Do you dream of replacing pipes that have long lost their appearance and rotted? Are you planning a major bathroom and kitchen renovation, but the old plumbing doesn’t fit into the design concept? If you turn to professionals, you will have to pay a considerable amount of money for their services. After reading this article, you will learn how to make plumbing in an apartment with your own hands so that it lasts for many years.
Plumbing system design
Before purchasing materials and carrying out installation work, you need to correctly design the future system. The simplest option is when you only need to connect the pipes to the toilet, a couple of washbasins and a bathtub.
However, modern apartments are often equipped with many household appliances that use water: a washing machine, a dishwasher, a shower with hydromassage and others. All of them create additional load and place their own demands on the water supply system. Take this into account and carefully read the nuances of connecting each such element.
An important and key design stage is the choice of water supply layout. There are two of them:
Consistent. It is easy to implement. One pipe for hot and cold water supply departs from the riser, from which branches are made to all water consumers using tees.
Requires less materials, and therefore costs are low. The disadvantage is that the longer such a system, the lower the pressure at its end. Plumbing fixtures located at a distance will not work correctly.
Collector. Suitable for large apartments and where a large number of plumbing fixtures are installed. The installation of a water supply system in this case implies the presence of a collector, from which a separate pipe goes to each device.
Allows you to evenly distribute the water pressure in the system, as well as personalize its characteristics in certain directions by installing filters, reducers and other things. Disadvantages: complexity of implementation, need to purchase more materials.
Which one is best for you - decide based on the individual needs and characteristics of your plumbing system.
If you plan to install many plumbing fixtures, it is better not to save money and opt for a manifold circuit. This will allow you to avoid inconvenience and operational problems in the future.
What should be the water supply scheme for the apartment? Before starting work
You have come to the conclusion that the water supply pipes in the apartment need to be replaced, since the existing water supply system is rotten and unusable. The issue of replacing communications can also be prompted by such factors as the need to carry out major repairs in the apartment, moving into a new building, where except for the walls you will have to do everything yourself. If the apartment is new, then the cards are in your hands, as they say, since a well-thought-out water supply scheme in the apartment can turn out to be convenient to use. Before starting work, you should also take into account one important point: you should install the water supply system in the apartment with your own hands in parallel with the water filtration system.
Filter elements can be installed both for each tap individually and at the inlet, after the metering device. This should be taken care of at the very beginning, before installing the water supply, since the quality of the water consumed and the state of your health will depend on this. In addition, filtered water contains a small percentage of impurities and salts, which will significantly extend the life of pipes and auxiliary equipment.
Before proceeding with the installation of a water supply system, it is necessary to resolve a number of issues:
- Select pipes and, accordingly, the material from which they will be made.
- Determine the number of fittings, valves, taps, pipes, risers and other elements of the plumbing system. To facilitate the solution of this difficult issue, planning is necessary.
First, a water supply diagram for the apartment must be drawn up, the plan of which should be displayed on paper in the form of a drawing, taking into account the layout of the premises.
A well-drawn drawing will help you decide on the choice of consumables and the quantity of all elements of the water supply system.
The old plumbing system can tell you how many pipes will be needed for installation if you do not decide to completely redesign the plumbing system. When planning a plumbing system, do not forget to think about the possibility of connecting additional equipment in the future, for which you need to prepare reserve places for their connection.
Methods for installing water pipes
Laying water pipes in the apartment. Tee and collector water supply scheme for the apartment.
Installation of water pipes in an apartment can be carried out in several ways; the most relevant and technically correct are tee and manifold schemes. Let's look at them in more detail:
The tee (sequential) scheme for connecting the water supply in an apartment involves wiring from the central water supply main to all consumers separately. This connection method uses a large number of connecting elements, however, the pipe consumption is slightly less than when using the manifold method. In addition, laying a water supply system in an apartment using tees and fittings is not a complicated design, and the price is quite affordable. Significant disadvantages of this scheme include the periodic flow of water at some connection points, since the system consists of many individual elements. In addition, at some connection points there may be a decrease in water pressure. Possible in the apartment.
Water supply wiring diagrams in an apartment
The collector connection scheme is considered more reliable, although the costs for it will be significant. But it costs a lot to fix, so it’s better to invest once in the proper installation of water supply in the apartment. A distinctive feature of this scheme is the independent connection of each consumer in the apartment from the supply branch, which easily allows for maintenance, repair and replacement of each of them without disconnecting the entire water supply system. This, unfortunately, cannot be boasted by a sequential circuit through which a water supply system can be installed in an apartment. In addition, replacing water supply pipes in an apartment will not pose any problems, since in certain sections of the water supply this can be done independently. This connection scheme is practically free of serious drawbacks.
Hidden and open laying of water pipes in the house
Surely you have had to deal with the fact that pipes located outside begin to irritate over time, and they do not have a very aesthetic appearance. This is especially true for old apartments that have long been in need of renovation. Remember how unsightly the installation of water supply in an apartment looks, especially risers and pipes in small rooms of the toilet or bathroom, which have to be covered with decorative screens, thereby limiting the already scarce space. Therefore, open pipe laying has a certain disadvantage. But the hidden installation will allow you to remove the clutter of pipes. In addition, replacing water pipes in an apartment in a hidden way has a number of significant advantages. Both methods have certain characteristics and advantages:
With the hidden method, pipes are embedded in the wall grooves, then sealed, after which the room has a beautiful appearance. Replacing water supply risers in an apartment is also necessary, since over time their clearance narrows and they become clogged, which can lead to undesirable consequences. In addition, pipes hidden in the walls do not interfere with the placement of furniture, plumbing items, household appliances and other equipment, which sometimes cannot be installed due to the fact that the pipes simply get in the way. In addition, the absence of pipes outside eliminates their damage.
