How to connect a copper tube to each other. Copper, brass pipe, fitting. Soldering, connection. How to solder, connect with your own hands? How to connect soft copper pipes

In order to carry out the correct installation of hot and cold water supply, gas supply or air conditioning, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the rules and methods of connection in a copper pipe system. High cost is justified by high technical characteristics and long term use.

Fig 1. Working with a special burner

What are the nuances

To organize the creation of a pipeline system, pipes made of durable plastic are used. Stainless steel belongs to the expensive price segment, but reliability covers this nuance. For capital repair work, a copper pipe can be a full-fledged alternative.

Such a system favorably tolerates sudden temperature changes, is not afraid of a large amount of chlorine or ultraviolet content. In order to avoid the development of corrosion, special devices are installed inside. In the absence of compositions of heavy metals and other substances in the liquid, nothing will prevent such pipes from serving for a dozen years.

Significant shortcomings include the following:

1. Softness.
2. High price.

The last disadvantage is considered quite justified due to the long service life.

Basic requirements for welding

1. It is undesirable to use the lead version in the process of manufacturing water supply, since this is a material with increased toxicity.
2. The optimum water supply flow should not exceed 2 m/s. Otherwise, solid impurities will begin to adversely affect the functioning of the structure.
3. During the installation process, the use of flux is important; at the final stage, the entire system must be cleaned. Otherwise, corrosion will form on the copper walls.
4. At the joints of the structure, there should be no overheating. Otherwise, the strength of the structure is lost, as is the tightness at the joints.
5. It is planned to carry out soldering using other metals, the connection of a copper pipe with a brass or bronze fitting is mandatory, otherwise the pipe will lose its strength.
6. If bumps or burrs appear during pipe cutting, they must be smoothed out before soldering. This is due to a decrease in working time, the appearance and increase in the area of ​​deformation.
7. The use of abrasive compounds is strictly prohibited. Residual particles can lead to metallic flaws or fistulas.

When in contact with other substances during work from additional types of material, the flow of water should be directed from them to the copper structure. In case of violation this rule, happening chemical reaction pipeline.

Fig 2. Water direction

The metal has a high ductility, so it is easily subjected to deformation during the cutting process.

Main types of connections

With the start, it makes sense to read the wiring instructions and take care of the pre-preparation: cut several pipes. You will need the following tools:

• pipe cutter,
• pipe bender,
• hacksaw,
• file.

To correctly clean up, it is optimal to use sandpaper. The correct calculation of materials can be made only if there is a plan for future work, which pipe diameter is appropriate. Counting the number of connecting elements is considered a necessary procedure.

There are several ways to connect copper pipes used in installation work:

1. Welding. In manufacturing plants, the process has long been automated. However, it can be used independently by means of a special apparatus and electrodes. To create a protective environment, helium, argon, nitrogen are used. In some situations, you have to use a gas burner. Electrodes use copper, carbon, graphite or tungsten.

An important nuance is a strong discrepancy in the characteristics obtained at the seam and the metal from which the pipe is made. There is also a difference in the chemical definition of the composition, thermal conductivity parameters. If a violation is allowed in the technology, the probability of a seam divergence will increase several times.

Fig 3. Welding result

Only a qualified specialist with extensive experience can competently and accurately carry out welding. It is connected with many nuances when choosing this technology. When planning to do all the work yourself, it is better to use an alternative connection method.

1. Capillary. In everyday life, specialists rarely encounter the need to connect copper pipes. by the most simple solution task is soldering using a gas burner, or blowtorch.

There are two ways:

• using high temperatures. You will need a propane or acetylene burner, hard metal alloys,
• at low temperatures. A blowtorch and soft metals are enough.

Fig 4. Capillary soldering

The end result is almost identical: a reliable and durable connection. The first option involves a more resistant and smooth seam. But the likelihood of burning the pipe increases due to the high temperature of gas heating. For solder, you will need a base of tin, or a combination of lead with bismuth, copper or silver. But the use of heavy metals (lead) is not advisable to choose when installing water supply.

At home, it is realistic to implement:

• connection of copper pipes using compression fittings,
• bell-shaped.

When choosing the second option, one end of the pipe is pre-expanded by means of an expander. It is put on the end of another pipe and soldered. The procedure is performed only at the junction of pipes. Expanding the end of the pipe, 0.1-0.2 mm is left as a gap. The space is completely filled with capillary technology.

It is important not to cause mechanical damage to the structure when soldering. If the pipe is made of durable R290 copper, it is pre-fired. The result is an analogue with greater softness. Pressure changes must be taken into account in the calculation process.

To facilitate the process, you can purchase ready-made connecting fasteners: coupling, tee, turn, plug. They already have a bell. But this requires additional financial costs, although it significantly simplifies the procedure and reduces the time for work.

Figure 5. Fasteners

The pipe is coated with flux so as not to use additional filters for cleaning. Solder is carried out when reaching optimum temperature. When melted, the metal flows inward. If it hits a large number of, then it will flow out on its own from the inside of the structure. As a result, the pipe diameter becomes smaller.

1. Press coupling or collet fitting. In places where it is planned to make solder, put on a ring with a seal. If a press coupling is used, then it must be clamped with tongs, and when fitting, you need to get a key and a union nut. The ends of the pipes must fit tightly so that there are no gaps. The clutch eliminates leakage.

Fig 6. Push-in fitting

For everyday tasks, connecting copper tubes using auxiliary elements and without soldering is the best option, since the likelihood of making serious mistakes is reduced.

Fig 7. Ways of connecting copper pipes

Choice of mounting technique

In practice, two options for installing a copper piping system are most often used. Before starting work, everyone decides for himself which pipeline will be: detachable or one-piece.

There are the following connection methods:

• welding using an electric machine,
• by pressing,
• using a gas burner or an electric soldering iron.

All methods are allowed to be selected in production, regardless of the type of pipeline. The main thing is to decide whether fittings will be additionally used or not. If the system needs to be light and accessible in terms of repair work or adding additional elements, it is advisable to make the pipeline split. Fitting can be choose:

• compression,
• threaded,
• with automatic lock.

