Contents
- №1.What should be the heating pipes?
- №2.What to consider when choosing a heating pipe?
- №3.Heating pipe material: main types
- №4.Steel pipes for heating
- №5.Stainless steel pipes for heating
- №6.Copper pipes for heating
- №7.Polypropylene pipes for heating
- №8.PEX-pipes, or pipes from cross-linked polyethylene
- №9.Metal pipes for heating
- №10.So how to choose heating pipes?
- # 11.Diameter of heating pipes
What should be the perfect home? The answer to this almost philosophical question can be searched for a long time, to list a lot of criteria and at the same time forget about the main thing. The pledge of comfort in the house is a comfortable temperature, and in the conditions of the harsh domestic climate, heat can be maintained only with the help of heating systems. Blood vessels, which many undeservedly disregard, are the tubes. The quality of their performance, the correct material and diameter determines the stability of the heating system. We understand which pipes for heating are better for choosing and we get acquainted with the main characteristics of the most popular materials.
№1.What should be the heating pipes?
The purpose of heating pipes is understandable even to a child. They must transport hot water from the boiler, whatever it may be, to the radiators. This is a very important part of the heating system, the quality of which depends not only on our comfort, but also on safety.
The following minimum requirements are put forward for heating pipes:
- strength and durability. Throughout the life of the pipe must maintain integrity. If minor damage occurs and oxygen penetrates through the pipes, they can begin to rust inside and become clogged. Large damages will lead to coolant leaks, and this is, in most cases, hot water. The consequences of all this can be catastrophic;
- low noise in the work of , because constantly listening to the sounds of water bubbling is a test for the nervous system;
- aesthetics .It is not always possible to hide the pipes in the walls or to disguise them, so they should not frighten their appearance and the more so to spoil the interior.
№2.What to consider when choosing a heating pipe?
There are no universal pipes that would function equally well in different rooms. To select the best pipes for heating, i.e. needs to be taken into account such factors as
- , the temperature and pressure in the system, which largely depend on whether heating is used individually or centrally. In individual systems, pressure rarely exceeds 2-3 atmospheres, and in centralized systems it can rise to 16 atmospheres;
- type of laying pipes , external or hidden;
- total area of heated housing;
- design capacity of the boiler and the type of fuel( for private houses);
- pipeline operation conditions. This refers to the presence in certain areas of unheated premises;
- possibility of repair.
All characteristics of pipes depend on the material of their manufacture. is the most important parameter that must be considered when choosing. 
№3.Heating pipe material: the main types of
In residential areas, the following types of heating pipes are used:
- steel;
- stainless steel;
- copper;
- polyethylene;
- polypropylene;
- metal-plastic.
Some of them( steel) already outlive theirs, others( polypropylene) only conquer the market, but today all of these types of pipes are manufactured and used, because heating systems are very different and require an individual approach for arranging.
№4.Steel pipes for heating
Steel pipes were for some time the most popular and practically the only option for organizing a heating system. As time went on, worthy alternatives appeared, but at the same time steel pipes are still being installed, albeit mainly in private houses. Produce them from high-quality carbon steel.
Main advantages:
- durability, reliability, high resistance to hydraulic shocks, pressure surges and temperatures in the system. The material is not afraid of mechanical damage;
- low coefficient of thermal expansion, so you can do without compensators;
- high thermal conductivity;
- affordable cost is still one of the main reasons for choosing this type of pipe.
Cons :
- low corrosion resistance. Gradually the pipes begin to grow, their throughput falls. Moreover, corrosion processes can lead to leakage and pipe failure. To avoid this, it is recommended to protect the surface of the pipe by galvanizing;
- large weight and dimensions;
- complex installation. Individual elements are connected to the system by welding. If there are no skills to work with welding machine , then the installation will require the help of professionals. Welding is also a high probability of damage to objects and surfaces in the vicinity. An alternative option is the threaded connection with separate elements, but threading is no less laborious and time consuming. In addition, one will have to face numerous couplings, angles and tees, on the quality of the installation of which the main thing depends - the integrity of the entire system;
- material conducts stray currents that damage the internal surface of the pipes.
