Soldering iron for pipes: polypropylene, plastic, rating of the best tools for quick installation, professional and budget

A soldering iron for pipes is an indispensable tool for quick installation of mainly polypropylene pipelines, which are now widely used in many residential and non-residential premises instead of metal structures. It is easy to work with such a tool. A novice master will cope with this part of the repair.

What to look for when choosing

Polypropylene pipes are widely used for hot and cold wiring. water supply. These materials have come to replace metal. Due to the large number of advantages, polypropylene quickly gained popularity.

Material advantages:

1. Installation. Tools for cutting and welding pipes made of metal are more difficult to use than those designed for plastic.
2. Environmental friendliness. Polypropylene is an environmentally friendly material with a smooth surface. A minimum of various deposits and scale remains on the products.
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3. Transportation. The weight of plastic pipes is less than that of metal materials, so it is easier to transport.
4. Corrosion. Unlike metal, plastic does not corrode or rot.
5. Price. Plastic pipes are relatively cheaper than metal pipes.
6. Persistence. Polypropylene is resistant to high and low temperatures.

Like any material, this type of pipe has disadvantages:

1. Fire resistance. This material is quite low. In case of severe overheating or contact with an open flame (the temperature must exceed 140 ° C), the products are irrevocably deformed.
2. Low mechanical strength. Care must be taken with the communications hidden in the walls, since during installation it is quite easy to damage the structure.
3. Leaks. As a rule, this is due to poor-quality installation, therefore, when performing repairs on your own, you need to pay attention to the choice of materials.

Angle fittings are used to connect pipes to each other and to plumbing products. These are special products, usually made of plastic, which there are several types:

• corners;
• plugs;
• couplings;
• tees;
• adapters;
• crosses;
• filters;
• contours;
• flanges;
• water sockets;
• decorative sockets.

To select a tool, it is necessary to take into account the material to be soldered. Types polypropylene pipes according to the area of ​​​​use, depending on the inertness to high temperatures, they are for:

• conditioning;
• ventilation;
• heating systems;
• wiring of cold water supply lines;
• hot water supply;
• sewer systems.

Brands of plastic pipes:

1. PN25 - the diameter of this type is 21.2-77.9 mm, and the wall thickness is 4-13.3 mm, they are made with special reinforcement. Permissible pressure - 2.5 MPa, use temperature - +95˚С. This type is used for the installation of technical pipelines and hot water wiring.
2. PN20 - diameter is 16-110 mm, pipe wall thickness - 16-18.4 mm. Mainly used for hot and cold water supply. The recommended temperature is not higher than +80˚С, the working pressure is 2.0 MPa.
3. PN16 - diameter 16-110 mm, wall thickness 2.3-15.1 mm. This type of polypropylene pipes is used for the installation of underfloor heating and water supply systems. The temperature of use is not higher than +60˚С, the working pressure is 1.6 MPa.
4. PN10 - diameter 20-110 mm, pipe wall thickness 1.9-10 mm. Pipes of this type are used to install underfloor heating and ventilation systems, as well as transport cold water. Use temperature - no more than +45˚С, pressure - 1.0 MPa.

Besides, polypropylene pipes are divided into 3 types according to the type of plastic from which they are made:

• PPRC (PPR) - random copolymer using ethylene;
• PPB - ethylene-polypropylene copolymer or block copolymer;
• PPH is propylene homopolymer.

Principle of operation soldering iron - the outer part of the pipe is heated simultaneously with the inner part of the fitting using special nozzles. After that, the semi-molten elements are combined. Soldering products with a soldering iron guarantees a tight joint between products.

There are both large models that are installed on the desktop and have a special stand, and more compact cylindrical ones used for soldering in hard-to-reach places.

When choosing welding machines for polypropylene pipes, you need to pay attention to the criteria:

1. Heating - many models have a range of 260-300 ° C. This type of apparatus is suitable for all types of pipes. However, it is possible to purchase with adjustable heating, choose such a soldering iron, because 220˚С is enough for polyethylene products, and 260˚С for polypropylene.
2. Power depends on the number of installed heating elements (heaters). You can divide welding machines into 2 large groups: up to 1000 W and up to 2000 W. The power depends primarily on the rate of heating to the set temperature, the amount of energy consumed. To perform small jobs at home, the first type with 1 heating element is chosen according to the rating of the best. Large-scale soldering will require a more powerful tool.
3. Additional fittings. For use in everyday life, a matrix of diameters will be enough: 16, 20, 25, 32, 40, 50, 63 and 75 mm. In the professional field, nozzles of 90 and 110 mm are used. It is worth noting that these consumables are expensive, so when buying a tool it is better to pay attention to the package.
4. Ease of management. An important criterion that greatly simplifies soldering with a soldering iron. Most models have indicator lights for mains power and heating.