For self-creation this is the best option, there is no need to use soldering. It is not necessary to have extensive experience or knowledge to make a collapsible system on your own at home. Periodically, you will have to tighten the nuts to avoid leaks. Constant adjustment of the pressure leads to a decrease in the strength of the fasteners.

The option without including connectors is relevant in the situation when it is planned to close it with a concrete screed. This is where welding becomes a must. It differs from the first option in its long service life and reliability. The thread should not be present on the copper product. The connection is made only with the help of fittings. Additionally, soldering or pressing is required.

Fig 8. Example of a one-piece system

Conclusion

The choice of connecting copper pipes depends on the conditions under which it is planned to carry out all the work and for what purposes it is necessary. As a rule, adhesive work by means of a special apparatus, it is advisable to choose if there is specialized knowledge and experience. Without soldering - an option definitely for household use.

In the latter case, connecting elements and fittings are additionally purchased. But you will have to periodically monitor the condition of the pipeline, because over time, the fasteners may leak. Therefore, periodically you will have to tighten the fasteners.

Many, in my opinion, erroneously, believe that copper pipes for installing plumbing or heating a house are quite expensive, and some that the age of copper for these purposes is a thing of the past. In this entry, we will try to prove to you that this is not so, precisely because copper is a fairly convenient material for mounting any structures, and if we take its durability into account, then it is indispensable in many cases and it is she who will be chosen by a zealous owner for his own home.

If we compare copper with other materials from which plumbing and other communication pipes are made (for example, with plastic or), then its advantages are obvious. First of all, it is an unusually long service life: copper pipes and fittings often last as long as the building itself exists.

Copper is very plastic, which increases the safety of the water supply and retains its properties in a wide temperature range (from -200 to +250 ° C), which makes the pipes resistant to freezing when filled with water.

Copper pipes are resistant to ultraviolet radiation (unlike plastic), have a low roughness coefficient, which allows them to be used in similar conditions

Copper piping is virtually unaffected various kinds viruses and bacteria, he is not afraid of oils, fats and various harmful substances. Even chlorine, which is inevitable for our water pipes, is not able to destroy a copper pipe, but, on the contrary, due to the formation of an oxide layer on its inner walls, chlorine helps to extend the life of the pipe.

Pipes

Water supply copper pipes of circular cross section are produced both in coils (25 and 50 m long) and in segments (rods of various lengths). The most commonly used pipes have diameters from 8 to 28 mm with a wall thickness of 1 mm. It is worth emphasizing that copper pipes due to thin walls are much lighter than steel pipes. They may be insulated.

Installation of copper pipes does not cause any particular difficulties, mainly due to the fact that they are well cut and bent. Copper pipes can be connected in two ways: detachable and one-piece. The second includes soldering, welding, crimping.

To connect pipes, connect to fittings, various fittings are used to existing water supply.

Fitting

There are a large number of varieties of connecting and transitional fittings. Examples of some are shown in photos 1-12. So, for soldering, not only ordinary and adapter couplings are used, but also various elbows, tees, crosses, contours, rolls and plugs. There are fittings with the transition of a soldered connection to a threaded one, for example, an “American” with a cone seal (15 × 1/2 ″). Threaded press fittings often use a ferrule, which, when the union nut is tightened, compresses the pipe, thereby sealing the connection.

Soldering copper pipes

Soldering is carried out due to adhesion between molten copper-phosphorus or silver solders and heated pipes to be joined. The solder is distributed at the junction under the action of capillary forces, "wetting" the base metal. To improve the quality of soldering and increase the adhesion coefficient, special fluxes are used, and the soldering surfaces are pre-cleaned. When soldering, you need to evenly heat the parts to be joined to the required temperature.

Therefore, when soldering, the type of burner flame is important, which indicates the balance of the gas mixture. A decreasing burner flame indicates an excess amount of fuel in the mixture that exceeds the oxygen content. A supersaturated gas mixture, due to an excess of oxygen, forms a flame that oxidizes the surface of the metal. A sign of this phenomenon is a black coating on the metal. A balanced gas mixture, when burned, forms a flame that heats the metal without any other effect.

When working on soldering copper pipes, also note that:

• The application of flux promotes adhesion of the solder to the metal.
• The place of soldering is preliminarily serviced.
• For high-quality soldering, the necessary heating of the soldered parts is required.
• For soldering copper pipes, cleaning of the joint is required.

Copper soldering tools

For soldering copper, special soldering irons and gas burners are used.

When working with copper pipes, in addition to soldering and crimping, they have to be cut, bent, expanded, beaded. Pipe bending to avoid wrinkling and flattening is performed using a lever pipe bender. Moreover, for pipes with a diameter of up to 15 mm, the bending radius must be at least 3.5 diameters. For pipes of large diameters, the bending radius must be at least 4 diameters. You can also cut pipes with a hacksaw, but it is best with a pipe cutter, which allows you to do this exactly at the mark and without distortions. After each revolution, it is necessary to tighten the cutting roller by tightening the set screw. Burrs appearing during the cutting process must be removed.

To ensure the insertion of the pipe into the pipe, special expander pliers and mandrels are used.

How to bend copper pipes

In the photo above, the numbers indicate

1. The pipe is inserted and fixed in the grip of the pipe bender at the start of the bend.
2. Applying force, gradually turn the movable handle of the lever pipe bender, bending the pipe around the mandrel.
3. You can also bend the pipe using a spring with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the pipe.

Pipe expansion

In the photo below, the numbers indicate

To connect pipes with fittings with union nuts (especially when repairing connections), it is necessary to do flaring.

1. If necessary, remove the union nut by cutting off the flared end of the pipe.
2. You can cut off the flaring with a roller pipe cutter by sliding the nut along the pipe.
3. To restore the flaring, the pipe is clamped in the matrix so that the end of the pipe protrudes above the surface of the matrix by about 1 mm.
4. By screwing the fixture screw, the end of the pipe is deformed with the formation of a conical expansion.
5. After removing the screw clamp, check the funnel flare, which must have the correct shape.
6. The end of the pipe can be flattened with light blows of a hammer, again clamping the pipe in the matrix.
7. A smooth and even flare surface can be obtained with a velvet file.
8. It remains to put the sealing gasket, and the pipe can be connected.
9. If necessary, flaring can also be done on fittings, for example, couplings, squares.

