How to choose pipes for heating or for laying a water supply system: TOP-9 of the best polypropylene pipes
Every year more and more buyers prefer to use polypropylene pipes when making repairs in their apartment. Such pipes are great for installing a heating or plumbing system. Polypropylene pipes are corrosion resistant, withstand pressure and temperature changes. In order not to be mistaken and make the right choice, study our rating of polypropylene pipes.
Manufacturers of quality polypropylene pipes
Often, buyers do not know which polypropylene pipes are needed for heating an apartment, or for laying a water supply system. In order not to be mistaken with the choice, you need to pay attention not only to technical indicators, but also to the manufacturer.
In Russia, plumbing products from the following manufacturers are very popular:
- VALTEC. The Russian-Italian company was founded in 2002 and specialized in the production of pipes and fittings. Today the company produces a large volume of products, and VALTEC pipes were used in the arrangement of plumbing systems in some cultural heritage sites;
- Vikma. The company produces many types of engineering plumbing, including pipes for the installation of cold water and hot water supply systems. The manufacturer checks all products and guarantees that the quality of each pipe and component is 100%. Vikma pipes serve for many years and do not require regular repairs;
- Lammin. Russian manufacturer of plumbing fixtures and accessories. The company has been operating since 1989. During this time, production was expanded. When producing any product - plumbing fixtures, pipes, fittings or radiators, modern developments and only technologically advanced, modern equipment are used.
The best fiberglass reinforced pipes
Fiberglass-reinforced pipes are most often used for the installation of heating systems. Such pipes best of all withstand high pressure and high temperatures, do not deform. The average period of possible use of a polypropylene product is 20-30 years, subject to technical inspections and repair of damaged areas.
3. Polypropylene pipe POLYTEK PRRC PN 20
The POLYTEK pipe withstands a working pressure of 20 bar and is made of fiberglass. The pipe is suitable for the installation of a water supply system, and has a diameter of 25 mm. The maximum possible operating temperature is 90 degrees.
pros
- does not burst if the liquid freezes;
- ease of installation;
- favorable cost;
- simple, modern look;
- two layers;
- high-quality reinforcement.
Minuses
- Tee bends may burst; in some cases, their re-installation is required after installing the pipes.
Buyers note that the pipe is fully consistent with the manufacturer's description. It does not burst and is easy to install, has high strength and can serve as a replacement for metal pipes.
2. Pipe VALTEC PP-FIBER PN 20
White polypropylene pipe for installation in water supply systems. The maximum temperature is 90 C. Customers often purchase pipes from VALTEC - they can be found in many modern apartments. Experts note that these pipes take the second place in the quality rating - they are excellent for self-assembly.
pros
- elasticity of the material;
- installation without the use of additional equipment;
- strength;
- durability.
Minuses
- high cost compared to other products.
Users are 100% satisfied with the quality of the pipe. It is durable and lightweight, quick to fit and does not require maintenance over time.
1. Fiberglass-reinforced pipe Lammin 20 mm PP-R PN 20
If a cold and hot water system is being installed, a Lammin pipe can be used. The maximum possible temperature is +95 C. Despite the high permissible temperature, it is recommended to put this pipe into operation in systems with average operating temperatures from +20 to +80 degrees. Also, this pipe can be used for laying a pipe that will be used for household needs, for example, for supplying drinking water.
pros
- high quality;
- affordable price;
- durability;
- pressure resistant up to 25 bar.
Minuses
- complexity of installation.
According to buyers and craftsmen, Lammin pipes are of the highest quality. If the installation is done correctly, the system may not be repaired for several years.
Best Aluminum Reinforced Pipes
Pipes, in the manufacture of which an additional thin layer of aluminum was created, in accordance with all standards, can be used in the construction of a heating system. Despite the fact that they are universal, it is necessary to select a pipe in terms of diameter and heat resistance, based on a specific task.
3. Reinforced pipe Banninger WATERTEC Stabi
The Banninger pipe is designed for use in systems where the water does not heat above 70 degrees.
pros
- high quality;
- ease of installation;
- strength.
Minuses
- high price;
- withstands low temperatures compared to other pipes.
According to buyers, Banninger pipes are among the best on the market. To avoid any problems during use, it is necessary to select the type of pipe that is 100% suitable for the installed heating or water supply system.
2. Pipe SPK 1020PM
This pipe can be used when carrying out work on the installation of cold water and hot water supply. It is also suitable for laying technical plumbing and can be used in industrial plants. Aluminum foil was used to reinforce the pipe. A trimmer may be required to lay the pipe.
pros
- high quality;
- versatility;
- the ability to install in everyday life and at enterprises.
Minuses
- high price;
- a special tool is required for installation.
According to buyers, the pipe is fully consistent with the cost and has excellent quality. The length of one segment is 4 meters. For the installation of a large system, connecting elements are used.
