How and what is the best way to insulate outdoor heating pipes with your own hands

Underground installation of heating mains for industrial purposes is not uncommon, since it is often impossible to place large-diameter pipes above ground level, especially in urban areas. It is better to lay the heating pipeline of a private house, if the boiler room is located in a separate building, above the ground, but sometimes circumstances also force it to be done in a trench.

Laying heating pipes in the ground deprives the consumer of the opportunity to visually monitor the condition of the pipeline, therefore, in this case, increased demands are placed on the quality of work performed. In addition, a heating pipe buried in the ground is affected by a number of additional, specific factors that must be taken into account. Let's consider these factors and the current rules for performing the necessary work in order to correctly lay heating pipes underground.

Features of choosing thermal insulation for pipes

Thermal insulation is used both for centralized heating lines and intra-house heating networks in order to reduce heat loss.
When choosing thermal insulation, you need to take into account the diameter of the pipes, the temperature of the coolant and operating conditions. The type of insulator that will be used depends on the diameter of the pipes. These can be hard molded cylinders, half-cylinders, and soft mats in rolls. Insulation of heating pipes of small diameter can be done using cylinders, half-cylinders (equipped with grooves that create convenient and quick installation on the pipes), also using segments made of polymer or mineral wool heat-insulating materials. They have very high thermal resistance. In addition, they have a low degree of water absorption, resistance to mechanical damage and strict geometric dimensions. Let's consider the areas of application of the most popular materials for thermal insulation.

Heating of external water supply systems

If we consider any system, then insulation is just a way to increase the time for its temperature to decrease to a value corresponding to the environment. Therefore, sometimes you have to resort to another option to prevent water pipes from freezing - heating.

The water supply is heated using external energy sources, and there are several ways to organize this process.

Organization of water circulation

The simplest source of additional thermal energy is water, the temperature of which is higher than in the insulated section of the water supply system. If warmer water constantly replaces cooler water, the system does not freeze. For this reason, the “half-open tap” method works, when a slow but constant movement of liquid through the pipes is organized.

For cold water supply to individual housing, it is possible to periodically replace the water in the outer branch with a warmer one. In the case of supply from the main water supply, it is necessary to drain frequently in small portions to ensure replacement of the liquid.

For this purpose, it is rational to use a special container located in the house, which also performs the functions of a sump, from which to subsequently draw water for your needs.

Draining water to prevent freezing can be done at times when it is not needed. The storage tank will allow you to use it later

If the supply is organized from wells in which the water temperature is usually from 7 to 10 degrees Celsius, then it is necessary to turn on the pump more often. You can also use a regular storage tank or hydraulic tank to store water.

You can use a second pipe and a three-way valve to organize the circulation of the liquid and drain it back into the well. At one time, it is enough to pump 1.5 - 2 volumes of a section of water supply located in the ground between the head of the well and the entrance to the house.

In the case of drawing water from a well, there is also the option of draining it back by gravity after stopping the pump. This method is not advisable to use in the case of metal elements of the water supply system. Constant change of liquid and air leads to intense corrosion of the inner surface of pipes and deterioration of water quality.

In autonomous water supply systems based on wells, insulation of the water source is required in the same way as thermal insulation of the pipeline itself. We recommend that you read the article on methods of thermal insulation of water wells.

If there is a possibility of long-term idle water and, as a result, its freezing, then despite insulation, it is necessary to use other heating methods.

Using the Electrical Cable

Most often, electric cables are used as an additional heat source for individual water supply systems located in the ground. They can be placed both inside the pipe supplying water and on its external surface. The principle of heating is to convert electrical energy into thermal energy.

The electric cable heats the water supply elements, the heat from which is transferred to the water. External insulation prevents heat from escaping into the ground

Cables located inside the system have a higher efficiency than external ones due to direct heating of the liquid.

The disadvantages of this cable arrangement include:

• higher price per linear meter due to compliance with environmental requirements;
• the difficulty, and sometimes the impossibility, of passing through curved sections of the water supply system;
• specialists strongly recommend that the connection be made through an RCD, despite certificates of compliance with increased electrical protection requirements.

Installation of both options is approximately equal in complexity. The cable running inside the pipe is sold complete with a special termination coupling. Its connection is made through a standard tee. The outer cable is secured with aluminum tape, and an insulating shell must be placed on top so that the energy does not go into the ground.

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Installation of heating cable outside the pipe

Specifics of cable installation inside the pipe

Insulation of water supply in open areas

Laying pipes with cable in the ground

Complete with a resistive cable that produces a constant amount of heat, to save energy it is better to use a thermostat to automatically turn the heating on and off. When using a self-regulating cable option, it is necessary to select its parameters correctly, then there is no need to use a temperature regulating device.

There are ready-made complex solutions that, in addition to a water pipe, insulation and a rigid waterproof shell, have an embedded heating cable. Such kits significantly reduce the installation time of the system, but purchasing all the elements separately will be much cheaper.

Ready-made solutions for underground water pipes may contain a heating cable, which virtually eliminates the possibility of the system freezing

The heating cable can be used to heat both part of the system and the entire outer section of the pipeline, making it unnecessary to lay the pipeline below the seasonal freezing mark of the soil.

Application of warm air

Another effective way to protect a water pipe laid in the ground from freezing is to heat it with warm air from the house. There are two options - with natural and forced air circulation, and both require the installation of an additional closed tray or pipe of a larger diameter.

In the case of natural air circulation, a pipe is placed on the water supply and insulated from the outside. It has access to a warm room and, therefore, there is a slow circulation of air enveloping the water supply system with the transfer of heat from the basement or first floor of the house.

In the second case, two channels (U-shaped profiles) are attached along the entire length of the water pipeline, through which air passes. They are wrapped with insulation and covered with an outer pipe to prevent the insulation and profiles from being compressed by the earth.

At the end of the heated section, these profiles are connected, thus obtaining a closed system with input and output indoors. The air supply is forced using a hair dryer.

Schematic representation of the insulated structure of an underground water supply system in the case of heating it with warm air from the room. The forced circulation option involves using a hair dryer to direct a stream of air into one of the profiles

Filling the ditch

Filling of the ditch begins after checking the heating system in action - if pressure testing of the circuit reveals flaws in its tightness, they will need to be removed.

Backfilling a ditch is a serious stage of work, the accuracy of which determines the uniform distribution of loads and the durability of the pipeline section in the ground.

Backfilling of the ditch begins with laying soft plastic soil on both sides of the pipe (in the grooves). This is done equally along the entire length of the pipeline, preventing it from moving to the sides. The soil laid on both sides is thoroughly compacted, after which the pipeline is backfilled from the same material with a layer of protection of at least 15 cm along the entire length and width of the ditch in accordance with the requirements of SNiP. The compaction of this layer is carried out to a small extent - this is a necessary requirement for the formation of a strong protective arch of soil over the pipe, resting mainly on the sinuses on both sides of the pipe.

