How to solder plastic pipes with your own hands - detailed instructions. How to solder plastic pipes with a soldering iron Solder water pipes

If you've made up your mind on your own to make plumbing for your home, then know that best material for this there will be plastic pipes. In order to get into a single system, you need to understand how plastic is welded. However, do not let this scare you, since the process of soldering plastic pipes is not particularly difficult and does not require a large number special tools.

For the production of welding work you will need:

• roulette;
• marker;
• building level;
• scissors for cutting plastic pipes;
• welding device for plastic pipes.

All tools, except for the last one, are available to almost any artisan. You may need the latter only once in your life, so it is much more expedient not to buy it, but to borrow or rent it.

Briefly about the welding machine

Before you start soldering, you should briefly get acquainted with the device that you are going to use.

An important element is the sole, equipped with heating elements. Convenience of work is ensured by the fact that there are holes on the sole that allow you to fix special nozzles for soldering. Temperature control is carried out using a thermostat located on the body.

Pipe soldering process

When starting soldering, the device must be installed in the desired position and fixed nozzles of a suitable size on it. Using the thermostat, set the desired temperature:

• 260°C for polypropylene pipes;
• 220°C for polyethylene pipes.

Allow the device to warm up for 10-20 minutes until the indicator goes out.

When soldering, it is necessary to proceed from the following data:

The soldering process is reduced to the following operations:

• Using special scissors, cut the pipe of the required length, use an alcohol solution to clean the joints from dirt and grease;
• Install the pipe and the reciprocal socket into the nozzle and warm up for the time indicated in the table;
• Connect the heated elements to each other by inserting the pipe into the socket. This operation must be performed within the time period indicated in the table as a technological pause;
• After completing the operation, check the quality of the resulting welded joint, which will be noticeable in the form of plastic rings.

We have just outlined the essence of the soldering process. However, to ensure the reliability of the operation of the pipeline, attention should be paid to the following details:

• The first welding operation should be carried out five minutes after the soldering iron has warmed up.
• If it is necessary to weld reinforced pipes, a special tool called a shaver should be used to remove aluminum and polypropylene from the pipe, which form the two upper layers. After that, the joining of the pipes is carried out according to the method already described.
• Welding work should be carried out only when the temperature environment above zero.
• After welding, allow the connected pipes to cool, preventing them from twisting or moving relative to each other. In that case when connecting seam turned out to be of poor quality, the assembly must be cut and the welding process must be performed again.

When working with, certain precautions must be observed, the non-observance of which may affect the quality of the welded joints. In particular, it must be remembered that the nozzles have a Teflon coating that prevents the formation of carbon deposits. At the end of each operation, melted residues must be removed from them with a wooden spatula. It is strictly forbidden to remove residual material after the tips have cooled down, as this may damage the coating and cause a malfunction of the entire device.

You can solder plastic pipes with your own hands, because it is more simple task compared with the technology of welding metal analogues. This docking method is used to work with polymer communications of various types. However, the techniques for soldering plastic pipes and analogs with reinforcement differ slightly. To avoid mistakes, when welding communications, they study the recommendations of specialists.

Soldering plastic pipes with your own hands.

Types of pipes connected by soldering

A soldering iron for working with polymeric material is designed for joining water pipes, which differ in production technology, type of material:

• made of polypropylene – well tolerated high temperatures, due to this property they can be used when installing a heating system;
• PVC: with strong heating, they partially lose their properties;
• plastic with reinforcement - due to the reinforcing layer, strength, resistance to heat increase, such communications are less susceptible to expansion upon contact with a heat source;
• polyethylene heat-resistant - well tolerate prolonged contact with the coolant;
• polybutylene - superior in properties to analogues from other materials: they are durable, resistant to extreme temperatures, elasticity, can be used in pressurized heating systems;
• copper pipeline sections are connected with a soldering iron or a gas burner.

Necessary tools and materials for soldering

When it is planned to repair or replace water supply networks, you will need a device for working with plastic.