Replacing water supply pipes in an apartment using an open method also has positive nuances. First of all, there are no restrictions when choosing consumables, so any pipes can be installed. Installation and replacement of water supply pipes in an apartment does not require cutting out grooves for their installation, which means the costs will be much lower. In addition, replacing a leaky element of the system will not be any problem and it will be much easier and more convenient to do than in a hidden water supply system. The disadvantages include an unsightly appearance and a reduction in the usable space of the room, which is why sometimes it is not possible to install, for example, a furniture module.
What pipes can be used for installation?
Pipes made of stainless steel are considered durable, since their service life exceeds 60 years, and they are not afraid of rust and build-up. They are easy to install, however, such pipes are very expensive. Through them, for example through heated towel rails, the temperature of the hot water supply in the apartment is easily determined.
Copper pipes are also expensive, but they can last up to 80 years and are very easy to install. They are not afraid of corrosion and can be easily bent during installation.
Polypropylene pipes have good strength and can be used for over 50 years. For installation you will need a special soldering iron and a hacksaw (or scissors) to cut them. It is recommended to lay the hot water line with pipes reinforced with metal or fiberglass.
Polyethylene pipes are also connected by welding. They are quite durable and can last more than 40 years.
The water supply system in the apartment is one of the main communications. Sometimes in new buildings you have to do it yourself. In addition, over time, the components of the plumbing system become unusable and require replacement. You can replace the water supply yourself if you understand the wiring, selection of pipes and equipment.
Why you need to change your water supply - the main reasons
Let's look at the main reasons why the plumbing system is changing. In old communications, steel pipes are installed, on which deposits, sand, scale and other contaminants accumulate inside. Over time, they become clogged, their permeability is impaired, and traffic jams occur, so they need to be replaced. You can get by with fewer losses if you regularly clean the pipes using a steel cable. But you can completely get rid of the problem only by completely replacing the water supply system.
One of the reasons for replacement is leakage. It occurs when using suture-type products. The leak can be eliminated by welding. But this is a temporary solution to the situation; over time, it is better to replace the pipeline. The unaesthetic appearance of old pipes (peeling paint, traces of rust) also requires their replacement with modern plastic analogues that fit well into the interior. During a major renovation, all communications are usually updated: water supply, sewerage, heating. Replacing the water supply may be necessary if the wiring was done incorrectly.
How to find the right pipes - steel, stainless steel or polypropylene?
An important stage in installing a water supply system is the selection of pipes. For plumbing, they can be metal or made of various polymer materials. Products differ in their characteristics and cost, which influences their choice. One of the old options is galvanized steel pipes. Their main qualities are: strength and resistance to mechanical stress. Service life exceeds 25 years. The disadvantages of metal products are instability to corrosion processes, the appearance of growths inside pipes, which impedes the movement of water and reduces its quality. In addition, installation difficulties arise due to the need for threading and twisting together. This work requires great precision, maintaining dimensions down to the millimeter.
Stainless steel pipes are not afraid of corrosion. Their service life exceeds 50 years. The advantage is high assembly speed and good repairability. The disadvantage is the high cost of products and fittings. Most often they are used as heated towel rails. A universal pipeline option is copper pipes. They are not afraid of corrosion, ultraviolet radiation, durable, smooth, able to withstand high pressure, and are not afraid of impurities. They have the longest service life - up to 70 years. But the cost of copper analogues is the highest.
The lowest cost is for metal-plastic pipes, the price of fittings is in the middle price category. The service life is 20-30 years. Metal-plastic is easy to bend, install, does not rust, and deposits do not accumulate on the walls. Disadvantages: places with fittings cannot be bent, they do not tolerate high temperatures. Polypropylene pipes are becoming increasingly popular due to the following advantages:
- affordable cost;
- the ability to hide in the wall, as they do not require regular checking;
- high strength;
- versatility;
- durability - service life exceeds 50 years.
When installing, you will need a special welding machine, with which individual parts of the water supply are welded. Reinforced pipes (fiberglass or aluminum) are used to supply hot water.
Taps for water supply – which ones to choose?
The plumbing system includes not only pipes, but also fittings, taps, meters and mixing devices. The main purpose of the taps is to block the movement of the carrier through the pipes. You can install a tap at the entrance to the pipeline, but in this case, you will not be able to use the entire pipeline during repairs. It is more advisable to install taps on logical branches or on separate bathrooms, which will make it possible to turn off the water at any time in a certain segment.
Any faucet consists of a body, a valve, seals and a shut-off element. The taps differ according to the type of locking mechanism. It can be spherical or in the form of a valve. In a ball valve, water can only flow in one direction; if the valve is turned, the flow is completely blocked. In a ball mechanism, it is undesirable to install the valve in an intermediate position, as it wears out quickly. The tap can be either open or closed. It is better to choose a product with a butterfly-shaped handle. The lever handle can break at the most inopportune moment.
Valves are designed slightly differently than ball valves. The valve is adjusted using a handle; the power of the water flow can be adjusted. Such devices are used in places where it is necessary to regulate the amount of water.
According to their functional purpose, cranes are divided into the following types:
- standard;
- corner;
- tees;
- water folding mechanisms and valves.
Standard shut-off valves use a ball mechanism, so they are used to shut off water in individual sectors. They include straight couplings. Angle taps differ from standard ones in that their body is curved at a right angle. The tee has three outlets and serves to redirect the flow of water. Water taps are taps with a valve-regulator that are installed on pipes to control the flow force. For metal pipes you need to select metal taps, for plastic ones – plastic.
Classic wiring diagram - an option for small apartments
The distribution of water supply pipes in an apartment can be done according to one of two schemes: sequential (tee) or collector. The tee circuit is classic. It consists of sequentially connecting to a common pipe all devices and equipment that require water supply. First, the main branch with hot or cold water is diverted, and then individual branches going to consumers are connected using tees.
The main pipe should have a larger diameter than the other water supply pipes, since it acts as a collector. This scheme is intended for high pressure systems. Since the connection is made in series, water is supplied to the last device with the lowest pressure if several consumers are turned on at once. This should be taken into account when installing the water supply system.
