Copper pipes for heating and water supply: types, marking, prices and soldering technology

The selection of pipes for water supply and heating systems is essential for guaranteeing effectiveness, longevity, and safety. For many years, copper pipes have been a preferred option for both professionals and homeowners because of their exceptional heat conduction capabilities and dependability. These pipes are perfect for water supply and heating applications because they are corrosion-resistant and long-lasting.

To choose the appropriate copper pipes for your needs, it is crucial to comprehend the various kinds and markings on them. The three most popular types of copper pipes on the market are Type M, Type L, and Type K. Copper pipes are categorized according to the thickness and diameter of their walls. For ease of identification, each type is labeled with its unique set of applications. Furthermore, copper pipes are frequently labeled with details regarding their material, size, and pressure rating, which can assist you in selecting the appropriate pipes for your particular needs.

Although copper pipes may initially cost more than other types of pipes, over time they prove to be a more economical option due to their durability and low maintenance needs. For the heating and water supply systems in your home, high-quality copper pipes are an excellent investment because they will save you money on future repairs and replacements.

Finally, to ensure leak-proof connections, it is essential to comprehend the soldering technology used to join copper pipes. In addition to producing strong and long-lasting joints, proper soldering techniques also avert possible problems like leaks and water damage. Whether you work as a professional plumber or are a do-it-yourself enthusiast, knowing how to solder copper pipes will help you keep your home’s water and heating systems dependable and effective.

Advantages

1. Easy tolerate heating of several hundred degrees (only at a temperature of 6,000 degrees an “anneal” occurs, and the pipe begins to lose its strength, acquiring plasticity).
2. Capable of maintaining pressure up to 30 atmospheres and more.
3. Due to its plasticity, they are not destroyed if water freezes inside.
4. Copper has an anti -corrosion property, and also does not respond to ultraviolet radiation and active chemicals, which increases the service life of the pipe up to 50 years or more.
5. Do not allow air diffusion into the coolant through the walls.
6. Copper can calmly be used at the exit of the heat generator, because it, compared with polymers, has a low temperature expansion coefficient (a maximum of 1.5 mm per linear meter at 900 degrees).
7. The inner surface has less roughness, compared to steel (but not with polymer), which significantly reduces the hydraulic resistance in the system, so less powerful pumps can be used. Due to the lack of roughness, unnecessary deposits do not accumulate inside the pipes.
8. Due to the thin walls and fittings, the passage section in the joints remains unchanged, so the hydraulic characteristics of the pipeline do not deteriorate. The whole system is easy and compact. Only the outer diameter of the internal section is much larger than steel or polymer.
9. Copper is safe for humans. It has soft antibacterial properties.
10. This is a beautiful material that will not spoil the appearance of the room.

Flaws

1. The highest cost among analogues.
2. The assembly technique is much more complicated than, for example, a ration of polypropylene.
3. Due to the high thermal conductivity, it is recommended to lay such pipes in insulating sleeves (dump), as this will allow the heat to heating devices with the least losses.

Types of copper pipes

There is a widely recognized classification for the different kinds of pipes, and it is based on a number of factors.

In terms of wall thickness:

1. Thin -walled. The thickness of their walls is from about 0.15 to 0.17 mm, so for heating they are practically not used.
2. Thick -walled. The thickness in this case ranges from 0.7 mm to 1 cm. For heating, they most often take products with a wall thickness of 1-2 mm, since with an increase in the thickness, the pressure that can withstand the pipe increases.

In light of the available information:

1. Unimaginated (hard). As a rule, stamps segments up to 6 m long. It has high strength, but a low lengthening coefficient before rupture (only 15%).
2. Extended (soft). Appears in connection with the "vacation" of blanks at a temperature of 600-700 degrees. The loss of strength is directly related to lengthening indicators when rupture. With loss of strength by 30%, extension indicators will increase to 60%.

Copper pipe costs

Copper pipes are excessive

By the material’s composition:

1. pure copper;
2. alloys containing zinc or tin.

