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Which polypropylene pipes are better: 6 little things that can determine the fate of the future pipeline

Everyone has probably already heard about the victorious march of polypropylene in the plumbing industry. But which polypropylene pipes are best used in a given situation? For example, when I first came to a specialized store specifically for this product, I was puzzled by the fairly extensive number of offers. So I propose to deal with the most significant criteria, which due to inexperience can be considered insignificant details.

Some general characteristics

Why is it even worth switching from the same metal to polypropylene? Why are plastic pipes better than cast iron or metal? Before delving into their varieties, you need to have an idea about their advantages:

• Complete absence of corrosion processes. Subject to constant contact with water, quite significant quality;
• Absolutely smooth walls , thanks to which the pressure maintains its intensity for as long as possible. In addition, there is no effect of the formation of growths, which renders metal analogues unusable;

• Almost complete no noise emitting transported liquid;
• Relatively low price. This is one of the most important advantages due to which most owners choose plastic pipes;
• Simple instructions execution installation work. Using a pipe soldering iron, reliable connections can be easily and quickly created, since the melting point of the material in question is only 260 degrees Celsius above zero;

• There is no danger of ruptures as a result of freezing of the transported liquid, which is very important for external highways in winter;
• A huge number of all kinds of connecting fittings, allowing you to lay pipelines of any complexity;
• Durability. The service life of polypropylene exceeds 50 years.

The positive aspects of this material are obvious, but they can vary dramatically depending on the brand and type of pipe, so it’s worth having an idea about these nuances.

What to pay attention to

If you just come and order plastic pipes for yourself, you may end up encountering many problems during their operation or simply overpay where this is not required. Understanding the meaning of some “little things” that you can detect even during a visual inspection of the product will help you avoid such undesirable outcomes:

Little thing #1: number of layers

In this context we are talking about single-layer and multi-layer products. And here everything is simple:

• Single layer polypropylene pipes are cheaper and are used to create most types of pipeline systems, but are not suitable for operation at high temperatures, since they begin to deform when heated to 70-90 degrees Celsius;
• Multilayer Due to reinforcement, samples are able to withstand much higher temperatures, although they are correspondingly more expensive.

For the purpose of installing an apartment heating system, I recommend purchasing reinforced products. The fact is that in winter the temperature built up in boiler rooms can significantly exceed the threshold permissible for single-layer pipes.

Little detail No. 2: markings on single-layer pipes, which determine their more accurate composition

On all plastic pipes that have one layer, you can find certain designations, by which you can judge their more detailed composition and recommended area of ​​application:

Marking	Name	Peculiarities	Areas of use
RRN	Homopolymer	High hardness; Lack of resistance to low temperatures	Ventilation systems; Industrial pipelines
RRV	Block copolymer	Flexibility; Frost resistance	Cold water supply systems; Warm floor systems; Manufacturing of impact-resistant fittings and pipes
PPR	Statistical copolymer	High strength; Ability to withstand short-term temperature surges up to +110 degrees Celsius; Restoring shape after defrosting; High resistance to acids and alkalis; Excellent sound insulation	Cold and hot water supply systems; Warm floor systems; Heating systems in private houses; Compressed air systems

Recommend for home use purchase single-layer pipes marked PPR, as they have the best performance characteristics, and their cost is not much higher than their less practical counterparts.

Little thing #3: reinforcement method

If you plan to use polypropylene products when installing a heating system in an apartment, then, as I noted above, you will need multilayer reinforced samples.

They have greater rigidity and good resistance to high temperatures, for which, however, you have to come to terms with an increase in their cost, and in some cases also with additional difficulties during installation work associated precisely with the need to eliminate reinforcement at the soldering site.

But even in this case, I was faced with a choice of two most common options:

1. Pipe with foil-coated intermediate layer. If the foil is located close to outside product, then it is removed using a shaver; if closer to the inside of the product, then the cut edge is trimmed to avoid contact of the metal with the transported liquid. In any case, additional work during welding is provided. In turn, such pipes are divided into the following types depending on the structure of the reinforcing layer:

• Perforated layer. This means that the foil has holes, and during the process of filling the workpiece with polypropylene, it seeps through them, creating a reliable connection without the use of glue;

• Solid layer. In this case, there are three separate layers glued together;

1. Glass fiber reinforced pipe. In this case, reinforcement is performed by adding fiberglass filler to polypropylene. This approach provides clear advantages:

• There is no need to strip the edge of the pipe before it;
• Increasing the rigidity coefficient of the product;
• Reduced thermal expansion rate by 75%;
• Monolithic structure. In this case there is no division into layers.