This scheme is easy to implement. Its installation requires a small number of pipes, fittings and taps, which minimizes the cost of creating a plumbing system. But this scheme is suitable for small apartments with a small amount of plumbing, since the longer the pipeline, the lower the pressure at the end. In this case, the latest plumbing fixture may not work correctly.
When repairing a device in a system with a serial connection, it is necessary to turn off the water everywhere, since such wiring does not make it possible to turn off an individual device. Typically, connection points are disguised under decorative trim and access to them is limited. In the event of a leak, it is sometimes difficult to determine the location of the leak. In addition, when renovating, you have to remove the trim and then install it again.
Despite the disadvantages, the tee wiring diagram is popular for apartments with a small area. Serial connection makes it possible to save on system arrangement. If the pipeline is short, then the pressure in the system remains high even at the extreme points. To reduce costs as much as possible, you need to think carefully about the pipe laying scheme and provide access to the tees. The better the installation is done, the less likely there are leaks.
A system with a collector is the optimal choice for large areas
For large apartments with a large number of plumbing fixtures, a manifold wiring diagram for water supply is most suitable. This wiring is the best option for systems with variable pressure. It makes it possible to ensure an uninterrupted supply of water with the ability to control the flow strength and turn off some branches in case of repair work. A special feature of the collector circuit is the presence of a collector. From the common riser, water first enters a special container and is then distributed to individual branches. The throughput of the collector depends on the volume of the container and the diameter of the inlet pipe. Each appliance or bathroom has a separate supply line, equipped with a control tap, thanks to which you can turn off the water supply.
For the manufacture of collectors, stainless steel, brass, polypropylene, polyethylene and other materials are used. When choosing a collector, you should take into account the installation method. Metal products have a traditional threaded connection. The cost of collector-type water supply is higher, but the system is reliable, convenient and ensures uniform distribution of water. The pressure does not depend on the distance at which the consumer is located or the number of devices.
The advantage of the collector circuit is the ability to turn off one device for repairs without shutting off the general water supply. This allows you to personalize the characteristics of an individual device. Between the collector and the sanitary fixture, you can install filters and rectifiers that allow you to purify the water and saturate it with useful substances. Installing control devices makes it possible to reduce or increase water flow.
Collector wiring diagram
The disadvantage of a collector circuit is the high cost of investment for its creation. More devices, fittings, taps and pipes will be required than for tee wiring. The connection begins with the installation of a collector for cold and separately for hot water, if centralized water supply is provided. You need to choose the right place. Shut-off valves should be installed between the collectors and the central riser, allowing hot or cold water to be completely shut off if necessary.
After installing the collectors, pipes are laid to each appliance and bathroom. Both hot and cold water are supplied to the bathtub, washbasin and shower stall. Only cold water is supplied to the automatic washing machine and toilet cistern. Hot water is connected to the heated towel rail. Some plumbing systems use combined wiring diagrams. Branches with sequential connections have the disadvantages of the tee system, but the combined scheme makes it possible to save on the installation of water supply and optimally design the pipeline layout in residential premises.
New plumbing system on your own - installation instructions
Before installation, the pipe routing must be designed. The project can be roughly divided into three stages: drawing up a wiring diagram, determining connection points, calculating the amount of necessary materials. You immediately need to decide on the method of laying pipes: open or closed.
The diagram should indicate:
- how the pipes will be laid, indicating the turns, diameter and length of the pipes;
- insertion points;
- connection points for devices and components;
- the dimensions of the premises and appliances to which water will be supplied;
- number, size and type of fittings installed, etc.
Connections of metal-plastic pipes
Connection points are places where water supply is needed: a tap in the kitchen, a tap and shower in the bathroom, a toilet cistern. If you have a washing machine and dishwasher, they should also be connected to the water supply. According to the diagram, you need to accurately calculate the amount of materials needed. Dismantling the old system should be done after drawing up a diagram and purchasing all the necessary materials. Next, we proceed to the installation of the water supply.
- 1. Before starting work, turn off the water, dismantle the old riser and install a shut-off valve on it. We open the water supply through the riser to the neighbors and begin installing the water supply system inside the apartment.
- 2. To improve the quality of water coming from the central water supply, we install a coarse filter at the beginning of the system. After the filter there are water meters. There is a separate meter for each type of water.
- 3. If necessary, install a fine filter after the meter. We equip the main line with a water reducer if the pressure in the main line exceeds the norm. The gearbox must be equipped with a pressure gauge, which sets the value in atmospheres.
- 4. Then we install either a manifold with the required number of outputs, or a tee if a serial wiring diagram is used.
- 5. Next, pipes are laid out and devices are connected according to the diagram.
It is carried out in two ways: press connections and pressure fittings. The second method cannot be used for hidden pipe laying. When using the compression fitting method, first cut the pipe to the desired size. Using a chamfer calibrator, we remove the chamfer from the pipe. We take a nut from the fitting kit and put it on the pipe, and then insert the ring, fitting and crimp it using open-end wrenches. This connection is of the horn type, which means leaks are possible, so once a year the connections need to be checked for leaks and tightened if necessary.
We also start connecting with press fittings by preparing pipes of the required size. Then we perform calibration. Next, we insert the pipe into the fitting and press it with a hand press. This connection is durable and can withstand sudden temperature changes, but it is not separable. If polypropylene pipes are used for water supply, then for cold water pipes with a diameter of 25 mm and a wall thickness of 2.8 mm are taken, and for hot water, pipes with reinforcement of the same diameter and a wall thickness of 3.2 mm are taken. Holding special scissors at right angles, cut the pipes to the required length. At the ends of the pipes we mark the welding depth, depending on the depth of the fitting. Using a trimmer, remove the middle layer of the pipe to a depth of 1–2 mm.