After compaction of the protection layer is completed, the ditch is completely filled with soil removed during excavation, removing large stones from it. Backfilling must be done equally along the entire length of the ditch, preventing the formation of pipe sections with a significant difference in the vertical load from the soil.

The equally growing load from the backfill will be taken up mainly by the protective soil arch above the pipe, and the final value of the compression force for the pipe is not terrible - it is designed for it.

If the ditch is filled in separate sections, then the difference in the vertical load on the backfilled and open sections of the pipeline will lead to the appearance of tensile forces, which the pipe resists less well.

What affects the quality of the heating system

Among the many factors, there are especially important ones that influence the choice of quality equipment. The wide demand for equipment makes it possible to choose flexible pipes. The customer always requires high-quality installation of heating mains and selection of the best pipes, but it is worth considering:

• — pricing policy in the market of goods and services;
• - be able to correctly evaluate decent work;
• — choose a specific type of pipe;
• — correct installation of the necessary equipment in the heating system of the boiler room .

Thus, the quality of correctly performed installation is influenced by certain factors on which the startup of the heating system depends. In a private home, heating is an integral part of communications. Together with other systems such as water supply, gas supply, the heating system plays an important role in the settlement process.

Underground heating installation

In some cases, it is necessary to lay heating pipes in the ground, for example, when the boiler room is some distance from the heated room. Before laying heating pipes underground, you will have to solve two problems at once:

A layer of soil and everything that is on the surface presses on a pipe laid on the ground. Therefore, in order to protect the system, sleeves are used. A PVC sewer pipe with a diameter of 110 mm is perfect for this purpose.

Before laying heating pipes underground in a sleeve, they must be insulated, despite the fact that the system is laid below the freezing level of the soil. The heat loss is still significant. For insulation, mineral wool or foam covers are used. In addition, pipes are produced that have a layer of foam insulation and a protective plastic shell. They are specifically designed for underground installation.

When organizing an individual water supply for a house with water taken from a well or borehole, it is necessary to take measures for the normal operation of the water supply system in winter to prevent freezing of the water in the pipe. Therefore, the question of how to insulate a water pipe in the ground with your own hands is relevant for all users of their own water supply line. To insulate a pressure water pipeline underground, it is necessary to calculate and select the most optimal insulation option and install it correctly in compliance with the technology.

Rice. 1 Map of soil freezing levels

Installation of external heating mains

An external (open) heating main is a communication system that is mounted on the surface of the earth on special supports. The construction of heating mains using the external method is extremely rare. This is due to the fact that such installation carries certain difficulties, especially with the installation of insulation. However, in some cases, such a communication installation is the only way out (for example, when the site is densely built up and there are extensive underground networks).

Where it is not possible to lay a heating main underground, pipes are installed in an open way

Important! First of all, the construction of heating mains requires the preparation of a preliminary design. This applies to all types of gaskets without exception. The project must include a plan for the route of the heating main and contain the location of all street facilities. This is a necessary event, which allows you to calculate in advance all the installation difficulties for a specific situation.

Heating main repair: planning features and main stages

The installation itself takes place according to a preliminary design and consists of 3 main stages:

1. First of all, supports of the appropriate height are installed, on which the pipes will subsequently be installed.
2. Pipe installation is in progress.
3. Thermal insulation material is installed on the pipes.

Mineral wool

Insulating materials using mineral wool are very effective heat insulators. They are used in a wide variety of conditions. Thermal insulators made of mineral wool tolerate temperatures up to 650°C without losing their thermal insulation and mechanical properties. At the same time, they do not lose their shape and have high chemical resistance to oil, solvent, acid, and alkali. They are non-toxic, and thanks to special impregnation, they have a very low degree of moisture absorption. (See also: Water floor heating)

Advice! Mineral wool is well used to protect heating network pipelines and hot water supply pipelines in residential and public buildings, domestic premises, as well as pipelines whose surface is subject to heating, for example, chimneys.

Types of mineral wool

Stone wool is made from alloys of basalt rocks. It was described above.

Installation of a chimney for a gas boiler

Installation of a chimney for a gas boiler begins with cutting out an exhaust hole, the size of which depends on the diameter of the chimney pipe

Polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam is one of the most effective thermal insulation materials used for insulating underground pipes. It is produced in the form of shells - half-cylinders of a meter in length, equipped with locking connections (in the longitudinal and transverse directions). This design makes it possible to produce thermal insulation in a short time and without the use of special tools.

Another option offered by manufacturers is cylinders with one longitudinal slot.

Polyurethane foam shells are available in several types:

• without cladding;
• foil;
• covered with fiberglass.

The wall thickness of the PU shell is usually 30 mm. The standard sizes of the products correspond to the outer diameters of the pipes.

Pipes laid in non-passable channels can be insulated with polyurethane foam shells without a protective coating. If the pipeline is laid directly into the ground, you should choose insulation that has a protective shell (made of galvanized steel, for example).

Fiberglass

Glass wool has an average thickness of up to 3-4 microns and 1550-200 mm. Thermal insulation materials made from glass staple fiber have a low density and application temperature (up to 180°C). Such materials are recommended for use in overhead pipelines, for example, heating networks. Therefore, fiberglass is used in a more limited area. High-quality fiberglass is characterized by high vibration resistance, biological and chemical resistance, as well as a long service life. (See also: Polypropylene pipes for heating)

Egor Guest

It is more convenient to use ready-made insulation. We found polyethylene foam for 13mm pipes (this is the norm for hot water supply).

Next, we selected the finished pipe insulation so that it fits over the first thermal insulation. There can be any number of such layers.

If there is an air gap between the first and second insulation, this is good.

It is important to seal the seams of the last layer of insulation with reinforced tape

You can wrap it with roll insulation, but it’s easier to wrap it not in two layers of 5 mm, but in one layer of 1 cm.

The foil inside will not work because... she needs a gap, in my opinion, 20mm. It can be oriented outward or simply wrap the last layer with foil tape (this is done when installing air conditioners).

Insulation of heating pipes is a mandatory stage of work during the installation of the entire system. This is especially true for pipe sections located outside a residential area (for example, on the street) and most exposed to adverse weather conditions.

The insulation material serves as a protective layer that maintains a given temperature regime, prevents the formation of condensation and slows down the process of metal corrosion.

Timely insulation of heating pipes can significantly reduce the percentage of heat loss and protect the pipes from deformation in conditions of sudden changes in weather conditions.

Heat loss on the way from the boiler to the radiators can vary between 5-15%. Accordingly, in order to achieve the optimal temperature in the house, the owners have to significantly increase the boiler power and pay the costs out of their own pockets.

Insulated heating pipes allow you to forget about this problem for a long time.

In this case, the coolant circulating through the pipes cools much more slowly, does not change its temperature and does not crystallize at the lowest temperatures.