Little detail No. 4: markings that determine the pressure and temperature the pipe can withstand

Before choosing polypropylene pipes for laying a specific pipeline, you need to carefully read the designations beginning with the letters PN. This “trifle” will tell you what conditions a particular product can withstand.

The classification of polypropylene pipes according to this criterion looks like this:

• PN 10. Suitable for transport cold water, the temperature of which does not exceed +20 degrees Celsius. Permissible pressure – up to 1 MPa;

• PN 16. Here it is already possible to use products in both cold and hot water supply, so they are able to withstand heat up to +60 degrees Celsius and pressure up to 1.6 MPa;

• PN 20. There are no problems with transportation of hot liquid, the temperature of which even reaches +95 degrees Celsius. The working pressure is 2 MPa;

• PN 25. These are already reinforced samples used in heating systems. Withstands temperature surges exceeding +95 degrees Celsius and operating pressure up to 2 MPa.

As the numbers after the letters increase, PN not only increases operational properties, but also the cost of the products, so in order not to overpay, choose those pipes that exactly match your plans. That is, for example, for cold water supply there is absolutely no need to buy relatively expensive reinforced samples.

Little thing #5: color

Here the opinions of experts differ. Some of them believe that the color of the pipes does not affect their specifications. But others reasonably note that such markings put into products by manufacturers should be taken into account. I am a reinsurer, so I take the side of the latter in this matter.

And this is what the color can tell you according to the manufacturer:

1. White:

• Ability to withstand pressure of 25 bar;
• Cheapness;
• Complete absence of corrosion processes;

1. Grey:

• Heat resistance;
• Long operational period;
• Environmental cleanliness;
• Excellent tightness;

1. Black:

• UV resistance;
• High resistance to aggressive acids and alkalis;
• Resistance to drying effect;
• Increased strength parameters;

1. Green. Cheap samples with a low operating pressure threshold, used, as a rule, to implement a garden watering system.

As you can see, colored products can also tell some information, which, however, has a rather general appearance.

Little thing #6: manufacturer

You can answer, they say, this is not a car or even Appliances, to also follow the brand here. But only if you deal with the products of a well-known company, you can be sure that all the designations described above will correspond to reality.

With some goods of dubious origin, you may not pay attention to the marking at all, since it is most likely applied only to increase the cost.

A country

Company name

Polypropylene and polyethylene pipes widely used in many construction fields. This material has proven itself in heating, plumbing and sewerage systems. PVC products are easy and pleasant to work with; their installation does not require special, expensive tools or devices. Before choosing pipes, you need to study their characteristics, sizes and scope of application. For example, when carrying out water supply, you should not use sewer samples, but it is better to buy special ones. For each case, elements with specific markings are suitable, in which precise information is encrypted.

Pipe marking

If you are planning to carry out heating in a private house with your own hands, choose only pipes marked PRR!

Characteristics of PPR plastic

Pipes marked with the abbreviation PPR have the following characteristics:

Types of polypropylene pipes

Solid plastic pipes are the cheapest

Monolithic products are made of solid PVC, the expansion coefficient is 0.15%. They can only be used when installing systems in which a substance with a low temperature moves, for example, for ventilation and cold supply.

At water temperatures above 10C°, the use of these pipes is simply impractical - they will not withstand and may crack or burst. This must definitely be taken into account.

Reinforced polypropylene pipes

Aluminum is used to reinforce plastic products. Layers additionally reinforced with aluminum can be located on the outside, in the form of thin foil, or on the inside, in the form of point perforations. Perforation is applied in the form of a mesh with holes. During the casting of a product, the viscous material, entering the holes, creates a tight adhesion of the polymer to the metal alloy.

Reinforced polypropylene pipes are the most reliable

Thanks to this type of strengthening, the system can withstand coolant heated to 90C°. It must be taken into account that installation and welding of aluminum-reinforced products can be complicated by the fact that they do not always correspond to the depth of insertion into the fittings and require additional stripping and removal of the top foil.

Fiberglass pipes

This product consists of two layers of plastic and a middle layer containing fiberglass. Plastic elements reinforced with glass do not require cleaning or calibration during installation. Soldering is quick and easy, which significantly reduces time and financial costs.

Glass increases rigidity, element density and service life. The disadvantage of such pipes is considered to be thermal elongation indicators, which are significantly higher than the same indicators for products reinforced with aluminum.

