Copper components for pipeline installation are not inferior to analogues made from other materials, and are even ahead in terms of 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 from 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, while for polymer compounds sunlight, frost and intense heat are equally destructive. Copper pipes weigh little, are easy to transport, store and install.

All these positive qualities 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, components copper pipes wires are presented high demands. When connecting pipes, it is important to ensure not only maximum reliability and tightness, but also to prevent chemical processes, which 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:

Pay attention! 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 is divided into several types according to the functions performed:

• 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.
• Angled, or rotary, - for connecting 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.

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

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

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

Rice. 36. Connecting copper pipes with socket soldering

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

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

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

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

Rice. 38. Flux coating and soldering of pipes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rice. 39. Fittings with solder melted into them

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

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

Connection of copper pipes to low temperature soldering can be used for all types of household pipework, with the exception of pipelines with high temperatures (about 150–250°C), which are an ordinary house doesn't happen.

Copper pipes are used during installation DHW systems, cold water supply, air conditioning, heating, gas supply. They are expensive, but durable, flexible, and resistant to corrosion. But to engineering communications of which have served for decades, the connection of copper pipes must be done correctly.

We will tell you how to install copper pipelines that ensure the tightness of the transported medium or circulating coolant. The article presented for review describes installation technologies in detail. Taking into account our advice, the construction of the systems will be completed “perfectly”.

To perform installation internal pipelines in the house you can choose a pipe made of plastic, metal-plastic or stainless steel. But only the copper analog can last for more than half a century without problems or major repairs.

Properly installed copper pipeline systems in practice work properly throughout the entire service life of a cottage or apartment building.

According to accident statistics, the fittings and solder joints used during installation are more reliable than the copper pipes themselves - if a breakthrough in the system occurs, it is only on the wall of the pipe product

Copper pipes are not afraid of long-term heat loads, chlorine and ultraviolet radiation. When they freeze, they do not crack, and when the temperature of the internal environment (water, wastewater, gas) changes, they do not change their geometry.

Unlike plastic analogues, they do not sag. This plastic is subject to expansion at high temperatures; this does not happen with copper by definition.

Copper pipe products have two disadvantages - high price and the softness of the metal. However, the high cost of the material pays off with a long service life.

And to prevent the pipe walls from being damaged from the inside by erosion, filters must be installed in the system. If there are no contaminants in the water in the form of solid particles, then there will be no problems with the destruction of pipelines.

Requirements for pipe processing and welding

When working with copper pipes, the following rules must be observed:

1. When installing hot water supply or hot water supply by soldering, you should avoid using lead solder - lead is too toxic.
2. The water flow speed should be no higher than 2 m/s, otherwise the smallest particles of sand or other solid gradually begin to destroy the walls of the pipe.
3. When using fluxes, after completion of installation, the pipeline system must be flushed - flux is an aggressive substance and will contribute to corrosion of copper pipe walls.
4. When soldering, do not allow the joint to overheat - this can lead not only to the formation of a leaky joint, but also to a loss of strength of the copper product.
5. Transitions of pipes from copper to other metals (steel and aluminum) are recommended to be made using brass or bronze adapter fittings - otherwise steel and aluminum pipes will quickly begin to corrode.
6. Burrs (metal deposits) and burrs at the cutting sites must be removed - their presence leads to the formation of turbulent turbulence in the water flow, which contributes to erosion and reduces the service life of the copper pipeline.
7. When preparing copper pipes for connection, it is strictly forbidden to use abrasives - particles remaining inside after installation will lead to damage to the metal and the formation of a fistula.

If in the plumbing or heating system in a house, in addition to copper, there are also pipes or elements made of other metals, then the water flow should go from them to copper, and not vice versa. The flow of water from copper to steel, zinc or aluminum will lead to rapid electrochemical corrosion of the latter sections of the pipeline.

Copper pipes can be cut and bent without problems; even a novice master can handle connecting them into a single pipeline system. You just need to select the appropriate tools and follow the instructions

Due to the ductility and strength of the metal, copper pipes can be cut and bent without problems. Rotation of the pipeline can be done either by using a pipe bender or using fittings. And for the installation of branches and connections with various devices, there are many parts made of heat-resistant plastics, brass, stainless steel and bronze.

