How to replace water supply pipes in an apartment with your own hands. How to replace pipes with plastic or polypropylene How to replace pipes in an apartment with plastic

People often hesitate to replace old steel water pipes, believing that this repair will be difficult, and inviting plumbers will greatly lighten the wallet. Indeed, hiring specialists is never cheap. But water pipes It's not difficult to replace it yourself. No extra expenses. And the replacement process itself may then seem quite simple.

If you are doing major renovations in an apartment or house, then replace the old pipeline at the same time. Old steel water pipes can leak at any time. Then you will have to repair and change the pipeline in a room that has already been put in order.

What should I replace old pipes with?

You can choose pipes from the following materials:
- copper;
- steel;
- metal-plastic;
- polypropylene.

More details about polypropylene pipes

In stores you can choose polypropylene pipelines for cold and hot water. They differ in wall thickness and the presence of reinforcement.

Please note that PN-20 pipes can be used if the water temperature is up to 60 degrees. If boiling water is possible, then reinforced pipes PN-25 are needed.

There are a variety of fittings and fasteners for pipes, with which you can assemble a pipeline of any complexity.

You can buy a soldering iron for installing a pipeline; it is not expensive. But, later it will turn out to be unnecessary on the farm, because repairs to the polypropylene pipeline are unlikely to be needed. Now you can find construction companies and sellers who rent out such soldering irons. And you can install a simple household plumbing system in a day. Therefore, renting a tool in this case is the best option.

Selection of pipes by diameter

Choosing a pipe diameter is a very complex and controversial issue. And to make a decision, it is better to use experience than to try to make your own selection using tables or using hydraulic calculations.

It is necessary to select the diameter of the pipes so that the pipeline does not create too much hydraulic resistance, which would noticeably affect the amount of water supplied.

The resistance of the pipeline to the movement of water will depend on its length, the number of turns and branches, the amount of water supplied, and the material (roughness). The selection of diameter is also influenced by the pressure in the system; the lower it is, the larger the diameter of the pipes is needed.

When replacing short pipelines in conventional small apartments More often, polypropylene pipes with an outer diameter of only 20 mm are used, without any complex calculations and conclusions. The same diameter is used to connect most household plumbing fixtures. This simplifies installation and circuitry. In addition, the main contribution to the limitation bandwidth they bring in not pipes, but narrow places in mixers, taps...

Please note that “hot” pipes will have a smaller internal diameter due to increased wall thickness. U different manufacturers differently.

You can also take the following into account.

Diameter metal pipes often defined in inches:
3/8 inch - 10 mm.
1/2 inch - 13 mm.
3/4 inch, - 20 mm
1 inch - 25 mm
1.5 inches - 38 mm, etc.
In general, one inch is equal to 25.4 millimeters.

And polypropylene and metal-plastic ones are mainly characterized by their outer diameter. But then you need to take into account that 20 mm polypropylene and 16 mm metal-plastic, taking into account the wall thickness, and 1/2-inch metal are almost the same in terms of throughput.

For short polypropylene pipelines (up to 5 meters), the following rules are used. By analogy, you can select pipes from other materials.

To connect one consumer (faucet, plumbing fixture), pipes with a diameter (external) of 20 mm are suitable;
Long risers, main pipelines, and collectors are usually made from 25 mm pipe.
Long water pipes into the house are often made from 32 mm pipes.

You can also take into account that a 20 mm pipe passes up to 20 liters of water per minute without much increase in hydraulic resistance, if its length does not exceed 10 meters. Pipe 25 mm - 30 l/min, 32 mm - 50 l/min, 38 mm - 75 l/min (length less than 10 meters). An ordinary tap at standard pressure consumes 5 - 7 liters of water per minute. For calculations, 4 simultaneously operating consumers are accepted.

Taps, mixers

They are now used to shut off individual pipelines. Ball Valves. They are comfortable and durable. Taps can be in a metal or plastic case.

Metal tap on threaded connection can be dismantled, but inserting it into a plastic pipeline will require two American women.

Plastic taps are soldered in like other fittings.

If the valve is used frequently, then it is preferable to install a ball valve in a metal case with a threaded connection (socket valve)
If the tap is intended only for emergency shutdown of a branch, then it is better to install a soldered one in a plastic case.

Gained the most popularity single lever mixers. The water flow is controlled in a ceramic cartridge. Such faucets are very reliable, and their repair is simple, and mainly consists of replacing the cartridge with a new one. Cartridge wear directly depends on the presence of abrasive particles in the water.