According to the manufacturing process:

• pulled (cold -deformed);
• pressed.

• solid (do not have a seam);
• From the welded workpiece.

Products also vary in terms of protection level and availability. There are versions with no insulation and others with a sturdy polyethylene or PVC casing to shield the communication from impact. Additionally, a foamed polyethylene shell is used during production to stop uncontrollably high heat losses.

Russian marking of copper pipes

Manufacturing process: Pull-D.

Section form: round – kr.

• soft – m;
• semi -hard – n;
• solid – t.

Dimensions include wall thickness and external diameter.

Multiple measurements of length – KD.

• segments;
• bays;
• in the bays of free winding – BT;
• in the bays of layered ordered winding – BU;
• in the bays of flat spiral winding – BS.

An illustration of marking is this: M1 P GOST R 52318-2005 DKRM pipe (pulled round soft), 8.0×1 (size), 5000 (length), BAU BA (layer-free winding).

Criterias of choice

Because copper models are expensive, careful selection is required.

To avoid making a mistake, familiarize yourself with the primary selection criteria:

1. Compliance with the conditions of use. The main advantage of products in their versatility. Suitable for both the water supply and for heating systems, because they are immune to a constant temperature difference and high pressure. Can withstand loads up to 40 atmospheres and temperatures up to 500 degrees Celsius. Resistant to ultraviolet radiation and have a small expansion coefficient (7 times less than that of polymer). Also, thanks to the active bactericidal properties of copper, it is absolutely safe for humans. But it is worth paying attention to the fact that copper reacts poorly to chlorine, so the interaction with it will quickly bring pipes into unusable.
2. The cost of material and installation. The cost of copper is several times higher than analogues (about 4 times higher than the price of plastic). But if you take into account all the work related to the installation and additional elements, then the final cost of the work is not higher than that of metal -plastic. Plastic press-fiting is much more expensive than a fit for copper ia. Therefore, the total cost of the installation directly depends on the meter and the number of fasteners.
3. Life time. The trouble -free life of the copper pipeline is from 50 years and above, which is a very good indicator.
4. Convenience of installation. The installation of the pipeline takes place in several stages: preparation of the material, its processing and installation. The process itself takes a long time, because it is necessary to cut the pipes, bend with a pipe bend, and also carry out a full installation of all elements. In the end, everything must be connected using fittings (soldering and squeezing).

Copper will simply collapse when connected to galvanized steel because of electrolytic processes.

Pipe cutters

The technology of docking is thought to be universal. The fact that there are multiple methods of connection is definitely a plus.

Based on the objectives, you can select:

• welding;
• mechanical assembly (pressing, compression connection, clamp by self -fixing fittings);
• rations (hard or soft solder).

A diameter of 100 mm and a wall thickness greater than 1.5 mm are appropriate for welding. Only open spaces are suitable for mechanical assembly. Such fixtures will be costly if the location is concealed by buildings or monoliths. Typically, soft solder is used for soldering in residential heating systems. For it to function, specific capillary fittings are needed.

Copper pipes have excellent heat conduction properties and are durable and reliable, making them a popular choice for water supply and heating systems. It’s important to recognize the various types of copper pipes that are available when choosing them. These types are typically identified by specific markings that indicate the wall thickness and diameter. Prior to making a purchase, it is advisable to compare prices as they may differ depending on the supplier and these variables. Furthermore, ensuring leak-free connections and correct installation depend on using the appropriate soldering technology. In addition to extending the system’s lifespan, proper soldering methods guarantee effective water and heat transfer throughout your house.

Do -it -yourself soldering technology

To make the process simpler and more understandable, you should quickly familiarize yourself with the theory before beginning any soldering. Soft soldering, in which the contact points are heated to 250–300 degrees to allow a soft riot (tin) to melt, is commonly used when installing the water supply and heating systems of apartments. However, copper is sensitive to this temperature, so even though it seems mild, you must proceed with extreme caution.