№5.Stainless steel pipes for heating
Corrugated pipes made of alloyed stainless steel are free from many of the disadvantages of the steel counterpart. They are used for the arrangement of heating systems in new homes, as well as for the reconstruction of the heating system in the old, they have become very popular in the arrangement of warm floors, hot and cold water supply. Such a wide scope of application is explained by the main feature of this type of pipe - the ability to bend.
The advantages of :
- corrosion-proof corrugated pipes are resistant to corrosion, do not collect on the walls of scale, durable;
- resistance to water hammer and external mechanical stress;
- slight thermal expansion;
- flexibility, and such a pipe bends almost without reducing the internal diameter. This is convenient when the space for installing the heating system is limited. In addition, complex system configurations can be established with a minimum number of connections. This feature has made stainless pipes very popular in the arrangement of water-heated floors;
- high heat dissipation;
- relatively easy installation;
- wide area of use.
Minus , as you might guess, only one is the cost, but it pays off with its durability and ease of installation. Another unpleasant feature is the low durability of the sealing rings, about 30 years. 
№6.Copper pipes for heating
Continue the study of metal heating pipes. Copper pipes began to be used in the XVII and are still actively used, despite the appearance of cheaper options.
Benefits :
- durability, comparing with the service life of buildings. Copper pipes and fittings do not lose their qualities for 100 years or more;
- corrosion resistance, high tightness, lack of ability to pass air and accumulate deposits on the inner surface, so over the years, the throughput of pipes does not decrease;
- high thermal conductivity;
- resistance to temperature extremes( operating temperature range from -200 to + 5000С) and pressure surges in the system;
- aesthetic appearance.
The main disadvantage is the high price of .Not only is the material itself expensive, so are the main producers concentrated outside the country. If we take into account the durability of the material and the absence of problems in the next 100 years, then the cost does not look such a significant disadvantage. If the question of choosing heating pipes does not rest on a budget, then copper pipes will be the best option. The installation process is specific, so it is best to seek the help of professionals.
In order for the heating system to last for many years, it is better that not combine copper pipes with non-alloyed steel .The latter will rust very quickly. If this combination cannot be avoided, then let the steel pipes be in front of the copper pipes in the direction of water movement. 
№7.Polypropylene pipes for heating
Polypropylene pipes are made on the basis of polymers, there are several types of such pipes, but PPs are usually made of special propylene in the heating system. The materials of the thermoplastic group, to which all types of polypropylene pipes belong, are unstable to high temperatures, therefore for heating systems it is necessary to take only reinforced pipes, preferably with fiberglass. For example, PN25 pipes have reinforcement, withstand pressure in the system up to 25 atm and temperature + 950С with a short-term increase to + 1200С.
The advantages of :
- relatively long life. According to manufacturers, durability reaches 50 years;
- corrosion resistance. The internal surface of pipes remains smooth during all term of operation, without worsening throughput. Due to the tightness of the oxygen does not pass into the system and does not damage its metal elements;
- high mechanical strength;
- light weight;
- resistance to low temperatures. If water is frozen in the pipe, it is possible not to worry about the integrity - due to the ability to expand, the material will not be damaged and after thawing will take on its original shape;
- hermetic connection, which is provided by special fittings and welding;
- relatively easy installation process. To connect individual elements with fittings, a special welding machine is used, which is often called an iron and a soldering iron. It takes a few seconds to weld a joint, and it will be easy to learn how to operate the device;
- low noise level when moving water through pipes, especially when compared with metal counterparts;
- is completely harmless to health;
- relatively low price. Polypropylene pipes will cost less than metal or plastic.
Among the disadvantages:
- inability to use in fire hazardous areas;
- high linear expansion results in the use of compensators.
Often, low heat resistance, low stiffness and instability to hydraulic shocks are considered to be disadvantages. This is due to the wrong choice of polypropylene pipes. Heating systems require only reinforced products that do not sag, withstand high temperature and pressure. In addition, the manufacturing process is of great importance: in case of violation of the technology, pipes of inadequate quality come out, therefore, preference should be given to proven manufacturers. 
No. 8.PEX-pipes, or pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene
Due to the special production technology, new molecular bonds appear in the structure of polyethylene, which provide additional strength and other useful properties. Today, such pipes are used not only in heating systems, but also when installing underfloor heating, as well as in arranging a hot water system.
