for toilet

Copper pipes, which have a yellow label, can also be used for any type of sewer pipes.

Separately worth mentioning ceramic pipes , coating with a special glaze. Such pipes are reliably protected from the influence of sewage waste, be it various alkalis or acids.

As a rule, ceramic pipes are used as the basis of the underground collector of a house, at a distance of up to 1.5 meters from the foundation. The pipes are laid up to the city sewer or settling tank.

It is not recommended to use ceramic pipes inside the house.

They are actively used both inside and outside the house. PVC pipes and ABS. The connection of copper and plastic pipes is carried out in the same way as water pipes. Detailed review each type of pipe will be presented in the following articles.

Thanks to its almost unique performance qualities, copper is today one of the most popular materials used for the installation of communication systems. It is especially common in private homes, where water supply and heating systems are made of copper pipes, the connection of which is carried out using various methods.

One of the main reasons for using copper in communication systems is the outstanding resistance of this material to high temperatures and high pressure from the fluid circulating through the pipes. For example, calculations show that in the case of installation single pipe system heating system, if you want to get the water temperature in the radiator to be 70 degrees, at the inlet it should be at least 120 degrees. Many modern materials They are simply not designed for such temperatures. An example here is the plastic (or polymer) pipes that are so popular today. They are light, not too expensive (especially in comparison with copper), do not cause difficulties during installation and look quite aesthetically pleasing. But here Maximum temperature the temperature they are designed for is 95 degrees Celsius. With more high temperature the pipes just start to melt. At the same time, copper can easily withstand temperatures up to 300 degrees.

When operating a household pipeline, the opposite situation may also occur - freezing of water in the pipes. The vast majority of materials cannot withstand the linear expansion of frozen water and are destroyed - ruptures or cracks appear on pipes made of polymer, cast iron or steel. Copper copes excellently with this problem due to its ductility.

In general, copper pipes are universal elements. They can be used not only in water supply or heating systems. Often, specialized pipelines are installed from them in refrigeration units or air conditioners. Due to the gas-tightness of copper, they are also used for the installation of gas pipelines, both domestic and industrial. Besides, in Lately Copper pipes for electrical wiring have become quite common, which can reliably protect all its “intricacies” from mechanical and other damage.

Types of copper pipe connections when installing networks.

Various techniques and additional parts are used to connect copper pipes into a single system. The choice of a specific method depends on the characteristics of the pipeline, its purpose, its location, and even national traditions. Regarding the last point, today in Europe, where copper pipelines are used most often, two traditional approaches to their installation have developed:

The “British approach” is a fittingless connection of pipes to each other (pipe bending, flanging, bending, soldering, welding, etc.). This method makes it possible to simplify the design of a copper pipeline as much as possible, which practically does not use any additional elements(connecting parts are only required to connect devices to the pipeline). But it is worth noting that this approach requires quite a lot of experience and high qualifications from installers. In addition, you cannot do without special tools here;
“German approach” - connecting pipes to each other using fittings. This approach has a number of advantages: the use of fittings requires less time for pipeline installation and less effort from the installers. It can be used for laying pipelines of any configuration and guarantees high quality connections that are practically independent of the experience and qualifications of the installer. The disadvantages of the method include the complexity of the pipeline design and the need to regularly check fitting connections.

All types of copper pipe connections that exist today can be divided into 2 categories:

one-piece;
detachable.

Permanent connections- this is a structure that cannot be disassembled without destroying its individual components. These include:

soldering;
welding;
pressing.

Soldering or welding can be done without fittings. Factory connectors for copper pipes (various fittings) are also used. For pressing, special press fittings are required, which are equipped with crimp sleeves.

All types of permanent connections can be used when installing water supply, gas supply and heating systems.

Note! When installing water pipelines and heat supply systems for pipes of small and medium diameter, it is most often used low temperature soldering, and welding is for pipes large diameter. When installing " heated floors» The most common technique is pressing. If it is necessary to connect copper with steel, then soldering or welding is usually used, depending on the diameter of the pipes (solder - bronze). But when installing a gas pipeline, high-temperature soldering is required.

Plug-in connection- This collapsible design. It is obtained with the help various types fittings:

threaded;
compression;
self-fixing.

In addition, in this case, a flange can be used - a connector for copper pipes of large and medium sections. And when emergency repairs pipeline, a turnbuckle can be temporarily used to connect pipes of the same diameter.

Most often, a variety of fittings and connectors are used to connect various equipment, consuming devices or fittings to the pipeline. The convenience of such connections is that they can be easily disassembled if necessary (for example, if a pipeline needs to be repaired or equipment connected to it needs to be replaced). They are very reliable and do not require much qualification from the installer. In addition, installation requires a minimum of special tools - most of the work is done literally by hand.

But at the same time, detachable connections require periodic inspection and maintenance. They are weakened by temperature and pressure changes in the system, and the sealing elements wear out over time. That is why they must be located in such a way that access to them during pipeline operation is open at any time.

Note! Threading is prohibited on copper pipes. Therefore, special transition-type fittings are used to connect copper to the threaded elements of the system. Such parts, on one side, have a socket for connection to a pipe by soldering or crimping, and on the other side, a thread.