Operation of plastic pipes with fiberglass in different coolant temperatures

Metal-plastic pipes

Metal-plastic products are equipped with a top layer of PVC and an inner layer of aluminum. Such samples are able to withstand very high temperatures and can be used for heating and water supply of a private home. The disadvantage of elements made of metal-plastic is that the metal layer, being in contact with the transported substance, may be susceptible to corrosion.

Fitting

Fittings are parts for connecting elements in a pipeline. They are necessary for arranging any engineering communications. Due to the fact that there are various models of polypropylene accessories with chrome and brass inserts on sale, you can easily choose those that are most suitable for installing various plumbing fixtures. For installation you will need welding machine.

The size of the connecting parts is directly related to the size of the heating pipes. Knowing the diameter of the main element, you will immediately understand which connecting part you need to buy.
Products come in several diameters:

Very often there is a situation when the diameter indicated on the package does not correspond to reality! It is best to buy fittings in stores, not at construction markets– there are much fewer defects there.

Types of connecting elements

There can be several connecting elements, in addition to fittings:

• coupling- a detail in the form of a ring. It is designed to fasten two pipes. The internal size of the coupling must correspond to the external size of the main part;
• Adapter– a fitting in the form of a barrel with a ring of smaller diameter. Adapters come with internal and external threads. Diameter transitions are simply necessary to connect the riser with horizontal heating distribution pipes;
• Corner. From the name it is clear that the element is curved at an angle. It is needed to form a corner joint between the pipes. Some craftsmen refuse corners and prefer to heat the plastic to 140C° and give it the desired bend. This can reduce the capacity of the water supply and increase the possibility of leaks. The corners are produced with a bend of 45 or 90C°. Threaded parts are often used for mounting heated towel rails or radiators;
• Cross and tee. Very often it is necessary to mount several system components together. The cross connects the branches of the four guides to the sides; accordingly, three branches can be made on the tee. Both parts can be without threads or with threads for different types pipes;
• Contours. Often, during heating, there is a technological obstacle along the way that needs to be circumvented. In this case, contours are used. They make it possible to change the trajectory of the pipe without violating its integrity;
• Temperature compensators. This simple, flexible design, which looks like a folded loop, performs the desired function. When the temperature and pressure of water in the pipes sharply increases, this important part compensates for the expansion within the pipeline system. The device is easily mounted into the structure and increases its durability without leaks.

  
  Types of fittings for plastic heating pipes

Video

You can watch a short video on how to choose the right polypropylene pipes and fittings for them.

Today we will figure out what polypropylene heating pipes are, how to choose and solder them correctly. We will also consider the types of couplings and for what purposes they are used.

How to choose by labeling

Reinforced polypropylene pipes

Polypropylene pipes are widely used for water supply and heating systems. This material is easy to work with and does not require expensive tools for installation. Before choosing polypropylene pipes for heating, you need to know what they are and how they are marked. Each product has an inscription, a marking in which information with characteristics is encrypted. Knowing the meaning of the symbols, you can easily determine the scope of application just by looking at the product. For their manufacture, different plastics are used, which are suitable for different purposes. To answer the question about which polypropylene pipes are best for heating, let’s consider the types of plastic used:

• products marked PPH are made from homopolymers - this is a material whose smallest particles consist of identical structural units. This plastic is only suitable for cold water and ventilation systems;
• products marked PPV are made from block copolymers. This is a more complex component; its molecules consist of alternating simple structural units (homopolymers) that differ from each other. The alternation is systematic, that is, it is ordered. Such polypropylene pipes are suitable for underfloor heating and water supply systems;
• products marked PPR are made from random copolymer, which has a high degree of crystallization. This makes it strong enough to use such polypropylene pipes for heating.

The common question about whether polypropylene pipes can be used for heating can be answered in the affirmative with 100% certainty. Now this material is one of the most common, despite some disadvantages.

Solid aluminum layer

Polypropylene pipes can be cast from a monolithic continuous layer of plastic, or consist of several layers. Single-layer products can only be used for installation of systems with a low temperature of the transported substance. For example, for cold water supply and ventilation. In other cases, when the circuit operates at elevated temperatures, you need to use reinforced products. The reinforcement layer of a heating pipe made of polypropylene is:

• solid;
• perforated - with holes like a sieve.

Reinforcement of polypropylene heating pipes is carried out with aluminum or fiberglass, the main task of which is to compensate for linear expansion. For comparison, consider the difference in coefficients. For unreinforced products, the coefficient of linear expansion is 0.15%, and for products with an aluminum layer - 0.03%. As you can see, the values ​​differ by a factor of five. For clarity, let’s carry out the calculation based on the formula:

Elongation (mm) = linear elongation coefficient (%) x section length (m) x difference between max and min water temperatures.