The advantages of :
- corrosion resistance;
- strength along with sufficient flexibility;
- durability up to 50 years;
- the ability to withstand the temperature of the coolant to 1200C, temperature and pressure drops;
- low weight.
From minus highlight the high price of the pipes themselves and the fittings and the need for special equipment for installation, so they are used quite rarely. 
№9.Metal-plastic pipes for heating
Metal-plastic pipes are often called the most balanced in terms of price / quality ratio. Such popular love has good reasons. The product is made on the basis of polyethylene and aluminum foil: the outer and inner layer is plastic, in the middle there is a foil that plays the role of a skeleton and gives the structure rigidity, and binds all layers of glue with high adhesion to metal and plastic. This structure allows us to talk about the mass of advantages of :
- corrosion resistance, because the coolant is in contact only with plastic;
- inner layer is smooth and does not accumulate deposits;
- tightness and impermeability of oxygen, so the metal parts of the system will be safe;
- material bends well, so you can easily create an effective heating system, even in rooms of complex configuration. Moreover, they sell pipes in coils of 50-500 m, therefore, one section can be used to build a heating system in large spaces, and the fewer the joints, the less chance of leakage;
- durability up to 50 years;
- relatively easy installation;
- material does not transmit stray current.
Cons :
- unstable to mechanical loads and open fire;
- low resistance to ultraviolet rays, so it is better to use protection in the form of a corrugated tube;
- price is two times higher than polypropylene pipes.
Also worth noting is such a property as lack of a linear extension .On the one hand, we can safely embed the pipes into the walls without fear of damaging the future finish. On the other hand, if the coolant freezes, the material will not withstand the load and break. This is a good option for constantly heated visits.
It is possible to connect elements by means of a detachable, conditionally detachable or one-piece fitting. For the latter, special expensive equipment is needed, and when installing a threaded fitting, great care is required, since the nut can damage the pipe. 
# 10.So how to choose heating pipes?
If you intend to install the entire heating system yourself, then it is better to take polypropylene pipes .They are cheap, all connections are completely sealed, and even those who have minimal construction experience will quickly learn how to work with a special welding machine for polypropylene. More time will be spent not on installation, but on calculation and preparatory work. The main thing is to purchase glass fiber reinforced polypropylene pipes and stainless steel taps, and the whole system will work for a long time and reliably.
Metal-plastic pipes is also a good option. Although they are more expensive, they do not require any specific tools for installation - only a wrench, but the connection risks losing tightness over time.
If you have the means, then stainless steel pipes will be a good option. Copper pipes will cost even more, but they are worth it. 
# 11.Diameter of heating pipes
Pipes made of different materials are presented in different diameters. To find the most suitable value, it is necessary to study the whole scheme of the heating system and ask for the help of specialists. Approximate diameter can be calculated independently. The following parameters are taken into account: , the area of the room, on which the heat output depends, and , the speed of the coolant.
Many people mistakenly think that the larger the diameter of the pipe, the higher the efficiency of the system. In fact, when choosing too large pipes, the pressure in the system decreases, and the heating disappears altogether - warm water cannot circumvent the entire pipeline system and radiators. The smaller the diameter, the higher the is the water flow rate of the .Ideally, the speed should be higher than 0.2 m / s, but less than 1.5 m / s, otherwise the circulation of the coolant would be too noisy.
The diameter is selected based on the calculation of the required heat output. For rooms with ceiling heights of up to 3 m for every 1 m2, 100 watts of energy are required. For a room of 20 m2, for example, you need 2000 watts of heat, 20% of the reserve should be added here, we get 2400 watts. This thermal power is provided by one or two radiators, if there are two windows in the room - under each window. According to the table, we see that pipes with an internal diameter of 8 mm are necessary to cover this power, but 10 mm are also suitable. Of course, these are all conditional calculations, but they will help you navigate the budget for the purchase of pipes.
Finally, we note that it is better not to save on heating pipes - this will save from numerous problems. The products of manufacturers such as Akwatherm, Rehau, Banninger, Wefatherm, FV-Plast have proven themselves well.
