How polypropylene pipes and fittings are connected. How to connect plastic pipes without soldering


Compared to metal and metal-plastic pipes, polypropylene analogues are cheaper, more durable and more reliable. Another important argument in their favor is the ease of connection and sealing of joints, which has a positive effect on the viability of the entire pipeline system.

What parts do polypropylene products fit into?

If you don’t know how to connect polypropylene pipes, our explanations will come in handy. This type of pipe is in demand when preparing water supply, heating and irrigation mains. Due to long service life polypropylene pipes in the water supply network, which is about half a century old, this type is increasingly preferred as a replacement for worn out lines. And also these pipes are perfectly combined with auxiliary elements made of steel and polyethylene.

All polypropylene pipes, according to the scope of application, are classified into types:

  1. Conventional pipes for installation of pipelines with cold water(PN 10, 16).
  2. Universal thick-walled pipes for carrying heating system, withstanding hot water with a temperature of +80ºC (PN 20).
  3. Composite pipes having a layer of metal or nylon that is peeled off during soldering. Used for installation of heating systems where the maximum temperature hot water can reach +95ºC (PN 25).


Polypropylene pipe connections are distinguished by the absence of seams between the components of the pipeline.

If their diameter is less than 50 millimeters, you can use all kinds of fittings:

  • couplings for connecting sections of the same transverse size;
  • crosses to form branches;
  • plugs for sealing the ends of the pipe;
  • adapters for joining pipe products of various diameters;
  • union fittings for connecting pipes with flexible hoses.


Pipe soldering

Let's consider connecting pipes using the soldering method:

  1. Using a hacksaw or sharp scissors that do not deform the plastic, cut the pipes at an angle of 90°. If you don't know how to cut a pipe at an angle, you need to read more information.
  2. If there are burrs on the end, carefully clean them off.
  3. Mark the depth of the soldering, i.e. measure a section of a certain length on the pipe to fit into the coupling or tee and draw a line with a marker. Remember that the length of immersion into the connecting element is directly dependent on the diameter of the products. The larger the pipes, the greater the soldering depth.

The algorithm of actions will change slightly if the pipes are reinforced. Then before the soldering process you need to treat top layer tubular product, including aluminum foil, basalt or nylon fiber. Using a special tool, the required layer size can be easily removed. Need to pay special attention to carefully remove the foil. Even a slight excess of it on the pipe will negatively affect the tightness of the solder joint.


Further steps in the soldering process:

  1. Place a soldering iron with nozzles that are pre-selected according to the diameter of the pipes on a smooth and reliable surface.
  2. At the same time, a pipe and fitting are placed on the hot nozzle on both sides, moving it to the marking made with a marker.
  3. Heat the plastic for a certain time, which depends on the diametrical size of the pipes. For example, if the value cross section the product is 20 mm, then 6 seconds are enough to warm up; if 32 mm - 8 sec.
  4. Then the elements are removed from the nozzle and ensure a strong fixation into each other. Never make any turning movements.
  5. To ensure strong adhesion of the joint, you need to wait 4-10 seconds. This time will be enough for the polypropylene to harden properly and obtain a permanent connection.

Please note that it is very important to adhere to the required heating time. If heating is insufficient, leaks may form. Excessive overheating will lead to sealing of the space inside the pipe and the occurrence of meltdown. You shouldn’t delete it right away, because... heated plastic will begin to deform even more. It is better to wait until the product has completely cooled down and then remove the excess.

Before you begin the process of soldering pipes, it is better to perform a couple of practice joints. It is easier to work with small joints by installing the welding machine directly on the table. This way you can check how correctly the pipe soldering is performed.

But attaching elements to a partially finished pipeline will be more difficult:

  1. Place a soldering iron nozzle on the polypropylene pipe, insert a tee into the other part, holding the welding machine suspended.
  2. When preparing the main water supply, it is necessary to alternate subsequent connections. In hard-to-reach areas, it is better to avoid joining work due to the difficulty of using a soldering iron.
  3. The material must be dry and clean, because the presence of dirt and water will reduce the quality of the joint. It is known that the material, if wet, can deform when heated.
  4. Purchase all products (pipes, fittings) from one manufacturer, because chemical composition elements from different manufacturers may differ, which will ultimately lead to a leaky connection.
  5. Temperature in the room where work with polypropylene is carried out, it should be optimal and not lower than +5̊C.