Additionally, auxiliary tools are prepared:

• building level;
• pipe cutter or scissors for cutting;
• set of nozzles (included in the kit) welding machine for polymers);
• roulette;
• a shaver that allows you to remove the reinforcement of communications;
• beveler;
• deburring tool;
• solder;
• flux.

Soldering iron for soldering plastic pipes.

Elements of the smallest diameter in everyday life are connected by the butt method much less frequently. Fittings are preferred.

Solder for soldering

This consumable used to connect copper sections of the pipeline. It is made in the form of wire, rods. Foil solder is also found. The materials of this group differ in composition. They can be produced on the basis of tin, zinc, lead, antimony, silver. The quality of the seam connection depends on what metals are included in the composition. In addition, solder is divided into types, taking into account exposure to high temperatures: low-melting, medium-melting and refractory.

Fluxes and fittings

Fittings for plastic pipes for soldering.

Flux is necessary for welding metal parts. If you plan to use an apparatus for soldering plastic elements, this material is not used. Flux protects metal surfaces in the process of oxidation. Another property of such materials is the improvement of solder flow. Flux introduced different options, excellent in composition. Necessary materials for working with copper: zinc chloride, boric and hydrochloric acids.

Fittings are called connecting elements for pipelines: tees, couplings, crosses, etc. Their inner size must be equal to the outer diameter of the elements. This creates a secure connection. However, if welding of a PVC pipeline or other types of polymer structures is performed, then the seam connection by means of fittings in this case will be inseparable.

Cutting scissors

The purpose of the tool is to perform a cut on polymer products. If you use a pipe cutter, then the edge of communications will be more accurate, burrs do not appear. This makes further work easier.

Such a tool is presented different types, among which:

• auto;
• guillotine cutter;
• roller scissors;
• pipe cutter with a ratchet mechanism (suitable for working with communications up to 75 mm in diameter).

When it is planned to do-it-yourself welding of plastic pipes, it is necessary to prepare the tool in advance, since polymer products cool quickly when heated. The main criteria for choosing a soldering iron for working with elastic communications:

• type of heating element: cylindrical, flat;
• the number of nozzles in the kit, their outer diameter, which will allow you to work only with pipes of a given size;
• power - determines the heating capacity of the soldering iron, with independent work, a value of up to 1.2 kW is acceptable, when choosing a tool, the size of the connected communications is taken into account;
• type of coating of nozzles, it is important that polymeric material does not stick to them during soldering;
• type of temperature controller - affects the error in determining the temperature of the material.

The essence of the process and methods of soldering

This technology is based on the principle of changing the structure of the material for joining individual sections of the pipeline. This provides a connection high degree strength.

Different ways of connecting polymer pipes:

• electrowelded installation technique - based on the use of special fittings equipped with conductive elements;
• soldering by heating parts: it implies the need to change the temperature of the end sections, their further squeezing;
• cold welding of PVC pipes: chemicals are used that can change the structure of the plastic, after joining the sections of the pipeline, an integral strong seam is obtained, but in terms of reliability, such a connection is inferior to welding, while the elements of the system do not heat up.

Step-by-step instructions for soldering plastic pipes

In the process of installing communications, it is important to avoid mistakes. If the installation technology is violated, the quality of the seam connection is significantly reduced, which leads to a reduction in the service life of the pipeline. The risk of leakage increases.

Security measures

Gloves must be used for work. Do not touch the heating element after turning on the device, because it tends to heat up to +300°C.

The room where welding work is carried out must be ventilated. If there is a source of water nearby, it is important to secure workplace. The soldering iron must not be allowed to come into contact with liquid during the welding process.

It is necessary to make sure that the welding machine is in working condition - the integrity of the wire is not broken.

Preparation of elements and details

It is not recommended to connect raw communications. First, the material is cut in accordance with the design of the water supply system. Even if a pipe cutter is used, the burrs still need to be removed, because they, although in less, but are formed. To make communications easier to connect with fittings, chamfers are made at the end sections (angle up to 45 °). For this, it is used special tool. Before starting welding, the pipes are degreased.

Before soldering, the pipe is degreased.