Turning on the welding machine, we begin welding. We connect the pipes or fitting and pipe, and then slide them onto the nozzles of the welding machine. After seven seconds, remove the pipes from the device. Next, carefully connect the pipes without rotational movements. You need to act quickly and accurately. The pipes must be kept connected until they cool. After installation, you need to check the quality of the connections, the functionality of the system, and the correct connection of devices and components. After checking the strength of the pipes and high pressure connections, you can connect the water.
The question of replacing and adjusting the water supply system in a home often arises before people who decide to make repairs. The reason may be remodeling the bathroom, replacing old pipes, etc. For such work, there is no need to have documentation certified by regulatory authorities and you can even do without the services of professional plumbers. The owner can install the water supply in a house or apartment with his own hands. It is important to have the necessary tools, a minimum set of skills, as well as draw up a clear action plan and prepare a plumbing diagram.
Plumbing in an apartment: what you need to know before installation
First of all, analyze your goals and objectives: what the rooms with plumbing should be like, how and where approximately the pipes will run, how much time, effort and money you are willing to spend on updating the wiring. The system can be of two types:
Attention! You risk finding out about a leak from a water pipe walled up in the wall only from your neighbors.
For self-installation of water supply at home, pipes made of plastic or metal-plastic are usually chosen. Cast iron and copper are not used due to difficulties with cutting, welding and other manipulations. Metal-plastic pipes are the best option for plumbing. But more often they choose plastic ones. They are no less reliable and easy to install, and their low thermal conductivity is excellent for hot water supply (DHW).
Advice. Among plastics, experts call polypropylene the most successful option. However, for the connection you need a special welding device.
How to make a diagram
The water supply wiring diagram determines where, how and through what diameter pipes water will flow into your home. Compliance with standard installation methods will ensure proper and safe water supply. Sequential or tee scheme - one pipe is taken from the main line, and all water consumers in the house are connected to it one by one. For cold water supply (CWS), experts recommend doing this:
- The 1st tee-bend is directed to a mixer or shower with tap in the bathroom;
- 2nd - on the sink, dishwasher and (if the second unit is located in the kitchen);
- 3rd - for flushing the toilet;
- then to the boiler and the washing machine in the bathroom.
Attention! Hot water is distributed in approximately the same way: the bathroom, and then the kitchen. The toilet, boiler, and washing machine do not need hot water. Don't forget to install a check valve on the main cold water pipe. Otherwise, hot water will follow the path of cold water.
The circuit is easy to install: each consumer is connected to the supply pipe using a tee. A significant disadvantage of this method is the different levels of pressure. If several water consumption points are operating simultaneously, the last one will have the lowest pressure. But this can be solved. Another drawback: during the repair of one of the elements of the system, you will have to turn off the water supply for everyone.
Comparison of tee and collector circuits
The collector scheme assumes that an intermediary supplies water from the main water pipeline to the collector. All water consumers are connected to it. The device provides equal pressure for everyone. A ball valve is mounted on each outlet pipe, which allows you to repair part of the system without compromising the performance of the rest. Wiring according to this scheme requires more space, as well as an increase in the number of pipes, taps and various connections and connectors. As a result, the option will cost the homeowner more.
Attention! It is problematic to hide the collector water supply in the wall. You can disguise it in the floor, but the collector itself must remain open and have easy access.
Installation of home water supply made of metal-plastic
After preparing the diagram, calculate how much and what materials you will need. It is better to buy everything with a small margin. A metal-plastic pipe bends. However, up to the connection point it must have a flat area of at least 5-7 cm. Connections are made using the press method or using compression fittings.
The second option is suitable exclusively for open type water supply:
- measure and cut the pipe;
- remove the chamfer from it using a special calibrator;
- place the fitting nut on the pipe;
- insert the ring, and then the fitting itself;
- crimp with a pair of open-end wrenches.
The weak point of this type of connection is leakage. Pipes must be inspected and fittings must be tightened at least once a year.
The press clutch is performed as follows:
- cut the pipes to the required length;
- calibrate;
- put on the fitting and crimp it with a hand press. This connection is considered more reliable, but not dismountable.
How to make a water pipe from plastic pipes
For connections using polypropylene pipes, it is best to take samples with a cross-sectional diameter of 25 mm and a wall thickness of 2.8 cm (for hot water supply - 3.2 cm). Perform the work in the following sequence:
- cut strictly perpendicularly using special scissors;
- mark the welding depth on the edges, which depends on the fitting;
- remove the middle layer of the pipe using a trimmer by 1-2 mm;
- prepare a welding machine with an appropriate nozzle;
- Cooking takes about 7 seconds. at a temperature of about 250°C;
- welding should begin when the machine heats up (the indicator goes out);
- push the required places on the pipes and the fitting onto the device nozzle, do not twist;
- Also, without scrolling, carefully and quickly connect the pipes or pipe with the fitting to each other, pushing them onto each other.
Wait a minute for cooling. If the welding seam is not perpendicular or unreliable, you can cut it and repeat the procedure again.
Installation of water supply wiring at any stage of the process is best done with an assistant. The result depends on the accuracy of the calculations and the accuracy of the work.
Installation of water supply: video
Tee and manifold pipe distribution in an apartment - installation diagrams
Will tee or collector distribution of water supply pipes in an apartment be better? In order to answer this question, you should not only carefully study the installation principle in both cases, but also evaluate the pros and cons of each option. Comparing the features of installation and operation with the conditions of a specific facility (house or apartment) will allow you to make the optimal choice. The importance of choice cannot be underestimated - the ease of use of water supply systems (hot and cold), durability and maintainability of communications depends on it.
Tee circuit and its features
Technically tee diagram of water supply distribution in an apartment is a serial connection– one pipe extends from the riser, to which plumbing and other water-consuming equipment are connected using tees.
The advantages of such a system are:
- economical (with a series connection, a minimum number of pipes is required),
- ease of installation.