Soldering irons have additional functions:

1. Power adjustment. Soldering irons are available with power from 600 W to 2000 W. The value affects how quickly it heats up, so adjusting it will be a big advantage.
2. Heating regulation. Different types of pipes require appropriate heating. For some, a minimum of 260˚С is required, for others, 220˚С is sufficient.
3. Pipe cutter. A convenient addition that allows you to save on the purchase of a separate cutter, which is necessary for full-fledged soldering.
4. Thermostat. The function of turning off when the soldering iron reaches the required heating saves the electricity used, besides, you do not need to constantly turn off the device after heating the parts.
5. Case. A special convenient storage box will allow you to store the soldering iron neatly during transportation.

Read also: Dimensions of polypropylene pipes - what to consider when choosing, table. Advantages of polypropylene pipes for hot water: selection criteria and installation rules. Polypropylene pipes for heating: types, selection criteria, marking.

Rating of the best soldering irons

When installing hot and cold water supply systems in residential and non-residential premises, polypropylene rather than metal pipes have been widely used for several years. The range of necessary soldering irons for this is large. T. Since the cost of even budget modifications from the top of the best is high, you should pay enough attention to the choice and study the nuances.

The best professional welding machines

Based on real user reviews, both beginners and experienced, and reviews from professionals, you can make 2 lists of the best welding machines for polypropylene pipes: professional tools and budget.

Rothenberger Roweld P63T

The undisputed leader among soldering irons. Rothenberger has been producing quality products for over 70 years. This professional welding machine is easy to operate and well suited for industrial applications. It is equipped with one heating element and has a power of 800 W, the maximum heating is up to 280˚С. Also, the soldering iron has a thermostat that allows you to maintain the required temperature at the same level. The average cost of this soldering iron is 28 thousand rubles. rub.

Advantages:

• compactness and ease of transportation;
• quality;
• convenience in work.

Flaws:

• high price;
• low power.

CANDAN CM-04

Welding machine from a Turkish company. One visible drawback is the rough appearance. However, it makes up for it in quality. The power of 2000 W and the ability to work at 1000 W allow you to work quickly and efficiently. The soldering iron holds the set temperature well without overheating and underheating. The cost is about 9 thousand. rub.

Advantages:

• 2 power modes;
• non-stick coating for easy removal of pipes;
• complete set (3 additional nozzles, a case for a soldering iron);
• low price;
• universal stand.

Flaws:

• rough appearance;
• inconvenience of transportation.

Messer 1510-B

The soldering iron from the Messer company is designed for soldering polypropylene pipes, and also has a fairly simple operation. This makes it easy for beginners to work with them. The power of the device is 1500 W, and the adjustable heating temperature is 0-300˚С. The complete set of a soldering iron will allow you to immediately start work. The kit contains everything you need:

• case for transportation and storage;
• 6 nozzles;
• 2 hex keys;
• screwdriver;
• special mounting bolts;
• roulette;
• scissors;
• protective gloves.

The average cost of this set is 4 thousand rubles. rub.

Advantages:

• equipment;
• quality;
• non-stick coating.

Flaws:

• poor quality of additional components.

Dytron Polys P-4a 1200W TraceWeld Solo blue

The Czech welding machine is made in good quality, it is practically not inferior to soldering irons from the German company Rothenberger. However, it is sold in the “solo” configuration, that is, just a tool without accessories. Power - 1200 W, heating is adjustable 180-280˚С. A large number of nozzles are sold separately, which will allow you to work even with fairly thick pipes. The cost of the soldering iron is about 17 thousand rubles. rub. There are also sets with nozzles and a case on sale, but their price starts from 25 thousand rubles. rub.

Advantages:

• high power;
• precise heating level control.

Flaws:

• high price;
• inconvenient stand for the soldering iron;
• "solo" equipment.

The best budget welding machines

When the budget is limited, but a small repair is planned, they manage with budget soldering irons. It is more difficult to solder on such equipment, but it will cope with the tasks.

DIOLD ASPT-4

Sufficiently powerful soldering iron (1500 W), suitable for performing welding work in confined spaces, hard-to-reach places. Fast heating up to the required temperature. However, the adjustment is periodically calibrated. The soldering iron is sold in a convenient case complete with nozzles, pipe cutter, tape measure and protective gloves. The cost of the tool is from 3500 to 5000 rubles.