For ten meters of a heating system made of reinforced polypropylene pipes, the linear expansion will be 18 mm (0.03 * 10 * (80-20)), and for a reinforced one, 90 mm, respectively. The difference is 72 mm over ten meters of contour, which is significant.

When choosing polypropylene pipes for heating, in addition to the material for manufacturing, an important characteristic is the limiting pressure, which is designated as PN20. The numerical value indicates the number of atmospheres that the product can withstand at a coolant temperature of twenty degrees during the warranty period. Also worth paying attention to is the diameter and thickness of the walls. It is noteworthy that the marking indicates not the internal, but the external size of the product. Other values, such as batch number and certificates, are of no use to the average person. The only thing that matters is the manufacturer, if you are at least a little familiar with the polypropylene pipe market.

What connectors are used during installation

Types of fittings for polypropylene pipes

Do-it-yourself heating from polypropylene pipes is assembled using couplings. They differ from each other in their design and materials. Types of couplings for polypropylene pipes for heating:

• straight;
• tees and L-shaped;
• plugs;
• with a change in the internal section;
• with the transition from plastic to metal. They assume the possibility of switching to internal or external threads.

The color of the products does not matter, the main thing is that it matches the color of the outline, it’s more beautiful. Elements that are made using plastic and metal, when distributing heating with polypropylene pipes, serve to connect to the system:

• shut-off valves (taps);
• check valves;
• air vents;
• pressure gauges;
• central riser.

Assembling a heating circuit from polypropylene pipes, where they are connected to metal-plastic and iron, has its own characteristics. The fact is that the wall thickness of all these products is different. For example, with the same outer diameter, the internal cross-section of metal-plastic will be larger than polypropylene. The main thing is that the internal diameters coincide.

Circuit assembly methods

We already know which polypropylene pipe to choose for heating - these are products marked PPV or PPR. Now let's look at the installation method. They are assembled using the soldering method. To work you will need:

• scissors to cut pipes;
• a shaver for chamfering and calibrating;
• soldering iron for welding parts.

Polypropylene pipes and fittings for heating must be connected with some force. If the coupling easily fits onto the contour, it means that it is either defective or does not fit in diameter.

If you are a beginner, then you should not immediately rush headlong into the pool and start assembling heating in a private house from polypropylene pipes. First, practice. You need to feel how to connect heated parts and what pressure to create. In this case, you can always look at the internal passage of the connection through the other end of the coupling. Make sure that the plastic does not obstruct the circulation of coolant. Experiment, and when it starts to work out, you can start working. Installation steps:

• cutting blanks.

Use special scissors. They make an even and smooth cut, which is difficult to achieve when working with a metal file. Also make the gap smaller, one millimeter is enough. So the likelihood that the molten plastic in the coupling will block the passage of the coolant is lower;

• calibration and chamfering.

Calibration of polypropylene heating pipes is carried out to ensure that the joint is level, and the outer chamfer is removed so that the coupling fits better on the circuit. You should also clean off the layer of aluminum reinforcement to the depth of the connection;

• heating and docking.

The quality of the connection primarily depends on the degree of heating. This is the main difficulty of installing heating for a home using polypropylene pipes. The optimal soldering iron temperature is 260 degrees. In this case, the outer layer of polypropylene melts, and the geometry of the product is not disturbed. When overheated, the joint is deformed, and the molten plastic greatly narrows the flow path.

There are models of soldering irons where the temperature can be set manually, but experts recommend setting it at the standard level (260 degrees) and forgetting about this option.

Consequences of overheating

For installing heating in an apartment, a welding machine with a power of 800 W is suitable. The heating time depends on the outer diameter of the circuit:

• 16 mm – 5 sec.;
• 20-25 mm – 7 seconds;
• 32 mm – 8 sec.;
• 40 mm – 12 sec.;
• 50 mm – 18 sec.

Please note that the plastic cools quickly, and the setting and initial cooling time is approximately equal to the heating time. Immediately center the parts; there are special lines on the contour for this. If there are none, perform the alignment by eye. Complete hardening occurs within the next five minutes. After the installation is completed and the system is ready for operation, it is necessary to pressurize it. Crimping is a hydraulic test that is performed to test the system for tightness and strength.

Is it possible to install polypropylene pipes for heating?