How to expand a copper tube

For connecting pipes by soldering without using connection fittings the end of one pipe can be expanded using special pliers.

Having inserted the pipe into the tongs with a head of the required diameter, apply force to the handles of the tongs, expanding the end of the pipe.

After the expansion of the pipe, a mandrel-caliber is inserted into the pipe and with light hammer blows on the mandrel, the expansion diameter is adjusted to the required expansion using special pliers.

How to cut copper pipes with a pipe cutter:

The pipe is placed between the jaws of the pipe cutter and the cutting roller is pressed with a set screw.

Having made one or two turns around the pipe with a pipe cutter, the roller is tightened with a screw and the pipe cutter is turned again.

With a folding knife, burrs are removed from the inside of the pipe.

Continue cutting the pipe until the part of the pipe to be cut can be separated by hand.

Typical types of copper pipe connections

When performing installation work, for example, a water supply system using copper pipes, it is necessary to provide connections, make bends, bypasses, and install plumbing fittings.

In the photo, types of “copper” connections

1. Flexible hose connection.
2. Connection of pipes of different diameters by soldering with a straight coupling.
3. The outlet is made using a tee and a single-pipe bypass.
4. Elbow with wall bracket and valve for flexible connection.
5. Outline with extended sockets.
6. sidebar ball valve connected with union nuts.

Also read on the topic:

A variant of the plumbing system using copper components

In order to optimize the plumbing system, equalize the pressure in the system, reduce additional loads on the pump and reduce the cost of the system, the diameters of copper pipes are selected depending on the water flow at each point of consumption. Usually, at a flow rate of up to 50 l / min, pipes with a diameter of 10 mm are used, at a flow rate of up to 160 l / min - pipes with a cross section of 16 mm, at a flow rate of 250 l / min - pipes with a cross section of 20 mm. The variant of the plumbing system and the diameters of the copper pipes are shown in the figure.

For pipes of different diameters, threaded fittings of the appropriate sizes are usually used. For example, turnkey fittings 15 × 22 mm can be used for solder joints with pipes with a cross section of 10-18 mm (table).

Fitting	Pipe diameter, mm
12×18	8	10	12	14	16	18	20	22
15×22	8	10	12	14	16	18	20	22
20×28	8	10	12	14	16	18	20	22

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Copper pipes are widely used in various engineering systems houses and apartments. The main advantages of the material is resistance to corrosion and high temperatures, as well as ultraviolet radiation. In addition, copper pipes can be easily bent to any angle, making it easy to do-it-yourself connections.

As a disadvantage, it is often indicated that the material has a high cost, however, with such excellent characteristics of the metal, its price cannot be low. Installation of copper pipelines is carried out using fittings. They can be crimp or solder, depending on this, the connection of copper pipes also differs. Crimp fittings create a detachable connection, and solder fittings create a one-piece connection.

The main advantages and areas of use of copper pipeline

Copper pipes have a working temperature from -200 to +250 degrees, as well as a low linear expansion, which allows them to be successfully used for such systems:

• heating;
• Plumbing;
• Conditioning;
• Gas transportation;
• Obtaining alternative energy, for example, solar systems.

When installing copper pipelines for supplying cold and hot water, you do not have to worry about overgrowing or silting of the internal section. Also, they are not destroyed by chlorine, which is added to tap water in high concentrations. On the contrary, chlorine creates the thinnest protective layer on the inner wall of pipelines, which significantly extends the life of the pipelines. In turn, a small amount of copper is released into drinking water, which has a beneficial effect on human health.

Features of installing pipes for water supply

Installation of copper plumbing for cold and hot water does not differ in technology. However, attention should be paid to appearance pipelines and related fittings: parts intended for hot water are insulated with PVC film. Installation of copper pipes for water supply can be carried out in one of the following ways:

1. With the use of threaded fittings.
2. With soldering.

Push-in connections with threaded fittings are the easiest and most affordable way to install with your own hands.

Threaded fittings create detachable connections that can be unscrewed or tightened repeatedly as needed. In order to carry out the installation, you must:

1. Slide the compression nut onto the pipes.
2. Put on top of the compression ring.
3. Connect elements together.
4. Tighten the nut.

The compression ring is responsible for the tightness of the connection, therefore it cannot be reused. If the connection had to be untwisted, the rubber ring should be put in a new one. Copper pipes can be bent in any direction, and therefore there is an opportunity to save on the number of fittings.

Soldering is a somewhat more complicated installation method, however, it is quite doable with your own hands. It is necessary to be careful and observe all safety measures when working with open fire. The connection itself consists of the following steps:

1. Cleaning the ends of the pipe and fittings with sandpaper to bare metal.
2. A thin layer of soldering flux is applied with a brush.
3. The pipe is inserted into the fitting up to the maximum mark.
4. The connection point is heated with a gas burner or a building hair dryer.
   It is very important to evenly heat the elements to be joined, for this it is recommended to use a blowtorch with two burners.
5. When the heating temperature is sufficient to melt the solder, it is injected into the joint.
6. After curing, excess flux can be removed.

On sale are copper fittings with a pre-specified solder in a special groove. This simplifies do-it-yourself installation: you just need to insert the end of the flux-lubricated pipeline and heat it to the required temperature. The solder will melt and flow into the gap between the pipe and fitting, creating a secure connection.