Connecting pipes using the crimp method

Often, repairs will require disassembling the pipeline. If the connection of the main components is made by soldering, which is reliable and durable, then disassembling it is almost impossible. Let's look at how to connect polypropylene pipes without a soldering iron, which cannot always be bought or rented from friends. IN in this case will be required threaded fittings with a pressure ring, which are called collet (crimp). And for good reason, because this kind of connection can withstand loads of up to 16 atmospheres.

In order to connect the pipeline components together using the crimping method, additional parts will be needed:

  • tees;
  • soldered and combined couplings with internal and external thread;
  • squares;
  • adapters with external thread;
  • plugs;
  • ball valves;
  • tees with union nut;
  • all kinds of threaded fittings;
  • sealing rings for socket joints of polypropylene pipes, etc.


You need to pay attention to one nuance: to ensure reliable tightness, all seals and joints are generously treated with silicone.

Next steps:

  1. Cut off part of the polypropylene pipe.
  2. Insert it securely into the fitting.
  3. Wrap the threads of the part with thread to seal.
  4. Pull the ferrule and nut on top.
  5. Use a crimp wrench, which you need to take care of in advance, to completely tighten the pipe elements.

Compared to welding, this method takes much more time, but it is very convenient for connecting polypropylene pipes and radiators.

Docking combination of metal and polypropylene

When installing plumbing and heating systems, there are places where it is necessary to connect steel and plastic pipes. For such cases, you will need special adapter fittings, which have a smooth hole for a plastic pipe on one side, and a threaded metal insert on the other. Therefore, the polypropylene pipe is joined by welding, and the steel pipe is tightened with a crimp wrench. As a result, the resulting connection is inferior in strength to a welded one, but will still last for many years.


Please note that upon completion of installation work, it is necessary to carry out trial run water in the system. This way you can check the tightness of the joints of pipes and pipeline components. Possible leakage threaded connections, which must be immediately tightened with a wrench.

As we see, it is possible to carry out self-installation plumbing or heating system made of polypropylene pipes. The main thing is to impeccably comply with the requirements of the instructions for using the welding machine and the installation technology. Watching a video on this topic will be very useful.

Compound of polyethylene and polypropylene

This version of the line involves the purchase of special fittings. They will be needed if water enters the building through HDPE pipes and is subsequently diluted using polypropylene pipes. In such cases, soldering of HDPE pipes with a soldering iron for polypropylene is quite often carried out, which is quite acceptable.

Let's consider two cases of how to connect polypropylene pipes without welding with polyethylene pipes:

  1. A threaded coupling is attached to the HDPE product, on one side of which there is a clamp connection. A similar threaded coupling is also mounted on the end of the polypropylene pipe, with a solder joint on one edge and a threaded joint on the opposite. To avoid leaks and achieve high-quality joining, tow or FUM tape is applied to the threads.
  2. Using a flange connection. The rubber seal is located between the flanges, which are bolted together. Read also: "".

Polypropylene pipes are much more convenient and practical than their metal counterparts. Their main advantages:

  1. easy installation;
  2. not a lot of weight;
  3. not subject to corrosion;
  4. not expensive.

Due to their advantages, they are becoming increasingly popular.

How to connect polypropylene pipes

Another important advantage of this material is that you don’t need to hire anyone for installation; you can do everything yourself. Therefore, if you need to replace an old leaking water supply system, you can safely get to work. Polypropylene can be joined by soldering or using the cold method.

Method 1 - soldering

This method requires the presence of a special welding machine, which experts call an “iron.” An iron is a kind of soldering iron powered by electricity. It comes with nozzles of different diameters.

If you are not going to professionally install water pipes, you do not need to buy such a device. You can rent it; usually all sellers provide this service. The process of soldering polypropylene pipes is not complicated.

