Which pipes are best to choose for heating: a comparative review

The question of which heating pipes are better comes up during the construction or major renovation of private residential real estate.Owners of houses and apartments ask it to consultants in construction stores, installation engineers and employees of repair teams, but do not receive a definite answer.

This is an objective reality, because Modern heating systems differ significantly from each other and require individual selection. We will introduce you to all types of pipes currently used in pipeline construction. Taking into account our recommendations, you can choose the best option.

Main criteria for choosing pipes

To wisely and correctly select pipes for your home heating system, consider the following items:

• type of installation of the pipeline complex - surface or hidden (internal);
• estimated pressure power - assessment of the range from basic to maximum possible indicators;
• type of heating system - autonomous or central communications with gravity or forced circulation of the heating composition;
• the maximum temperature for which the coolant is designed;
• configuration features of heating equipment - single-pipe or two-pipe complex.

Only by knowing all these factors can we begin to select the type of material that will perform most effectively under specific specified conditions.

Varieties for heating systems

Modern heating systems use rolled pipes and parts made of materials such as metal or plastic. The first category includes ordinary steel, alloy steel and copper pipes.The second includes polypropylene, metal-plastic and polyethylene cross-linked communication elements.

They all have certain positive qualities and manifest themselves effectively in different situations. The choice of a specific type of pipe is made individually, depending on the expected operating conditions and other important parameters.

Features of steel pipes

Until recently, steel pipes were used in the vast majority of heating systems and were the only material available. Today their positions have significantly weakened, and serious competitors have appeared nearby.

However, it was not possible to completely oust steel pipes from the market. Until now, they have been successfully used, but mainly in autonomous gravity-flow complexes, where the laying of large-diameter communications is required.

The laying of steel pipes is carried out by professional craftsmen before finishing activities begin, since welding work can damage wall or floor decor

Among the main advantages of steel pipes are a high tendency to thermal conductivity, low linear expansion during active heating, and resistance to intense pressure.

Justified advantages are considered to be unprecedented strength, both on straight and rounded sections, the ability to withstand aggressive temperature conditions and the affordable cost of elements.

To assemble a system of steel pipes, in addition to welding, there is an alternative method - installation on threaded connections using additional parts and fittings. To prevent joints from leaking, they are sealed with plumbing flax

Among the shortcomings, they point to problematic and labor-intensive installation, which is impossible without the presence of specialized expensive equipment, which can only be operated by professionally trained craftsmen with extensive experience in carrying out such activities.

The process of arranging a heating complex is also complicated by the impressive dimensions of the pipes. You won’t be able to do everything alone; it’s better to involve one of your friends or relatives who has the skills of welders and installers. It’s easier and faster to work with a team; everything can be organized clearly and accurately, ensuring the system has the necessary tightness.

Steel pipes demonstrate a good level of resistance to water hammer and have an impressive melting point (up to 1500°C), unlike other materials

For organizing hidden heating systems, steel pipes and those used to connect them steel fittings absolutely not suitable. The metal has a low anti-corrosion threshold and in humid conditions quickly rusts, rots and leaks.

To fix the problem, complete dismantling of the decorative covering is required if the pipe runs indoors, or large-scale excavation work when the problem occurs on the approach to the house.

What is the difference between alloy steel?

Alloy steel is a durable material that, in addition to traditional impurities, contains various additives that improve the physical properties of the metal.

An example of an alloyed material is stainless steel - this is a special steel alloy containing at least 12% chromium. This additive ensures pipe resistance to corrosion and easy processing with special tools.

When purchasing stainless steel pipes, it is important to take into account the carbon content of the metal. The more it is, the higher the strength, but the lower the flexibility.At low temperatures, such products become brittle and their scope of application is reduced.

For the production of pipes with a welded seam, cold- or hot-rolled steel sheets with a working thickness of 0.4 - 5 mm and 2 -50 mm, respectively, are used.

Finished products have less weight than conventional steel ones and have good resistance to structural destruction and mechanical damage. Due to the low coefficient of thermal expansion, they can easily withstand severe temperature loads during operation. They function perfectly at pressures up to 16 bar.

The cost of alloy pipes is slightly higher than that of analogues made of ferrous metals. However, the costs are justified, because simple steel communications last on average 15-20 years, while stainless steel works reliably at least 3 times longer

Another indisputable advantage of alloyed stainless steel pipes is the ability to transport not only coolant heated to high temperatures, but even heated steam.

Types of stainless steel pipes

Alloy stainless steel pipes are made in two ways: welded and seamless. In the first version, sheets of metal are connected to each other using electric welding, producing a longitudinal or spiral seam. To prevent heat-affected corrosion, the joint area is subjected to special processing and grinding.

Welded pipes with a spiral or longitudinal seam are cheaper than their seamless counterparts, but their service life is shorter. In addition, they have restrictions on maximum operating pressure and are vulnerable to mechanical damage

Seamless products are made by cold or hot deformation of solid pipe blanks made of stainless alloy steel. The cold method produces thin-walled pipes, and the hot method produces thick-walled pipes.The finished product has a perfectly smooth surface and is characterized by unprecedented reliability.