Polypropylene at its best

Regarding polypropylene pipes for heating, reviews are different and not always positive. The very first thing that causes controversy is the quality of the connections. It greatly depends on the professionalism of the installer and the degree of heating of the elements. When overheated, the plastic inside the circuit forms a barrier to the coolant. In case of insufficient heating, air may remain in the joint, which will have an extremely negative impact on the mechanical characteristics of the circuit. During pressure testing or in the first few years of operation, such connections may leak.

Another problem is the inability to check the quality of work performed. For example, the installers assembled the circuit and everything seemed to be in order:

• the circuit is secured with clamps or clips;
• at the junctions of couplings and pipes there is a uniform ring of extruded plastic;
• the circuit withstood pressure testing, and a year later the joints were dripped.

Indeed, the indisputable disadvantage of polypropylene pipes for heating is the inability to check the quality of the soldering only if the system is disassembled. It turns out that all hope lies in the skill of the installer. What to do if your hopes are not met? As a result of a break in the circuit, there will be a lot of water, which will certainly ruin the repair for both you and your neighbors below. What if this happens in winter, when the temperature outside drops to -20 degrees? On the other hand, polypropylene is widely and successfully used in houses and apartments, it is cheap and the manufacturer’s warranty lasts for a quarter of a century.

From all this we can conclude that polypropylene is not an ideal material for heating, while there are no compelling arguments against the use of polypropylene pipes in the heating system. If the installer has the necessary qualifications, then a polypropylene circuit can last 25 years or more. Also, due to its plasticity, it withstands mechanical stress better than metal-plastic.

Currently, the replacement of outdated steel pipelines and the laying of new heating lines is carried out with new generation polymer pipes. In the ranking of popular materials for heating installations, PPR pipes come first. This information article discusses in detail the technical characteristics of the material, the main advantages and disadvantages of polypropylene pipes for heating.

Polypropylene belongs to the group of synthetic thermoplastic polymers that change their properties under the influence of temperature. As a result of a complex chemical process using special organometallic catalysts under the influence of medium and low pressure, propylene is polymerized and converted into polypropylene. The resulting material is highly resistant to alkaline environments, as well as a high melting point, reaching 170 degrees. All these wonderful properties of polypropylene were used to create a new generation of modern polypropylene pipes for heating and hot water supply lines.

Reasons to choose polypropylene pipes for the heating circuit

Carrying out home or intra-apartment wiring begins with consultations with heating system installers and shopping trips in search of suitable materials. Almost all experts unanimously advise choosing polypropylene pipes as the best material for a private home or replacement central heating multi-storey buildings.

The main reasons for choosing polypropylene pipes for heating are based on their technical characteristics :

• Ability to withstand high pressure. Heating pipes made of polypropylene with a coolant temperature of up to 70 degrees can withstand operating pressures from 4 to 6 atmospheres.
• High thermal stability. In a heated circuit made of PPR pipes, the maximum water temperature is 95 degrees.
• Thermal conductivity. Thanks to this property, the polypropylene pipeline is not covered with condensate droplets.
• Anti-corrosion resistance for heating. Polypropylene does not react with chemicals. The inner surface does not become clogged or overgrown with hard deposits.
• Large margin of safety. Under normal operating conditions, heating pipelines made of polypropylene can be used for up to 50 years.

A simple technology for assembling a heating circuit, combined with a complete set of connecting and docking fittings, brings polypropylene pipes to the top sales of popular polymer products.

Varieties

At the beginning of their history, PPR polypropylene pipes were unrivaled; they began to be used everywhere to replace heating circuits made of steel and cast iron. Short-term operation of a heating system made of such elements showed the material’s poor resistance to linear thermal deformation. To rid the heating wiring from such unpleasant defects, polypropylene pipes were improved with internal reinforcement or, as builders call it, “internal braiding”:

• Made of aluminum. Installation of aluminum-reinforced pipes is carried out with preliminary cleaning of the products so as not to damage the thin foil coating.

• Fiberglass. Unlike the first type, soldering of fiberglass pipelines is carried out without any special conditions.

Reinforcement of the inner part of the pipes from polypropylene made it possible to significantly reduce linear thermal deformations of the heating line.

Reinforced polypropylene pipes for heating systems

Despite the extensive line of polypropylene pipe products, not all types of polypropylene products can be used in heating systems and hot water supply. If you ask any specialist: “Which PP pipes are best for heating,” you can get a clear answer that reinforced products are best suited for laying heating systems. This statement is based on the high degree of thermal expansion coefficient of products as a result of contact with a high temperature coolant. There are known cases when, by mistake, the water supply hot water and the heating line were assembled from ordinary polypropylene pipes and connecting fittings. Under the influence of the hot coolant, the laid heating branch was deformed and sagged. Horizontal wiring has lost all its attractiveness and turned into a wavy line.