Video: How to solder pipes with your own hands

Soldering technology

Products made of polypropylene are connected under the influence of high temperature. The pipe itself must be heated from the outside, and all connecting elements from the inside. This creates a strong connection.

Soldering stages

  • Turn on the soldering iron, it should heat up to 270 degrees C. While heating occurs, you can cut the necessary workpieces and clean them. For convenience, you can make notes that will show to what depth to immerse them in the welding machine. They are cut with a special pipe cutter or a regular hacksaw. If cutting is done with a hacksaw, you should pay attention to the burrs and if they remain, they must be cut off with a knife.
  • After the soldering iron has heated up to the required temperature, we insert the pipe and connecting elements onto its nozzles. For high-quality soldering, all elements must be inserted evenly. Movements must be fast and confident. Parts that are exposed to heat must not be moved or twisted.
  • When all the elements are well heated, they are removed from the soldering iron and connected to each other. This is also done with quick and confident movements. The parts are connected with light pressure (without rotation) and fixation for 10-15 seconds.
  • After this procedure, you can proceed to soldering the next unit and so on until the bitter end, when the water supply is completely soldered.

Heated polypropylene cools quickly, resulting in the formation of a durable and reliable connection. In just an hour, water can be supplied to the system.

Method 2 - without soldering

This is a connection method that does not require soldering equipment. With this method there are two options: connection compression fittings and the so-called cold welding».

For the option with compression fittings, you only need a special crimp wrench. This wrench is usually sold complete with fittings.

If you choose the “cold welding” option, then you will need a special “aggressive” glue. It is applied to the parts, after which they are connected and pressed, fixing them in this position for several seconds.

Connecting polypropylene pipes with glue is only suitable for cold water pipes. The connection of polypropylene pipes without soldering has big drawback, namely, compared to soldering, the time required to install the pipeline is significantly longer.

In conclusion, I would like to say that in independent connection there is nothing complicated about polypropylene pipes. Like most others construction work, you will be required to conscientiously and strictly comply with all technological standards.

Then the process of connecting polypropylene pipes will be completed quickly and, most importantly, efficiently. And the quality of the work performed is the key to durable and reliable operation water supply systems and.

Watch the video: How to properly solder polypropylene pipes with your own hands

Methods for connecting plastic pipes
Products made of polypropylene
Joining of metal-plastic pipes
Compression fittings for water pipes
Connection of polyethylene pipes
How to connect PVC pipes

To independently install a water supply system from plastic pipes, you do not need a lot of knowledge and experience, since this process is not complicated. However, to improve the quality of the work performed, it is necessary to become familiar with the technology and some of the nuances of connecting pipe elements of this type. It is also important to learn a few lessons that describe how to connect different types of plastic pipe and the main points of this process.

Methods for connecting plastic pipes

Firstly, it is worth noting that plastic pipes include products made from the following materials:

  • Polypropylene.
  • Metal-plastic.
  • Polyethylene.
  • Polyvinyl chloride.

Each material has its own certain properties, therefore, the connection of products is carried out in different ways, including soldering polypropylene pipes without a soldering iron (read also: “How to connect polypropylene pipes - a review of proven joining methods”). For greater awareness, it is worth learning how to connect water pipes made from these materials.

Products made of polypropylene

Polypropylene pipe is the most popular material for plumbing. This is due to the presence of some advantageous points: reasonable price, high strength and long service life. Therefore, learning how to connect all types of plastic pipes should start with this type.

Polypropylene pipes are connected by welding with mandatory use couplings, angles, tees and other fitting elements. When connecting polypropylene pipes for water supply, you need to purchase pipes and fittings from the same manufacturer. Otherwise, even strict adherence to welding technology cannot guarantee complete tightness and quality.

To connect polypropylene water pipes with your own hands, you need to have the following tools on hand:

  • Special soldering iron.

    This is simply a welding device with a set of special attachments that allows you to connect pipes of different sections. In this case, the nozzle for each pipe is selected individually in accordance with its cross-section.

  • Cleaning up. This tool is used to cut off the reinforcing layer at the ends of the pipes. Stripping is used only for multilayer reinforced pipe products.
  • Pipe cutter By its name you can tell that the device helps cut polypropylene pipes.
  • A tape measure, pencil or marker may also be needed in the process of joining polypropylene pipe products.

