Pipes for a heating system, what material should they be made of, how to deal with them? What is the best option when choosing pipes for heating is better to stop? You will find answers to these questions in this article. The choice of the type of pipe for installation in the house depends on many factors. Designing a heating system in a private house is one of the most important stages of future comfortable living. The choice of a gas boiler, heating radiators is important, but for the quality functioning of the entire heating system, you need to choose the "right" pipes.
Steel parts of the heating system, photo:
Autonomous heating is, first of all, convenience. You can provide your home with heat at any time of the year, set the desired number of radiators, as well as save substantial cash.
The operation of your home heating system will depend on the operational characteristics of the pipes, their competent installation. They must be heat-resistant, wear-resistant, in case of any defect it is easy to replace with similar fragments (the possibility of replacing individual sections). When choosing these structural elements, it is necessary to take into account how they will be installed (open or hidden).
Which pipes for a heating system are better?
This issue has become relevant relatively recently, because earlier it was steel pipes that were the only choice when arranging a heating system. Despite the fact that on the construction market today there are many advanced analogues, they also should not be written off. Steel structural elements will be the best choice, if a gravity heating system is planned in your home, installation of large diameter pipes is required. They are durable, resistant to mechanical damage, able to withstand very high temperatures, allow you to maintain high pressure at a constant level.
Installation of steel fragments is carried out by welding. Due to its susceptibility to corrosion processes, this type of pipe is not recommended for use as a hidden heating system (placement inside walls). The so-called minus is the unaesthetic appearance and the need for painting, because due to high temperatures the paint periodically peels off the surface, peels off, turns yellow with time. Steel pipes have a long service life (more than 50 years), have a relatively low price. It is steel pipes that can be seen in the photo above.
Another budget option is plastic pipes for heating, they are also called polypropylene. They are quite popular, vary in technical characteristics, structure. Analogs from European manufacturers, for example, Sanext or Aquatherm, are quite suitable for the requirements of a home heating system, they are lightweight, simple to install, and not subject to corrosion processes. It should be borne in mind that pipes without a protective coating inside have restrictions on the heating temperature - if the threshold is exceeded, breaks and deformation are possible. Plastic fragments are joined by special soldering, corresponding couplings, adapters are installed at the joints.
Polypropylene pipes for heating have a smooth surface on which limescale does not collect, rust does not appear. They have a long service life (more than 20 years), are not afraid of freezing, do not require painting, have a neat appearance, practically do not change color over time. Pipes from this material do not bend, but with the help of adapters and fittings you can install even the most intricate configuration. As mentioned above, these pipes are characterized by reduced heat resistance, their working temperature is only 70 ° C, at a temperature of 90 ° C there is a risk of deformation of the material.
Pipes for heating made of polypropylene, photo:
In this case, the analogue of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is much more practical, it can withstand high temperatures and can be safely used for installing an autonomous heating system. Such pipes can be heated and set to their desired shape (memory effect), they are durable (more than 50 years), they have all the positive qualities of their plastic "brothers". They are not afraid of corrosion, they can also be installed inside the walls.
Heating on PEX pipes, photo:
Pipes for heating, which options for a home network are better
If we consider plastic pipes for heating, which ones are better to choose? The most popular for home heating systems are metal-plastic structural elements, they brilliantly combine the best qualities of steel and polypropylene analogues.
In section, you see a multilayer structure of plastic and aluminum. The aluminum layer provides protection and safe operation at high temperatures, and plastic protects aluminum from corrosion processes.
Installation is simple - special crimp fittings or press fittings without involving specialized equipment. This option is durable in use (50 years), however, it should be borne in mind that freezing water is detrimental to plastic pipes (fraught with ruptures). That is, to equip the heating system of the country house, where the owners come from time to time, they will not fit.
Want to choose copper pipes? This is the best, but also expensive option for a home heating system. For their installation, special equipment is used. Copper pipes for heating and fittings for them have a high cost. In this case, high-quality connecting elements (capillary fittings) are very important, since when using budget options, the risk of depressurization of the heating system increases sharply. It is impossible to overpower the installation of the system with your own hands, because when docking copper fragments, a special type of soldering with solder containing silver is used.
These structural elements can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees, their service life is more than 100 years, they are not afraid of frost, corrosion, they look very aesthetically pleasing. By high technical and operational indicators, copper analogs can be considered almost an ideal option for arranging a heating system in a private house. They can also be used for concealed installation and for underfloor heating.
Copper pipes for heating, photo:
A convenient, practical option for arranging an autonomous heating network are polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass for heating. These are the best representatives of the class of plastic and polypropylene pipes. They differ from their more simplified counterparts in that they have a rigid frame inside, which prevents expansion that can occur under the influence of high temperatures. Such structural elements can be laid fearlessly inside the walls, even if swelling occurs in some area, this will not affect the operation of the system as a whole. Fragments are fastened using special welding or threaded connections.
Summing up and answering the main question: which pipes for heating are better for a private house, I would like to advise you not to resort to excessive savings. In this matter we are talking about your home, comfort and the health of loved ones, so everything must be done with high quality and for a long time.
An ideal choice would be a copper heating system, but here the issue of material costs is at the head of the solution.
A heating system made of fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene will be quite reliable, average in cost - also a good and durable option.
Pipes for heating a private house, which is better to choose? The old truth says that good does not happen cheap, but I also want to add on my own behalf: to buy the most expensive is not always appropriate. Thoroughly study all the nuances, calculate all the options, choose a solid, proven building material that is suitable specifically for your requirements.