Soldering iron preparation

It is not difficult to work with the apparatus for welding polymer communications. It is installed on a stand, then connected to the network. At the same time, the required heating temperature (if there is such a function) is set, which is implemented by means of a thermostat. After that, it remains to wait until the thermostat warms up sufficiently (use an electric thermometer). The duration of this period depends on the power of the unit and the heating rate. You often have to wait up to 30 minutes.

At what temperature to solder plastic pipes

The temperature regime varies depending on the type of communications material. The most commonly used pipes are made of polypropylene, for which the temperature is set to + 260 ° C (upper limit). They work with polyethylene products under less aggressive conditions: the temperature is not higher than +220°C. In the absence of a thermostat, the heating time is the main criterion. The larger the diameter of the pipe, the longer it warms up. The heating time varies from 6 to 20 seconds (for communications with a diameter of 20-63 mm).

Docking rules

The main requirement for the installation of polymer communications is compliance with the axis of the pipeline. They are flexible, become plastic when heated. This increases the risk of improper pipe installation. To avoid the formation of sagging inside the communications at the junction, leave a gap of up to 3 mm between the edges.

The sequence of soldering plastic pipes.

Pipe connection

Having endured a sufficient amount of time, the pipe and fitting are removed from the nozzles. It is important to immediately connect them, setting them in the correct position relative to the axis of the pipeline. Complete hardening of the polymer material occurs after 2-3 minutes. However, closer to the end of this period of time, it is no longer possible to adjust the position of the pipe and fitting relative to each other. This will lead to the destruction of the formed molecular bonds. As a result, the connection quality will decrease.

Stripping and cooling connections

Docking of the pipeline with a fitting.

The section of the pipeline after docking with the fitting is left in a fixed position. Wait until the temperature of the material drops to +40°C (a change of 1-2°C is allowed). After that, it is necessary to partially remove the influxes. Under such conditions, the polymer material has time to gain strength, but still retains sufficient plasticity. This makes it easy to remove the sagging without deforming the seam.

Do not subject the pipeline section to artificial cooling. He must cool down outdoors. Use special means (blowing, sources of low temperature or cold water) is prohibited for this.

Checking the quality of the connection

Evaluation in progress appearance pipe section. So, there should be no cracks on the seam. The material here should be uniform, without leaks, the structure should not be porous. A connection without defects and with an influx within 2-4 mm is considered to be of high quality. If the wall thickness of the pipe is less than 10 mm, then leave the roller on the seam up to 2 mm high. When larger communications are welded, the influx must be at least 4 mm.

Common mistakes

Inadmissible actions that can lead to a decrease in the quality of the suture connection:

• violation temperature regime when heating pipes: insufficient thermal effect or, conversely, overheating;
• complete removal of sagging or cutting off excess material from the seam before it cools;
• the application of excessive force when connecting pipes, which will lead to a deterioration in the quality of the joint;
• if welding is carried out without pre-treatment of communications, the seam will not last long, because dust and dirt remain on the pipes, which reduces the adhesion of materials.

If there is not enough experience in performing welding work, you can study the recommendations of the masters.

Soldering in hard-to-reach places and corners

When work is performed in areas that are difficult to reach, it is permissible to heat the elements of the pipeline sequentially. First, you need to install a flange on the soldering iron nozzle, then a pipe section. So that the first of the elements does not have time to cool, it should be heated more strongly. Angle fittings are used to move from complex sections to the main pipeline line.

Connection of plastic pipes without soldering

If there is no welding machine, consider other methods:

1. Cold soldering. In this case, it is assumed that a special adhesive must be applied to the inner walls of the pipe and the outer surface of the fitting. You can pre-treat the material with sandpaper, then the pipeline elements are degreased and connected.
2. Application of a compression fitting: a connecting element is used, which is fixed by means of a nut.

Large diameter plastic pipe welding

If it becomes necessary to install larger communications, use the butt connection method. Fittings are not used. A minimum gap is left between the pipes, they are fixed with special equipment. After alignment is completed, proceed to soldering.

The ability to assemble pipelines yourself is a definite plus polypropylene products. Using a convenient and lightweight material, you can build a sewer with your own hands, repair and modernize the water supply system.