Seamless steel pipes are ideal for arranging heating systems of any complexity. Despite their high physical characteristics, they are reasonably priced, and thin-walled models successfully compete with more expensive copper products

Pipes made using seamless technology are not afraid of corrosion, function perfectly in harsh and aggressive operating conditions and can easily withstand record temperatures and enormous pressure.

Copper pipes for heating

In the manufacture of pipes for heating systems, high-quality copper is used, and in rare cases, a copper-zinc alloy, where the volume of the zinc component does not exceed 5%. To reduce the level of heat loss and give the products a more attractive appearance, the outer surface is covered with a polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride layer.

Copper pipes for the heating system undergo additional phosphorus treatment. This significantly increases their physical characteristics, and in particular, resistance to water.

Among the main advantages copper piping material First of all, they note their unsurpassed strength, thanks to which the products, during intensive use, last for 100 years and are not subject to corrosion.

Their thermal conductivity is 389.6 W/mK, which significantly exceeds the actual performance indicators of cast iron, steel and metal-plastic.

Copper pipes, when heated even to high temperatures, do not emit any harmful fumes, therefore they are absolutely safe for humans

The operating temperature range of copper pipes is very wide.They perform well both at high (up to +250°C) and low (up to -100°C) temperature conditions, do not melt during intense heating, do not crack or deform during operation.

They ideally hold their original shape, are not afraid of high pressure in the system, and even in the area of ​​soldered joints they can easily withstand a load of 200-400 atmospheres, and this is tens of times greater than the ability of metal-plastic in the same area.

The thermal expansion rates of copper pipes are simply minimal. With regular exposure of metal to a coolant temperature of more than 90°C, each linear meter of communications lengthens by approximately 0.1%. All other materials here are significantly inferior to copper.

Due to the ability to maintain an aesthetically pleasing appearance over time, they are suitable for pipeline laying not only internal, but also external heating systems and can serve not only for their intended purpose, but also serve as a decorative interior element.

Among the disadvantages, professionals note incompatibility with other metals. In order to reduce the cost, it is not recommended to use connecting parts made of cast iron or stainless steel for copper pipes. Such “savings” will subsequently backfire on the owner, since the chemical reaction between the elements will ultimately provoke corrosion of the entire heating system.

In the assembly of copper pipelines, only copper fittings. They are used to make connections by crimping, high-temperature and low-temperature soldering.

Among the disadvantages of copper pipes, their high cost is most often mentioned in comparison with other types of materials.

Distinctive features of polypropylene products

Polypropylene is a rigid, non-toxic synthetic polymer with high physical and mechanical characteristics.Pipes made from this modern material demonstrate exceptional impact resistance and multiple bending capabilities, low gas and vapor permeability, wear resistance and complete dielectricity.

Advantages of PP material

Thanks to these qualities, PP pipe material is actively used for arranging heating systems both on an industrial scale and in the private sector.

You can install a heating system made of polypropylene pipes yourself. But it is necessary to ensure that there are no sudden changes in pressure and temperature. Installing a boiler that limits the maximum possible water heating (no more than 70C°) will help create such conditions.

Polypropylene pipes are included in the category of budget communication parts and are lightweight, making them easy to transport and install alone.

Other advantages include the following:

• a perfectly smooth inner surface that does not contribute to the accumulation of lime deposits, which significantly complicate the free circulation of the coolant;
• quick and affordable installation that does not require the use of expensive professional equipment (all work can be done using a soldering iron, which is so easy to use that even a person very far from such work can easily “obey” it);
• long service life without loss of efficiency (on average about 25 years at full load);
• good resistance to negative temperatures;
• neat, aesthetic appearance that does not deteriorate over time.

On to the cons polypropylene pipes include the weak rigidity of the plastic, which in the future can cause sagging of the heating main and, as a result, lead to a crack in the joint or breakage.

To fix the problem, simply patching the fragment will not work. For subsequent correct operation and restoration of the integrity of the heating complex, it will be necessary to replace the section of pipe located between the two fittings.

The parts of the polypropylene pipeline are connected by welding, the specifics of production of which are outlined in the article we recommend.

With features of choice welding machine for the construction of a polypropylene pipeline and recommended operating temperature limits To perform soldering, you can also find it on our website.

Types of polypropylene pipes for heating

In order for a home heating system to work longer and demonstrate the highest possible efficiency levels throughout the entire operational period, reinforced polypropylene pipes are used. They are classified according to the type of reinforcing material.

Used in heating device PP pipes reinforced with aluminum foil along the outer layer, in the middle or along the inner edge. In this case, sheets of metal can be discontinuous, solid or corrugated.

Polypropylene is highly plastic and can increase in size upon contact with a hot coolant. If communications are built into walls or floors, this may cause cracks in the coating. Reinforced pipes are subject to minimal expansion due to the presence of a protective frame

The foil reduces the actual thermal expansion of the material and creates a diffusion barrier, preventing oxygen from penetrating the walls. As a result, calcium sediment does not form and does not provoke oxidation processes on the walls of the radiators and boiler.

