Despite the popularity of metal-plastic and polypropylene, copper pipes and fittings are widely used for the installation of heating and water supply networks. They are considered the best option for equipping refrigeration equipment and air conditioners.
We will try to understand the variety of copper products and find out which pipe connection methods are the most effective.
Copper pipes for internal wiring
Unlike metal-plastic analogs, copper pipelines have minimal thermal expansion, do not deform for a long period and do not respond to sunlight. They can be installed in winter and summer - the technical characteristics of copper from exposure to low temperatures do not change.
All types of home communications are built from copper pipes:
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Technological copper pipes
Home Gas Pipeline
Copper gas boiler connection
Heating with bimetal radiators
Warm pipe system with copper coil
Copper Pipe Water Lines
Copper fittings for drinking water
DIY copper pipe connection
We offer information that may come in handy when choosing or installing copper pipe material.
Varieties: isolated and uninsulated
We are used to seeing uninsulated copper pipelines - reddish metal networks assembled using fittings made of copper, bronze or brass, sometimes soldered or connected by a welded sleeve method.
The wiring of the heating system, for the assembly of which uninsulated copper pipes are used. The change in direction of the pipeline was performed using 90 ° corner fittings; installation to the walls was carried out with steel clamps with gaskets
Domestic and foreign manufacturers offer products that differ not only in size, shape of section or method of manufacture, but also in appearance.
Thus, among the copper pipe rolling, you can find the following types of pipes:
- non-insulated for installation of internal house networks and assembly of gas and electrical equipment;
- with PVC insulation for protection against corrosion and mechanical damage;
- with flexible polyethylene insulation for water supply systems;
- with polyurethane foam insulation for networks with maximum heat-saving requirements;
- with protective insulation for underfloor heating and complex systems.
To connect copper pipes with insulation, fittings without insulation are used, and the installation methods do not differ from conventional ones.
How to understand the labeling?
In order not to be mistaken when buying pipes for self-assembly, you must learn to read the markings and color marks.
Responsible manufacturers mark with indelible composition directly on the surface of the product. If there are no signs on the pipe, they can be found in the accompanying documentation
The manufacture of pipes of domestic brands is made in accordance with GOST 617-90, the section of which is called “Pipes of copper”.
Marking is done according to the general scheme, it indicates the following information:
- manufacturing method (drawn, cold rolled - D, extruded - G);
- section (round - КР);
- manufacturing accuracy (normal - N, high - P);
- condition (from soft - M to solid industrial strength - H);
- length (non-dimensional - ND, multiple measured - KD, in bays - BT);
- special conditions.
Special conditions include designations of products of increased length or high accuracy in curvature and length.
The GKRPT 32 * 3 * 5000 M3 marking sample is deciphered as follows: pressed solid round cross-section with increased manufacturing accuracy, with an external cross-section of 32 mm, a wall thickness of 3 mm, a measured length of 5 m, made of copper of the MZ brand.
In addition to GOST marking, a designation system according to the international standard NF is used: the country, manufacturer, plant number, and size are required to be indicated.
Range and selection conditions
Small copper tubes of small cross section are sold in bays of 25 m and 50 m, and large-diameter products are cut in lengths, most often 3-5 m. The so-called “soft” types are rolled up into the bays, which are widely used for floor heating.
In the installation of copper pipelines, three varieties are used, differing in degree of hardness:
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Different hardness copper pipes
Semi-solid copper pipes
High rigidity copper material
The thin cord is easily bent and does not require the installation of fittings or other elements that ensure the installation of turns of a rigid type pipeline.
Like all types of pipes, copper products differ in wall thickness. Standard sizes are limited to frames from 1 mm to 3 mm. Optimum standards for heating systems - from 1.5 mm to 2 mm
To determine the parameters or characteristics of the pipe material of various sections use tables.
Table of sizes of copper and steel pipes with indication of insulation thickness by size. The inches and millimeters are used to indicate the diameter.
Some types of pipes are in high demand. For example, products from 12 mm to 22 mm in diameter are used for water supply, and for drain systems - from 32 mm and above.