The main thing is to understand the specifics of connecting prefabricated elements to each other. Agree, this is an important part of the work, responsible for the tightness of the line and its trouble-free operation.

We offer you detailed information on how soldering is done. polypropylene pipes, what equipment is used in the work, and also list the most common mistakes of novice welders.

The information we offer will help to build trouble-free communications. For visual perception, the article is supplemented with graphic applications and a video guide.

The soldering process is carried out due to the pronounced thermoplastic properties of the material. Polypropylene softens when heated - it acquires a state similar to plasticine.

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This is what a soldering iron ("iron") for polypropylene pipes looks like. uncomplicated electrical device, semi-automatic, thanks to which plastic soldering is done

For butt welding, the designs of soldering irons are characterized by increased complexity. Usually, such equipment includes not only a heating element, but also a system for centering the parts to be welded.

As a rule, direct welding equipment, like the technology itself, is rarely used in the domestic sector. The priority of use is industry.

A more complex device, which is used to accurately center the parts to be welded with a further heating and soldering process. Used with direct welding technology

In addition to soldering irons, the master will also need:

• scissors - ;
• roulette construction;
• locksmith's square;
• shaver for pipes with reinforcement;
• marker or pencil;
• surface degreaser.

Since the work is carried out on high-temperature equipment, be sure to wear thick work gloves.

Polypropylene Welding Procedure

Important warning! Welding of polymeric materials should be carried out in conditions of good ventilation of the room. During heating and melting of polymers, toxic substances are released, which in a certain concentration have a serious impact on human health.

The procedure for welding polypropylene is simple, but requires accuracy and accuracy in work. Common mistakes should also be avoided, such as insufficient or excessive heating.

First of all, you need to prepare for work:

1. Install blanks of the required diameter on the heater plateau.
2. Set the regulator to 260ºС.
3. Prepare mating parts - mark, chamfer, degrease.
4. Turn on the soldering station.
5. Wait for a set operating temperature– turning on the green indicator.

Mating parts (pipe - coupling) should be simultaneously put on blanks soldering station. In this case, the polypropylene pipe is mounted in the inner region of one blank, and the coupling (or socket of the fitting) on ​​the outer surface of the other blank.

Usually, the ends of the pipe are inserted along the border of the previously marked line, and the coupling is pushed all the way. When keeping polypropylene parts on heated blanks, you should remember about important nuance technology - exposure time.

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Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Professionals always have something to learn. How to work with polypropylene can be seen in the following video:

Mounting pipelines made of polymers by soldering them “hot” is a convenient and popular technique. It is successfully used in the conditions of installation of communications, including at the household level.

People without experience can use this welding method. The main thing is to correctly understand the technology and ensure its exact execution. And technological equipment can be bought or rented.

Do you have experience in soldering polypropylene pipes? Please share information with our readers. You can leave comments and ask questions on the topic in the form below.

Replacement modern systems heating and repair of plumbing communications, the basis for which are plastic pipes, is problematic to carry out without the use of soldering. And therefore, the question of how to solder plastic pipes in order to connect them into a single system is relevant for many owners who decide to do the work on their own without involving craftsmen.

Choosing the right tools

plastic pipes- an indispensable element both in construction and repair. They are easy to install, chemically resistant and able to withstand operating pressures up to 2 bar at temperatures up to 95°C.

But it is impossible to perform a high-quality installation of the system and properly solder plastic pipes without using special equipment.

Due to the ease of installation and environmental friendliness of the material, plastic pipes are widely used in water supply and heating of residential buildings.

In addition to pipes and fittings of the right size for welding, you will need:

• soldering iron with nozzles;
• building level;
• roulette;
• scissors for cutting pipes;
• thick cloth rags.

Included with the soldering iron are nozzles of different diameters with non-stick Teflon coating. When heated, they melt the outer surface of the pipe ends and the inner side of the connecting elements.

Tip: in order to save time on changing nozzles during work, it is better to choose a device with the ability to install two or three heating sleeves at the same time.