Tee wiring diagram for water supply in an apartment It also has its disadvantages:
- a large number of connections and serial connection make it difficult to find leaks,
- there is always a risk of pressure drops in the system and a decrease in pressure at the points furthest from the riser when several taps are turned on simultaneously,
- if it is necessary to carry out repair work, a complete shutdown of the water supply will be required, which represents a certain inconvenience,
- Installing tees is not always convenient in small spaces.
An example of a tee water supply wiring diagram
Tee water supply schemes recommended for small apartments. With a small number of consumption points and their location close to each other, many disadvantages become less relevant - in this case it is much easier to coordinate water consumption, which means the risk of pressure loss is minimized.
When installing a tee circuit, the tees are often hidden in the walls or under the floor, which complicates inspection of communications, and during repairs inevitably leads to damage to the finish.
Collector circuit
The collector distribution of water supply pipes in the house makes it possible to connect a large number of consumption points, including those located at a distance from the riser. Collector circuit is a parallel connection– each element (faucet, shower, toilet, bidet, etc.) is connected to the collector using an individual outlet equipped with a valve.
The advantages of the collector circuit are:
- constant pressure regardless of the number of plumbing fixtures turned on,
- easy detection of faults on each individual line,
- high reliability of communications due to the small number of connections in the system,
- the ability to shut off the water on the line requiring repair and maintain the ability to use other lines at the same time (for example, while repairing a shower, you can wash dishes, wash your face, etc.),
- collector wiring connection lines are easily hidden in boxes, niches, etc. ensuring an attractive appearance of the premises.
Collector distribution of water supply pipes in an apartment It also has its disadvantages:
- its implementation requires a larger number of pipes,
- installation of parallel connections is more complex (if you plan to do it not yourself, but with the involvement of specialists, the complexity directly affects the cost of services).
Manifold diagram of water supply distribution in an apartment
The collector distribution of water supply pipes in the apartment allows you to optimize the operation of each device included in its composition. Filters or pressure regulators can easily be installed on individual outlets in accordance with the characteristics of water-consuming equipment and its requirements for operating conditions.
Installation according to the collector circuit
Principle of organization of collector systems
Do-it-yourself collector distribution of water supply in an apartment is carried out according to the following principle - the central branch does not have branches, but is connected to a collector, to which, in turn, the supply lines for each device are connected. When installing heating systems, collectors are installed in special cabinets (when implementing a scheme for houses with several floors, collectors are installed on each floor).
Cold and hot water supply systems are installed in the same way. In apartments, water supply collectors are conveniently installed behind the flush cistern in the toilet. The collector principle of supplying water or coolant is also called radial, and it has its own characteristics for water supply and heating systems. These nuances deserve close attention.
Manifold cabinet design diagram
Installation of collector water supply
The junction of the collector with the central pipe is equipped with a ball valve to allow a general shutdown of the water supply. The valve is complemented by a pre-filter (coarse) filter, which traps large insoluble inclusions that can damage other equipment. If you follow the flow of water, after the coarse filter there should be a liquid flow meter (meter), and after it there should be another filter that removes smaller inclusions (compared to the first). The next element of a well-designed water supply pipe distribution system in an apartment is a check valve, which prevents the reverse flow of liquid from the collector into the central pipe when the water supply pressure decreases.
Note: It should be noted that the installation of the above equipment at the beginning of the pipeline is also necessary for the sequential layout of water supply pipes in the apartment.
Only after the equipment listed above is the connection to the collector made. Each collector outlet is equipped with its own tap to turn off the branch’s water supply.
The photo shows an example of water distribution in a collector-type apartment
When selecting and installing a collector, one of the determining factors is number of water consumption points. It must correspond to the number of outlets, and to be able to connect additional plumbing equipment in the future, you should choose collectors with a large number of outlets. Those of them that are not used in the system until a certain point are provided with stubs.
If the central branches of both cold and hot water supply enter a house or apartment, the installation of water supply distribution in a collector-type apartment is identical in both cases. If there is only a central cold water supply, one of the outlets of the cold water collector directs the liquid to the water heater, from where the heated water flows into a separate collector for hot water distribution.
A radial water supply project must take into account not only the number of water consumption points, but also the distance from the collector to each of them. The optimal point for installing the collector is the location closest to the maximum number of consumption points, so that the distances are approximately the same and the outlets do not require too many pipes.
Advice: Many experts call the installation of water supply in an apartment using polypropylene the best option - the material is durable, resistant to external influences and easy to install.
How to install a water supply system from polypropylene pipes with your own hands. read in a separate article on the site.
A description of the types of pre-filters is here.
If you have to choose a water heater, we recommend reading this material. In it you will find a comparative analysis of storage and instantaneous water heaters.
Collector heating
The collector heating circuit is implemented as follows:
The diagram shows the heating manifold wiring
If there is a central water supply and heating, the collector wiring diagram for heating devices is implemented in a similar way, with the exception of the absence of a boiler, expander and pump.
For the system to operate efficiently, it is important to choose the correct location for installing the collector. It is optimal to place it in the geometric center of the house; the distances from it to all radiators, which are usually located under the windows, will be approximately the same.
4 comments
Based on my experience, I still prefer a tee water distribution system. All the same, a shut-off valve is installed at each water intake point; if the pressure in the system is weak, then it will not be enough in any case. You just need to correctly calculate the cross-section of the pipes and then there will be no problems with pressure. Plus, the collector system requires a niche with a door, or a false panel for access to the taps, and in any bathroom space is worth its weight in gold. And the overexpenditure on materials is quite noticeable, which is very noticeable in the current situation.
Agree. Only sometimes it is necessary to combine the manifold and tee systems. In my house I want the first and second floors using a tee system, and a collector for each floor.
There is nothing better than using the services of specialists. The plumbing system in my country house was done by the megascat team and I am absolutely confident in the quality of the work. Only high-quality materials are used, people work for results and this is very pleasing!
