Disadvantages of polypropylene pipes in the heating of the house

We frequently search for heating solutions that offer affordability, durability, and efficiency. Because polypropylene pipes are inexpensive and flexible, they are becoming a more popular option for heating systems. But homeowners should be aware that polypropylene pipes have drawbacks of their own despite being widely used.

The vulnerability of polypropylene pipes to damage from high temperatures is one of their main disadvantages. When exposed to extremely hot water in heating systems, polypropylene pipes can warp or even melt, despite the fact that at first they might seem like a more affordable option. This puts your house at serious risk for leaks, bursts, and subsequent water damage.

The limited compatibility of polypropylene pipes with specific kinds of heating systems is another problem. Polypropylene pipes might not be appropriate for high-temperature or high-pressure applications, like steam-based heating systems or radiant floor heating systems, in contrast to other materials like steel or copper. When planning or modernizing your heating system, this restriction may reduce your options.

In addition, ultraviolet (UV) light exposure causes polypropylene pipes to deteriorate. Polypropylene pipes have the potential to break and become brittle over time if they are placed in locations where they are exposed to sunlight or UV radiation, such as outside installations or close to windows. This may cause the heating system to break down too soon, requiring expensive repairs or replacements.

In addition, questions have been raised concerning polypropylene pipes’ long-term effects on the environment and human health. According to some research, polypropylene pipes have the potential to leak dangerous substances into the water supply over time, especially when they are exposed to heat or specific chemicals. Although research on this risk’s extent is ongoing, homeowners should take it into account when choosing the components of their heating systems.

In summary, although polypropylene pipes have certain cost and flexibility benefits, there are also serious disadvantages that should not be disregarded. When deciding to use polypropylene pipes in their heating systems, homeowners should carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages. These include issues with UV degradation, potential health risks, and their vulnerability to heat damage.

Large linear expansion

Polypropylene pipes should only be used in concealed installations if you plan to use them for heating. All of the pipes must be concealed within the screed and walls, ideally in an isolated area.

Polypropylene’s linear expansion is its primary issue. About 2.5 mm are lost for every linear meter. Even pipes will undoubtedly "swim" somewhere when in use if they are mounted. even though they are frequently fixed. You are unlikely to assess such a picture if these pipes are outside.

Problems of pipe welding

Welding PPR pipes together is one way to join them together (a different method of adhesion). While this is a reasonably easy and practical method of connecting, it necessitates a serious and responsible approach. In this process, a lot of installers are dishonest and weld everything at random. Ultimately, you can obtain this image:

For seasoned installers, these circumstances are similar. The worst part is that, short of chopping the pipe in half, there is no way to determine whether the junction turned out to be normal or not.

We had a situation where we called in a third-party brigade to install a boiler room made of PPR pipes. Despite the fact that every pipe has a specific maximum temperature, the guys twisted the welding iron at that point. They received numerous warnings about this. They nevertheless did so on their own. Although everything appeared to be connected flawlessly, some were actually disconnected after the boiler room was launched. I had to do it again.

A large number of joints

An additional drawback of using polypropylene pipes for heating is the abundance of joints. There may be 200–300 joints in the middle house at times, the majority of which are concealed by the walls and screed. Furthermore, every joint is a human component capable of cruel jokes. Any joint can flow at any time. If it’s outside, that is. However, as experience demonstrates, this joint frequently starts to flow inside.

Furthermore, considering the pipe’s continuous linear expansion, the joint may become less tight. It is true that these kinds of circumstances don’t happen all the time.

The service life of the material

Whoever claims that polypropylene pipes have a limited lifespan is lying. The pipe’s 50-year lifespan is stated by the manufacturer. Experience demonstrates that aging pipe has already started to feel after 15 years. can flow through the joint, crack, etc.

However, polypropylene has the advantage of being easily repaired.

Polypropylene pipes have gained popularity in household heating systems due to their affordability and ease of installation. However, despite their advantages, these pipes come with significant drawbacks. One major issue is their susceptibility to damage from high temperatures, leading to deformation or even melting in extreme cases. Additionally, polypropylene pipes are prone to becoming brittle over time, especially when exposed to sunlight or harsh weather conditions, increasing the risk of cracks and leaks. Another concern is their limited compatibility with certain types of heating systems, such as those using high-pressure or high-temperature water. Moreover, polypropylene pipes may release harmful chemicals when exposed to heat, posing potential health risks to occupants. Overall, while polypropylene pipes offer initial cost savings, their disadvantages in terms of durability, compatibility, and potential health hazards make them a less desirable option for long-term heating solutions in residential properties.