For domestic use, to solder plastic pipes with a diameter of 16-63 mm, a unit with a power of up to 1200 kW is quite suitable

When planning to solder plastic pipes on your own, you should follow a number of basic recommendations:

1. The soldering iron is installed on the sole and fixed with legs on a flat surface. Nozzles of the required diameter are moved closer to the edge.
2. Work with the unit is started only after it is completely warmed up, which occurs 10 minutes after switching on. The readiness of the device will be indicated by the indicator light on the case.
3. The parts to be joined are heated in parallel. Welding work can only be carried out if the ambient temperature is above 0°C.
4. The remaining plastic from the heated sleeves is removed immediately after each stage of soldering, using cuts of dense fabric for this purpose. Do not clean the tips when they are cold, as this may damage the Teflon coating and cause damage to the device.

You can avoid overheating by connecting plastic pipes with a soldering iron to the regulator

During operation, it is important not to exceed the heating temperature of the sleeve, the upper limit of which is 260°C. With insufficient heating, the plastic will not acquire viscous plasticity, which will cause an unreliable connection. And when elevated temperature at 270°C, the material loses stability and sticks, preventing the pipe from fitting tightly into the fitting.

Tip: when working with a unit that does not have an electronic temperature control function that can control heating with an accuracy of one degree, a special thermometer can be used to measure it.

Plastic pipe soldering technology

Work on the connection of plastic elements by soldering includes a number of basic steps. Having no experience in soldering plastic pipes, it is advisable to make two or three test connections in advance. To control the correctness of welding, it is desirable to cut the cooled sample along the axis, making sure that the joints are solid.

When preparing the connecting elements, it should be borne in mind that the inner diameter of the fitting should be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the pipe combined with it.

Preparing the elements

Using a cutter or scissors, cut pipes of the required length, maintaining the angle of inclination of the cuts in the range of 35-45 °. If necessary, solder metal-plastic pipes, the cut ends must be cleaned with a shaver.

Sections and working parts of the surface are degreased with a soap or alcohol solution. Marks are applied along the edge of the cuts with a marker, which will act as a guide when joining the elements.

Soldering

Heating the soldering iron with a nozzle to the required temperature, the end of the pipe is inserted onto the sleeve to the full depth of welding, and the fitting socket is strung on the mandrel. The soldering operation is very fast and lasts no more than 10 seconds. The countdown starts from the moment the ends are put on.

The exposure time and temperature at which to solder plastic pipes are determined from the table

If you need to sleep metal-plastic pipe with a connecting element, a fitting is first put on the heating sleeve, for the heating of the inner walls of which more time is required. A tight fit of the fitting on the sleeve is a prerequisite for high-quality heating.

Any rotation should be avoided during the heating process of the plastic elements. Maximum allowable angle rotation should not exceed 10°C.

Tip: for safety reasons, soldering plastic pipes is best done with goggles and gloves.

Construction assembly

The melted ends of the heated elements are removed from the soldering iron and connected to each other, focusing on the risks inflicted by the marker. When connecting the parts, no rotations along the axis to the full depth of the fitting socket are allowed mechanical loads.

Visually, the process of how to solder plastic pipes is presented in the video clip:

With proper soldering of plastic pipes, a continuous influx around the circumference is formed at the edge of the socket, outwardly resembling a small ring.

Combining the parts, special attention is paid to the correct position of the taps and tees. IN assembled structure the faucet handle should be easy to scroll to any position.

The connected parts are left to cool completely, preventing them from scrolling. If the connecting seam turns out to be of poor quality, the knot is cut off and the operation is repeated.

Reading 4 min.

Plumbing and sewer pipes made of polymer materials with confident steps are pushing out their older iron counterparts from apartments, cottages and public places. This is due to their low cost, durability, corrosion resistance and ease of installation. Read more about how to solder plastic pipes in this article.

Varieties of pipes to be welded

The concept of "plastic pipes" includes several types of plumbing products from different polymers. They differ in scope (for water supply or sewerage), technical specifications and installation method.