Duct installation of heating mains

Duct installation involves the use of special channels into which heating network pipes are laid. Such channels are usually made of the following materials:

• concrete;
• reinforced concrete.

Let's consider the main stages of laying communications into concrete channels that transport heat to consumers:

1. First of all, using special equipment, trenches are dug for the pipes.
2. Next, the surface of the channel is leveled and the formwork is prepared.
3. Concrete is reinforced, as a result of which its technical characteristics are increased. Reinforcement allows you to increase the strength of the channel, as well as reduce heat losses in the system.
4. Paint is applied to the pipes, which serves as protection against the harmful effects of corrosion.
5. The pipes are mounted on special sliding supports.
6. The pipeline is thermally and waterproofed.
7. The finished channel is covered with slabs and covered with earth.
8. The earth is compacted and the area where the pipeline was installed is improved.

A reinforced concrete channel is much easier to install. After the trench is dug and the reinforced concrete trays are installed, the pipeline is installed. After insulation work, the channel is closed and covered with earth.

Vertical pipeline laying

Schemes with a vertical arrangement of highways are very popular among residents of multi-storey cottages.

This is due to the peculiarities of the functioning of such schemes:

• The coolant is heated in the boiler and rises up the line. After this, it descends along all existing risers to the radiators;
• From these radiators, the coolant returns back to the boiler, while, in the case of two lines, the return movement is carried out along horizontally located elements.

It must be said that the supply branch is also located horizontally. The scheme got its name - vertical or top - for the simple reason that the coolant comes from above, which can be seen in the image below:

Consists of the following elements:

• Heating boiler;
• Circulation pump (as a rule, it is present, but it may not be);
• Expansion tank of an open or closed type (if there is a pump, then a closed-type membrane tank is used, but if there is no pump, that is, natural circulation, then the tank is used of an open type);
• Vertical and horizontal branches;
• Batteries;
• Shaped elements.

Principle of operation

The operating principle of all vertical structures is quite simple. From the heating element, the coolant flows into the expansion tank. The movement occurs along the riser.

The expansion tank should be located at the highest point. This container serves to normalize and create pressure.

Further from the tank there is a branch, which is called the supply branch, or in this case, the branch branch. This line goes to each battery. Thus, from the expansion tank, the heated coolant through this line enters the batteries.

Here it gives off its heat to the environment. At this time, the denser cold water pushes the heated water out of the boiler. This creates coolant movement. Thus, slightly cooled water from the batteries enters the return line, which leads directly back to the boiler.

Today, almost all such schemes are equipped with a circulation pump, which forces water to move through the mains. This leads to faster heat transfer, and therefore increases the efficiency of the entire structure.

The great advantage of the upper location of the branches is that their arrangement allows heating multi-story buildings.

In addition, no one forbids, as in the previous case, putting its own shut-off valve on each individual radiator. In this case, there is no need to cut in separate lines, since the design already provides for a parallel supply of coolant to all batteries.

Advantages and disadvantages of various insulation materials

Before giving preference to any particular material, you should study all its advantages and disadvantages.

So, mineral wool has many advantages, and in general this heat insulator, perhaps, occupies a leading position in popularity and frequency of use. The main advantages of mineral wool include:

• excellent thermal insulation;
• resistance to aggressive environments;
• does not rot;
• durable;
• not affected by rodents;
• can be used for pipes with high temperatures;
• budget cost.

Along with so many advantages, there is a huge drawback - hygroscopicity. But this minus can easily be corrected by waterproofing.

As for seamless foam insulation, it has excellent thermal insulation, does not require an additional layer of waterproofing and is a biologically stable material. The main disadvantage is the need for special equipment for coating. Therefore, this method is far from budget-friendly.

Foam insulation is a very worthy option, characterized by the same advantages and relatively low cost. Thanks to the fastening grooves, the polystyrene foam shell is carefully fixed to the pipes and allows for good tightness of the structure. Again, the downside is hygroscopicity and the need for additional waterproofing, as is the case with mineral wool. In fact, both of these materials are almost identical in effectiveness.

Polyethylene foam is a new generation material that has such advantages as low thermal conductivity, moisture resistance, and ease of installation. The downside is the presence of seams when covering pipes, which requires additional costs for the purchase of a special adhesive. In its absence, moisture and cold will enter the heating system.

And the last material, heat-insulating paint . Advantages: effect even with one layer of application, ease of installation, possibility of use in hard-to-reach places. The disadvantage is the high cost.

Burying pipes

The first method of deep burying pipes is the oldest and most proven, but it cannot always provide the required level of protection. The bottom line is that the pipeline is laid just below the depth of soil freezing, which is determined by the climatic characteristics of a particular area. In the layer of earth located below the freezing level, the temperature is almost constant.

At first glance, it may seem that at minimal cost you can protect pipes from the cold, but in reality not everything is simple because it is not always possible to achieve the desired depth. There can be many good reasons for this - from the significant labor intensity of the work to the characteristics of the soil.

In some cases, even 1 meter deepening may be problematic. If you need to go even deeper, the complexity of the work will become an order of magnitude higher.

When choosing a method of insulation, do not forget about one more important point. If a sewer breaks down, even if not due to cold weather, its repair will be quite expensive, since in order to identify the defect you will have to first dig up the pipe and then bury it again

Types of insulation

If the water supply is in the ground, it should be insulated in various ways. When insulating a cold water supply, the thermal conductivity of the material is not taken into account, because it does not play a role. But they pay attention to the long service life of the insulation, its price, and strength. If there is a large difference in the temperature values ​​of hot water and the environment, careful attention should be paid to the thermal conductivity of the insulation.

Methods that do not require special knowledge

When pipes are located at a level bordering the freezing zone, simple measures should be taken to protect the pipes from possible freezing. Actions do not require monetary or physical costs. In the southern regions of the country, the level of laying water pipes is shallow. For them, you need to dig up a pipeline every autumn, cover it with environmentally friendly thermal insulation material on top, and then backfill it. Leaves, shavings with sawdust, and straw, which have a low level of thermal conductivity, are suitable as insulating materials. Natural material rots in the soil until the next winter, so insulation needs to be laid every year. If calculations show that the pipeline lies just above the layer that protects against freezing, then there is no need to deepen the water pipes, it is necessary to raise the zero isotherm. There are two ways: 1.increase the layer of soil on top by adding it. 2.use snow that fell in winter as insulation.For proper insulation, a longitudinal water supply line acts as the center. The width of the fill should be more than 2 times the depth of the pipeline. Attention! Snow is considered a naturally occurring insulating material. A layer of snow equal to thirty centimeters reduces the freezing height of the soil by up to two times. If you fill the pipes with additional soil on top, this will affect the appearance of the area. But filling the pipes with snow, leaves, etc. will have to regularly. Specially created materials should be used as insulation. If the pipeline is laid according to rules that guarantee that the pipes will not freeze, then the area at risk should be insulated. That is, passing through a layer of rocks that freeze in winter. Thermal insulation is carried out from this area to the place where the pipe enters the room. When introducing a pipe into a house through a cold basement, which is located lower than the freezing depth, it means that insulation only needs to be done in the basement. The pipes must be placed in special wooden boxes; the internal space must be filled with sawdust or basalt wool.