On the interaction of copper with other metals

In most private homes, domestic water pipes are assembled from steel and aluminum pipes. IN heating systems There are also radiators made of steel or aluminum. Incorrect insertion into such copper pipe routing is fraught with considerable problems.

By building regulations In order to eliminate corrosion processes in the pipeline from pipes of different metals, the water flow should be directed towards the copper

Most best option installation is the use of pipes and devices exclusively made of copper and its alloys. Nowadays you can easily find bimetallic aluminum-copper radiators, as well as corresponding fittings and shut-off valves. It is worth combining different metals only in extreme cases.

If combination is inevitable, then copper should be the final element in the chain of pipeline elements. It is impossible to rid it of its ability to conduct electric current.

And in the presence of even a weak current, this metal creates galvanic pairs with steel, aluminum and zinc, which inevitably leads to their premature corrosion. When installing a water supply system, bronze adapters must be inserted between them.

Another potential problem is oxygen in the water. The higher its content, the faster the pipes corrode. This applies to pipelines both made of the same metal and those made of different ones.

Often cottage owners allow serious mistake, often changing the coolant in the heating system. This only leads to the addition of completely unnecessary portions of oxygen. It is best not to change the water completely, but to add it when the need arises.

Mounting choice: detachable vs permanent

To form a single pipeline system, you can use several methods of connecting them. Various plumbers use crimp and press fittings, welding or soldering. But before you start the work yourself, you need to decide whether the pipeline should be permanent or detachable.

There are three installation technologies for connecting copper pipes:

• electric welding;
• soldering using a torch or electric soldering iron;
• pressing.

All these technologies can be used in the formation of both detachable and one-piece systems. Here it is more a matter of using a variety of fittings and adapters or refusing them.

If a structure cannot be disassembled without destroying its individual parts, then it is considered one-piece - it turns out cheaper, but it is more difficult to repair.

If the pipeline system needs to be detachable, and also easier to repair and add new elements, then the connections must be made detachable.

Fittings are used for this:

• compression;
• threaded;
• self-fixing.

It is easier to make detachable connections yourself; you can even do without soldering. They do not require excessively high qualifications from the master.

However, such units require constant inspection and tightening of the nuts to prevent leaks. Changes in pressure and temperature in the system lead to weakening of the fasteners. And from time to time it is recommended to tighten them.

If access to copper pipes is planned to be tightly closed with finishing or concrete screed, then it is best to connect them into a one-piece structure by soldering or welding. This system is more reliable, durable and resistant to abrasions.

Carvings are prohibited on copper products. This metal is too soft in its structure. When installing a detachable pipeline, all threaded connections must be made using fittings. The latter can be connected to a copper pipe by pressing or soldering.

Before making connections, copper pipes are prepared in a special way:

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Cutting a copper pipe is done with a hacksaw or pipe cutter. The cutting line must be exactly at a right angle

After cutting, the end of the pipe must be processed with a deburring tool to remove the slightest irregularities and burrs

The part of the pipe immersed in the socket prepared for soldering is thoroughly cleaned of dirt and degreased

It is mandatory to clean and degrease the socket of the coupling, elbow or tee that will be soldered to the pipe

Cutting copper pipe before joining

Removing burrs with a deburring tool

Degreasing and cleaning the external surface

Cleaning the bell of the coupling and fitting

Three main connection methods

Before connecting sections of copper pipes, they must be cut in accordance with the wiring diagram and prepared. You will need a pipe cutter or hacksaw, a pipe bender and a file. And for cleaning the ends, fine-grained sandpaper will not hurt.

Only having a diagram of the future pipeline system in hand can you calculate the required amount of consumables. It is necessary to decide in advance where and what diameter the pipes will be installed. It is also necessary to clearly understand how many connecting elements are required for this.