The following polymer pipes are mounted by welding:

1. Polypropylene (PP). The pipeline made of this material withstands high temperatures and pressures and is wear-resistant and durable. Polypropylene is used for the installation of cold and hot water supply circuits, as well as heating systems, the installation of which is carried out using reinforced polypropylene materials.
2. Polyethylene (PE). Possessing all the advantages of polypropylene, a polyethylene pipe is characterized by higher flexibility and plasticity, therefore, unlike polypropylene products, it is stored and sold in rolls. The only disadvantage compared to polypropylene is lower heat resistance, so polyethylene is unsuitable for use in heating and hot water systems.
3. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The range of products made from this polymer is extensive - with a wide range of diameters, stiffness and working pressure. Distinctive feature polyvinyl chloride - high bactericidal properties.

There are types of plastic pipes, the assembly of communications from which does not require welding. These include:

• from cross-linked polyethylene;
• metal-plastic pipes.

A pipeline made of these materials is mounted using metal connecting elements - fittings, which increases the cost of installation.

Necessary equipment and tools

Welding of PVC, polypropylene and polyethylene water pipes requires a minimum amount of tools and equipment:

1. Welding machine - electric heater with a set of paired Teflon-coated nozzles standard diameters. Nozzles correspond to the internal and external diameters of the pipes used. If you plan to use the device once, it makes sense not to buy it, but to rent it for a short time.
2. Pipe cutters - for fast, accurate and even cuts of pipes of the desired size. In the absence of a pipe cutter, you can use a hacksaw for metal, but in this case the cut will not turn out so neat.
3. Tape measure, building level and marker - for measuring the length of pipeline sections and marking during installation.
4. Rags, solvent - for degreasing the welded areas.

In case of tie-in plastic pipeline in metal communications, you may need a pair of gas wrenches (or wrenches of the desired diameter), plumbing linen (or fum-tape), sealant for sealing threaded connections.

If the installation will be carried out with reinforced pipes, a scraper will be needed - a device for stripping foil.

To fix the pipeline to the wall, you need a puncher.

Preparation for work

Welding PVC pipes, as well as other polymeric materials, requires preparatory measures.

Before installing the plumbing system, you should draw a diagram of future communications on paper, minimizing the number of branches if possible. Then mark the laying of the pipeline "on the ground" - on the walls or on the floor, with a mark of the connecting elements (tees, angles and couplings), valves, meters, filters and all points of water consumption (faucets, toilet bowl, washing machine etc.).

After marking the water supply system, it is necessary to calculate the footage of pipes and the number of fittings. The next step is going to the store. Buy materials should be with a margin of 10%. Valves, filters, meters and adapters with threaded connection are purchased in accordance with the drawn scheme.

A feature of polymeric materials is their linear expansion under thermal exposure. In order to avoid sagging and deformation of communications in long sections (5 m or more), it is recommended to provide for the use of compensators - loop-shaped connecting elements that compensate for the physical effect of high temperatures on the pipeline.

soldering process

The necessary materials have been purchased, the equipment has been prepared - it's time to proceed to the installation of the water supply system.

Let's take a closer look at how to properly solder plastic pipes with your own hands.

The technology for welding plastic pipes is extremely simple: heating the elements to be joined to the required temperature and joining them to each other, resulting in a high-strength homogeneous polymer joint.

The welding sequence is as follows:

1. Pipes are cut into pieces the right sizes according to the installation diagram.
2. When using reinforced pipes, they are cleaned of reinforcing foil at the welding points.
3. Nozzles corresponding to the diameters of the parts to be welded are attached to the welding machine. The device is connected to the mains. Welding is carried out at a temperature of +260⁰С.
4. The marker on the elements to be connected marks the risks to ensure the alignment of the parts.
5. We insert the connected parts into the nozzles. One of the connected elements is heated from the outside, the other from the inside. The warm-up time depends on the diameter of the material.
6. Heated elements quickly connect to each other along previously identified risks. The connection is fixed, the offset is not allowed.
7. Cooling time is given for 2-8 minutes depending on the diameter.

Correspondence table for pipeline diameter and welding time

If all requirements are met, the result of welding is a monolithic connection, which guarantees the tightness and reliability of the pipeline.