In addition to the external cross-section, it is customary to indicate the wall thickness or internal diameter (suppose 12/2 or 12/14 is a pipe with an external diameter of 14 mm, an internal –12 mm and a wall thickness of 2 mm).
Types of fittings for copper piping
Fittings are necessary when assembling pipelines to create reliable detachable and one-piece connections. The result of a properly made connection is the operation of the network without repair for 15 years or more. Consider what types of fittings are used for copper pipes.
Option # 1 - compression
For installation of compression fittings, no soldering is used. Collet constructions are called conditionally detachable, as they create a tight connection, which from time to time needs to be tightened. In this regard, pipelines must not be sewn into the floor or walls.
In the upper image there is a compression fitting on a copper pipe: a body, a split ring (which acts as a sealant during assembly) and a union nut, by twisting of which crimping is carried out
To install a compression fitting, a special tool - pliers or clamps - is not needed. First, crimping is done manually, and then the union nut is reached with an adjustable or open-end wrench.
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Compression fitting
Components of a compression fitting
O-ring in compression joints
It is recommended to use a pair of keys: one to hold the body, the second to produce semi-rotational movements. For a strong connection, usually 2-3 extra turns are enough.
Collet fittings have standard sizes - along the cross section of the pipes, and their inner wall is pre-calibrated (to make a socket connection). In addition, they differ in purpose. Suppose the parts for the plumbing and heating system may differ structurally.
Option # 2 - Press Fittings
Compression fittings have a completely different design. They have a tubular structure, and each end is equipped with a recess with a seal. The principle of fastening on a pipe is based on one of the qualities of copper as a soft and pliable metal during processing.
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The structure of the crimp press couplings
Press Compression Tool
One-piece connection
Press technology in an open gasket
In the process of crimping, the design of the part is deformed in such a way that the material with the o-ring creates an integral tight connection.
Sample of a bronze press fitting for copper pipes with a threaded connection. The manufacturer is a well-known company VIEGA. Price - 880 rubles (parts for crimping from brass, bronze or copper are much more expensive than steel counterparts)
To assemble the pipeline using press fittings, a special tool is needed - press pliers. A manual apparatus is suitable for temporary and one-time work, but with constant professional use it will quickly cause fatigue.
For qualified plumbers, hydraulic and electromechanical models are provided - expensive, but saving power and time.
Types of press fittings that differ in designation and design: straight sleeve connectors, adapters, cross pieces, squares simple and transition to a different diameter
The complexity of pressing lies in the fact that after crimping it is sometimes difficult to distinguish a machined fitting from just worn on a pipe. To avoid gaps, manufacturers supplied the parts with special signal elements that change their appearance after crimping: bright plastic rings or deformable bulges called SC-Contur.
It is not difficult to distinguish the parts by purpose, since they are marked with a marker with a different color:
- blue or red - water supply (drinking or non-drinking);
- green - heating;
- yellow - gas supply.
There are universal options: for example, a yellow-blue marking indicates that the fittings can be used in gas and water movement systems. Color is also used to mark the seal (yellow for gas, black for water, etc.)
Option # 3 - soldered
Soldering provides a durable and integral connection of two pipe fragments. It is carried out using a special tool. Just before soldering, the ends of the pipes overlap, that is, they use a socket connection.
However, there should be a small gap between the walls to fill the molten solder. The gap is from 0.02 mm to 0.4 mm.
The configuration of copper fittings for soldering corresponds to analogs for pressing: straight, angled, cross pieces, etc. In the photo - an angular element designed for a heating system
The main tool for soldering is the burner, but for the initial processing of pipes, a calibrator (expander), chamfer, pipe cutter and all kinds of cleaning tools (brushes, skins) are also used.
For home use, a hand burner with a 200 ml gas can is suitable. Lightweight and convenient handheld device forms a flame with a temperature of + 1100 ° C, which is quite enough for melting soft solder.
In addition to the burner, you will need tin-based solder (with silver, bismuth, antimony), the melting point of which is much lower than that of copper. The temperature difference ensures the integrity of the copper pipes and the effective melting of the solder to a liquid state, so that it can fill the gap and tightly connect the parts
You will also need a flux solution that lubricates the connecting parts of the fitting and pipe.