Features of installing a heating system using copper pipes

Installation of copper pipes for a heating system begins with preparatory work. The material can be easily bent and cut, but it must be done in the right way. Key recommendations:

1. Before installation, it is necessary to cut the pipes into segments of the required length.
2. It is better to cut pipes for heating with a pipe cutter or a hacksaw.
3. The inner surface of pipelines must be free of burrs and metal chips. To complete this task, you will need a file and scraper.
4. The cut point must be leveled, especially in cases where the cutting was carried out with a hacksaw for metal, which slightly deforms the pipe.
5. You can bend the tubular product manually or using a special tool.
6. If the heating system has curved sections of a particularly complex shape, it is recommended to use a pipe bender. Such a bend will protect the material from unwanted creases, which can subsequently become a place of corrosion.
7. Products should be bent with the minimum allowable radius.
8. The bending radius when performing work with a pipe cutter must be at least 3.5 times the diameter of the pipeline. If pipes are bent by hand, a bending radius of at least 8 diameters should be performed.

The connection of elements of the copper heating system is carried out in two already known ways:

• Crimp fittings;
• soldering method.

Due to the fact that copper can be easily bent, installation is simple and requires a small number of fittings. However, it is necessary to remember some rules for combining materials in a heating system.

Copper pipes must not be connected to aluminum radiators.

If the use of aluminum radiators cannot be avoided, the transition must be made through a steel pipe. This will help to avoid the onset of corrosion when joining copper and aluminum. As for radiators made of other materials, such as steel or cast iron, there are no such problems.

The method is based on the capillary rise of a liquid (molten solder) along the thinnest gap between the pipe walls. There are two types of soldering copper pipes: low-temperature and high-temperature soldering. The difference in soldering mainly depends on the melting temperature of the solder. For high-temperature soldering, refractory soldering rods are used, for low-temperature - soft solders rolled into coils. Accordingly, acetylene and propane torches are used to heat pipes during high-temperature soldering, sometimes it is enough for low-temperature ones, fire from a blowtorch. High temperature brazing can be applied to all types of copper wiring, including solar collectors, where pipes can be heated up to 250 ° C, low temperature brazing is more demanding on pipe heating temperatures, nevertheless it is successfully used in hot water and heating systems. There are no structural differences in these types of soldering, however, high-temperature soldering is more often used for socket pipe joints, and low-temperature soldering is used for pipe joints with fittings with solder fused into them, although vice versa is also possible.

For the installation of copper pipelines, three types of pipes are used: soft (R 220), semi-solid (R 250) and hard (R 290). As a hardness (hardness) parameter, the tensile strength in MPa (N/mm²) is proposed. Soft pipes are sold rolled into bays, semi-solid and hard - straight rods. The fundamental difference in these types of pipes is the pressure of the transported medium that the pipes can withstand. Hard pipes withstand the highest pressure (290 N/mm²), soft pipes withstand the lowest pressure (220 N/mm²). The pressure that is created in apartment and even cottage pipelines will successfully withstand any of these pipes. And if you need to build a steam boiler house or a mini-production, then you can’t do without calculation and drafting a project, but that’s another topic.

Socket soldering (Fig. 36) uses soft, semi-hard or hard copper pipes with a pre-annealed end. One of the ends of the pipe with an expander is shaped into a socket, similar to a socket sewer pipes, the end of another pipe will be inserted into it. It must be remembered that when you anneal the ends of hard pipes, you release the metal and the pipe at the junction acquires the properties of a soft pipe. This circumstance must be taken into account when designing a pipeline according to pressure criteria.

To make a socket, you need to use only those heads on the expander that are designed for a given pipe diameter, then the diameter of the socket will automatically turn out to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pipe. Typically, the gap between the inner walls of the socket and the outer walls of the pipe inserted into the socket is approximately 0.2 mm. Such a gap provides "drawing in" of the molten solder and its uniform distribution over the entire inner surface of the socket at any position of the pipe. In other words, pipes can be soldered in any position, even with the socket down, the capillary gap between the pipes will still "suck" the molten solder into itself, which will be evenly distributed over the place of soldering. Using the “correct” expander head is 80% of soldering success - the gap between the pipes and the depth of the socket is set by this particular tool.

Today, pipe manufacturers produce ready-made fittings and couplings, on which sockets are already made (Fig. 37). The use of such parts makes the pipeline more expensive, but completely eliminates the "human factor" present during self-manufacturing expander socket.

The pipes at the place of the solder are covered with a flux (Fig. 38), which will act as a lubricant for the solder and a “pickle” (cleansing of the metal) for copper. When high-temperature soldering with silver or bronze solders, borax is used as a flux. It is mixed with water until a viscous slurry is obtained. The flux is applied without excess only to the collar of the pipe that will mate with the fitting or socket, and not into the fitting or socket. After applying the flux, it is recommended to immediately articulate the parts to prevent foreign particles from entering the wet surface. If, for some reason, soldering will take place a little later, then it is better for the parts to wait for this moment already in the articulated form. It is recommended to rotate the pipe in the fitting or socket, or vice versa, the fitting around the axis of the pipe, in order to make sure that the flux is evenly distributed in the mounting gap and to feel that the pipe has reached the stop. Then it is necessary to remove visible flux residues from the outer surface of the pipe with a rag.

For soldering copper pipes, solder rods with a diameter of 3 mm from copper and silver or bronze alloys are used. After the socket is made, or when using a ready-made fitting with a socket, the pipes are inserted into each other. The junction is heated from all sides with a propane or acetylene torch. Heating is carried out until the solder bar brought up and pressed against the socket begins to melt. With the acquisition of experience, the heating time of the pipes is determined by the change in color of the pipe - until a "red glow" is reached. Threaded fittings for connecting them to other pipelines or to plumbing fixtures are made of bronze and brass and require a longer heating time when soldering. To determine the solder consumption per joint, the following method is usually used: the solder bar is bent in the form of the letter G, making the bend slightly larger than the socket diameter. As soon as the place of soldering is warmed up to the desired temperature, the solder is pressed against the gap between the socket and the pipe inserted into it and is led around the pipe without stopping the heating of the joint. The solder melts and flows into the gap. It is necessary to melt the entire bent end of the solder into the gap, no more and no less. An increase in solder consumption leads to the fact that it can flow through the slot and melt the inner section of the pipes. A decrease in solder consumption leads to non-soldering of the joint.