Guys. You should also make a collector system on the sewer system))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) to understand where it is clogged.
Do-it-yourself plumbing in an apartment
The reliability of your home plumbing depends on many factors. First of all, its quality is influenced by competent project development and well-executed installation of utilities according to a given scheme. We will not assure you that this is a completely simple task, but it is quite possible to do the wiring in an apartment with your own hands, and in order to be pleased with the result, you need to study some of the subtleties and draw up a plan for carrying out plumbing work.
According to a single standard
First of all, a water supply diagram is needed for the owner of the apartment to correctly connect all the elements and correctly calculate the number of necessary elements. It is necessary to indicate the parameters and nature of the laying of the water main, the connection of pipes to the points of water consumption, and even the type of water fittings that you plan to use.
Water supply diagram in the apartment
The last point is very important, because for the normal operation of some devices, a 16 mm pipe (hand-washing area) is sufficient. A kitchen faucet needs a more powerful pressure, so pipes with a diameter of 20 mm or more are connected to the sink. Many modern shower systems should be connected to communications with a diameter of 26 mm. If the size of the nozzle is smaller, you will no longer be able to fully enjoy the shower procedures. It is also necessary to indicate the direction of water flow, metering devices, emergency valves and drains, shut-off valves, and filters. It would be right to show your diagram to a specialist; he will point out errors at the design stage.
Advice. Do not purchase shut-off valves with a lever. The material from which the crane lever is made tends to break at the most crucial moment. Valves with a butterfly handle are more reliable.
Which wiring method to choose: open or closed
The key to transforming the water supply system is a well-designed scheme. At the first stage, all plumbing products to which the pipeline will need to be connected are taken into account. The second question is how to lay the pipes. There are only two of them.
- Open way implies that the entire water main will remain outside. This method is easy to install; there is no need to trench the walls. You can improve communications at any time without damaging the finish of walls and floors. If a leak occurs, it is easy to notice and fix in time. However, the aesthetic component of such installation leaves much to be desired, and besides, the water supply will “eat up” at least 10 cm of usable area.
Open method of laying water pipes
- Hidden way speaks for itself - the pipes will not be visible. This method is very labor-intensive and has a number of disadvantages. There are restrictions on the material and method of pipe installation, since collapsible connections cannot be hidden. It is difficult to detect a leak, and repairs will require partial dismantling of the finishing, and this is a separate cost item for cosmetic work. Over time, you can forget where the communications are and if you need to drill into the wall to install a water heater or mirror, you can damage the pipeline.
Important. It is prohibited to groove load-bearing walls.
Wiring diagram
The next step is the wiring diagram. You need to decide which way the pipes will be laid: sequentially or manifold.
Tee water supply wiring diagram
Scheme: comparison of tee and collector water supply systems
Whichever of the two proposed schemes you choose, there is one general rule: there should be as few connecting nodes and bends as possible. The intersection of pipelines with hot and cold water is justified only in exceptional cases when there is no other way out. In general, all wiring should look neat and concise.
Pipe question
The next step is to choose the right pipe material. Water communications can be made from galvanized steel pipes, copper and various polymer materials:
- polybutylene;
- cross-linked polyethylene;
- polypropylene and PVC.
Pipes used for drinking water supply must comply with basic sanitary and hygienic standards.
Tee wiring made of polypropylene pipes
Most often, a tee main line system is installed from plastic or polypropylene pipes. The pipes are connected using special soldering. Polypropylene fittings have threaded connections. Polypropylene pipes are very durable and can be hidden under a layer of plaster. Reinforced pipes are used for hot water. When installing plastic communications with a cross section of 32 mm, it should be taken into account that the minimum bending radius is eight times the diameter of the pipe used.
For the collector circuit of the water supply system, metal-plastic pipes are used. They are easy to bend and can withstand pressure well. Deposits and rust do not accumulate on the internal walls. Such pipes are connected with collet fittings.
Over time, galvanized steel pipes become overgrown inside and rust. The assembly of such communications requires certain skills in cutting threads and connecting pipes, because high dimensional accuracy is required.
Water supply collector unit
Stainless steel pipes are durable, but have a high cost, and the connecting elements for them cost even more. This material is often used in the production of heated towel rails.
Copper pipes are universal, but their cost is high. Contact of copper products with surfaces of other metals causes corrosion of these metals. Therefore, when installing copper pipes, fasteners with silicone or rubber gaskets are used.
Important. The maximum bending of a metal-plastic pipe is its 5 outer diameters. You should not resort to various tricks and bend the pipe more. The pipe coating is deformed, the residual stress changes and the pipe loses its properties.
Sequence of installation work
After shutting off the water, dismantle the old riser and install a shut-off valve on it. Now you can turn on the supply to your neighbors on the riser and continue installing your water main. Considering the quality of the central water supply, it would not be superfluous to install a coarse filter. After the filter, a water meter is installed. Separate meter units are installed for cold and hot water. Be careful when installing so as not to damage the factory seal, otherwise the meter will be considered unusable. After installing the meter, you can use the water and call an inspector from the water utility to take readings and seal it.
Manifold wiring with cleaning filter
If necessary, you can install a fine water filter after the meter. A pressure reducer is installed if the water pressure in the main exceeds the prescribed norm. The gearbox must have a pressure gauge to set the required parameters in atmospheres.
Install a collector with the required number of outlets. Or a tee is installed if a serial connection of the main line is planned.
Plumbing: video
Do-it-yourself water pipe installation: photo
Do-it-yourself water distribution
What might make you think about installing a new water supply? Morally and physically outdated rotten rusty pipes, an upcoming major renovation in the apartment - it would be stupid not to take advantage of the situation and ignore such an important point as communications. Well, and also the entrance to a new building, where in the bathroom there are only pipes and nothing else: no water distribution pipes, no sewer pipes, i.e. everything is left to your personal discretion as to where and what to place. Distributing water in an apartment is a difficult task, but it is quite feasible for a person who has at least a modicum of engineering thought and straight hands. If you decide to do all the work yourself, you will have to solve more than one issue and make more than one choice before you begin the installation. Therefore, in this article we will discuss which is the best water distribution scheme to choose, what material to choose pipes from, what installation rules are for certain types of pipes and how it is done.