Therefore, for reliable operation of all plumbing fixtures, a cleaning filter must be located on the inlet pipeline. It must be provided and installed.

How to do it, what to pay attention to

As you can see, assembling a plastic pipeline is very simple, and replacing old pipes with new ones is not that expensive. As a result of the repair, we obtain normal water consumption, reliability, and aesthetics.

In new buildings, installation of water supply, sewerage and heating systems is carried out using modern materials. In old houses, replacing pipes in an apartment is a vital necessity, since the wear and tear of materials has exceeded all imaginable and inconceivable standards. Most residents apartment buildings You can’t count on anyone’s help in this matter. After all, replacement of water pipes in an apartment after privatization should be carried out by home owners at their expense.

Previously, only steel pipes were used to provide water supply, which corrode over time. Dirt and rust accumulate on the rough surface of their inner walls, which leads to narrowing internal diameter and weakening the pressure of the incoming cold water. Hardly anyone wants to put up with a situation where water flows from the tap in a thin stream. This means it’s time to replace old pipes throughout the apartment, from the bathroom to the kitchen itself.

Types of water pipes

Installation of a water supply system in an apartment or country house can be done using:

polypropylene pipes;
copper pipes;
steel pipes;
metal-plastic pipes.

When choosing, you must take into account that replacing pipes with polypropylene requires the use of special equipment, as well as knowledge and practical skills in soldering them. Smooth inner surface modern plastic pipes do not contribute to the adhesion of dirt and the accumulation of silt deposits on the walls, which affects the quality of the water supply, which remains throughout the entire service life of the high level. Please note that such pipes can last up to 50 years. In addition, polypropylene does not conduct electricity. Considering all the advantages, one can understand why replacing pipes with plastic counterparts is in great demand among the population. At the same time, the service life of pipes declared by the manufacturer can only be maintained if installation is carried out correctly. plumbing system.

Important! At hidden installation Experts advise choosing fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene pipes for laying in the groove.

Copper pipes resistant to high temperatures and pressure changes. Their service life can reach up to 60 years. However, the undeniable advantages are completely offset by a number of disadvantages, namely:

high price;
complex installation;
electrical conductivity leading to electrocorrosion;
oxidation.

It is also possible to use metal-plastic pipes for installing the wiring of the water supply system, but it is necessary to take into account some specific points. This system may not withstand temperature changes and high pressure. To eliminate this drawback, it is necessary to install a pressure reducer along with the use of metal plastic. If this is not done, then it is possible that the plastic pipes installed just a few years ago will soon need to be replaced.

Important! Installation of all dismountable connections (crimp fittings) of metal-plastic pipes should be carried out only in accessible places. In accordance with the requirements of SNiPs, it is prohibited to hide them in floors, boxes, ceilings and other secret places.

When choosing pipes for installing a water supply system in an apartment, factors such as the size of the budget allocated for this type of work, the temperature and pressure of the incoming water, its high-quality composition.

What does the replacement work consist of?

Before you begin work on replacing elements of the plumbing system, it is necessary to draw up a plan for laying new pipes. This takes into account Appliances and plumbing fixtures that have already been installed and that are expected to be installed at the time of renovation or in the near future. Also at this stage, the issue of the need to install meters simultaneously with the implementation of installation work. They are determined by the pipeline material and the number of inlet taps (valves), which allow you to shut off the water in any important section of the network for repairs of connected equipment.

One of the possible water supply layouts in an apartment - click to enlarge

Important! When choosing taps, give preference to high-quality products with a ball design.

Next, the water supply is shut off and the dismantling of old water pipes begins.
Then new water supply pipes are laid, and attention is paid to the reliability of their fastening. Faucets, adapters, and manifolds are installed.

Features of replacing pipes in bathrooms

The largest volume of installation work for the plumbing system occurs in the bathroom. After all, this is where the largest amount of plumbing equipment is concentrated. Therefore, replacing bathroom pipes takes longer and requires more effort. If WC not combined, then a separate replacement of pipes in the toilet is carried out. Usually when doing overhaul At the same time, the sewer pipes are being replaced and the bathrooms are being replaced.