When soldering pipes, you must follow basic safety measures for working with open flames. It is necessary to work in canvas gloves, it is better together with an assistant, to hold the pipe away from the place of heating. When working alone, use clamps to temporarily secure the pipes.

After cooling, the assembly is ready for operation - this is the most reliable connection of copper pipes and is not difficult at all. The experience of soldering copper pipes comes quickly, and for those who already know the technique of gas welding, it is immediately clear. True, to heat pipes, you need equipment for gas welding. Sometimes (for soldering joints of small diameters) you can use the hot air of a powerful building hair dryer, using a nozzle that limits the hot air cone, in order to achieve heating faster. Another way of heating without a flame are electrocontact devices. Outwardly, they resemble large tongs with interchangeable copper heads to cover pipes of different diameters.

Upon completion of soldering of the assembly or the entire pipeline, it must be flushed to free the internal cavities from flux residues. As already mentioned, the flux works not only as a lubricant for solder, but also as an etchant for copper, that is, in fact, it is an aggressive oxidizing agent. And if so, then there is nothing more for him to do inside the pipes, he must be removed from there by washing with water. From the outer surface of the pipes, the leaked flux is removed with a rag.

Butt soldering of pipelines is not allowed. If it is necessary to connect the parts end-to-end, then they do not solder the pipes, but weld them. In principle, almost the same operations are done as in high-temperature soldering, except that no flux is required, and the heating of pipes and fittings is increased to the melting temperature of the metal.

For low-temperature soldering, fittings with solder fused into them are used. Outwardly, these are the same fittings for socket soldering, but a belt is squeezed out along the surface of the socket (Fig. 39), inside which manufacturers poured solder even at the stage of fittings manufacturing. Both refractory and low-melting solder can be poured into the fitting, thanks to which both types of soldering can be performed. However, most often, low-melting solder is poured into the fittings, so the joints on such fittings are classified as low-temperature soldering.

The technology for connecting copper pipes on fused solder fittings is even simpler than on conventional fittings. Pipes and fittings are processed in exactly the same way as described above. The pipes are then inserted into fittings or couplings. The fittings are heated by the fire of a blowtorch or the hot air of a building hair dryer, the solder embedded in the fittings melts and spreads along the socket, soldering the parts (Fig. 40). That's the whole technology: I stuck the cleaned and fluxed parts into each other, heated the assembly with a blowtorch and let it cool.

Soldered copper pipe connections can be used for all types of house piping, with the exception of pipelines with high temperatures (about 150–250 ° C), which are not found in an ordinary house.

Connecting pipes by soldering
Tight joining of copper pipes without soldering
Mandatory Connection Rules

Even with the fact that polymer pipes are used more and more often, metal products are still a great success. As a rule, copper, brass and steel are used as the metal. For the better in terms of resistance to corrosion and high temperatures, copper is distinguished. Actually, the connection of copper pipes will be discussed in this article.

Even despite the fact that copper pipes are distinguished by their high cost, given all the characteristics of the material, their use is quite justified.

First of all, before connecting copper pipes, it is worth deciding how to connect them, by soldering or otherwise.

Connecting pipes by soldering

Consider the connection of copper tubes with fittings, followed by soldering, which can be low- and high-temperature. In the first method, soldering is carried out at a temperature of 300 ºC. The second method is used in the arrangement of systems with high loads for industrial purposes.

Couplings act as connectors for copper pipes; tin-lead solder and flux are additionally needed.

The pipe soldering technology will be as follows:

• First of all, a pipe of a certain size is cut.

  Copper pipe connection: types and features

  This process must be carried out carefully, taking into account the dimensions of the existing fittings.

• Pipe ends should be inspected for any defects such as chips, cracks or burrs. If they are not eliminated, then there will be problems with the tightness of the connection after all work has been completed.
• After making sure that the ends are cleaned, you can start connecting. Due to the fact that several pipes will be connected, and they can be with different sections, the fittings must be selected accordingly.
• Next, the end of the pipe and the inner walls of the couplings should be treated with a flux, which will degrease the surfaces to obtain the highest quality connection.
• Now the end of the pipe is threaded into the copper tube connector and heated. It must be selected so that the cross section is 1-1.5 cm larger than the pipe section. The pipes are heated with a gas burner. The gap between the pipe and the coupling is filled with molten solder. Nowadays, you can find any type of solder to suit your needs on the market, so choosing should not be any problem.
• After the solder is evenly distributed around the circumference, the parts to be joined must be left until it has completely hardened.

• On the finishing stage you need to check the connectors for copper pipes and the entire system by running water into it. At this point, not only the system will be checked, but it will also be cleaned of flux residues, which over time can cause metal corrosion.

Tight joining of copper pipes without soldering

In addition, it is worth noting that, despite the fact that connecting pipes by soldering is considered the most reliable method in most cases, there are still situations when it is not possible to use this method. In such cases, you can resort to connecting copper tubes without soldering. You will need special fittings that will ensure a secure connection due to the clamping effect that is formed during the threaded connection.

IN this case the connection is made in the following sequence:

• First, the fittings are disconnected, which often have two components.
• One of the elements is put on the pipe. As a rule, this is a nut and a clamping ring.
• Next, a pipe is threaded into the fitting and the nut is tightened.

Typically, such fittings are completed with detailed instructions, which must be followed without fail, otherwise the work performed will be of poor quality.

It is worth noting that before you connect copper pipes without soldering, you should be aware of all the risks, since it is quite difficult to get a high-quality connection. Minimal distortions of the connected parts are not allowed at all, otherwise the technology is grossly violated. To make the threaded connection extremely tight, it is desirable to additionally seal it with special threads. At the same time, it is worth making sure that they do not end up on the inside of the pipe, since subsequently the water may not pass through the system properly.

Mandatory Connection Rules

For any type of connection, the list of work performed will look like this:

• The pipes to be joined must be made of the same metal. In case you are going to connect a copper pipe with a pipe made of any other material, you must decide on the desired connection method. For example, for joining pipes made of copper and polyvinyl chloride, the soldering method cannot be used.
• When connecting a copper pipe to a steel pipe, the copper pipe should be placed after the steel pipe.
• When tightening a threaded connection, you need to be extremely careful, especially if you have thin-walled pipes at your disposal.
• To correctly determine the amount of solder needed, a piece of wire must have the circumference of the pipe to be soldered.
• A special burner is best suited for heating pipes.