Option #1: Welding copper pipes

To perform automated or manual welding of copper pipes, electrodes and gas are required to create a protective environment (nitrogen, argon or helium). You will also need a DC welding machine and, in some cases, a torch. The electrode can be graphite, tungsten, copper or carbon.

The main disadvantage of this installation technology is the significant differences in the characteristics of the resulting seam and the pipe metal. They differ in chemical composition, internal structure, electrical and thermal conductivity. If welding is performed incorrectly, the joint may even separate later.

Due to the alloying of copper as a result of the action of the deoxidizer present in the electrode, the weld seam is in many respects very different from the base metal being welded

Only a qualified craftsman can properly weld copper pipes. This requires certain knowledge and skills.

This installation option has a lot of technological nuances. If you plan to do everything yourself, but have no experience working with a welding machine, then it is better to use a different connection method.

Option #2: Capillary soldering

In domestic conditions, copper pipes are rarely connected by welding plumbing fixtures. It is too complex, requires specialized skills and is time consuming. It is easier to use the capillary soldering method using a gas torch or blowtorch.

The technology of soldering copper pipes with solder is based on the capillary rise (seepage) of the latter after melting along the gap between two pressed metal planes

Soldering of copper pipes happens:

• low temperature - soft solders and a blowtorch are used;
• high temperature - refractory alloys and a propane or acetylene torch are used.

These methods of soldering copper pipes do not make much difference in the final result. The connection in both cases is reliable and tear-resistant. The seam with the high-temperature method is somewhat stronger. However, due to the high temperature of the gas stream from the burner, the risk of burning through the metal of the pipe wall increases.

Solders are used based on tin or lead with the addition of bismuth, selenium, copper and silver. However, if pipes are soldered for a supply system drinking water, then it is better to abandon the lead version due to its toxicity.

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To implement low-temperature welding, it is not necessary to have special equipment and special skills of the performer. It can be done on our own

Low-temperature soldering connections are mainly used in the assembly of pipelines from soft pipes R 220. They can withstand a pressure of 220 N/mm², which does not exceed the operating parameters in domestic heating and water supply networks

To perform low-temperature soldering, pipes and solder just need to be heated with a standard blowtorch.

To create a melt that fills the capillaries and the gap between the connected pipes, low-melting solder is used, which quickly melts and flows freely along the socket

Low temperature welding at home

Coil with soft copper pipes

Blowtorch for low-temperature soldering

Using low melting point solder

There are two methods for soldering copper pipelines:

• bell-shaped;
• using fittings.

The first option involves expanding the end of one of the connected pipes with a special expander. Then this socket is put on the second pipe, and the joint is soldered using solder.

The end is expanded so that there is a gap of 0.1–0.2 mm between the outer and inner walls of the connected products. No more is needed. Solder on it, due to the capillary effect, will still fill the entire available gap.

In this technology, it is important not to damage the pipe during expansion. If it is made of solid copper (R 290), it will have to be pre-fired. In this case, the metal at the joint acquires the properties of a soft analogue. It is important not to forget about these changes when calculating operating pressure parameters in the pipeline.

The use of special fittings for capillary soldering eliminates errors with the degree of expansion of the pipe when forming the socket; they are initially adjusted to the required dimensions

To simplify the soldering of copper pipeline elements with your own hands, it is enough to purchase ready-made couplings, turns, tees and plugs. They already have the necessary bell. The use of these parts increases the cost of installation work, but greatly simplifies it.

To clean the metal at the soldering site and lubricate the solder, the ends of the connected pipes are coated with flux. It should only be applied to the outside of pipe walls. It does not treat sockets and fittings from the inside. This is simply not necessary.

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To perform high-temperature soldering, the use of a gas propane or acetylene torch is required

To quickly carry out low-temperature melting, fittings with low-melting solder fused into them are used. They can be used for high-temperature soldering

To improve the quality of the solder, the connected sections of pipes are coated with flux, which acts as a lubricant and etching of the metal. In high-temperature soldering, borax is used as a flux.