Installation of additional equipment:

When replacing water supply pipes, you can install meters that monitor the flow of cold and hot water, if their installation has not been carried out previously. In addition to the meter, you will need to buy a ball valve, a coupling and a coarse filter.
Installing a booster pump at the entrance to the apartment will ensure normal water pressure at low pressure in the network, below 0.5 atm. However, you must understand that if there is practically no water in the network, then the pump will not help.
Installation of water purification filters will ensure the supply of water purified from sand and rust. For these purposes, coarse filters are purchased. If it is necessary to remove smaller impurities from water, such as lime, salts and other substances, then install filters fine cleaning. To reduce unpleasant odor Carbon filter cartridges are used for water.

In principle, replacing water supply pipes with your own hands can be done, but it will take much more time to understand the essence of the issue. If you want to install a new pipeline within one day, then contact professional craftsmen.

Nothing lasts forever! And if there is, it may no longer suit you. So it is with communications. Owners sometimes have a desire to update the network completely or partially. There can be a lot of reasons for this - from a simple leak to a change in design.

Let's figure out how to replace pipes with plastic ones yourself.

Plastic is the most popular material today

Introduction to plastic pipes

What are the advantages of the material and are there any disadvantages? How to make sure it's done optimal choice? First things first.

Advantages and disadvantages

Why is replacing metal pipes with plastic ones a wise decision? The secret is in the special properties of this material.

Among the advantages are:

duration of operation (up to 100 years depending on the type of structure);
lightness of the material;
immunity to corrosion;
ease of installation;
strength;
noiselessness during network operation;
elasticity;
environmental friendliness (the chemical composition of the liquid moving through the system does not change);
low thermal conductivity;
versatility of the gasket (the material can be installed in both open and closed ways);
ease of transportation;
moderation in price.

There are a lot of advantages. Plastic is the most optimal material among his "brothers". Networks made from it last a long time and do not cause trouble to the owners, of course, if the replacement of plastic pipes in the apartment was done correctly.

There are few disadvantages - just a few:

restrictions on the temperature of transported substances (depending on the type of structure);
selection of installation technology (they also vary and depend on the type of material);
compatibility in composition (control to ensure that liquids that can corrode plastic are not transported through the network).

See how neat a metal-plastic heating system looks

Types of plastic structures

Let's consider how to replace old ones with plastic pipes so that the disadvantages do not appear. During the production process of products, other substances are added to plastic, so you may find the following markings on purchased items:

MP – metal-plastic. This “duo” of ingredients is said to be ideal for honing your home craftsmanship. The material does not fail either in the cold (withstands frosts perfectly) or when transporting liquids with high temperature(up to 900 degrees). The only negative is sensitivity to external deformation. Bend such elements carefully.
PE or polyethylene. The main advantage of this composition is that you can work with it at low temperatures, that is, even when it is -20˚ outside, you can carry out work on laying a polyethylene network or repair already installed communications. The main thing is to choose the right pressure threshold - low or high.
PES, which means cross-linked polyethylene. Such material is used both for laying water supply lines and for heating networks. Why "stitched"? Simply, the technology of processing products under pressure, aimed at increasing the threshold of resistance to temperature changes and increasing stability, is called “stitching”. Elements are treated using nitrogen, silane gas, the peroxide method or irradiation of electron flows.

This is what cross-linked polyethylene looks like

PVC or polyvinyl chloride. If you see such a marking, do not buy the product if you plan to install a network for domestic use, since the composition contains chloride. Such material is suitable for arranging swimming pools and chemical plants, but not for the home.
PP – polypropylene. This material suitable for supplying water to housing. Thanks to a special device (3 layers - protective, plastic itself and foil), the products are resistant to temperature changes and can successfully transport liquids reaching temperatures of more than 1000 degrees. However, there are also disadvantages: low elasticity (products do not bend well), the impossibility of replacing elements (welding is used “forever”, so replacing a damaged section of a plastic pipe is impossible in this case).

And this is polypropylene

Replacement technology

It's time to move on to practice. Let's look at how metal-plastic pipes are replaced.

Due to its ease and plasticity, installing plastic is a pleasure

Work order

Planning everything correctly is half the battle. Preparatory stage no less important than renovation work. If you have decided on the material, then proceed according to this scenario:

Draw a plan or drawing of what exactly you are changing and how you are going to do it.
Calculate how much material is required for the work.
Purchase pipes and connecting elements.
Find tools and devices for joining products.
Turn off the water.
Dismantle the old network fragment.
Install the plastic parts.
Check system functionality.
Get rid of trash.
Enjoy the results.