Getting ready for capillary rations:

1. Cut the pipe of the desired size.
2. Remove the chamfer from the end of the workpiece (this manipulation will reduce the hydraulic resistance at the junction).
3. We clean the outer surface of the pipe and the inner surface of the fitting with an abrasive sponge. This will get rid of oxide film.
4. On the entire area of contact, we distribute the flux passage, which will provide a soft solder. To make the solder hard, you don"t need to use the paste.
5. With a slight scroll, we put on the fitting on the pipe to the stop.
6. From the working surface with a rag, we remove the fluse pass.

You are now able to solder.

Soldering copper pipe at low temperature:

1. We warm up the junction until the melting of the fluse paste begins. For this, the burner around the neck smoothly and evenly drive.
2. After the flux is heated, we apply the solder to the entire surface of the connecting seam. We do not touch the burner with fire of the burner, since the tin needs to melt not from direct contact with the fire, but from the high temperature of the copper product.
3. The process of swimming and soldering is completed. We are waiting for complete cooling of the product. The cooling process cannot be accelerated – everything should cool in a natural way without improvised means.
4. From the details at the end of the work we remove the entire flip passage, because it destroys the protective layer of copper products.

How to paint copper pipes

The pipeline can be painted after installation to add aesthetic appeal and prevent corrosion. Examine which paint is best for accomplishing the aforementioned objectives.

These paints will be a wise selection:

• polyurethane;
• alkyd;
• PF-115, 156, 167, 187, 223, 519;
• GF-0119.

The cost of PF-115

PF-115

Which varnishes are most appropriate?

• A mixture of ethnol coating with aluminum powder (ratio of 9: 1);
• VL-51.

Oil paints should not be used because they darken when exposed to high temperatures!

You should clean and coat the lead-sugar primer No. 81’s surface before dying. Remember that paint does not absorb into copper, so when painting, the applied composition must be carefully shaded. The best way to paint is with a spray gun because it will help you achieve a high-quality finish.

The cost of copper pipes

In Moscow, copper pipes for water supply and heating are reasonably priced. The size and diameter have a direct impact on the price. The manufacturers of heating copper pipes, along with their prices per meter and kilogram, are listed in this table. Visit our website to learn how to compute the GCcam for heating by area.

The longevity and efficiency of the water and heating systems in your house depend on the selection of the proper pipes. Given their reputation for dependability, durability, and heat resistance, copper pipes are a highly preferred option. They are a flexible choice for homeowners because they can be used with both water supply and heating systems.

Rigid and flexible copper pipe types comprise the majority of the industry. Water supply lines frequently use rigid copper pipes because they are robust and able to withstand high pressure. However, soft copper, also referred to as flexible copper pipes, are more pliable and perfect for intricate installations and small spaces.

It’s crucial to comprehend copper pipe markings to make sure you select the appropriate one for your requirements. The type of copper, wall thickness, and occasionally the manufacturer’s information are indicated by the markings. This data aids in assessing the pipe’s appropriateness for particular uses and guarantees interoperability with current systems.

Soldering technology is a widely used technique for connecting copper pipes. Soldering creates a safe and leak-free connection when done correctly with the appropriate tools and methods. To achieve a strong bond, it is crucial to adhere to the correct procedures, which include cleaning the pipes, applying flux, and heating the joint evenly. Your heating and plumbing systems’ integrity is ensured by proper soldering, which lowers the possibility of leaks and expensive repairs.

Copper pipes may be more expensive initially than other materials, but over time they will prove to be a cost-effective option due to their durability and low maintenance needs. Purchasing high-quality copper pipes can give you peace of mind that your plumbing is dependable and potentially save you money on future repairs and replacements.

To sum up, copper pipes are advantageous for water supply and heating applications due to their adaptability, durability, and simplicity of installation when using soldering technology. You can protect the effectiveness and lifespan of the plumbing and heating systems in your house by making educated decisions by being aware of the different kinds, markings, costs, and soldering methods related to copper pipes.

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