Polypropylene pipes without reinforcement are suitable as a heating circuit for a “warm floor” heating system. In this case, the water temperature does not exceed a comfortable temperature and, in addition, the heating water pipe is rigidly fixed with a concrete screed and is less subject to deformation tension.

Of the entire extensive family of polypropylene pipe products, only reinforced products are considered an ideal material for laying heating and hot water networks.

Diameters of polypropylene pipes for heating

The main characteristic of products is the cross-sectional size - diameter, measured in mm. The home heating network consists of different sections, which for better effect are equipped with pipes of different diameters:

• from 100 to 200 mm are used for centralized supply of hot water to multi-storey buildings, public buildings civil purpose.
• from 25 to 32 mm are used for connecting private houses and small buildings.
• Hot water is supplied through horizontal sections of distribution with a diameter of 20 mm, vertical risers are equipped with a diameter of 25 mm.

The presented table clearly shows the gradation of diameter changes depending on the amount of heat flow.

Polypropylene fittings for heating

Polypropylene pipe products consist not only of individual linear elements, but also connecting or joining parts called fittings. They are necessary for interconnection, connection to vertical risers, radiators and water taps, and other various devices.

Types of heating fittings:

• Connecting couplings.
• Angled bends at 45 degrees or 90 degrees.
• Tees for connecting three sections.
• Plugs used in the dead-end part of the heating network or on the outer sections of heating radiators.
• Transitions from one diameter to another.
• Transitions from metal to plastic.

The exact number of fittings is determined after drawing up the installation diagram. A graphically drawn plan for the location of the heating network with the exact dimensions of each section and indicating the heating radiators will help you select pipes of the required diameter and calculate the number of connecting fittings.

Leading manufacturers

The main task of any heating heating system is to create comfortable indoor conditions during the cold season.

The efficiency of heat transfer of heating devices depends on competent installation technology and high-quality pipe products.

It is difficult even for specialists to navigate the brands and trademarks of polypropylene products. To make difficult choices a little easier the required material and not make a mistake in the chosen products, we offer the top list the best manufacturers heating propylene pipes:

• The first place belongs to European brands. An example is the German brands Aquatherm. Wefatherm (Wefatherm). Rehau, whose products are distinguished by excellent quality and advanced manufacturing technology. The only drawback of this product is the high price.
• Czech manufacturers occupy second place. Many experts note the quality of EKOPLASTIK brand products. This company was the first to launch the production of polypropylene pipes reinforced with basalt fibers, capable of competing with the best German brands in terms of quality and lower price.
• Third place belongs to the well-known Turkish companies Tebo and Kalde, which produce products of average quality and affordable prices. Heating systems assembled from pipes and fittings of these brands have an average service life of up to 50 years and, from a practical point of view, have no complaints.

The budget segment is represented by the line of the best Russian manufacturers PRO AQUA (Pro Aqua) and RVK, as well as the Chinese brand BLUE OCEAN. The companies have gained a good reputation and produce products of normal quality at an affordable price.

In order not to make a mistake in choosing polypropylene pipes and not to buy a fake of a well-known brand, you should carefully read the company logo on the official website and check the accuracy of the company name. You need to pay attention to the evenness and smoothness of the surface, and check in practice that the connecting fittings match the pipeline.

Updated: 09/18/2019 22:30:16

Expert: David Weinberg

*Review of the best sites according to the editors. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Polypropylene pipes are becoming more and more popular material in the construction industry every year. They are used for installing water supply systems, heating systems, pipelines for pumping aggressive liquids, etc. A distinctive feature of PP pipes is resistance to corrosion, resistance to temperature and pressure changes, and durability. Precipitation does not accumulate on the smooth surface, so there are no problems with pipeline maintenance. To choose the most suitable polypropylene pipes, experts advise paying attention to several parameters.

How to choose polypropylene pipes

Structure. All polypropylene pipes can be divided into three types.

1. Single layer Made from pure polypropylene, such pipes are best suited for installing cold water supply.
2. Fiberglass reinforcement allows you to increase the strength of the walls; this type of product copes well with high pressure and temperature (up to 90°C). They are used to install heating systems for private houses.
3. Foil reinforcement allows to reduce the thermal expansion of pipes, so such products can withstand liquid heating up to +95°C. Their scope of application is the widest.

