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Polyethylene pipes are so practical to use that they almost occupied the entire niche in terms of sales, displacing traditional metal pipes. This is primarily due to the characteristics of HDPE pipes.

Advantages of polypropylene pipes

Polypropylene pipes have a number of advantages:

• long period of operation;
• absence of scale, silt and condensation during use;
• high resistance to temperature extremes and pressure;
• low cost;
• ease of installation.

Initially, when assembled, polypropylene pipes were not soldered. Used special glue for bonding .

In some countries with small diameter pipes indoors, this is still the case.

How to braze polypropylene pipes

Required tools

To braze polypropylene pipes with your own hands will need so-called fittings. These are special connecting elements, often in angular form.

They differ in shape.

There are different materials, homogeneous or several, for example, metal with plastic. And they are used in different works:

• Coupling . It is used when it is necessary to connect pipes of the same diameter located in the same plane. Sometimes it is completely soldered, and if necessary, it can be used with a thread inside. This allows the replacement of pipe sections for repair.

But it must be borne in mind that the thread often flows, and brazing is a better connection. The thread is sometimes sealed with improvised means.

• Adapter . From the name it is clear that elements with different diameters will be connected to each other.
• 90 and 45 degree elbows .

  Allows you to make the connection of pipes at the desired angle.

• Tee or cross . Three or four segments are connected into one technical unit.
• Plug. Deadly closes the pipe.

Of the specific tools of the type, only special scissors and a soldering iron for pipes are needed.

Scissors are of two types, depending on the diameter. Sometimes a shaver and beveller are used.

The welding machine is a structure with different holes.

Special soldering nozzles are attached to these holes with different diameters.

The set includes a variety of specially coated attachments that require gentle care.

There are several types of devices designed for different powers. Accordingly, for different diameters. The work temperature is regulated by a special switch.

Shaver is a special device for cleaning the reinforced layer from the surface of the ends.

A beveller is used to remove unnecessary plastic and level the surface.

Preliminary work

All joints and lengths of the segments should be visible in it, as well as the attachments to the surfaces. Such work will reduce the likelihood of errors.

Next, you need to make the correct markup .

This is one of the most important stages of work.

Also calculate the required amount of material . If done by analogy with old systems, then they are measured.

Workpieces are made in advance - the required pipe lengths are cut. To do this, add 30 mm to the distance between the fittings. Then cut with special scissors exactly at 90 degrees. Then the fitting is attached, and the distance is noted. The longitudinal mark helps to connect the pipe elements along the axes.

When brazing reinforced pipes, they pass through the ends with a shaver to clean the surface. The fasteners are made with such a diameter that they can only fit pipes without the top layer.

How to solder polypropylene pipes .

1. The device is taken out and turned on. It is important to prepare the place so that it is comfortable to work and nothing distracts.

   It must always be on.

2. The pipe ends are degreased and cleaned of fine dust and debris. The connection elements can be washed with water.
3. A nozzle of a suitable diameter is inserted into a special hole in the soldering iron.
4. The required temperature is set.

   And the appliance heats up for about ten minutes. The indicator will indicate readiness.

5. Slowly and carefully slide the piping element onto the nozzle.
6. Pause for heating. The larger the diameter, the longer you have to wait.

   The time is 4 to 10 seconds.

7. Then this element is quickly removed and put on the pipe. This is where longitudinal and transverse marks will help.
8. The seam is being examined. A quality seam is usually smooth and neat.

   There should be no cracks or creases. Allowable shift is the thickness of one wall.

9. After that, the pipes must be allowed to cool. Do not bend or deform them.
10. If something went wrong in the process, the error can be corrected only by cutting out the wrong connection.

11. When soldering the tap, position it so that the handle can be turned in all directions.

You can see how to solder polypropylene pipes in the video. Work is best done with gloves.

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