Polypropylene pipes with fiberglass

PPR pipes are separated into sections for hot and cold water supply (heats water instantly). PPR pipes used for heating were previously strengthened with specialized aluminum foil. The cost of the final product increased as a result of this. Fiberglass pipes eventually replaced aluminum pipes of a similar design.

Few people are aware of this, but using fiberglass-covered polypropylene pipes for home heating puts you at risk. Fiberglass breaks easily. Sometimes all it takes to harm the reinforcing layer is to simply toss the pipe onto the ground.

Additionally, such a pipe cannot be used in a cold environment because the fiberglass becomes brittle and fractures quickly. It also serves as an oxygen barrier in addition to its reinforcing role.

As far as we are aware, these pipes are kept in regular warehouses without anyone maintaining the microclimate created for pipe storage.

That’s why everything is easy in this place. Fiberglass is a great material, but it requires neat handling.

Aluminum foil pipes

Aluminum foil serves as a diffusion barrier as well as a compensator for the pipe’s extension. Aluminum foil is found in the center of the pipe and nearer its surface. Everything is dependent on the specific brand of pipe.

Such pipes need to be cleaned before they can be soldered. If the foil is in the middle, cleaning it will make the pipe extremely thin, and the soldering may result in a low-quality connection. Consequently, choose the polypropylene pipe with the aluminum foil closer to the surface if you plan to continue heating the house with it.

The danger of filling in the screed

Because of its linear expansion, pouring bare polypropylene pipe into a screed can be highly hazardous. There is a chance that something might happen to her if, when heated by the pipe, there is nowhere to "walk." It is therefore preferable to pour this pipe in isolation if possible. It is now best to isolate each and every heating pipe.

Malfly products

When heating shaped products with polypropylene pipes, their thickness serves as the primary indicator of their drawback. They have a greater thickness than the pipe. This causes some inconvenience when the pipe in the screed is being used and when installing insulation. There are situations when the height restriction leaves the enlarged style product with nowhere to hide.

Polypropylene with metal

Many products in the polypropylene style come with a metal insert that is threaded. It’s difficult to get a perfectly strong connection between plastic and metal. As a result, there are instances where these connections cause leaks in the areas where the PPR and the metal meet.

Although polypropylene pipes are becoming more and more common for a variety of plumbing uses, using them in residential heating systems has a number of drawbacks. A notable disadvantage is their restricted capacity to tolerate elevated temperatures. When exposed to high temperatures, polypropylene pipes, unlike metal pipes, can distort or even melt, increasing the possibility of leaks or even structural damage to the heating system.

The vulnerability of polypropylene pipes in heating systems to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage is another issue. Polypropylene pipes can deteriorate with time and become less reliable if they are placed in locations that are exposed to sunlight, such as outside heating system sections. This vulnerability emphasizes how crucial it is to properly insulate and safeguard these pipes in these kinds of settings.

Furthermore, because polypropylene pipes are not as strong as metal alternatives, they might not be appropriate for high-pressure heating systems. Polypropylene pipes may be prone to bursting or rupturing in applications where the heating system operates under significant pressure, resulting in water damage and expensive repairs. This restriction emphasizes the necessity of carefully weighing the unique specifications and circumstances of the heating system when selecting pipe materials.

Furthermore, polypropylene pipes’ tendency to expand and contract with temperature changes can present problems for heating systems. Polypropylene pipes have a greater capacity for expansion and contraction than rigid metal pipes, which could eventually lead to problems with fittings, connections, and the integrity of the system as a whole. For these thermal characteristics to be accommodated during installation, appropriate allowances and considerations must be made.

Notwithstanding these drawbacks, it’s important to remember that polypropylene pipes might still be useful in some heating system applications, especially when affordability and ease of installation are more important than strength and resistance to high temperatures. However, to guarantee the heating system’s long-term performance and dependability, a thorough assessment of the environment, any potential downsides, and the particular requirements is essential.

Video on the topic

How to choose polypropylene pipes?#Installation #Repair #Construction #Heating #Water Supply #Equator

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