Installation of a water supply system made of polypropylene pipes is carried out as follows:

  1. Turn on and warm up the welding machine. The device must go through three phases: heating to a certain temperature, switching off, and reheating. The operating mode can be monitored by a light indicator (read also: “Types of welding PVC pipes, advantages and disadvantages of methods”).
  2. While the soldering iron is heating, the reinforcing layer is stripped in the place where the fitting will be welded.
  3. Dust and dirt are cleaned from the surface of the elements to be joined and wet areas are wiped well. Please remember that failure to follow these steps may result in a weak connection.
  4. The end of one pipe and the connecting element are inserted into the heating nozzle and kept for a certain period of time. The heating time must be strictly controlled, since holding it for a long time leads to deformation of the elements, and insufficient heating reduces the strength of the connection of plastic water pipes. Therefore, each welding machine is accompanied by a special table, which indicates the heating time of parts having a certain diameter.
  5. The heated elements are pulled out of the nozzles and quickly connected. The strength of the connection also depends on the speed of action at this stage, so the process must be performed quickly but carefully. The pipe is inserted into the fitting until it stops, but it should not be deformed. The connected parts should be held until the plastic has completely cooled.
  6. In a similar way, all elements of the water supply system are connected. To avoid damage to the material, you need to perform actions on unnecessary pipe scraps. The process of welding polypropylene pipes is quite complex, but after a few trial steps you can begin independent work.

Joining of metal-plastic pipes

Compound metal-plastic pipes You can also make these products yourself using one of three methods:

  1. Connecting using compression fittings involves performing the following actions: the end of the pipe is put on the collet, secured with a compression ring and compressed with a clamping nut.
  2. Connecting with crimp fittings involves compressing the ring at the end of the fitting using a special press.
  3. Docking with push fittings is a new joining method that does not require any tools.

    This method may be the answer to the question of how to connect plastic pipes without soldering.

Regardless of the chosen method of connecting metal-plastic pipes, the tools should still be prepared. In particular, you will need a pipe cutter, which can be replaced with a regular mounting knife, and a calibrator, which can be any cylindrical object of a certain diameter.

The most popular is the connection of metal-plastic pipes using compression fittings, which involves the following steps:

  • First, the pipes are cut using a knife or pipe cutter, ensuring a right angle to the cutting line.
  • Before connecting the pipes, the cut ends are processed, that is, the diameter is calibrated and chamfered, using a calibrator in both cases.
  • The nut is removed from the fitting and placed on the end of the pipe, followed by a compression ring.
  • Now the collet is inserted into the end of the pipe, having first checked the presence of rubber O-rings.
  • Slide the clamping ring onto the collet and tighten the nut on the fitting. In this case, you should not allow the nut to be over-tightened, as this will lead to damage. rubber seals(read also: “What and how to connect PVC pipesoptimal ways connections").

All water supply elements are connected in a similar way. Such installation is characterized by one advantage: a minimal set of tools for work, which any owner has at hand. Moreover, this is the only option that allows you to get plug connection necessary in some situations.

Compression fittings for water pipes

Connection using compression fittings performed in the same order, only the compression ring and nut are replaced with a ferrule ring. A manual or electric press is used to compress it.

Push fittings make it possible to connect metal-plastic pipes much faster than previous methods. To complete the work, it is enough to insert the prepared end of the pipe into the connecting piece, and all actions are performed without much effort.

When water is supplied to the assembled system, the fitting wedge is pushed out and clamped, thereby preventing water leakage. This method does not require any special tools or keys, and the installation itself is several times faster. Read also: “How to install plastic pipes - basic installation rules.”

Push fittings can be used to connect pipes made of metal-plastic and cross-linked polyethylene.

The connection using any of the listed methods is sealed and reliable, so you need to choose depending on the available tools and financial capabilities.

Connection of polyethylene pipes

Polyethylene pipes can be connected using one of the following options:

  • Using compression fittings.
  • Welding using an electric coupling.

