To keep your home comfortable and cut down on energy expenses, make sure your insulation and heating system are operating efficiently. Hot water distribution pipes are a crucial part of any plumbing system. They carry hot water throughout the house. Pipes made of metal and plastic are a common option because of their flexibility and longevity. Without specific tools, bending them to fit around obstructions or into small spaces can be difficult.
Thankfully, there are less expensive or difficult to locate alternatives for bending metal-plastic pipes. It is possible to achieve the bends required to optimize your plumbing system with a few easy techniques and basic tools that you probably already own at home.
The characteristics of metal-plastic pipes should be understood before beginning the bending process. The strength of metal and the flexibility of plastic are combined in these pipes, which are made of an aluminum layer sandwiched between layers of plastic. Because of their design, they can tolerate high temperatures and pressures without becoming difficult to work with.
One way to bend metal-plastic pipes is to soften the material first by heating it up with a heat source. A heat gun or hairdryer, two common household tools, can be used for this. You can gradually work the pipe into the required shape without breaking it by applying heat evenly along the section where the bend is needed.
The application of a bending spring is an additional method for bending metal-plastic pipes. A coil of metal wire that is inserted into the pipe prior to bending is called a bending spring. It offers support to keep the pipe from kinking or collapsing while it is being bent. Bending springs are reusable and available in multiple sizes to suit a range of pipe diameters, making them an affordable option for do-it-yourselfers.
| Method | Instructions |
| Using a Heat Source | Heat the area of the metal-plastic pipe you want to bend with a heat gun or blowtorch until it becomes pliable. Be careful not to overheat and damage the pipe. Once it"s flexible, gently bend it to the desired shape. Allow it to cool and set before installing. |
| Hot Water Bath | Submerge the section of the pipe you want to bend into hot water (not boiling) for a few minutes to soften it. Take it out and carefully shape it by hand to the required angle. Hold it in position until it cools and retains the shape. Avoid using boiling water to prevent damage to the pipe. |
- Pipe leveling and bending by hand
- Bending with the help of a pipe bender
- How to avoid "fractures"
- Video on the topic
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Pipe leveling and bending by hand
Different technical features, such as deformation coefficients and allowable mechanical loads, apply to metal-plastic pipes.
The extent to which these products can be used is determined by these indicators.
Coils of metal-plastic products are available for purchase; level the pipe before beginning any work. To accomplish this, roll out the pipe on the floor and place a metal piece, weighing ten to fifteen kg, on one end. Following this, the product will accept a suitable configuration, allowing for the manual creation of individual sections. It is not hard to bend the plastic pipe without any tools if its diameter is around 16 mm. The algorithm for leveling products is as follows: two thumbs together at a ninety-degree angle gently bend the product. This video does a great job of explaining the process:
If there are corners of walls or other obstacles that need to be avoided, bends can be made using this principle. Frequently, when a product is bent at a 90-degree angle, it becomes impossible to "bend" it to the appropriate shape. A specialized pipe bender is used in these situations. Keep in mind that making an excessively sharp angle might cause the material to crack.
Metal-plastic pipes with a 20 mm cross-section are widely used. Similar mechanics are used to bend them: two thumbs rest on top of each other, the pipe is inserted into the interlocked palms, and a small bend is made. As a result, a 90-degree angle is formed, and the product can also exhibit opposite-direction deformation. Sometimes the product cannot be bent correctly; in these situations, using your elbow is advised. Door jambs are also frequently used, but the angle shouldn’t be too sharp to prevent the pipe from breaking.
Because of their smoother inner layer, pipes can carry one-third more fluid than their metal counterparts. Up to 50 years of guaranteed service life are possible. The pipes nearly never deform when temperature changes because of their low coefficient of expansion. In addition, there is a low thermal conductivity index. These products don’t build up static electricity, so protective paint or primer doesn’t need to be applied. Read and comprehend the markings, which are on the entire product, before making a purchase.