  You can, of course, use a simple blowtorch, but in this case you need to be prepared that the junction will overheat, and the whole workflow will become somewhat more complicated.

• It is no secret that copper pipes are quite expensive material. In this regard, even before the work, it will not be superfluous to carry out preliminary calculations of the volume required material. However, remember that all connecting parts also have their own dimensions, so they must be taken into account.

In conclusion, it would not be out of place to note that the connection of copper pipes is technologically a process of medium complexity. If you are engaged in such work for the first time, then you need to be prepared for the fact that some nuances may arise. To understand the process and get as much insight as possible about it, it will not be superfluous to get advice from professional workers, or at least to get acquainted with the available video materials.

How to connect copper pipes: basic methods

There are many methods for connecting copper pipes into a single piping system. The market provides a huge number of fittings, solders, fluxes, fasteners, allowing you to create detachable and non-detachable, serviced and unattended connections.

Work with copper pipes consists of:

• sizing - if the pipe is incorrectly measured, it is impossible to cut it correctly;
• cutting - made strictly perpendicular with a pipe cutter, given that it is better to make more turns than to apply force;
• stripping - removing burrs after cutting and oxide film (it is better to do this with a special napkin);
• connections.

Ways of connecting copper pipes:

• capillary soldering;
• high-temperature soldering;
• various fittings.

Connection by soldering

For connecting copper products by soldering flux should be applied to the cleaned surface and the parts should be immediately connected. Heat the connection unit evenly with a gas burner (blowtorch, soldering iron) until the flux begins to change color and the solder melts. The burner fire is diverted, the solder fills the gap between the elements.

In order for the amount of solder to be optimal, experts offer a simple guideline - the length of the solder rod should be equal to the diameter of the pipe. You can cut the bar of the required length before soldering. If one of the elements is a fitting that has already been soldered at the factory, then it does not need to be added.

After filling the gap with solder, it is necessary to allow time for cooling without exposing the assembly to mechanical stress. Once the solder has completely cured, remove any remaining solder and flux with a damp cloth.

Copper fittings: soldered and flared, threaded and crimped

After the entire system is mounted, it should be flushed hot water. Flux contributes to corrosion, so its presence on the inner surface is undesirable.

Types of fittings for connecting copper pipes

The connection without soldering is made using fittings, which are divided into two large groups - straight (connection of elements of the same diameter) and transitional (connection of elements of different diameters). Diameters can be from 8 to 100 millimeters.

Based on the configuration, a fitting (connector) for copper pipes is called:

• coupling - must be made of the same material as the pipes, can be used both for elements with the same diameter and for elements with different diameters, used when there is no need to change direction;
• square - designed to change the direction of the system by 30, 45 or 90 degrees;
• tee - used to connect three ends located relative to each other at an angle of 45 or 90 degrees;
• cross - joins together four pipes located perpendicular to each other on the same plane;
• adapter ("American", futorka, sgon, nipple) - for combining pipes from different material using various methods;
• plug - a cap, a plug for sealing the end of the tube;
• fitting - for connecting a pipe and a flexible hose.

Based on the method, the connection of copper pipes with fittings can be:

• using a soldering fitting, under the thread of which there is tin. A flux-treated pipe is inserted into it, the assembly is heated until the solder becomes liquid and fills the gap;
• using threaded (equipped with threads);
• crimp (compression), allowing you to connect elements of different diameters. The pipe is fixed with a fitting using an O-shaped seal and a detachable or one-piece ring.

  Conventional tools are suitable for installation;

• press - fitting, consisting of a body and a sleeve and mounted using press - tongs;
• self-locking fitting, which is based on internal rings, one of which is equipped with teeth. When pressed with a special key, the teeth enter another ring, forming a secure connection. Just as easy as putting on, taking off.

Features of copper products: what to consider

When installing a copper pipeline, it is important to know not only how to connect copper pipes, but also to fulfill several additional conditions:

• to extend the life of the system, only copper and its alloys should be used;
• if it is necessary to use products from other materials, then it should be taken into account that copper cannot be combined with galvanized steel, as this leads to corrosion in steel elements;
• if the use of steel products cannot be avoided in any way, then they should be mounted in front of copper elements;
• safe connection of copper and acid-resistant steel.

Fasteners

For the final installation of any pipeline, clamps for copper pipes are required.

For domestic pipelines are used:

• metal C-shaped (fastening with one bolt) and O-shaped (fastening with two bolts) clamps made of steel and equipped with a rubber coating that neutralizes mechanical and acoustic vibrations;
• plastic clamps (movable and stationary) - for internal systems, equipped with a dowel and a screw;
• brackets - for hanging or arranging system elements.

It is obvious that for each system it is necessary to select its own methods of installation and fastening. Only when choosing quality materials and correct installation the pipeline will be reliable and durable.

In the market of modern communication systems, the most popular products are made of plastic and stainless steel. They are widely used to create pipelines for water supply, sewerage and heating. However, copper communications, despite the high cost, also firmly occupied their niche. They are less susceptible to corrosion (unlike steel), more reliable than plastic, which allows you to create durable pipelines that will work for decades.

How to choose copper pipes for arranging a heating or plumbing system in a house, and how to install copper pipes with our own hands, we will describe in our article.

The undeniable and most important advantages of copper communications are:

• resistance to corrosion;
• high strength;
• plasticity and flexibility, which makes it easier and faster to install;
• no growths of inorganic compounds and microorganisms are formed inside the products;
• longevity of communication systems.

The most important question is how to choose copper pipes so that they fulfill their purpose for a long time without additional maintenance and repair measures.

When choosing copper communications, you need to consider a number of factors:

• pipe dimensions;
• pressure in a particular heating or water supply system;
• temperature of transported substances;
• the presence of an insulating layer of polyvinyl chloride or other polymer;
• pipeline assignment.