Fluxing of the surface of copper parts is carried out with a brush. It provides uniform spreading of solder along the joint zone.
Classification of brazing copper fittings. They are cheaper than crimp counterparts. The material of manufacture is Cu-DHP copper, which is suitable for both types of welding, low and high temperature
For soldering, they usually use low temperature technology. Fittings for this type of welding are equipped with a strip of soft solder, which is placed in a special girdle groove.
A high-temperature welding method is used in production, when creating industrial networks. Distinctive features - the use of solder, in the future the ability to move gases and liquids under high pressure. Read more about how to braze copper pipes in this material.
How is capillary soldering with a fitting made?
Before starting work, prepare the tools and materials:
- gas burner;
- flux;
- solder;
- pipe cutter;
- chamfer;
- brush and fine sandpaper.
Procedure:
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We take a copper pipe and cut off a piece of the right size using a pipe cutter. Another tool will not work, as the pipe may deform. The cut should be perfectly flat
We take a foskosnimatel and with the confident, but accurate movements we remove excess material. It is necessary to process both sides - external and internal
Using fine emery paper or an abrasive sponge for metal, we carefully clean the end of the pipe so that it becomes perfectly smooth and shiny
In order for the solder to lie evenly, apply paste or flux to the cleaned working area. A thin and neat layer is ensured by using a brush with natural bristles
It is necessary to prepare the fitting. To do this, we clean the inner wall with a metal brush with a convenient handle, trying to process the entire surface without gaps
Like the pipe, the fitting is coated with a flux or solder paste. It is necessary to process the seat completely, the only way to create good conditions for the flow of solder
We put the fitting on the end of the copper pipe so that a telescopic connection is formed. Removing the protruding flux remove with a dry cloth.
We heat the junction with a burner and carefully bring solder to the gap, preventing overheating of copper pipes. Tin melts and fills the empty space
Step 3 - stripping the outer wall of the pipe
Step 4 - pipe processing with solder paste
Step 5 - stripping the inside of the fitting
Step 6 - treating the fitting with solder paste
Step 7 - connecting the fitting and pipe
After cooling of the tin solder, a strong joint is formed, which ensures one hundred percent tightness. The soldering process without fitting is carried out according to the same scheme, but with the only difference: instead of the connecting element, the end of the second pipe is worn, which is put on top with an overlap. The gap between the pipes in the same way is filled with molten solder.
Instructions for pressing copper pipes
The only tool that will be required for the behavior of the pressing procedure is press pliers. Before starting work, we prepare pipe segments according to the instructions described above.
Step-by-step instruction:
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Step 1 - fit fitting size
Step 2 - pipe and fitting connection
Step 3 - Choosing a Tool for Pressing Pliers
Step 4 - crimping the press fitting with pliers
We remind you that crimping creates an unattended connection that lasts up to 30 years or more. The finished pipeline can be laid in strobes, sewn up with drywall or filled in with a screed.
There are a number of nuances, the knowledge of which helps to cope with the independent pressing of copper fittings, even if this is your first time doing it.
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Accounting for color coding on fittings and gaskets
Assembling short fragments on the table
Pressing large diameter pipes
Calibration of the quality of pressing copper pipes
When crimping manually, try not to exert excessive force so as not to deform the pipes.
The choice of fittings depends on many reasons, including your skills. If the skills are not enough, then you should not take the burner, but make a crimped or extruded connection for forces and beginners.
We also recommend reading our other articles, where we examined in detail the types of copper pipes:
1. Copper pipes for heating.
2. Water pipes made of copper.
While watching videos, you can see the technical nuances that are difficult to imagine when reading the article.
Video instruction for pressing a gas pipeline:
Video review of copper fittings for various purposes:
How to make copper pipes and fittings:
The whole soldering process in one clip:
The connection of copper pipes into one system is carried out by analogy with steel and metal-plastic products, but with the use of special fittings - brass, copper and bronze.
If you master the pressing technology or the more complex method of soldering, you can independently mount the heating network or water supply. But keep in mind that copper communications are a very expensive pleasure!
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