Installation. When choosing polypropylene pipes, it is important to know about the nuances of their connection. Joints are welded using special soldering irons, and turns and branches are made by installing fittings. Pipes reinforced with aluminum foil are considered the most difficult to install. Experts recommend removing the metallized layer to the welding depth.

How not to buy counterfeit goods. There are many counterfeit products on the Russian market, so a potential buyer should know several selection criteria. They will help reduce the risk of buying counterfeit products.

1. The first thing you should do is take a photo or remember exactly what the brand logo looks like. You should pay attention to the size of the letters, font, color, number of capital letters. Very often, unscrupulous businessmen make basic mistakes by redrawing the trademark of a well-known manufacturer.
2. On the official website you need to study the range of products. Knowing the location of the markings and the color of polypropylene, you can easily identify counterfeit goods.
3. Sample pipes should be carefully inspected before purchasing. They must have the same thickness and a close to ideal circular cross-section. The presence of depressions, sagging and other signs of poor-quality casting is not allowed.

We have selected the 11 best manufacturers of polypropylene pipes for the rating. The products of these brands are widely represented in the Russian retail chain. When compiling the rating, the opinion of experts and reviews of domestic consumers were taken into account.

Which is better, metal-plastic or polypropylene pipes?

Rating of the best manufacturers of polypropylene pipes

Nomination	place	Name of product	rating
Rating of the best manufacturers of polypropylene pipes	1		5.0
	2		4.9
	3		4.8
	4		4.7
	5		4.6
	6		4.5
	7		4.4
	8		4.3
	9		4.2
	10		4.1
	11		4.0

The German company Wefatherm has been producing plastic pipes for more than 30 years. During this time, the brand has gained respect from users from around the world. Russian consumers appreciate Vefatherm polypropylene water supply systems for the optimal combination of price and quality. The manufacturer uses PPR-100 material, which has high strength properties, as raw material. Therefore, polypropylene pipes are resistant to temperature and pressure changes, and their service life reaches 50 years. The internal surfaces do not become clogged for a long time, which reduces maintenance costs.

Advantages

• quality raw materials;
• metal reinforcement;
• low coefficient of thermal expansion;
• combination of price and quality.

Flaws

• not detected.

The joint Russian-Italian company VALTEC was created in 2002. It specialized in the manufacture of pipes and fittings for the installation of water supply systems and plumbing systems. To estimate sales volume in the domestic market, the manufacturer gives a simple example. Every year, more than 1 million square meters are built using the brand's products. m of premises. Polypropylene pipes were used in such historical buildings as the Arcadia Palace in Odessa, the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Opera and Ballet Theater. Mussorgsky. Water supply systems based on VALTEC products are found in every fourth apartment.

Advantages

• high quality;
• Ease of use;
• strength and elasticity;
• aesthetic appearance.

Flaws

• high price.

The Czech company WAVIN Ecoplastik began its activities in the field of production of plastic materials in 1990. From the first steps, the manufacturer chose a clear focus on innovative technologies. Today this large concern unites 40 factories that operate in 29 countries. Experts highly appreciated polypropylene pipes with a reinforcing layer of basalt. They are characterized by thermal resistance, durability and a wide range of applications. The material can be used not only for water supply installations, but also for laying heating lines.

For European quality, the brand is among the top three in our rating. Users praise the products for their environmental friendliness and lightness, reliability and durability. The disadvantages include a modest appearance and a high price.

Advantages

• European quality;
• ease of installation;
• wide scope of application;
• strength and durability.

Flaws

• high price.

TEBO

The inexperienced layman may be surprised to find the Turkish brand TEBO at the top of our ranking. After all, products are sold on the domestic market at the lowest prices. Moreover, the range of polypropylene pipes is wide, both in terms of material composition and diameter (20-160 mm). Experts did not find any pitfalls in the products of the Turkish manufacturer. Moreover, the pipes are chemically resistant, making it possible to create pipelines for transporting aggressive liquid compounds. High throughput in water pipelines has been maintained for 30 years.

Domestic users consider Turkish pipes to be high-quality, reliable and durable. The disadvantages include the ovality of the cross-section, as well as a modest range of fittings.

Advantages

• low price;
• chemical resistance;
• durability;
• wide scope of application.

Flaws

• oval pipe section.

Another Turkish brand made it into our rating. Novaplast, using modern technologies and European production lines, produces high-quality polypropylene pipe products. The raw material used is granulate from Denmark, which meets international environmental standards. The product has excellent performance characteristics. With its help you can install a water supply system, a heating system or a pipeline for transporting industrial liquids. Products have been supplied to Russia since 2009, users have managed to evaluate the advantages and find disadvantages.