How to route water: open or hidden
Probably the very first question that arises among apartment owners is whether to bury pipes in the walls or do the wiring in an open way. For small rooms, this issue is critical, since pipes laid in an open way will not make it possible to place all the equipment that we would like in the bathroom. There just isn't enough space. In large rooms you can do it the way you like, but it is important to know a number of limitations.
Important! You cannot embed any detachable connections on any pipes into the walls. For example, metal-plastic pipes with compression fittings, transition couplings from propylene to threads, any American pipes, nipples, barrels, threaded couplings and more must be laid openly in order to be able to service and repair them.
Can be built into walls: copper pipes. polypropylene and metal-plastic pipes with press connections. As you can see, the wiring method already imposes certain restrictions on the ability to use certain materials. So when choosing how to properly route water, you can start from what pipes you plan to use and take into account the pros and cons of both route methods.
Advantages of walled water pipes :
Disadvantages of laying water pipes in grooves :
Obviously, the hidden installation method has a significant number of disadvantages. So before choosing it, you need to weigh everything carefully. Do not forget that water communications are classified as dangerous and require constant monitoring.
Advantages of the open method of laying water pipes :
Disadvantages of open water supply:
To make the right choice, measure the room and calculate everything down to the centimeter, what will go where and what will not fit. It may be better to sacrifice free space and perform an open installation.
Water distribution diagram
An important issue is the wiring diagram. Probably everyone has encountered this situation at least once: you are washing in the shower, enjoying a wonderful warm stream of water, and at that moment someone flushes the toilet or turns on the faucet in the kitchen and just boiling water starts flowing from the shower. Unpleasant and dangerous. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to choose the correct wiring diagram and pipe diameters. By the way, if you want to buy acrylic bathtubs, you can go to the store and buy a high-quality bathtub at a reasonable price.
In total, there are two schemes for routing water pipes, but a third is also possible, which is essentially a combination of these two.
Series circuit or as it is also called “tee”, where all consumers are connected in series. Those. one pipe runs from the main line along all consumers and a tee is placed next to each, diverting the pipe to a given consumer, and the main pipe goes further, and a tee is again installed at the next consumer, etc. This scheme is fraught with the fact that if several consumers are used at once, the last one in the system will have the lowest pressure. The result may also be the situation described above.
Collector circuit It's done a little differently. The pipe connected to the main goes into a collector, from which a separate pipe goes to each individual consumer. A ball valve is installed at the inlet to the manifold and at the outlet of each pipe. This allows you to repair one pipe and one consumer without damaging others, i.e. You can repair the toilet and use the sink in the kitchen or bathroom at the same time. Also, the pressure will be distributed more evenly and there will not be a situation where boiling water suddenly pours or the pressure drops sharply.
But for all its advantages, the collector circuit also has a drawback - it will require more materials (pipes, fittings and taps) and more space to accommodate it all. So installation according to this scheme is somewhat more expensive.
When choosing a pipe layout for an apartment, you should also take into account the water distribution pattern in the house. For example, in a layout where the main line goes into the bathroom, and the return line goes into the kitchen (i.e. the water passes through all the apartments on the upper floors, and then goes down and passes through the kitchens), you don’t have to think too much and just connect it in the kitchen Serial connection between sink and dishwasher. But the wiring in the bathroom will depend on the number of consumers.
In principle, if everything is done correctly, with knowledge of the matter, then the tee system can ensure correct pressure distribution so that there are no accidental losses of cold water pressure.
The cold water distribution should look something like this: the first tee should have a tap to the shower in the bathroom, the second to the shower in the toilet (if there is one), the second to the sink in the kitchen, and then the tap to the toilet, washing machine and boiler. Since the last three points do not depend on hot water, they do not suffer from temperature changes, but are connected only to cold water supply. There are such apartment layouts that the first tee simply has to lead to the toilet. In this case, you can cheat. For example, if the wiring was done with a 25 mm pipe, make a tee towards the toilet with a transition to a 20 mm pipe, then install a ball shut-off valve, and after that make a branch with a narrow 10 mm pipe. This way, water will flow into the toilet tank more slowly, and the pressure drop in the hot water system will not be felt.
You can organize something like a collector using pipes of different diameters. For example, after introducing a 25 mm pipe and all the required fittings (ball valve, coarse filter, meter, check valve), we install a pipe with a diameter of 32 mm, and from it we lead branches to consumers with a 20 mm pipe.
The hot water distribution may look something like this: a tee with an outlet to the shower in the bathroom, then to the shower in the toilet, and then to the sink in the kitchen. Usually this is not a problem. The main thing is to install a check valve on the cold water main so that hot water does not flow into the cold riser. Up to a couple, you can install OK on DHW, but this is not necessary.
When choosing a water supply wiring diagram for an apartment, also keep in mind that it will be almost impossible to bury the collector circuit in the walls (it can be in the floor), and the collector itself must be open for maintenance and access to the ball valves.
Which water pipes to choose
Until relatively recently, such a question did not arise at all, since there was simply no choice. Today, the choice is dizzying, since the market has been able to offer not only pipes made of various metals, but also plastic ones with different characteristics. So, what kind of water pipes can you buy?
Galvanized steel pipes- the good old proven option. They are resistant, strong, durable (up to 25 years), but over time they rust, growths appear inside, which affects the quality of the water. In addition, the installation of such pipes involves some difficulties: you will have to cut threads and twist the pipes together. In this case, everything must be calculated with an accuracy of a millimeter.