Photo tip - an example of the layout of a bathroom in an apartment

Dismantling old elements

Do-it-yourself replacement of pipes with metal-plastic ones begins with destruction. Dismantling can differ only in technology and the number of tools used. Breaking is not building, so you can figure out how to remove failed network fragments yourself. In some places you can actually unscrew it, but in other places you will have to use a grinder to cut it off.

For work, get the following tools:

a hammer with a wooden or rubber nozzle;
Bulgarian;
perforator;
chisel;
grinding discs;
screwdrivers;
adjustable wrenches.

Worth paying attention! Try to combine pipe replacement and repair, then you can hide new network into the walls.

This is what the wall looks like after replacing steel with plastic.

Installation of plastic

When the old elements are dismantled, you have two options:

install new plastic fragments in their place;
lay the network differently - according to a new plan.

Compound plastic products depends on their complete composition. Welding technology can be used with a construction soldering iron/welding machine or chemical composition, either using fittings or gaskets and bolts. Focus on the type of plastic pipes you prefer.

If you want to “drown” the network into the walls, you will have to make grooves before installation. Don't forget about insulating the elements. Turn on the water only when the products become a complete system.

Video: replacing pipes with metal-plastic with your own hands

Plastic is called modern construction “plasticine”, and you, since you will install pipes from such a material, can be called a creator. Go for it!

Video: how to choose polypropylene pipes

Replacing pipes inside an apartment or house must be approached with the utmost seriousness. Even if you have experience in installing water supply, heating, and sewerage systems, each new object always has its own unique features.

Replacing water pipes in an apartment with your own hands is within the capabilities of anyone, however, this task is far from being as simple as it seems. Let's look at the nuances together.

Exists four main types of pipe, which is installed inside the apartment.

Pipes are:

Steel, galvanized, cast iron.
Copper.
Metal-plastic.
Polypropylene, PVC.

Each material has its pros and cons. Let's look at them.

Steel, galvanized pipes

Steel pipes came to us from the last century. There were simply no pipes made from artificial materials.

So we had to install heavy steel pipes, cutting threads, using welding and a torch. The plumbers of that time were very physically developed people.

Advantages of steel pipes:

Reliability. Such pipes are connected using a threaded or welded method, and the connection becomes monolithic.
Strength. Steel pipe is quite durable.

But the disadvantages of such a pipe still outweigh the advantages:

Fragility. Maximum 20 years, and the pipe must be replaced, because... from the inside it becomes impassable.

Heavy installation, special equipment and tools. Not everyone has the skills to cut a thread or weld a seam. The connections must be laid with tow and lubricated with sealant. In general, it's quite troublesome.
It's difficult to crash into a pipe. Again, equipment and skills are required.

That is why the most common type of plumbing work is replacing metal pipes with plastic ones.

The same pros/cons occur with a galvanized pipe, with the difference that its service life is slightly longer. But installation is more hassle, so it’s better to invite professionals.

Copper pipes

Previously they were considered elite, when there were no plastic pipelines yet.

Copper has a number of positive properties for which it continues to be praised to this day:

The antibacterial effect of copper is well known, which is the main reason for its use.
Thermal conductivity. Copper is an excellent heat transfer agent, allowing it to operate over a very wide temperature range, especially in the refrigeration industry. Copper does not become brittle at low temperatures.
Reliability and aesthetics. Copper withstands high pressure, its linear expansion is minimal, i.e. it does not “play” when temperatures change.
Copper is a natural, environmentally friendly material.

Among the minuses, we highlight the following:

The high cost of the pipe, since copper is a rather expensive material.
Installation requires professional skills. Copper is crimped with a press or soldered by capillary welding. In both cases, it is better to use the services of specialists.
There may be “stray” currents in the copper pipeline circuit, so it is better to entrust the installation diagram to a specialist.

Copper pipe is produced in coils and in straight sections, it depends on the diameter of the pipe. Therefore, if you want to quickly and permanently replace the pipes in your apartment, you can easily use the copper option, but be sure to involve professionals.

Metal-plastic pipes

This is the most common option today. This is explained simply - very easy and affordable installation, plus the inexpensive cost of materials. It turns out to be a kind of budget-home option.

This pipe is a five-layer structure in which the outer and inner polyethylene layers are glued to an aluminum layer with adhesive layers. The result is a kind of sandwich that is easy to bend and assemble.