1. Reinforced pipe Vikma PN 25
The main advantages of Vikma pipes are their high strength and versatility. Pipes can be used for laying cold and hot water systems, they can withstand high pressure well. In some cases, if the correct diameter is selected, VIKMA pipe can be used to lay the pneumatic line. The main feature of the pipe is that there is no need for stripping before welding.
pros
- ease of installation;
- high degree of strength;
- favorable cost;
- durability.
Minuses
- repair of individual areas is required 3-5 years after installation.
To avoid problems during operation, it is necessary to check the condition of the pipe every 1-2 years, and, if necessary, change individual sections. Buyers note that the pipe is very durable, and if the operating conditions are not violated, problems do not arise.
The best pipes without reinforcement
Pipes without a reinforcing layer are most often used in the installation of simple systems.
3. Pipe Pro Aqua SDR N11
Pro Aqua non-reinforced pipe for domestic use withstands a maximum temperature of 40 degrees. If this indicator is exceeded, deformation may occur. It is best to use a pipe for the installation of cold water systems.
pros
- high quality;
- strength;
- sold in many stores.
Minuses
- overpriced.
According to buyers, the Pro Aqua pipe is comfortable and durable. It can be used in the bathroom and in the kitchen when installing a cold water supply system.Installation does not take long if you select all the necessary accessories.
2. Pipe TEBO SDR 11
The maximum temperature is 20 degrees. The TEBO pipe can only be used for the installation of a cold water supply system. Installation does not require any additional hardware.
pros
- strength;
- durability;
- simple design.
Minuses
- not suitable for DHW;
- high price.
According to buyers, TEBO pipes are of good quality, but practically do not differ from other single-layer pipes. They are overpriced in some stores.
1. Pipe Valflex PR-R SDR 11
Valflex pipes can be used to install a simple water system in an apartment. They are sold in many hardware stores at a low cost and are great for everyday use. For their installation, no special equipment is required, it is enough just to provide a reliable connection. 10 bar is the maximum allowable pressure.
pros
- 7 years warranty;
- high quality;
- strength;
- laconic, simple design.
Minuses
- not suitable for heating systems.
According to buyers, if you need to install a pipe at home, a white unreinforced Valflex pipe is suitable. The main plus is the manufacturer's warranty. In the event that a breakthrough or deformation occurs, you can return the money or get a replacement.
Polypropylene pipes for heating: types, characteristics, properties
Pipes for installation of heating systems made of polypropylene can be of three types:
- simple, single-layer;
- with aluminum insert;
- with fiberglass.
In order to avoid problems during operation, it is necessary to immediately select the appropriate type of pipe. When installing a cold water supply system, you can use simple, unreinforced pipes - they can withstand low pressure and low temperature. For the device of a hot water supply system, it is recommended to choose a reinforced pipe with fiberglass - it is easy to install and at the same time has a minimum thermal elongation.
When laying pipes with aluminum reinforcement, an important nuance must be taken into account - the foil layer must be peeled off before laying in order to ensure a reliable connection at the joints. The installation process is complex, and often requires the involvement of specialists and the use of special equipment.
How to choose polypropylene pipes for heating and how to install them
In order for a polypropylene pipe to meet all expectations and fit for the installation of a plumbing system, when choosing, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:
- working pressure - this parameter will determine how high the strength of the pipe will have and whether it will withstand a sharp increase in temperature and pressure. When choosing a pipe, the indicator indicated on the product label should be reduced by three times in order to understand what working pressure can be set. On average, for simple pipes, the indicator cannot be higher than 10, and for compacted and multilayer pipes - up to 25;
- throughput diameter - can have indicators from 12 to 400 mm, depending on which system the pipe is selected for. In general, the bore does not matter, but it should not be smaller than the inlet.
- wall thickness is an important indicator, drawing attention to which, we can conclude about the strength of the structure;
- temperature regime - different pipes can withstand different temperature regimes. So, pipes for cold water supply are designed for use at a water temperature not higher than 25 degrees. If hot water is supplied through them, deformation will occur. Hot water pipes are more expensive, but they can withstand temperatures from 90 to 120 degrees;
- layers - low-cost pipe options are made from one layer. To choose a reliable option, you should pay attention to three-layer pipes.
In addition, pipes with reinforcement are better suited for installation in difficult conditions - they are more durable and last much longer.
What is better metal-plastic or polypropylene pipes
Polypropylene or metal pipes are chosen depending on the purpose, however, some nuances must be taken into account.
So, polypropylene pipes are resistant to corrosion, do not transmit noise and vibration, can serve up to 50 years and retain heat longer. However, they are very difficult to bend, and expensive equipment must be used to assemble the system. In addition, polypropylene pipes have a high coefficient of linear expansion.
Reinforced-plastic pipes are easier to repair - they can be disassembled in any area and replaced. They have a low coefficient of linear expansion and are suitable for assembling systems with a large number of bends. However, fitting installation is carried out only by craftsmen, in addition, the fitting has a high cost, and may freeze.
For domestic use, it is best to choose ordinary polypropylene pipes - they are cheaper and easy to fit. If it is necessary to lay a high-quality and complex system, it is recommended to give preference to metal-plastic pipes.