Fiberglass is also an effective reinforcing material for pipes. By coextrusion, it is placed in the middle layer of a polypropylene pipe.Due to the fact that both materials are similar in composition and basic properties, during welding with a fitting, a high-strength alloy is formed that is not subject to delamination even during long-term operation.

Polypropylene pipes with fiberglass reinforcement are simple and easy to install, unlike aluminum pipes, they do not require additional cleaning of the edges before soldering, and demonstrate excellent sound insulation properties.

Polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass are considered the most suitable option for arranging home heating systems and last much longer than their counterparts.

Another modern reinforcing element is composite. It is a mixture of polypropylene and fiberglass. Added to the pipe, it increases the adhesive properties of the reinforcing layer and enhances performance characteristics such as strength and resistance to mechanical damage.

Rules for assembling pipelines for heating systems made of polypropylene pipes are given in the next article, the contents of which we advise you to familiarize yourself with.

XLPE pipes

Cross-linked polyethylene is a progressive material made using modern technologies. It is a polymer of ethylene with molecules connected cross-linked by chemical or physical cross-linking. It has a homogeneous structure, flexibility and a high level of tensile strength.

The list of main advantages of cross-linked polyethylene pipes includes:

• excellent shrinkage properties;
• the ability to clearly hold its shape along the stitching line even when heated to 200 C°;
• excellent wear resistance during intensive use;
• absence of halogens and heavy metals;
• immunity to corrosion and high pressure;
• low vulnerability to chemically active aggressive substances;
• normal impact strength at low temperatures (down to - 50 C°);
• minimum percentage of expansion under the influence of heat;
• suitable for hidden installation;
• minimal need for preventive maintenance.

Due to its plasticity, the material can be easily processed and does not require special tools, special professional abilities or serious experience. Even an amateur can handle installing a heating system if he has step-by-step instructions on hand to describe the necessary work.

Another distinctive feature of cross-linked polyethylene pipes is the “memory effect”, when a fragment “remembers” its position in the system and does not change it even over time

The most significant disadvantage of cross-linked polyethylene is its high vulnerability to ultraviolet radiation and the objective technological impossibility of producing large-diameter pipe material.

Methods and technology for welding polyethylene pipes are described in the article, entirely devoted to this interesting issue.

Metal-plastic for pipeline construction

Metal-plastic products are the most common and practical material for arranging home heating systems. They harmoniously combine the advantages of plastic and metal, only absorbing the disadvantages of both materials to a minimum.

To assemble a heating system from metal-plastic pipes, use compression fittings. They provide a reliable connection of all elements, but require subsequent additional maintenance

Metal-plastic pipes have a complex design and multi-level structure.The outer plastic layer acts as a fuse and protects the product from aggressive environmental influences. Next are aluminum foil and a polymer of increased smoothness, which prevent sediment and deposits from accumulating inside.

The connection of metal-plastic pipes is made using specialized fittings, intended for crimping and clamping. In the first case, theoretically detachable connections are created, which are still not recommended to be disassembled unless absolutely necessary. In the second - one-piece.

To form connections with press fittings no expensive tools required. Will familiarize you with his choice article, which we recommend for reading. The system can be assembled by a completely inexperienced performer.

Of the distinctive features metal-plastic pipes the most important ones are:

• minimal linear expansion under the influence of the coolant, which does not lead to deformation and sagging of the pipeline system or its individual fragments;
• pronounced smoothness of the inner surface, due to which the passage does not become clogged and the coolant circulates as expected;
  good temperature resistance (lower than metal parts, but higher than other plastic products);
• bending and tensile strength, ductility within acceptable radii (if the threshold is exceeded, “breaking” is possible);
• light weight, greatly facilitating the installation process;
• corrosion resistance;
• possibility of processing without the use of special equipment.

The disadvantages include the not very long service life of pipe products (up to 15 years according to manufacturers) and the significant cost of connecting fittings.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The videos provide information on how to choose the best pipe option for your home heating system.

A detailed review, useful tips and interesting nuances of using copper, metal-plastic, polypropylene and cross-linked polyethylene pipe parts for home heating.

Options for installing a modern heating system in a residential building. Pros and cons of various methods of installing equipment made of metal and other popular materials.

Tips for choosing pipes and fittings for a radiator heating system. What material is best to choose so that the equipment gives maximum output with reasonable energy consumption.

Even the most experienced professional cannot give a definite answer to the question of which pipes are preferable to choose for heating in a private house or apartment. Each case will have to be considered separately, taking into account the design features of a specific heating system and the financial capabilities of property owners.

You should not make a choice based only on price. It’s better to choose an option that combines optimal quality and reasonable cost, otherwise you may end up in the position of a stingy person who paid twice for the work done. Moreover, the process of installing heating equipment takes time and causes certain inconvenience to home owners.

What pipes did you buy to install a heating circuit in a country house? What was the decisive factor for making this particular purchase? Please write comments in the block below, post photos related to the topic of the article, and ask questions.