Stainless steel pipes- durable (up to 50 years) and are not afraid of rust. But their price is high, and the cost of fittings for them is even higher, although the installation itself is not so complicated. Very simple repair. A universal option, most often used for heated towel rails.
Copper pipes- one of the best universal options, but very expensive. Durable, smooth, do not corrode, are not afraid of high pressure and harmful impurities in water, do not harbor microorganisms, and are also indifferent to ultraviolet radiation. The most durable (up to 70 years). The installation is not very difficult, the only drawback is the price.
Metal-plastic pipes- the cheapest, but fittings for them are of average cost. They serve for 25 - 30 years. They are easy to install, bend, are not afraid of rust, and deposits do not accumulate on the walls. But at the same time, metal-plastic pipes are afraid of too high temperatures (more than 95 ° C), and pipes with fittings cannot be bent.
Polyethylene pipes Quite durable, elastic, average in price, fittings for them too, last more than 30 years. Installation is quite simple - they are welded together. Such pipes do not bend and cannot withstand high temperatures, so they can only be used for cold water supply. There are also pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene, they are a little more expensive, but can also be used for hot water supply.
Polypropylene pipes Recently they have enjoyed enviable popularity for several reasons: they can be hidden in plaster, there is no need to check them often, they are universal (cold water supply, hot water supply, heating, heated floors), strong and durable (about 50 years). They are connected by welding, which requires a special welding machine and scissors. For hot water supply, reinforced pipes (aluminum or fiberglass) are used.
The choice depends entirely on the wishes of the owner and on the scheme and method that were chosen.
Do-it-yourself water distribution
Anyone who is confident in their abilities and has minimal engineer skills can replace or make a new water supply with their own hands. But at the same time, it is better to coordinate the wiring diagram with a professional. Perhaps he will notice shortcomings or give practical advice on materials and pipe diameters.
We draw up a water distribution diagram in the apartment
It is necessary to begin work on replacing the water supply by drawing up a diagram. First of all, we decide on the installation method: open or closed. Then we make a diagram. It can be drawn on paper by hand, but absolutely everything must be indicated: the dimensions of the room, the installation location and dimensions of appliances and plumbing in the bathroom, the location of the pipes, their diameter and the exact length to each node, it is necessary to indicate all fittings, their type and size , installation locations where the pipe bends and turns. Well, that's all. Before you begin installation, you should show this diagram to a professional. It makes no sense to begin work on dismantling the old pipeline before the final design is ready and all materials have been purchased.
We select and purchase the required materials: pipes, fittings, tools
After drawing up the diagram, it is necessary to calculate how many and what kind of pipes, fittings and other fittings will be required. It is advisable to buy everything with a margin of 5 - 10%, since anything can happen during the installation process. Of course, the price for water distribution in an apartment will depend on the chosen pipe material and installation method. The collector circuit immediately increases the cost of laying the pipeline several times. Pipelines made of metal-plastic pipes and polypropylene can be considered average in cost and optimal in characteristics. Copper and stainless steel pipelines will be more expensive.
Only after all materials and tools for installation have been purchased can you begin to dismantle the old water supply system. If you plan to change not only the internal pipes, but also the supply lines, then it is necessary to shut off the water supply to the riser. You cannot do this yourself, only a plumber from the management company.
We install water pipes from metal-plastic pipes
Metal-plastic pipes can be connected in two ways: compression fittings or press connections.
Metal-plastic pipes connected by compression fittings Can only be used for open pipe laying. The connection is made like this:
- We measure and cut the pipe to the required size.
- Using a chamfer calibrator, we remove the chamfer from the pipe.
- We put the nut from the fitting kit on the pipe.
- Then we insert the ring.
- We insert the fitting and crimp it with two open-end wrenches.
This connection is considered a threaded connection, which means it is susceptible to leaks; the pipes must be checked and the connection tightened at least once a year.
Connection with press fittings can be laid using both open and closed methods. It's done like this:
- We measure and cut the required section of pipe.
- Let's calibrate.
- We insert the pipe into the fitting and press it using a hand press.
The resulting connection is durable, able to withstand sudden changes in pressure, but non-separable.
Metal-plastic pipes bend, the maximum bending radius is 3 - 5 pipe diameters. The section of the pipe to the fitting must be level at least 5 - 7 cm.
We install water pipes from polypropylene pipes
For cold water we use pipes with a diameter of 25 mm with a wall thickness of 2.8 mm, and for hot water we use reinforced pipes with the same diameter, but with a wall thickness of 3.2 mm.
- We cut the pipes into the required lengths with special scissors, holding them strictly perpendicular.
- On the pipes we mark the welding depth (it depends on the depth of the fitting), for example, 1.6 mm.
- Using a trimmer, we remove the middle layer of the pipe to a depth of 1 - 2 mm.
- We install nozzles of the required diameter on the welding machine and turn it on, setting the temperature to 240 - 260 °C.
- We begin welding when the lights on the welding machine go out. We push both pipes or a pipe and a fitting onto the nozzles of the welding machine, evenly, without twisting, to the mark on the pipe.
- After 7 seconds, remove the pipes. We start counting the seconds from the moment we put the pipes on the nozzles and started moving along them. When removing pipes from the welding machine, it is necessary for a second person to hold it, since it is very light.
- Carefully connect the pipes to each other (or a pipe and a fitting), placing one on top of the other. Under no circumstances do we make rotational movements. Everything needs to be done smoothly and quickly.
We wait a few seconds until the connection cools down, then the pipes can be used. You should get a beautiful perpendicular connection, if you are not happy with the result, then the connection should be cut and the whole procedure should be repeated, cutting off the damaged piece.
Do-it-yourself water distribution in an apartment is completed by checking the assembled pipeline, i.e. crimping with a special device. Only after good results have been obtained from testing the connections and pipes for strength under high pressure, can the water be connected. All pipes and connections should be inspected for leaks.
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