Whatever type of connection is chosen when installing a copper pipeline, you should know that in any case it does not reduce mechanical strength systems. On the contrary, any of the connections, except welding, increases the thickness of the system walls, which means that this part of the pipeline is even stronger than the pipe itself. As for the welded joint, it (initially softer due to the peculiarities of the process) becomes stronger over time.

Preparation of copper pipes for connection during installation of communication networks.

Before connecting pipes to each other, they must be prepared. Preparation includes several stages.

Cutting.

To complete this step, it is best to use a pipe cutter. The entire process of using this tool is extremely simple. It is necessary to put the pipe cutter on the end of the pipe where the cut is to be made, moving it to the place marked for the cut. After this, you need to tightly tighten the clamp (screw) of the tool and begin rotating the cutter around the pipe. The screw will be tightened, resulting in the pipe being cut off at the location of the cutter.

Note! The use of a pipe cutter allows you to make an accurate perpendicular cut. But in the process of cutting the pipe, you should not use excessive force - this may crush the end of the copper product. It's better to make a couple of extra turns of the pipe cutter.

Of course, everyone knows about the ductility of copper and that it can be cut with an ordinary hacksaw. But to achieve good quality such a cut and its perpendicularity is quite difficult. When working with a hacksaw, the edges are too uneven and require additional processing. True, if there is no special tool at hand, a hacksaw is the only way to fit the pipe to desired length. But then you should turn Special attention on the edges.

Processing of pipe edges.

After cutting, burrs and irregularities will remain on the edge of the pipe in any case. Before making the connection, these defects must be eliminated. To do this, use a needle file or a rounded file.

The outer surface of the edge also needs to be cleaned, removing the oxide film and dirt from it. This work is done using fine-grained sandpaper. In addition, before connecting, you should clean and inner surface edges. Special napkins or brushes are suitable for these purposes.

Note! The edge should be cleaned until its surface becomes shiny. But you shouldn’t be too diligent, as there is a high chance of removing too much copper. In this case, it may be difficult to make a connection using soldering or welding.

Connecting copper pipes using capillary soldering.

One of the most common methods of connecting copper pipes is capillary soldering. To carry it out, special fittings are used to help the solder be distributed at the location where the seam is made extremely evenly, regardless of the position of the pipe itself. Great importance at the same time has right choice fitting diameter - it should be 0.1-0.15 mm larger than the pipe diameter.

To perform capillary soldering, flux will need to be applied to the end of the pipe. This is a special composition that, when melted, dissolves the oxide film present on the pipe. In addition, it perfectly protects copper from oxidation, which inevitably occurs when it is heated.

Note! Flux is a highly chemically reactive compound, which means that it can interact with the metal it is applied to. Therefore, when using it, you should be careful and not use more flux than required. It is best to use a brush, applying flux exclusively to the part of the pipe that will fit inside the fitting. Moreover, this must be done immediately before starting soldering. After this, immediately insert the end of the pipe into the fitting until it stops, turning it around the axis of the pipe - this is required so that the flux “lays down” as evenly as possible. If any part of the flux ends up on outer surface pipes, it must be removed immediately.

After the pipe is inserted into the fitting, the connection must be heated. Heating should be uniform around the entire circumference of the joint. To do this, you can use an open flame - for example, gas burner with two nozzles. Often more is used safe way- industrial dryer. The degree of heating can be determined using the flux or solder used. If a flux containing tin is used, silvery drops appearing at the joint will indicate that the temperature required for soldering has been reached. If another type of flux is used, then you can determine whether the connection has heated up to the required temperature by placing the edge of the solder on it. If the solder immediately begins to melt, it means that it can already be introduced into the gap between the pipe and the fitting. In this case, you can move the solder rod either from right to left or from left to right - in any case, it will fill the gap and reliably connect the parts together.

The amount of solder required is determined very simply - by the diameter of the pipe. To do this, even before starting soldering, you can wrap the pipe with wire, which will act as solder, and cut off a piece of the required length from it.

Note! Fittings for capillary soldering are available for sale, inside of which there is already solder in the right quantity. Working with such fittings comes down to heating the joint to a temperature where the solder begins to melt. In this case, there is no need to add additional solder.

After soldering, the connection must cool down natural conditions. During this time, it should not be subjected to any mechanical stress. Only after the solder has completely hardened can the pipeline installation process continue.

Other connections are made in a similar way during the installation of a water supply or heating system at home. After the entire system is installed, it must be flushed hot water- this will help remove flux residues from inside the pipes. If this is not done, the composition remaining on the surface of the copper can lead to corrosion of the copper elements. From the outside of the pipeline, you should also inspect all joints and, if there is any remaining flux or solder on them, clean them with a damp cloth.

Connecting copper pipes with elements made of other materials.

Often when installing a private copper water pipe, sewerage or heating systems, there is a need to use elements made from other materials. In this case, it should be remembered that in no case should direct contact of copper and galvanized steel be allowed due to the electrochemical processes that arise. As a result of such contact, corrosion processes on the surface of the steel develop at an accelerated pace, and it is destroyed. To avoid this, a brass fitting must be placed between the copper and steel sections of the pipeline. In addition, it is very important here that the galvanized steel parts in the pipeline are located in front of the copper parts - that is, the water circulating through the works first passes through the steel section and then enters the copper section. But contact of copper with plastic, brass or acid-resistant steel is safe from this point of view and does not affect the service life of the pipeline.