Types of materials

One of the options for insulating a pipeline is the use of shells, which are shapes that replicate the pipeline and its elements. The shell is made from different materials, it can be glass wool, polystyrene foam, basalt wool, extruded polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam, etc. If glass wool or mineral wool is used, then a foil shell is required when laying underground. The material protects against getting wet, which reduces the quality of the material to a minimum. The foil can be replaced with a pipe winding using basalt-type roofing felt. Attention! Cotton wool cannot be used as thermal insulation if it is not protected from moisture on the outside, because it quickly absorbs water. It can be used to lay pipes laid in concrete trays with expanded clay covering the space inside the tray. The shell has the shape of a finished cylinder, the inside diameter of the workpiece is equal to cross-section of the pipe for which it is used. If the shell has a length of 60 - 2 meters, then it is a monolithic pipe that has a construction seam with an elastic material for insulation, otherwise the products have two sections. The multi-section design has advantages during installation, it is simple. The halves in relation to the thin shell are connected by overlapping the ends of the part on top of each other to eliminate bare areas on the pipes. Meter segments are shifted up to twenty centimeters.

Attention! If it is necessary to use dense insulation, choose a shell that has a mounting chamfer along the outer edge. Products are shifted along the end side.

To fasten the shells together, use construction tape. Ensuring the protection of areas with turns and joints of discharge pipes occurs with the use of special parts.

Paint for thermal insulation, use of polyurethane foam

One of the ways to insulate an underground water supply is the use of liquid heat-insulating material. This method is easy to use in areas with non-standard pipe shapes; the thermal insulation does not form seams or cold bridges. Polyurethane foam is produced in a liquid state; the insulation material should be applied by spraying. The paint has a high level of thermal conductivity. It has a disadvantage in the application method, because it requires special equipment. Attention! As insulation, polyurethane foam is considered the best insulating material, but its use is characterized by complex application technology using special equipment, which is expensive. When applying, you also need to have professional skills. To apply this type of insulation, you should invite specialists in this field. But the work has a minimum spray area; there are hardly any people willing to lay a pipeline in a country house up to twenty meters long. A special paint is used as insulation, which is sprayed onto the pipes. It is available in cans. Using them you can insulate pipes with your own hands. Paints are produced in liquid formulations. They are applied to rolled pipes using a construction brush. The paint includes foam glass, ceramic microspheres, and perlite. The material has low thermal conductivity. But one coat of paint will not do the job. A thick coat of paint will be expensive. This insulation method is used in areas with complex geometry and cold bridges. If the pipeline is made of steel, then paint is applied to improve adhesion with other heat-insulating material. The paint protects the pipes from the formation of corrosion on the surface, which is what metal products in the ground are susceptible to.

Types of ready-made complex insulation materials

There are pipes that are initially thermally insulated. The products are surrounded by insulation, enclosed inside a flexible or hard shell. There are one-pipe or two-pipe methods to insulate the pipeline. For pipes supplying cold water, it is better to use a design with plastic pipes. The products have an affordable price and are easy to install. HDPE pipes with thermal insulation are produced in the form of coils two hundred meters long. A water pipeline made of this material has a minimum of connecting sections. If the outside shell of the pipe consists of corrugated material, then there is no need to use corner joints. The products easily create small radius bends.

How to protect insulation from external influences

To prevent the material from losing its qualities as insulation, it should be initially protected from external negative factors. Under the weight of the soil, the thermal insulation material can deform, thereby increasing thermal conductivity. For protection, a hard shell is created in the form of a pipe with a large cross-section, or in the form of a tray. Hygroscopic materials should be protected from saturation with water from the ground.

Waterproofing can be created in several ways:

1.using aluminum foil roll as shell.2.plumbing tape.4.using high strength polyethylene film.Attention! Insulation materials made of foam glass, polyurethane foam, and paint are not subject to deformation by crushing and do not absorb moisture. To protect thermal insulation from mice and ants, you should wrap the insulated pipe with a metal mesh with small cells. Next, wrap the products in aluminum foil, or use tape, plastic pipes, or trays.

The specificity of installing heating pipes underground is that they must be laid below the freezing level of the soil, which is a depth of one and a half to two meters. If you do not adhere to this requirement, the coolant will cool greatly while it passes through the heating main located in the ground. In order to reduce heat loss, you need to take care of high-quality insulation of the underground pipeline.

Thermal insulation for heating pipes allows:

• reduce heat loss in places where pipes pass along the ground, are mounted by air (ground) or are located in an unheated room;

• prevent freezing of the liquid, which is the coolant (freezing is fraught with a pipe break);

• reducing the likelihood of corrosion on the surface of the pipe (for metal pipelines);

• saving money on heating your home.

Thus, the more reliably the heating system is insulated, the more heat the user will get (the higher the efficiency), and the less he will have to pay for gas for heating (or for electricity, if an electric boiler). Due to the fact that the coolant moves through the heating system, the task of the pipe insulation comes down to minimizing heat loss and preventing rupture of the system due to freezing. A popular solution in this case is the use of thermal insulation materials. This is the most cost-effective and easiest insulation method from the point of view of independent implementation.

Heating pipes with electric cable

Obviously, it is possible to insulate sewer pipes by burying them to a sufficient depth only in external areas. However, there are other areas, located both on the street and in rather poorly heated rooms. For such areas, you can use a special heating electric cable laid along the most important components and connections. The result of the work performed will be constant heating, protecting the sewer system regardless of the weather.

True, this method has a couple of disadvantages. First of all, electricity consumption increases, especially in the case of heating rather long pipelines. There is also a dependence on the operation of electrical networks. Of course, if there is a power outage, the generator will start working, however, this also costs a lot of money.

Features of planning repair work

Repair work aimed at eliminating problems in heating networks must be carried out as necessary, based on the results of preventive inspections and tests. Repair work, as a rule, is carried out in the summer, when heating of residential premises is not required, which is the main function of such communication.

Planned repairs of the heating main are carried out in the warm season, when the system is not working and it is possible to stop the movement of the working environment

Regardless of the situation, repair work is carried out as quickly as possible. To reduce the duration of this activity, the following repair methods are recommended:

• aggregate;
• nodal.

These methods involve replacing heating mains or failed equipment with prepared analogues. To successfully carry out repairs, it is very important to prepare in advance all the necessary equipment, spare parts, materials and other necessary equipment.

Drawing up annual and monthly plans for major repairs is usually carried out 4 months before they begin. Activities aimed at modernizing existing communications are prepared 6 months before the start of the planned year.