Advantages of a metal-plastic pipe:

Easy to assemble. Repairing pipes in an apartment is like collecting children's construction set.
Pipeline cost. This is the most economical way pipeline.
Savings on workers' compensation. The amount saved is quite significant. You yourself are quite capable of assembling the entire pipe at the proper level, unless you change the valves at the entrance to the apartment with the help of professionals.
You can always cut into a finished pipeline, and it won’t take much time.

Over time, the connections will become loose and will need to be tightened. Therefore, such a pipe can only be hidden in the floor or walls if it is installed using press equipment.
Quite low reliability. The joints may begin to leak as a result of water hammer or a large temperature difference.

Advice: when choosing a pipe, make sure that it does not flake and is seamless. Otherwise, you won’t have any hassle during installation.

There are a number of nuances in how to properly connect metal-plastic pipes:

Cut the pipe with special scissors, which you hold strictly perpendicular to the pipe. Otherwise, an uneven cut will cause problems when tightening the fitting nut.

Calibrate the edge of the pipe with the nut and ring on to ensure an even calibration without distortion.

Use a spring-loaded pipe bender whenever possible. A metal-plastic pipe bends very easily, but if the bend is significant, it can simply “fold”.

This will save you on fittings and reduce the number of connections.

These pipes are gaining popularity in the segment of indoor plumbing, heating and sewerage. The reason for the growing popularity as connections of such a water supply when.

To connect PP pipes, a special soldering iron is used, which heats the pipe and fitting evenly to a temperature of 260 degrees and then the products are simply connected.

Diffusion welding occurs, i.e. penetration of particles from one part of a product into another (diffusion).

Often, replacing heating pipes in an apartment is carried out using polypropylene pipes.

They are produced in a wide range of types, which divides the pipe according to temperature purpose.

We list the types of polypropylene pipes and their purpose:

PN-10. The simplest polypropylene pipe. Used only for cold water supply.

PN-20. Universal pipe. Can be used for both cold and hot water supply.

Important! Polypropylene is a material that greatly changes volume depending on temperature. For example, if the temperature changes by 100 degrees, a 10 m long pipe will become 15 cm longer!

This is a lot, so to avoid pipe ruptures for heating and hot water supply, use a special reinforced pipe.

PN-25. Reinforced pipe used for any water supply and heating.

There are three types of reinforcement:

External reinforcement with foil. Such a pipe must be cleared of foil to the soldering depth, otherwise the connection will not work.

Internal fiberglass reinforcement.

Internal reinforcement with foil.

This version of the pipe can also have a polyethylene layer instead of the inner PP layer, which somewhat improves the temperature characteristics of the pipe as a whole.

Replacing water supply pipes in an apartment with polypropylene pipes also has its positive and negative sides.

Very reliable connection. At making the right choice type of pipe, the water supply system as a whole is practically not deformed as a result of temperature changes. The connection point does not leak.
Polypropylene is easily cut using special scissors, as in the example of a metal-plastic pipe, the edges are easily processed.
After a little practice, the process of soldering pipes is not difficult; this work is accessible to almost everyone.

The pipes are somewhat bulky, since they have rather large wall thicknesses.
Pipe rigidity and dimensions must be carefully adjusted.
If the section of pipe and fitting heated by a soldering iron is not immediately connected, then it will no longer be possible to reheat it due to structural changes in the material. Just take a new piece of pipe and a new fitting.

Advice: take the pipe and fitting with a reserve for unforeseen circumstances, with an agreement to return the remaining unused parts back to the store. Sellers do this without any problems.

Advice: if you install a polypropylene water supply system, replacing water pipes will not cause you any significant difficulties. In addition to the pipe and fitting, you will also have to purchase some tools that will always come in handy, but we do not recommend purchasing a special soldering iron. The thing is quite expensive and can only be used in soldering polypropylene pipes. Although, if you plan to do installation on an ongoing basis, then it’s a different matter.

For heating, use only reinforced pipes, and fiberglass reinforcement is preferable. Such a pipe practically does not “play” due to temperature changes.

Sewer pipes are also made from polypropylene. It looks very aesthetically pleasing, although it is made of polypropylene and is recommended only for the internal sewer system.

If, after reading this article, you still do not decide to carry out the work of replacing the pipeline yourself, then, at least, you will already be able to properly monitor the implementation of this work by the builders. Well, write an application for pipe replacement at installation organization, coordinate the completeness with the workers, draw up a plan and begin repairs. Everything will work out.