Bending with the help of a pipe bender
Pipes are often bent using an external or internal pipe bender. These devices are very simple and functional at the same time. Take, for example, a pipe with a cross-section of 20 mm, we put the outer pipe bender on it. Once the clamp is placed on the pipe, the product can be bent. The inner conductor works on the same principle. The advantage of such devices is that there is no fear that the material will crack and the pipe will break. The internal pipe bender has advantages in that you have to deal directly with the pipe itself. There are some inconveniences when working with the external fixator. It can slide relative to the product, it is difficult to bend the pipe and find an acceptable angle. The external pipe bender has its own positive sides. If the pipe is too long, and the corner needs to be bent at a distance of 2-4 meters from the end, in this case, the outer element is quite suitable for such work. Often a small wire is attached to the inner tube bender, the product is pushed into the pipe, after the work is completed, the inner element is easy to remove.
In the event that a "duck" is required, the pipe should be left with a reserve so that the ends can be cut to the required length later. It will be challenging to create the appropriate bend if the metal-plastic pipe bends are made too close to the edge. The product’s coefficient of strength is low at the very edge, where bending the pipe can easily shatter it. It is advised to take a more substantial portion. As you bend back, cut off as much as necessary.
Because it can be challenging to manually bend pipes with a cross-section of 26 or 32 mm less than 90 degrees, 90-degree metal angles are advised. Because these products don’t require welding, installing communications is significantly less expensive. Very little waste is produced while the work is being done. Because of the material’s flexibility, you can get by without purchasing pricey fixtures.
We’ll walk you through an easy and efficient way to bend metal-plastic pipes without the need for fancy equipment in our article, "How to Bend a Metal-Plastic Pipe Without Special Tools." This method can help you save time and money whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or a homeowner looking to take on some plumbing projects. You’ll be able to bend metal-plastic pipes with confidence if you use a few everyday household items and adhere to our detailed instructions. This will let you finish your home improvement projects without stress. It’s time to ditch the pricey equipment and labor-intensive processes—bending metal-plastic pipes has never been simpler!
How to avoid "fractures"
Because metal-plastic pipes have a low strength coefficient, surface fractures and cracks could result from improper bending. In these conditions, the pipe cannot be fixed; the location will be harmed, and a leak will eventually happen at the lowest mechanical stress.
An "elbow" and a metal adapter are positioned after the damaged area is cut. There is a large selection of these devices readily available in the market. The only drawback is that it is not inexpensive, even though the fitting can be done at right angles.
It is easier to use a spring-loaded pipe bender rather than paying extra money for fittings. When the product is placed on the pipe, it can be bent at a significant angle without causing harm to the material. A pipe bender is affordable, simple to use, and capable of bending pipes, even at acute angles.
It is crucial to keep in mind that having a lot of adapters raises the possibility of ruptures. Because metal-plastic joints are inherently problematic, clamping elements are frequently used in place of threaded adapters. Since the material does not react well to UV light, all communication should take place out of direct sunlight.
Do not be alarmed if you want to attempt a metal-plastic pipe home project but lack the necessary bending tools. You can use tools you probably already own to bend these pipes in a number of effective ways. Bending metal-plastic pipes without the need for special tools is totally doable, regardless of whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or a homeowner looking to make some improvements.
One strategy is to soften the pipe with a heat source so that it becomes more flexible and easier to bend. Using this technique, you heat the pipe section you wish to bend until it is sufficiently flexible to form by hand. You can apply uniform heat to the pipe with a heat gun or even a regular hair dryer, which eliminates the need for specialized tools and lets you bend the pipe to the desired shape.
A bending spring or coil can be used as an additional method to think about. Before bending the pipe, these easy-to-use yet sturdy instruments can be placed inside to help keep its shape and stop kinks or collapses. Bending springs are a flexible alternative for bending metal-plastic pipes without the need for costly machinery because they are available in a range of sizes to suit different pipe diameters.
You can also try filling the pipe with sand before bending if you’re in a pinch and don’t have access to bending springs or a heat source. Sand is packed inside the pipe and the ends are sealed to provide internal support that keeps the pipe from collapsing while it is being bent. When working with limited resources, this approach can be a useful one, even though it might take a little more work.
When bending metal-plastic pipes, it’s critical to use caution and adhere to safety regulations, regardless of the technique you select. Wear safety glasses and gloves at all times when working with hot pipes or bending them with tools. To ensure you achieve the desired bend without harming the pipe or jeopardizing its integrity, you should also take your time and work slowly.
Bending metal-plastic pipes without the need for special tools is a doable task that can help you save time and money on home improvement projects. All it takes is a little creativity and resourcefulness. You can bend pipes to suit your needs and feel proud of a job well done by using the above-mentioned techniques and taking the required safety measures.