Why isolate

When laying a pipe outside a building, it (and the environment flowing inside) can be adversely affected by moisture and low temperatures. In addition, some materials (polymers) deteriorate faster and lose their quality when directly exposed to sunlight.

The pipeline can also be damaged by human actions (intentional or unintentional).

It is preferable to lay pipes in the ground for the following reasons:

1. To prevent the negative factors mentioned above.
2. In order not to create a network of communications (which will take up space and interfere with passage/travel) on the surface.

When laying a line underground, the following dangerous factors remain relevant:

1. Possibility of freezing of the liquid flowing inside.
2. The possibility of corrosion of the pipe itself is due to exposure to moisture.

The first factor is relevant in winter: the depth of soil freezing in most Russian regions reaches (or exceeds) 1 meter. That is, in order to prevent the flowing medium from freezing in cold weather, the pipes should be laid in the ground deeper than this indicator.

This is often inconvenient: it complicates further maintenance of the line (if inspection or repair is necessary, you will have to dig a deep trench), and increases the cost and time of excavation work during installation.

About the danger of lack of insulation

Water supply and sewerage pipes are laid in the ground - both municipal (going from and to multi-apartment residential buildings), and for private houses and various industrial buildings. Insulation must be used in both cases - since water flows inside these lines.

Moreover, it freezes very quickly - in less than an hour an ice plug will form inside.

Since the pipeline is laid in the ground, to remove it you will have to dig a trench, look for a frozen place and warm it up. And all this - in the cold. Moreover, the sewerage or water supply will not work in the house (depending on which line “runs down”).

In addition to the troubles that the sewer or water supply in the house stops working, when an ice jam occurs, there is also the possibility that the pipe will burst. This happens because when moisture freezes, it expands, meaning ice will take up more space than water. As a result, the pipe walls may not withstand it.

Fixing this problem is an even more difficult and less pleasant task than steaming a frozen area. In winter, in the cold, you will have to not only dig a trench (and not a small one, but along the entire line of the pipe - in order to find the damaged part) - but also repair the pipe itself. Often this can only be done by completely replacing the cracked segment.

Repair of heating networks

Heat pipelines installed underground sooner or later wear out, which entails the occurrence of various emergency situations. The consequences of accidents are eliminated through the repair of heating networks, which includes the following work:

• repair of individual segments of thermal communications;
• replacement of individual components;
• installation of additional insulation or other protective structures.

Repair work, as a rule, is carried out in cases even if it is necessary to deal with dilapidated structures. In any case, it is worth understanding that such an update of communication has a temporary effect.

Repair of heating networks can include various works - from repairing individual elements of the system to completely replacing extended sections of pipes and equipment

In some cases, repair of the heating network is impossible and its complete reconstruction is carried out. For reconstruction, a necessary step is to develop a communication project taking into account the norms and rules of current legislation.

If a fault is detected again in the heating network, it can be completely replaced. Otherwise, the risk of an emergency increases. Regardless of the situation, it is always necessary to carry out a preliminary inspection of communications, which will help identify the problem and, based on the information received, develop a repair plan.

The inspection is aimed at identifying the following factors:

• search for emergency sections in the pipeline;
• identifying potentially dangerous areas that may cause system malfunction in the future.
• analysis of the soil in which the pipeline is laid.

Which pipes are suitable for heated floors?

Polymer pipes for laying under screed

Naturally, modern heated floors are installed from plastic, but it can be different and has different characteristics. Laying heating pipes in a private house under a screed replaces traditional radiator systems. To select a material, you need to determine the selection criteria:

The laying of heating pipes in a private house under a screed is carried out only in whole sections, without connections. Based on this, it turns out that the material must bend and the direction of coolant flow must change without the use of fittings. This characteristic does not include products made from single-layer polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride;

resistance to heat.

All polymer pipes for heating, external and hidden, can withstand heating up to 95 degrees, while the temperature of the coolant rarely exceeds 80 degrees. In a heated floor, the water heats up to a maximum of 40 degrees;

For laying heating pipes in the floor screed, only reinforced products are used, they are also called metal-plastic. Although the reinforcement layer is not only metal. Each material has a certain thermal elongation. This coefficient indicates how much the circuit lengthens when it is heated by one degree. The value is determined for a section of one meter. Reinforcement is needed in order to reduce this value;

Once the heating pipes are laid in the floor screed, there will no longer be access to them. If a leak occurs, you will have to dismantle the floor - this is a sawing and labor-intensive process. Manufacturers of polymer pipes provide a 50-year guarantee on their products.

Reinforced polymer pipes consist of five layers:

• two layers of plastic (inner and outer);
• reinforcement layer (located between the polymers);
• two layers of glue.

Thermal linear expansion is the property of a material to increase in length when heated. The coefficient is indicated in mm/m. It shows how much the contour will increase when it is heated by one degree. The coefficient value shows the amount of elongation per meter.

PEX pipe reinforced with aluminum

Immediately we should mention the types of reinforcement. It could be:

• aluminum foil (AL), thickness 0.2–0.25 mm. The layer can be solid or perforated. Perforation is the presence of holes, like in a colander;
• fiberglass fiber is thin fibers of plastic, steel, glass or basalt. The markings indicate FG, GF, FB;
• ethylene vinyl alcohol is a chemical element that changes the composition of plastic. Labeled Evon.

Before laying heating pipes in a private house, you should make sure that they have a layer of reinforcement with aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol. Since one of the requirements when choosing a material is the elasticity of the contour. Products reinforced with fiberglass fiber cannot be bent; fittings and couplings are used to change the direction of coolant flow, which is unacceptable in our case.

Let's look at the types of materials used for the production of metal-plastic pipes:

polypropylene. Such products are marked PRR/AL/PPR. Thermal linear expansion is 0.03 mm/m;

cross-linked polyethylene. It differs from conventional low-density and high-density polyethylene in that it undergoes an additional production step called cross-linking. On it, the number of bonds between molecules increases, thereby giving the product the necessary characteristics. It is marked PEX/AL/PEX and has a coefficient of thermal linear elongation of 0.024 mm/m, which is less than that of propylene.

We will separately consider products made of cross-linked polyethylene reinforced with ethylene vinyl alcohol, since it is best to lay such heating pipes in the floor. They are labeled PEX /Evon/PEX. This reinforcement method allows you to kill two birds with one stone. Firstly, it reduces the linear expansion of the material to 0.021 mm/m, and secondly, it creates a protective layer that reduces the air permeability of the pipe walls. This figure is 900 mg per 1 m2 per day.

The fact is that the presence of air in the system not only leads to cavitation processes (the appearance of noise, water hammer), but also provokes the development of aerobic bacteria. These are microorganisms that cannot exist without air. Their waste products settle on the internal walls, and so-called silting occurs, while the internal diameter of the pipe decreases. For polypropylene pipes with aluminum foil reinforcement, the air permeability of the walls is zero.