One of the main parameters is the diameter of copper pipes, on which technical specifications depend. characteristics of the pipeline and the choice of fittings for installation. For the construction of domestic pipelines, products of the two most common sizes are used

For larger systems, larger products can be used.

The difference between copper pipes and steel counterparts is that even with such a small thickness, the working pressure of copper products is much higher.

Methods for connecting copper pipes

The installation of copper pipes and the connection of individual elements of the copper pipeline can be done using threaded couplings, using a press fitting, as well as by soldering copper parts when using a gas burner.

The first two methods are the simplest and should not cause difficulties, even with self-installation of communication. Soldering of copper products is carried out only by specialists with experience and special tools. However, this is the most reliable, strong and durable type of connection of copper products.

For arrangement copper pipeline You may need the following tools:

• grinder with a cutting disc or a special device - a pipe cutter;
• calibrator, which is needed to restore the ideal round shape after processing products;

Copper pipe calibrator

• regular set wrenches, including adjustable;
• a file with a fine notch for cleaning pipe sections;
• pliers and abrasive skin for removing oxide and preparing metal for soldering;
• gas burner or powerful hot soldering iron;
• solder and flux for better adhesion of copper to tin.

Features of the installation of the pipeline

Consider in detail each connection of copper pipes.

To connect products with a threaded method, the following procedure is performed in stages.

Cut the pipe to the required size. Calibrate and, if necessary, flare the pipe section, depending on the type of fitting used. Clean the ends of the products to be joined from burrs and dust and make a small chamfer for better connection with clutch.

If the fitting does not contain a polymer gasket, then a special winding tape must be wound around the cut of the product, which will improve the sealing of the connection.

Put the fixing nut on the pipe.

Fittings for copper pipes: types, characteristics, installation features

Install a cone-shaped compression ring to create a reliable connection of the entire structure. Insert the section of the product into the fitting and tighten the connection with a nut using a regular wrench

The entire installation process can be seen more clearly in the video below:

Installing copper pipes with a press fitting will not cause any difficulties. Sections of the product are prepared in the same way. The ends of the pipes to be connected are inserted into the clamp fitting, inside which there is a gasket, and with the help of the clamp, the material is squeezed.

To do this, you need special pliers that wrap around the product around the entire circumference. Ordinary pliers will not work, as they only capture certain areas of the connection.

This method and the threaded connection of copper pipes are the most simple and convenient. Anyone, even a novice communications system installer, can quickly do this job. However, they are designed for pipelines with low water pressure. To perform bends, turns and bypass obstacles when laying pipes, there are special elements made of the same metal.

Connection of copper pipes by soldering

The highest quality and reliable installation - copper pipes are connected by soldering.

Products must be prepared and cleaned from foreign metal particles and dust.

If there is an insulating layer of polymer on the copper pipe, then it must be removed at a distance of 15-20 centimeters from the cut of the product.

The surface of copper is susceptible to oxidation in the open air, so a layer of metal oxide forms on top, which can interfere with high-quality soldering of elements. It is removed mechanically using fine sandpaper.

After processing the cut of the product, it is necessary to wipe the place of soldering with a clean and dry cloth to remove sawdust and dust. Then the cleaned surface should be treated with a flux, which is a solution of sulfuric acid and other substances that promote the best adhesion of metals.

It will not be superfluous to tin with solder the part of the pipe that is to be soldered. For this it must be heated and a thin layer of molten solder is applied. For the installation of copper pipes, this is extremely important.

The end of the product prepared in this way must be inserted into a fitting with a small gap, into which molten solder will enter during soldering. Next, heat the place to be soldered with a gas burner or a powerful soldering iron.

However, it should be noted that too high a temperature can damage the connection, as the solder will roll down.

Before soldering, you need to firmly fix the joint, because even a small vibration can disrupt the quality of the connection.

At the final stage of laying copper pipes, insert solder into the gap between the product and the fitting, which is similar in shape to an ordinary wire, and melt it. After cooling, the connection is ready for use.

I would like to draw attention to the fact that the process of cooling the place of soldering should occur gradually in a natural way. Procedure with cold water or with a damp cloth, as in electric welding, in this case is strictly prohibited. Otherwise, the solder will crumble, and the connection will have to be redone.

After the installation is completed - copper pipes are installed in the pipeline in compliance with all the rules, it is necessary to test the performance of the entire system by briefly supplying water. During the test, all pipe connections and connections to plumbing fixtures should be carefully inspected. For your peace of mind, you need to supply water with a pressure slightly higher than the working value. If the pipeline passes this test, then it can be safely connected to the operating mode.

When connecting copper pipes, you will need special elements called fittings. Such parts contribute to the quick and easy installation of plumbing systems for the home. The store sells high-quality threaded and compression fittings for copper pipes from such manufacturers: Emmeti, IBP, Tiemme, Uni-Fitt, Viega. All products have the necessary certificates and comply with the requirements and standards.

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Tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 54x1/2 "x54 - fitting-adapter from a threaded to a press connection if it is necessary to branch in the installation of copper pipes in cold and hot water supply systems, heating systems, sanitary equipment. The material of the press-B tee is bronze Sanpress VIEGA 54x1 /2"x54 - bronze. The scope of the tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 54x1 / 2 "x54 - water, air, glycols, fuel oil and other non-aggressive liquids. Operating conditions of the tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 54x1 / 2"x54: maximum temperature 110 degrees Celsius, maximum allowable pressure - 10 bar. Only a single compression of the tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 54x1 / 2 "x54 with pressing tongs is allowed. Complete set of the tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 54x1 / 2"x54 - HNBR sealing elements. Sanpress press fittings are equipped with the SC-Contur safety loop (microgroove on the fitting), which allows you to visually identify unpressed joints during pressure testing, and the resulting