To produce high-temperature soldering, you will need refractory solder made of bronze or a silver-copper alloy. It is supplied in the form of rigid rods with a diameter of 3 mm

Propane or acetylene gas torch

Using Fused Solder Fittings

Treatment of the joint area with flux

Rod refractory solder

To perform soldering, the pipes are inserted into the socket and heated with a burner. When the desired temperature is reached, solder is applied to the gap. It begins to melt and flow inside.

If too much of it gets into the joint, it will leak out from inside the pipeline, which will lead to a narrowing internal diameter pipes. And if the flow rate is low, the connection will be insufficiently soldered.

If problems arise with the use of solder, then you can use fittings that already have it in them. required volumes. To simplify the work, a capillary belt made of the appropriate alloy is now inserted into these connecting elements at the factory from the inside. This part just needs to be put on the pipe and heated with a burner.

Option #3: Push-in fittings and press couplings

Permanent connection of copper pipes can also be made using press couplings or compression (collet) fittings. They use an O-ring instead of solder. The first option is clamped onto the pipe with special pliers, and the second - with union nuts and a wrench.

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Copper pipeline laying

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

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

Applications of copper pipes

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

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

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

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

When using copper pipes in heating and water supply systems, the combination of different materials in the system, which leads to local electrochemical corrosion, should be avoided. 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 further exploitation pipes

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

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.

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

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

High-temperature soldering, otherwise known as hard soldering, is used where the operating conditions of copper 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 liquids and gaseous media, operating 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 soldering, the outer part of the end of the pipe and the inner fitting are treated with sandpaper until 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 flames gas burner or a hot air gun. For this purpose, it is advisable to use a lamp equipped with two burners or nozzles with sprayers.

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

The use of a variety of fittings that have a bead of solder placed inside by the manufacturer will help reduce soldering time. the right size. The fitting is put on a pipe coated with flux and heated with a torch or hot air gun until a liquid state of solder is obtained. 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 pipeline failure, the connection must be made using, and the water flow must be 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.

Pad copper pipeline with your own hands begins with sections of 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.

In the 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 can be connected in the most in different ways. All these methods have their own characteristics. This article explains each of the methods for connecting copper pipes.

Connecting copper pipes using soldering

This method of connecting pipes is used when the joint is intended for further sealing. Soldering when connecting copper pipes can be of two types:

1. High temperature soldering. It is produced using the following gases: propane - air, acetylene - air, propane - oxygen, acetylene - oxygen. At the same time, the copper pipe at the junction heats up to 600-750 degrees Celsius. Particular care should be taken when soldering copper pipes using an oxygen-acetylene torch. If the pipe is heated to a temperature of more than 800 degrees Celsius, then ruptures are likely to occur in it.

2. Low temperature soldering. This type of soldering is used if the operating temperature of the pipeline is no more than 110 degrees Celsius. When low-temperature soldering, the connection heats up to a temperature of about 200-250 degrees Celsius. Acetylene-air and propane-air gases are used to heat copper pipes. Electric heaters can also be used.

Technology for connecting copper pipes by soldering

1. According to the measurements taken, the copper pipe is cut. Then it needs to be calibrated.

2. Using a special sponge designed specifically for copper, as well as a brush, you need to clean the outer edge of the copper pipe to be connected. Also requires cleaning inner part capillary fitting.

3. After this, the pipe is inserted into the socket of the capillary fitting. You need to insert it all the way.

To remove excess flux, use a clean rag.

4. The place where the pipe will connect to the fitting must be heated using a gas burner. As soon as the flux changes color, solder can be introduced into it.

5. Once the solder has hardened, it is necessary to remove the remaining flux from the surface of the fitting.

Connecting copper pipes using fittings

Copper pipes are connected without soldering using fittings. Depending on the type of connection, fittings can be crimped (collet) or welded. Connecting copper pipes with compression fittings is of two types: for semi-hard and soft copper pipes and for hard and semi-hard pipes. The collet connection of copper pipes is made as follows:

1. First you need to select the right size collet fittings.

2. After this, the pipe is trimmed and the burr is removed.

3. Then you need to insert the copper pipe into the prepared fitting. The clamping nut is first tightened all the way by hand, and then pulled out with a wrench until the pipe is slightly deformed.