How to insulate outdoor heating pipes with your own hands

To choose the right pipe insulation, you need to know what types of thermal insulation for heating pipes exist, and what are the features of each of them.

Classification of thermal insulation materials for heating pipes

By installation method:

• rigid sheet insulation
  . These include: polystyrene foam and polystyrene foam. Despite the high thermal insulation properties, the installation of such insulation is quite complicated from the point of view of ensuring the tightness of the insulation;

• roll insulation
  . These include: polyethylene (used as an additional component of insulation), foil penofol, wool (mineral and glass wool). The use of rolled materials requires the arrangement of their reliable fastening to the pipe;

• segmental (shell) insulation
  . There are two types of such insulation: hard - shells made of polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam (PPU) or polystyrene foam, and soft - polymer pipes. The advantage of segment materials is that they hold their shape well, are easy to install and provide the required level of tightness between the heat-insulating material and the heating pipe;

• sprayed insulation, incl.
  thermal paint . Penoizol has proven itself to be an excellent sprayer, as it allows you to insulate even small cracks. Thermal paint has the same property. The only disadvantage of these materials is that they are quite expensive and applying them yourself is problematic.

Thermal insulation of heating pipes with hard, soft and sprayed insulation

By type of insulation:

• polystyrene foam and polystyrene foam
  . They have the best characteristics in terms of maintaining the original temperature of the coolant. Their use in the form of a shell simplifies installation and provides reliable protection of the system;

Thermal insulation for heating pipes - foam shell Thermal insulation material for heating pipes - polystyrene foam and polystyrene foam

• wool (mineral, glass wool)
  . Can be used as a roll or sectional material. Regardless of the type and configuration, cotton wool insulation for heating pipes has a significant drawback, which is that cotton wool is hygroscopic. Those. it needs additional protection from moisture. When wet, cotton wool loses its properties. Therefore, sections often have additional protection in the form of a foil layer. But cotton wool is great for insulating pipes in the basement or attic.

Thermal insulation for heating pipes - casing made of mineral wool Thermal insulation for heating pipes - casing made of foiled basalt wool

• foil penofol
  . Due to its small thickness, it is used primarily for insulating pipes indoors.

Thermal insulation for heating pipes - foil penofol Insulation of heating pipes with penofol

• foamed polyethylene
  – (EPE, PPE) polyethylene foam for pipes.

Thermal insulation for heating pipes - polyethylene foam (PPE) Insulation for heating pipes - polyethylene foam pipe

Comparison of thermal insulation materials for pipes - video

The easiest way is to wrap the insulated line with roofing material, which can be secured with wire. Cheap and cheerful, but a method proven by many years of practice. In this case, any waterproof material that is sufficiently resistant to mechanical stress can be used as waterproofing;

Perhaps someone may wonder why insulate something that is already hot. Indeed, the heating circuit is always warm, since heated coolant circulates in it. Do not forget that all insulation for heating pipes has excellent thermal insulation properties.

The essence of insulating heating pipes is to ensure that the coolant maintains its temperature for as long as possible.

It is especially important to use insulation for heating pipes if the heating main runs through the air or underground from the place where the water is heated to the heated room. Let’s assume that the pipe is not insulated; this is extremely negative for heating. In this case, the boiler, or a set of heaters, raises the temperature of the water in the system and directs the working fluid to the place where it should give up its heat. Such places are heated residential and non-residential areas. The coolant interacts with the walls of the circuit and heats them. And they, in turn, interact with the environment. As a result, the water in the system becomes colder and, accordingly, the temperature in the heated room will also be lower. It turns out that a certain amount of fuel was spent to heat the water. And since significant heat loss occurs from the place where the coolant is heated to the destination point, the efficiency of the heater becomes lower. A lot of fuel was burned, and the temperature in the heated rooms was low. Therefore, to reduce fuel consumption and increase efficiency, the pipe must be insulated. Various materials are used for heating in private homes and for large highways.

Factors affecting heating pipes in the ground

A heating pipe buried in the soil is subject to the same influences as an external pipeline, plus factors caused by deepening:

• internal pressure of the coolant, causing circumferential and elongated tensile stresses in the pipe section;
• temperature of the coolant is a factor, in addition to thermal influence, also causing pipeline stress;
• soil temperature - in winter, taking this into account is very important;
• soil deformations - the pipe is affected by any of its displacements (settlement, shear, etc.);
• pre-bending stress of the pipeline - the ditch profile often follows the local terrain;
• vertical load - the influence of the weight of the ditch backfill layer;
• the resistive action of the soil on the walls and bottom of the pipeline - resistance to vertical load;
• vibration loads - from passing vehicles, excavation work in the neighborhood, etc.;
• moisture – precipitation and groundwater;
• the influence of chemical substances - compounds in the soil and heat carrier;
• biological factor - bacteria, decomposition.

Likewise, laying a pipeline in the soil should be carried out taking into account all the factors listed above and solving the problem of how to make heating pipes in the ground warmer.

An alternative to choosing pipes for a heating system

In the service market, many companies now present to the attention of potential clients their equipment made for installing a heating system. The alternative choice is quite large and multifaceted. There are quality equipment and durable materials that need to be properly selected and evaluated. There are different steel pipes used in the heating system in a private home.

presents to customers a huge selection of materials for installing a heating system, performing installation and commissioning work. The craftsmen working in the company have a professional approach to the issue of performing various types of work and individually install pipes for a private house flekhalen in central heating , launching the heating system into the general system.

Trenchless methods of pipeline laying

There are technologies for laying a pipeline in the ground without making trenches.

Such methods are aimed at:

• reduce the volume of excavation work - saving time and costs;
• minimize damage to infrastructure - less costs for restoration of decorative and road surfaces, unexpected damage to highways;
• lay pipes in a straight line, without going around obstacles of low complexity;
• minimize damage from excavation work to the environment.

Today, the following trenchless methods are used in industry:

• rehabilitation;
• piercing

Sanitation

- This is the replacement of old pipes with new ones, which, in turn, is done in two ways: relining and the renovation method.

Relining

is based on drawing a new polymer pipe of smaller diameter inside the working pipeline while preserving the old one as a protective shell.

Renovation

– installation of a new pipe to replace the old one, worn out and destroyed, the fragments of which will also protect the new main from external damage.

Piercing (pushing)

- this is the connection of two pits dug to the required depth by a puncture made at a certain height of the wall.

Of the listed methods, we will perform only the relining method in everyday life. A cable is inserted into one end of the old pipe and pushed until it comes out of the other end. Then a new lash is attached to the cable and pulled back. The possibility of using this method depends on a number of factors:

• the condition of the lumen of the old pipeline;
• diameter of the new pipe;
• flexibility of the new whip;
• length of the repaired area;
• ratio of the diameters of the old and new pipeline.