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Tee press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 54x3/4 "x54 - fitting-adapter from a threaded to a press connection if it is necessary to branch in the installation of copper pipes in cold and hot water supply systems, heating systems, sanitary equipment. The material of the press-N tee is bronze Sanpress VIEGA 54x3 /4"x54 - bronze. The scope of the tee press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 54x3 / 4 "x54 - water, air, glycols, fuel oil and other non-aggressive liquids. Operating conditions of the tee press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 54x3 / 4"x54: maximum temperature 110 degrees Celsius, maximum allowable pressure - 10 bar. It is allowed only a single compression of the press-N tee bronze Sanpress VIEGA 54x3 / 4 "x54 with pressing tongs. The complete set of the press-N tee bronze Sanpress VIEGA 54x3 / 4"x54 - HNBR sealing elements. Sanpress press fittings are equipped with the SC-Contur (micro-groove on the fitting) safety loop, which allows you to visually identify unpressed joints during pressure testing, and the resulting

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Press-N tee bronze Sanpress VIEGA 35x3/4 "x35 - fitting-adapter from a threaded to a press connection if it is necessary to branch in the installation of copper pipes in cold and hot water supply systems, heating systems, sanitary equipment. The material of the press-N tee is bronze Sanpress VIEGA 35x3 /4"x35 - bronze. The scope of the tee press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 35x3/4 "x35 - water, air, glycols, fuel oil and other non-aggressive liquids. Operating conditions of the tee press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 35x3 / 4"x35: maximum temperature 110 degrees Celsius, maximum allowable pressure - 10 bar. It is allowed only a single compression of the tee press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 35x3/4"x35 with pressing tongs. Complete set of the tee press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 35x3/4"x35 - HNBR sealing elements. Sanpress press fittings are equipped with the SC-Contur (micro-groove on the fitting) safety loop, which allows you to visually identify unpressed joints during pressure testing, and the resulting

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Press-N tee bronze Sanpress VIEGA 22x3/4"x22 - fitting-adapter from a threaded to a press connection if it is necessary to branch in the installation of copper pipes in cold and hot water supply systems, heating systems, sanitary equipment. The material of the press-N tee is bronze Sanpress VIEGA 22x3 /4"x22 - bronze. The scope of the tee press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 22x3 / 4 "x22 - water, air, glycols, fuel oil and other non-aggressive liquids. Operating conditions of the tee press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 22x3 / 4"x22: maximum temperature 110 degrees Celsius, maximum allowable pressure - 10 bar. It is allowed only a single compression of the tee press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 22x3/4"x22 with pressing tongs. Complete set of the tee press-N bronze Sanpress VIEGA 22x3/4"x22 - HNBR sealing elements. Sanpress press fittings are equipped with the SC-Contur (micro-groove on the fitting) safety loop, which allows you to visually identify unpressed joints during pressure testing, and the resulting

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Tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 15x1 / 2 "x15 - a fitting-adapter from a threaded to a press connection if it is necessary to branch in the installation of copper pipes in cold and hot water supply systems, heating systems, sanitary equipment. The material of the press-B tee is bronze Sanpress VIEGA 15x1 / 2 "x15 - bronze. The scope of the tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 15x1 / 2 "x15 is water, air, glycols, fuel oil and other non-aggressive liquids. Operating conditions of the press-B tee bronze Sanpress VIEGA 15x1 / 2"x15: maximum temperature 110 degrees Celsius, maximum allowable pressure - 10 bar. Only a single compression of the tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 15x1 / 2 "x15 with press tongs is allowed. Complete set of the tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 15x1 / 2"x15 - HNBR sealing elements. Sanpress press fittings are equipped with the SC-Contur (micro-groove on the fitting) safety loop, which allows you to visually identify unpressed joints during pressure testing, and the resulting

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Tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 22x1 / 2 "x22 - a fitting-adapter from a threaded to a press connection if it is necessary to branch in the installation of copper pipes in cold and hot water supply systems, heating systems, sanitary equipment. The material of the press-B tee is bronze Sanpress VIEGA 22x1 / 2 "x22 - bronze. The scope of the tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 22x1 / 2 "x22 - water, air, glycols, fuel oil and other non-aggressive liquids. Operating conditions of the tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 22x1 / 2" x22: maximum temperature 110 degrees Celsius, maximum allowable pressure - 10 bar. Only a single compression of the tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 22x1 / 2 "x22 with press tongs is allowed. Complete set of the tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 22x1 / 2" x22 - HNBR sealing elements. Sanpress press fittings are equipped with the SC-Contur (micro-groove on the fitting) safety loop, which allows you to visually identify unpressed joints during pressure testing, and the resulting

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Tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 28x1 / 2 "x28 - a fitting-adapter from a threaded to a press connection if it is necessary to branch in the installation of copper pipes in cold and hot water supply systems, heating systems, sanitary equipment. The material of the press-B tee is bronze Sanpress VIEGA 28x1 / 2 "x28 - bronze. The scope of the tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 28x1 / 2 "x28 - water, air, glycols, fuel oil and other non-aggressive liquids. Operating conditions of the press-B tee bronze Sanpress VIEGA 28x1 / 2"x28: maximum temperature 110 degrees Celsius, maximum allowable pressure - 10 bar. Only a single compression of the tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 28x1 / 2 "x28 with press tongs is allowed. Complete set of the tee press-B bronze Sanpress VIEGA 28x1 / 2"x28 - HNBR sealing elements. Sanpress press fittings are equipped with the SC-Contur safety loop (microgroove on the fitting), which allows you to visually identify unpressed joints during pressure testing, and the resulting

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Water socket crimp-B with a plastic ring TIEMME 10x1/2" is designed to connect copper and steel pipes with points of water intake in the system of water supply, heating and sanitary equipment. The material of the water socket crimp-B TIEMME 10x1/2" is CW617N brass with a plastic ring (PTFE). The scope of the water socket is water, glycols, non-aggressive liquids, oil and compressed air. The norms for the pipe limit the operating conditions of the water socket crimp-B with a plastic ring TIEMME 10x1/2" with the following data: the maximum operating temperature is 120 degrees Celsius, the maximum allowable pressure is 30 bar. Water socket thread crimp-B with plastic ring TIEMME 10x1/2" - ISO 228 (GOST 6357-81), connection type - crimp and internal thread.

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