The brand receives positive reviews for its affordable price, environmental friendliness and ease of installation. One of the disadvantages is the swelling of the pipeline when used in a heating system.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• good performance characteristics;
• simple installation;
• environmental friendliness.

Flaws

• pipes swell.

Pilsa

Polypropylene pipes from Pilsa are very popular in Russia. The brand has earned the trust of consumers with the strength, wear resistance and elasticity of its products. The company was founded in 1972, taking a leading position in the Turkish market. Since 2008, the brand has belonged to the WAVIN GROUP concern; high quality requirements have had a positive impact on Pilsa products. If the plumbing or heating system is installed correctly, the service life of the pipes exceeds 15 years.

Experts gave the brand sixth place in the ranking, having listened to the opinions of consumers. The disadvantage of polypropylene pipes is their complicated installation. Careful preparation of the joints is required; there are geometry deviations in the cross-section, which can lead to deformation during operation.

Advantages

• wear resistance;
• high strength;
• elasticity;
• good quality.

Flaws

• ovality of the section;
• careful preparation of joints is required.

FV-Plast

The Czech company FV Plast was founded in 1990. All this time, the company's employees have been developing and producing plastic pipes for water supply and heating systems. The Czechs were among the first to use Hostalen gray polypropylene. Thanks to German raw materials, the brand produces high-quality pipes. Experts note the close interaction between the manufacturer and installers. Taking into account their comments and wishes, the brand manages to achieve good results.

The FV-Plast company is included in our rating for the latest automated equipment, innovative technologies and product testing in certified laboratories. Domestic users rarely use FV Plast pipes, so there are very few reviews on thematic forums.

Advantages

• high-quality manufacturing;
• modern equipment;
• Hi-tech;
• cooperation with installers.

Flaws

• shortage of pipe products in Russian stores.

One of the best Russian companies engaged in the production of plastic pipes is PRO AQUA. It was this company that managed to prove to skeptics that domestic products can be of high quality. The brand has existed since 1997, since then the manufacturer has managed to more than double its sales volumes. At the same time, the company does not yet reach the level of the best German or Czech concerns, but in the middle price segment it competes well with Turkish and Chinese brands. In addition to the optimal combination of price and quality, the Russian product impressed experts with its environmental friendliness.

The polypropylene pipes of the Russian company also have weaknesses. The material does not withstand high pressure and extreme temperatures for long.

Advantages

• decent quality;
• acceptable price;
• resistance to aggressive environments;
• environmental friendliness.

Flaws

• low resistance to high pressure and temperature.

In 1989, the domestic company "Plastic" began its activities. Its products under the RVC brand are an example of high quality. The manufacturer is considered an expert in the field of polypropylene highways. Experts see several reasons for the brand’s success. These include European raw materials, modern equipment, and highly qualified personnel. The company has many world-famous major partners specializing in pipeline installation. The company has built its own testing laboratory, and has also established cooperation with Russian institutes specifically involved in testing materials.

Advantages

• European raw materials;
• modern equipment;
• qualified personnel;
• acceptable price.

Flaws

• the brand is known in narrow circles.

Of all the variety of Chinese polypropylene pipes, only Blue Ocean products inspire confidence among experts. The young brand was founded 10 years ago, the concern’s office is located in London, and production sites and representative offices are scattered throughout different countries peace. Polymer products are produced from high-quality raw materials using modern equipment. Polypropylene pipes are used both in water supply systems and in the construction of pipelines for pumping aggressive actions. The product range includes several types of PP pipes, ranging from unreinforced to products with a fiber fiber layer.

The brand is included in our rating for its lightness, environmental friendliness and smoothness. But the Chinese do not yet reach European quality.

Advantages

• a wide range of;
• acceptable prices;
• environmental friendliness;
• light weight.

Flaws

• unstable quality.

The Turkish plant Dizayn was founded in 1987; since its founding, the company has been engaged in developments in the field of water supply and heating. Just 4 years later, an innovative technology for combining plastic and iron at the molecular level was introduced. Since 2010, the brand has been part of the Mir Holding concern. Experts drew attention to the company’s rationalization and scientific activities, thanks to which the manufacturer manages to keep up with the times. Today Dizayn offers the buyer about 4 thousand products for various applications.

Advantages

• innovative developments;
• Hi-tech;
• a wide range of;
• reasonable prices.

Flaws

• fragility;
• heterogeneity.

Attention! This rating is subjective in nature, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.