With a favorable combination of the listed factors, the technical execution of installing a new pipe is not difficult. However, all this applies to drawing a new line without thermal insulation, and the condition of the insulation of the old pipe is unlikely to be satisfactory. Since it is not possible to insulate heating pipes inside an old line, the method loses its attractiveness when applied to heating.

Therefore, when installing heating pipelines buried in the ground in private housing, digging a trench or, at a minimum, alternatively laying the pipe on the ground with backfill is indispensable.

Today, according to their design, all heating systems can be divided into many types and types - the classification is very diverse and has many parameters. Among others, the type of wiring is also distinguished.

The layout can be horizontal or vertical. Depending on the chosen type of installation, the composition of the heating circuit may change, but more about everything below.

Scheduled preventative repairs of heating networks

A very important point in the repair of heating networks is the timely detection of faults in communications. This prevents unexpected emergency situations and increases the operational life of the system as a whole. As a result, we can conclude that the normal functioning of the heating main depends not only on compliance with operational standards, but also on the timely implementation of scheduled preventive maintenance (PPR).

The PPR includes 4 types of activities:

• periodic scheduled examinations;
• preventive examinations;
• ongoing repair work;
• major repairs.

Regular inspections of pipelines allow timely identification of emergency areas and planning of repair work.

Periodic scheduled inspections are carried out according to an agreed and approved schedule at certain time intervals. This event allows you to determine whether the heating network needs current or major repairs.

Preventative repairs are carried out by disconnecting individual sections of communication. Such repair work is aimed at eliminating minor problems or cleaning the system.

Note! The PPR system involves the arrangement of a special repair site (base). In addition, quality control of repair activities must be carried out.

The classification of repair work into capital and current depends on the degree of damage, as well as the volume of work and material costs. Current repairs are usually carried out at the expense of the enterprise. Major repairs of heating networks are carried out at the expense of the state. In most cases, if the heating network needs major repairs, a repair shop with all the necessary equipment is organized.

According to the PPR system, the following points are determined:

• the labor costs that will be required to carry out repair work are calculated;
• the time frame for carrying out the work is determined;
• types of repair work are agreed upon;
• the complexity category is determined;
• the supply of the repaired area with the necessary tools, as well as spare parts and other materials is organized.

Circuits with bottom wiring

As already mentioned, pipe laying can be done in two ways - vertically or horizontally. In the first case, such wiring is called upper, and in the second - lower. Both can be used for the device. There are restrictions only for multi-storey buildings. Often the second floor heating system consists only of underfloor heating.

So, all heating systems of a private house with bottom wiring can be of two types:

• Single-pipe, that is, they contain only a supply pipeline, which is also a return pipeline;
• Two-pipe - with separate supply and return lines.

Pros and cons of different materials

Any of the above thermal insulation materials has quite a number of positive qualities.

They also have some negative traits.

Therefore, many private developers, without further ado, choose insulation based on its very tangible feature - price.

And in vain: it would be necessary to conduct a basic analysis of the properties of thermal insulation materials in order to understand - have you actually saved? After all, such important parameters as thermal conductivity, durability,

Table 1 shows the comparative characteristics of the most commonly used insulation materials.

Table 1

It remains to compare the durability of these materials:

• mineral wool will last from 10 to 20 years;
• polyurethane foam has a higher durability - from 30 to 50 years;
• extruded polystyrene foam does not lag behind polyurethane foam: its service life, according to manufacturers, is 50 years.

Based on the above, it is fair to note that choosing insulation only based on its cost is a fundamentally wrong decision. You can buy cheap mineral wool, but after a dozen or two years you will have to pay a certain amount again - and it is far from certain that the price of the material will be the same. Add to this amount the cost of dismantling and installation (including excavation work) - perhaps a detailed calculation will convince you to buy a not cheap, but more durable polyurethane foam.

But first, let's see whether the prices for mineral wool, polyurethane foam and extruded polystyrene foam are much different.

Ordering services from a company

It’s easy to fill out an application for work by calling + 8 (495) 211-17-01 to the company “Heating Water” LLC. If it is necessary to carry out work on installation and adjustment of equipment for the heating system, then qualified specialists will be able to:

• – competently advise on technical issues;
• - draw up an estimate correctly;
• – work out the pipe laying scheme;
• – organize work on installation of the heating system.

The order of services is carried out by the client by telephone by appointment. The pipes needed for the heating system can be selected by specialists in this industry. It is important to consider that they will be in the ground, so it is important to respect the service life depending on the conditions. If there is a developed pipe distribution scheme, the craftsmen will definitely take into account all the client’s wishes.

Installation recommendations

When arranging a single-pipe heating system, despite its simplicity, it is necessary to carry out all stages of work carefully and competently, taking into account all the nuances and design features.

To ensure everything is done correctly, you should use the following recommendations:

Conclusion

As a result, we can say that a single-pipe heating system, with all its advantages, is completely unsuitable for large and multi-story buildings. In addition, despite its simplicity and low cost, such a system causes many problems and requires a careful approach when arranging.

Single pipe heating system

This option for routing heating pipes is also called sequential.

Peculiarities:

• You can make a self-flowing circuit;
• A fairly economical option, its implementation requires a minimum of materials;
• Compatible with open systems;
• Depending on the distance of the sources, the temperature of the radiators changes, the closest one will be the warmest, the furthest one will be the coldest;
• It is necessary to install bypasses, otherwise if any battery is clogged, the system stops working;
• For forced fluid flow, a powerful pump is required;
• Strict restrictions on the number of radiators in the riser.

In a horizontal system, the main pipe is usually masked in a screed, and pipes to the batteries extend from it. The coolant is supplied from above and leaves from below.

Features of installation of single-pipe wiring:

• In any case, the boiler is installed from the very beginning.
• If you are using a vertical design with natural circulation, then you must choose a large diameter supply pipe. This approach will allow the hot flow to create the required pressure passing along the entire line.
• If you are using a horizontal design, be sure to not forget about the circulation pump when making calculations. It must be installed in the return pipe. The pump can also be used in a vertical version, but the connection must be via a bypass. Otherwise, when there is no power, it will interfere with natural circulation.
• We must not forget about the slope of the supply pipe leading to the radiators or from the main boiler. It is advisable to leave 3-5 degrees per meter of length.
• It is preferable to locate the boiler at the lowest point of the line.
• It is recommended to use “Leningradka” - a system of jumpers and bypasses with thermoregulation. This approach will allow you to set the temperature on each radiator separately.
• Don't forget about the thermostatic heads on the batteries.
• Experts advise using a Mayevsky tap for each battery. This approach will prevent airing from occurring, which could interfere with the circulation of the coolant.
• In a vertical system, the use of an expansion tank is necessary.
• At the lowest point of the wiring there must be a tap designed to fill and empty the system.
• It is recommended to purchase a boiler with a small power reserve. In this case, the system will be able to effectively heat the room even in severe frosts.

What should be the thickness of the insulation layer of the underground section of the pipe?

