Modern technologies make it possible to obtain qualitatively new materials for the laying of engineering networks. One of these is XLPE pipes. The low-temperature pipeline allows you to transport water or heat carrier through it with a temperature of up to +80 degrees. According to reviews, the system is easy to install and shows its best side during operation.
Specifications of XLPE Water Pipes
The material that has become so popular is classified according to the method of stitching it. From here, its technical characteristics also change. There are such types of tubes:
- PE-Xc (PEX-C). Polyethylene is chemically crosslinked. The possible diameters of such pipes are up to 32 mm. The material stitching rate is 60%.
- PEX-B. The tubes are physically sewn together. The material turns out to be quite tough, so the cross-section range varies from 40 to 63 mm. This polyethylene is 65% cross-linked.
- PEX-A. The most popular type of tuba. They are crosslinked using the peroxide method. The range of diameters is from 12 mm and more. Such tubes are flexible and bend well. The material crosslinking rate reaches 70%.
All types of pipes are produced in accordance with GOST 25134-2003.
Main technical characteristics of polyethylene material for water supply:
- The optimum operating temperature is up to +80. Withstand water and coolant for a short time up to +120 degrees.
- With a constant temperature load, the pipes serve up to 50 years. With critical fluctuations (heat / cold) - up to 15-25 years.
- The mass of a running meter of the product is from 88 to 250 grams. depending on the diameter of the tube.
- Specific gravity is 0.932 g / cm3
- Thermal conductivity coefficient - 0.405 W.
- The volume of water in the XLPE water pipe with a cross-section of 16 mm is 0.113 liters; with a diameter of 20 mm - 0.210 liters.
- Bending radius - from 80 mm and more, depending on the section. The modulus of elasticity of such tubes is in the range of 605-909 N / mm2.
- Elongation at break - 349%.
When exposed to high temperatures polyethylene, the material does not emit toxic substances into the atmosphere. It is lightweight in operation and does not require the use of sophisticated equipment.
Criterias of choice
- Polyethylene crosslinking method. Responsible for the degree of crosslinking of the material. The most resistant is polyethylene with the PEX-A marking. It is more often used for heating systems, although other types of stitching are also suitable for the water supply system.
- The presence of a marking on protection against ultraviolet radiation. It is needed if the plumbing is laid externally and in an open way. In this case, a UV-1 or UV-2 marking is required. The first says that polyethylene is protected from sunlight. The second indicates stabilizers added to the material.
- Diameter. For the inner part of the water supply system, products with a cross section of 16-25 mm are taken. For the outside (when supplying water from a well or well), large sections can be used.
When buying, you also need to pay attention to the manufacturer's brand. It is better to overpay a little and buy quality material than to use handicraft pipes later. The most popular are the products of the German brand Rehau. You need to ask the seller for quality certificates and a receipt for the goods.
Installation features
- Works are performed at temperatures from +10 degrees. In this case, the normal plasticity of the pipeline is ensured.
- Installation of communication, joining of individual elements is performed only with the help of special fittings and tools suitable for cross-linked polyethylene. Self-activity in this situation will not lead to good.
- If the tubes were transported or stored at temperatures up to +10 degrees, it is necessary to warm them up for a day at room temperature.
- The bending of the tube to the limit value must be carried out with preliminary heating of the material using a construction hair dryer. Polyethylene is heated at a temperature of +130 degrees using a spring conductor.
- If at the time of bending the pipe bursts, it is better to replace this section of the water supply. Professionals assure that the integrity of polyethylene can be restored, but you should not put the entire system at risk. In the future, even a carefully patched defect can manifest itself.
- It is forbidden to use XLPE pipes with an operating pressure exceeding 10 bar.
If the material is used for laying a warm floor, all hydraulic tests of the system are first carried out and only then the screed is poured. At the time of pouring the solution, it is important to keep the tubes under a working pressure of 0.3 MPa.
Advantages and disadvantages
- High ductility of pipes and their good "memory". The water supply system maintains a given shape without the use of special fittings.
- Good material strength even with constant temperature fluctuations.
- Resistance of cross-linked polyethylene to mechanical stress, shock, friction.
- Preservation of strength in places of bending.
- Inertness of the material to aggressive media and microorganisms.
- No corrosion even with long service life of the water supply system.
- Environmental friendliness of polyethylene. It does not contain heavy metals or halogens.
The disadvantages include:
- Exposure of pipes to ultraviolet light (if there is no special marking). Under the influence of the sun, polyethylene begins to deteriorate, therefore it is not used for external laying of communications.
- The cost of XLPE tubes is several times higher than the price of PPR or PVC products.
The high price tag is both a disadvantage and an advantage at the same time, since good pipes cannot be cheap.
Reviews of XLPE plumbing
Mikhail, 35 years old: Recently, a new plumbing was pulled from the father-in-law in the house. We decided to take Rehau pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene. My father-in-law has been doing plumbing for 15 years. I liked working with the material. The pipes are lightweight, they are mounted using a special tool and sleeve. As a result, we get a system with a probability of connection errors equal to 0. Ideal, beautiful, reliable and in German.
Anton, 28 years old: I encountered XLPE pipes about a year ago. Kum made a warm floor in the country. In work, everything turned out quickly due to the fact that there was no need to solder anything. The only caveat is that it is better not to put brass fittings in the screed. To this day, the warm floor is working properly. Only a year has passed, of course, but I think, no matter how much time has passed, the German quality will not let you down.
Yuri, 41 years old: In the parents' house, Rehau used pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene for water and heating. I liked that the material is flexible and easy to work with. To connect the system, I rented a special tool. Recently, there was a small accident - the boiler of the parents turned off and the system froze. After defrosting, the pipes remained intact and did not burst anywhere. What does quality mean!