Advantages:

• equipment;
• low price;
• fast heating;
• high-quality nozzles included;
• work in confined spaces.

Flaws:

• low-quality stand for the soldering iron;
• complete pipe cutter of poor quality.

Kronwerk KW 800

This tool is used to work with pipes with a diameter of 20 to 63 mm. At the same time, there are 6 nozzles for all popular sizes in the kit. Power - 800 W and heating - up to 300˚С. Suitable for household work. Convenient and clear control and temperature adjustment. The price for the tool is about 2000 rubles.

Advantages:

• low price;
• non-stick coating;
• nozzles included;
• a box for storing a stick.

Flaws:

• weak stand;
• not suitable for long, industrial rations.

Denzel DWP-2000

Inexpensive soldering iron, suitable for small jobs, including in hard-to-reach places. Due to the light weight and rubberized handle, it is convenient to work on weight. The high power of 2000 W ensures fast heating up to 300 ˚С. The tool is sold in a metal case with 6 nozzles, a screwdriver, a key for changing components. The price for a set is on average 2900 rubles.

Advantages:

• light weight;
• comfortable handle;
• fast heating;
• low price;
• nozzles included with the soldering iron.

Flaws:

• uncomfortable factory stand.

Wert WPT 1600

Convenient, compact tool with a power of 1600 W, heating up to 300 ˚С. Suitable for work in confined spaces. 4 nozzles complete with non-stick coating quickly solder small household pipes. The device is sold in a metal case with 4 nozzles, a key for installation, a screwdriver. The price for a set is from 1900 to 2900 rubles.

Advantages:

• fast heating;
• reliability;
• ease of use;
• equipment.

Flaws:

• power differs from that declared by the manufacturer.

ELITECH SPT 1500

An easy-to-use device with a power of 1500 W, heating temperature up to 300 ˚С. Is issued in 2 complete sets with 6, 4 nozzles. The manufacturer indicates that the soldering iron is used as a manual one. However, due to the large weight, it is better to work on the floor and workbench. Sufficiently high power. Nozzles allow you to quickly and comfortably work with pipes with a diameter of up to 63 mm. The cost of the welding machine is on average 4500 rubles.

Advantages:

• nozzle accessories of good quality;
• workbench mount.

Flaws:

• inconvenient to work on weight;
• The case is of poor quality.

PATRIOT PW 100

A small, high-quality soldering iron, chosen for small or one-time household work. The device has one heating element with a power of 675 watts. The maximum heating temperature is 300 ˚С, however, due to the power, heating does not occur quickly. Includes 3 non-stick nozzles with a diameter of 20, 25 and 32 mm. Also on the device is a thermostat that allows you to adjust the temperature of heating. The price for this tool is an average of 1500 rubles.

Advantages:

• non-stick coating;
• quality assembly;
• compactness;
• convenient case for storage and transportation.

Flaws:

• short cord;
• low power;
• long warm up to high temperature.

ZUBR AST-2000

Powerful welding machine (2000 W) in a durable and high-quality metal case, with a maximum heating temperature of up to 300 ˚С. Although the manufacturer indicates the type of work as “manual”, in fact, due to the large weight, it is better to solder on the floor or a workbench. The tool also comes with 6 nozzles for pipe diameters from 20 to 63 mm. However, there are some small flaws in the build quality, for example, in the bumps of the case. The price of such a welding machine is on average 4 thousand rubles. rub.

Advantages:

• fast warming up;
• non-stick coating of nozzles;
• reliable stand.

Flaws:

• poor build quality.

RESANTA ASPT-1000

A welding machine with a power of 1000 W and a heating temperature of up to 300 ˚С is suitable for household work with polypropylene pipes with a diameter of 20 to 63 mm. The tool is quite simple to operate, the thermostat is large and convenient. Also on the case there are 2 light indicators: connection to the network and heating temperature. The soldering iron is sold in a convenient case and with nozzles. The price of the instrument is on average 2500 rubles.

Advantages:

• good quality nozzles;
• stable work;
• fast heating up to maximum temperature;
• ease of management.

Flaws:

• There are no real cons for the price.

Choosing a welding machine for plastic pipes comes down to cost. Among budget instruments in the range of 2000-5000 rubles. there are worthy models suitable not only for one-time work, but also for larger ones.

And what kind of welding machine did you choose for working with polypropylene pipes and what quality nozzles did you prefer? Share the link on social networks and bookmark the article.