The formulas for calculating the thickness of insulation are quite complex; only qualified specialists in this field can understand them. For the average consumer, there is no need to independently calculate the thickness; you can always get advice from the seller or use an online calculator for calculations. Typically, such calculators include data from branded insulation materials, among which you can find the type that best matches the parameters being installed and use it for calculations. The calculator also includes parameters of the pipeline, air temperature and physical characteristics of the flowing water.

Rice. 10 Online calculator for calculating insulation thickness

Technical standards for buried systems

You can find out information about how deep a water supply pipe should run in the ground from a special document - SNiP. All the subtleties and characteristics for pipes made of various materials are spelled out there, and it also describes at what depth one or another type of product can be laid. In essence, this document contains a lot of varied information, most of which will be, if not entirely interesting to you, then at least useful, because it will remove many related questions.

According to the regulations, the minimum depth for laying any pipe is a distance of 1.5 meters, since, often in winter, the soil freezes to about 1.4 meters. If you do not maintain such a depth, you may encounter damage to the water supply lines, which will significantly complicate, if not make it completely impossible, the further operation of the system.

It is worth noting that the depth of freezing largely depends on the type of soil in a particular region. To find out exactly this indicator, it is worth consulting with specialists who will tell you all the necessary information that you need to know. Armed with information, you can avoid many possible problems associated with temperature changes and soil freezing.

The principle of operation of “warm floor”

Why is laying heating pipes in a screed called the right choice? After all, there is an easier way out - replacing the batteries. Yes, this is easier to do, but it does not mean it is more effective than this installation, because no one has yet canceled the laws of physics. The operating principle of heating systems is completely different. Traditional heating radiators give off heat. It then passes along the walls to the ceiling area. It turns out that it is the ceiling zone that warms up first.

Afterwards, the air moves to the lower region, but it gets here already cold. Thus, the following situation arises - in the ceiling area it is warmer, but below the temperature is much lower. The same applies to the convection principle.

Advantages of TVEL-PEKS heating mains

The main advantages of flexible heating mains “TVEL-PEKS” are:

• Corrosion resistance. The pipes are not subject to corrosion, which guarantees long-term use of heating mains.
• Minimal pressure loss. Due to the lower surface roughness (up to 70 times less compared to conventional PU foam pipes), the PE-Xa working pipe provides less resistance to the medium.
• Minimum connecting connections. Flexible heating mains are produced in long coils, which eliminates a large number of joints during installation.
• Compactness. When compared with PU foam steel products, when using TVEL-PEKS “Isopex” you will need a 40% smaller trench.
• No corner joints. Achieved through minimal bending radii.

This unique system allows you to save on the installation of heating and water supply pipeline networks at any facility.

Sealing and thermal insulation

Only metal connections have to be sealed. The fact is that when working with HDPE pipes, they are soldered, which does not require additional sealing. For metal-to-metal joints, plumbing linen must be used. This is the most inexpensive method, which, together with the paste, allows you to achieve 100% tightness.

It is necessary to wind the flax in the direction of movement of the object that will be screwed onto the thread, so that when screwing the flax does not turn. Instead of flax and paste, you can use fum tape, as well as other means.

An example of applying plumbing flax with paste for additional protection against leaks of threaded connections

As for thermal insulation, there is a special insulation on sale that is made to fit the diameter of the pipe. It is recommended to isolate the coolant supplied from the boiler to the heating radiators. This especially needs to be done if the pipes lie against the wall under the floor, since this is where the maximum level of heat loss is observed. As a thermal insulation material, you can choose basalt wool, glass wool, polystyrene foam and other insulation.

Local treatment plants (VOC or AC)

During normal operation, autonomous sewerage installations are capable of producing fairly clean water. It cannot be used as drinking water or for watering the garden, but as a technical one it is very possible. The basis of cleansing is the work of aerobic bacteria (they live in the presence of oxygen). The waste they process turns into sludge, settles to the bottom of a special tank, from where it is then pumped out. Pumping frequency is 1-4 times a year, depending on the intensity of use.

In general, an autonomous wastewater treatment plant is a good thing, but it has certain operational features that you must know before deciding what is better for the sewage system of a private house - a septic tank or an AC.

This is roughly what installations for an autonomous sewer system in a private house look like. This is AU Topas

At the outlet, the ACs have water purified by 90-95%. With this quality, it can be poured onto the ground, however, for this you must have laboratory tests on hand. Therefore, many still prefer to use an intermediate settling well from which the water is then used for technical purposes. The second option is to divert the wastewater to filter devices. This, of course, is reinsurance, but in emergency situations it saves.

What is used to clean wastewater?

Waste is processed by anaerobic bacteria (they live only in the presence of air). To provide them with air in the VOC, aerators are constantly running. In addition, during cleaning, the contents are pumped from one compartment to another using built-in pumps. So without electricity, these installations are inoperable.

Inside the AU is also divided into chambers (this is Topas)

If the electricity is turned off, bacteria can survive without air for no more than 4 hours, after which they die, and the wastewater ceases to be processed. To start the system, it needs to be populated with new bacteria, and reaching a working state is possible only after 2-3 weeks. All this time, the wastewater will flow, at best, semi-purified. This is where a sump well or filter unit comes in handy. It will improve the situation at least a little.

Features of operation

Since the volume of autonomous treatment plants is small, they need constant feeding: bacteria need nutrients for normal life. Therefore, this type of device is suitable for private homes of permanent residence - regular receipts are needed. In principle, preservation for a certain period is possible, but the procedure is not pleasant, and it will take a long time to return to the installation mode.

Bacteria that process waste in automatic wastewater treatment plants are also sensitive to active chemicals. Since the chamber volumes are smaller, the release of detergents or disinfectants can significantly damage the recycling process. Moreover, cleaning and antibiotic treatment can negatively affect.

Station after operation 3-6 months

VOCs are much smaller in size than septic tanks. They are calculated depending on daily water consumption, but there is such an indicator as salvo discharge. This is the amount of waste that an autonomous sewer installation can accept at one time. If this value is exceeded, untreated wastewater flows into other chambers, which significantly reduces the degree of purification. So, in this situation, you have to decide which plumbing fixtures and household appliances work at the same time. And if the bathtub is drained, no other devices should work for some time.

Briefly: advantages and disadvantages

Autonomous sewerage treatment plants are certainly convenient; with them, sewerage for a private home is implemented quickly - installation takes 10-12 hours. Pumping out excess sludge is necessary several times a year (1-4 times depending on the intensity of use, but maybe less or more often). The amount of sludge pumped out is very small (5-10 buckets depending on the model) and maintenance can be carried out independently, although the procedure is not the most pleasant. But they are doing this, since the visit of a specialist is not cheap at all.

This is what it looks like on the site

These home treatment plants have some disadvantages: the high cost of the equipment, dependence on the availability of electricity and the need to monitor the condition of the equipment.