The better to replace heating pipes in apartments

Replacing the heating system is a difficult, responsible, but necessary measure that residents of multi-storey buildings and private houses have to face. Sooner or later, equipment and communications wear out, their further operation can lead to emergencies. If you replace the heating system in an apartment with your own hands, you can save a lot on hired workers. You just need to choose the right material and correctly assemble the structure.

The main disadvantages of heating systems

The standard distribution of heating pipes used in mass construction is not reliable and durable. Defects often begin to appear almost immediately after the building is put into operation.

The main defects of systems made of ferrous metal are as follows:

• Corrosive tendency. Over time, the walls of the channels are destroyed by rust from the outside and from the inside, which leads to leaks.
• Rough inner surface. Calcium salts and metal oxide are deposited on it. The inner diameter decreases, the water circulation rate decreases.
• Lack of intermediate valves. To get access to the heating radiator, you have to block off the entire riser.
• There are no air bleed valves in the apartments.
• The presence of numerous threaded connections in which the gaskets wear out quickly.

All of these factors indicate that the replacement of heating pipes in an apartment should be carried out as soon as possible in order to avoid unpleasant and hazardous situations to health.

Pipe characteristics

The reliability, durability and efficiency of pipelines directly depends on the material used for assembly.

Modern industry can offer the following options for construction:

• Steel. Carbon iron is affordable and easy to bend, cut and weld. The disadvantage is the tendency to corrosion. In addition, you need a welding machine and the ability to use it. Sparks and metal droplets can ruin the interior.
• Galvanized. It is a zinc-coated ferrous metal tube. The outer layer wears out over time or lags behind the walls during deformation. Service life is limited.
• Stainless steel. Material excellent in all technical characteristics. Has smooth walls, presentable appearance, resistant to corrosion and internal deposits. The only drawback is the high cost and complexity of welding.
• Copper. The metal is flexible, strong, durable, does not rust. The downside is the difficulty of soldering, which requires good skills. In addition, non-ferrous metal has a high cost.
• Corrugated stainless steel pipe. A good option for apartments in multi-storey buildings. The material is durable, not susceptible to rust and deposits. Due to its flexibility, there is no need for corner joints. The disadvantage is low strength and the need for regular maintenance of the joints.
  
• Polypropylene pipes. Reinforced polypropylene is lightweight, flexible and durable. The system is assembled by soldering, the joints are strong and sealed.
• PVC pipes.PVC does not deform when heated, due to its flexibility and elasticity, it can withstand mechanical stress without consequences. It is assembled for fittings, does not require additional finishing.
• Pipes with a modified molecular system. Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is manufactured using a special technology. Altered molecular bonds contribute to the fact that the material becomes strong and resistant to the high temperature of the coolant.

When deciding on the choice of material, you need to focus on its quality and the ability to assemble it yourself. You should not look at the cost, since the system is being done for decades.

Dismantling old pipes

It is better to change the heating system in the warm season, when it is not in demand. It is better to start work in the spring in order to have time to finish it before the onset of cold weather. The initial stage is the dismantling of old pipes.

This procedure is performed in the following sequence:

1. Drain the water, make sure the circuit is completely empty.
2. Shut off the flow to prevent accidental flooding due to outside interference.
3. Disconnect radiators from supply and return. If the thread does not lend itself, cut off the batteries and soak the joint in solvent.
4. Install supports or hangers so that the sawn-off sections do not fall to the floor.
   
5. Cover floors and walls with cardboard, slate or sheet metal to protect against sparks. Cover the interior elements with cellophane wrap.
6. Mark out the harness. The procedure for using old pipes should be foreseen in advance. Based on the plans, dismantling should be carried out.
7. Starting from the places of supply to the battery, cut off the fragments of the pipes, following the markings.
8. First from below, and then from above, saw through the riser.

At the end of the work, you need to clear and reinforce the remaining holes with sleeves, and remove excess property from the room.

Tools and materials for work

To replace the heating system with your own hands, you will need the following tools:

• grinder, hammer drill, electric drill, screwdriver, soldering iron for plastic;
• pliers, pipe cutter, adjustable wrenches, hammer, pliers,
• radiator key;
• tape measure, level, square, marker;
• ladder.

If a decision is made to change steel to metal-plastic, you need to purchase the following materials:

• pipes;
• fittings (couplings, taps, contours, tees, crosses, plugs);
• Mayevsky cranes;
• fasteners with clamps;
• self-tapping screws with dowels;
• valves for branches from the riser;
• gaskets and brackets for radiators.

Do not forget about security measures. You need to work in a mask, respirator and protective gloves.

DIY installation of heating pipes in an apartment

To correctly change the wiring and heating devices, you need to draw up a competent scheme that takes into account all the little things and nuances.

Installation should be carried out in the following sequence:

1. Apply markings on the walls, check its compliance with the project.
2. Make holes, install fasteners and brackets in them.
3. Assemble radiators. Equip them with Mayevsky plugs and taps.
4. Clean the walls in the niches for the batteries from dirt, treat with a primer and paste over with foamed polyethylene with foil.
   
5. Hang the radiators on the brackets. Check their correct position and levelness.
6. Install the lower part of the riser. Attach a tee or a cross to it, depending on the wiring diagram.
7. Install a valve to shut off the water supply.
8. Solder another piece of the riser to the crosspiece. Attach another supply pipe fitting to its end.
9. Starting from the riser, draw horizontal lines, connecting the links with couplings.
10. Assemble the connections to the radiator, weld fittings with union nuts to their ends. Dock the harness with the batteries.

At the final stage, crimping is carried out. The purpose of this activity is to identify assembly defects.

Frequent installation mistakes

Deciding to replace the heating in their home, many people try to save as much as possible on everything. This is the main mistake, since cheap products will not serve for a long time and with high quality.

Most often, masters make the following mistakes:

• forget to install air bleed valves;
• do not put a protective material under the pipes when welding and cutting them;
• twist and twist the plastic sections in the fittings when soldering;
• poorly welded pipe joints.

When installing heating, you need to pay attention to every little thing, as it can cause the entire system to fail.