PVC pipes are products made of a plastic polymer with the hard-to-pronounce name polyvinyl chloride. This material finds its application in many areas of modern life, including the creation of pipelines for various purposes. Pipes made of polyvinyl chloride have many significant advantages and some disadvantages.
Advantages of PVC pipes
- outstanding ring stiffness providing resistance to high pressure;
- fire resistance;
- resistance to thermal deformations within allowable temperature values;
- surface smoothness that prevents clogging;
- resistance to UV radiation;
- no impact on the properties of the transported liquid;
- light weight;
- ease of installation;
- low cost.
Flaws:
- low frost resistance;
- poor heat resistance and low melting point - at a temperature of 78 degrees, the product already loses its rigidity.
The combination of these characteristics determines the scope of PVC pipes. They are involved in cold water supply and sewage systems, and can be used to supply drinking water. However, PVC pipes cannot be used for hot water supply.
Different ways to connect PVC pipes
PVC pipes can be connected in different ways: adhesive, flanged, socket. Adhesive bonding is considered the most durable and at the same time very simple. It must be borne in mind that different connection methods are suitable for different types of PVC pipes. This means that if you plan install plumbing, using glue or the so-called "cold welding", you need to buy the appropriate pipes and fitting to them. They will be called in the store like this: “PVC glue pipes”, “fittings and pipes for glue”.
Types of adhesive fittings
In the adhesive connection of pipelines made of PVC pipes, an important role is played by fittings - parts designed to connect pipes. With their help, you can assemble structures of any configuration. Fittings are of several types.
- Nipple - an adapter designed to connect two pipes of different diameters. In addition, it performs the function of a sealant and a barrier that protects the joint from external influences. Often used in water supply, for connecting oil and gas pipelines.
- Coupling - a fitting involved in connecting parts of a pipeline with the same diameter. It strengthens the section of the system and ensures the tightness and strength of the connection.
- Corner - an element of the pipeline, which is installed at the bends. Its distinctive feature is its special strength. Its wall is thicker than that of other types of fittings, which allows you to increase the strength of both the corner itself and the entire system. The angle can be bent 45 and 90 degrees. It is applied on all types of pipelines.
- A branch is a fitting that has a branched structure, different angles of inclination and connects a different number of pipes. Typically, the outlet is involved in the docking of internal and external sewers. Pipes coming from various plumbing elements and household appliances (toilets, sinks, washing machines and dishwashers) are adjacent to larger sections of the system, which goes into the general sewer.
Cold welding
Pipeline installation using glue is called cold or chemical weldingdue to the strength and integrity of the resulting connection. PVC adhesive has a common basis with the material from which PVC pipes are made. It acts on the top layer of the parts to be joined, softening it. After the glue hardens, a solid monolithic structure is obtained.
Installation of PVC pipes and fittings for glue is carried out as follows.
- Using a pipe cutter or a hacksaw, a piece of pipe of the desired length is cut off. The chamfer is removed from the end.The edge of the product is processed with sandpaper for better grip.
- The pipe is wiped with a cloth with a product specially designed for this purpose, grease, dust and any other contaminants are removed.
- Glue in a small amount is evenly distributed along the edge of the PVC pipe and the inside of the fitting.
- Both parts are combined, one of the elements is rotated to create a more uniform adhesive layer.
- Excess glue is wiped off with a cloth.
- Complete immobility of the resulting structure must be ensured. Even one awkward movement can break the connection, and it will leak.
Attention! Work should be carried out in a ventilated area - harmful volatile substances are released during gluing.