The connection with compression fittings is carried out by analogy with metal-plastic pipes, but in a certain sequence:

  • The pipe is cut and chamfered.
  • A clamp nut is placed on the pipe.
  • It is followed by a collet.
  • Next, put on the thrust and sealing rings in turn.
  • The pipe is inserted into the fitting body, all parts are moved to the edge and the nut is tightened.

This method is most often used when assembling household irrigation systems V country houses or on a summer cottage.

The connection of metal-plastic pipes in household water supply systems is carried out using electrofusion welding. Therefore, to perform the work you need to have a special welding device and an electric coupling with a diameter in accordance with the cross-section of the elements being connected.

The welding procedure involves performing the following steps:

  • Preparation of the surface of the elements to be joined. To do this, use a special scraper to remove the top layer of pipe products and degrease the cleaned area.
  • The ends of the elements to be connected are inserted into the electric coupling, and the joint should be located exactly in its middle.
  • The electrofusion coupling is connected to the welding machine and the coils inside it begin to heat up. As a result, the polyethylene begins to melt and welding of the edges of the pipe elements occurs.

A machine for this type of welding has a very high price, therefore, if it is not intended further use, it is better to rent a device for a few days than to spend a large amount for its one-time use.

How to connect PVC pipes

Pipe products made of polyvinyl chloride are connected using a special adhesive composition. However, it is very difficult to call it glue, since when the surfaces being joined are treated with this substance, the plastic melts and the edges are welded and not glued together. In other words, pipes are soldered without a soldering iron.

The process of connecting polyvinyl chloride pipes is as follows:

  • First, the edges of the pipes to be connected are cleaned of dust and dirt and dried well.
  • Then the ends are chamfered. This action must be performed so that the adhesive composition is not scraped off when connecting the elements.
  • Next, one end of the pipe is inserted into the fitting to measure its depth. Make a corresponding mark on the pipe with a pencil or marker.
  • The end of the pipe is treated with adhesive up to the mark using a brush. At the same time, we should not forget that the glue should not be left on the surface for more than 25 seconds.
  • The elements are connected and slightly rotated to evenly distribute the composition over the entire surface. The glue should dry naturally without any external influences. The drying time of the adhesive composition may be affected by air temperature and other factors.

Based on everything said above, we can conclude that in most cases, connecting plastic pipes can be done with your own hands, without having special devices at hand and without possessing special knowledge and skills. The main condition is strict adherence to technology. It is also important to listen to the advice of professionals. This will help install the water supply without unnecessary material costs.

A significant increase in the replacement of obsolete water supply networks has led to the emergence of a leading material such as polypropylene pipes. Therefore, today we’ll talk about how to do this work, what are the advantages of communications made from such material.

Advantages of polypropylene pipes and their scope of application

First of all, you need to know thanks to what qualities polypropylene pipes could so quickly become the most popular material for laying water supply and heating systems.

Advantages of polypropylene pipes:

  • Polypropylene pipes are highly resistant to corrosion processes. In addition, there is no deposition of mineral salts on the inner walls of the pipes, due to which the cross-section of the pipeline does not change during the entire period of operation.

  • The guaranteed service life of the pipes is 50 years (subject to operating conditions, temperature and pressure).
  • Polypropylene pipes can be operated at liquid pressures up to 25 atmospheres, operating temperature is 95, and the maximum permissible (for a short time) reaches 110 degrees.
  • This material is quite resistant to various chemicals.
  • An important, and in some cases, the main role is played by the relatively low price and ease of installation of lines made of polypropylene pipes.

The scope of application of such pipes is quite wide; they are used for laying the following pipelines:

A prerequisite for the use of polypropylene in these areas is strict adherence to soldering (welding) technology, and for this you need to know how to properly solder plastic pipes and what tool is used for this.

Tool for soldering polypropylene pipes

First of all, you should decide on the choice of tool that is used for soldering polypropylene pipes. To carry out work at the household level, it is enough to purchase an inexpensive minimum set of equipment, which includes:

Welding machine (soldering iron). The main task of this tool is to heat the surfaces of the elements being connected to a temperature of 260 degrees. It is under these conditions that the diffusion welding process is possible, which results in permanent connection, which in its properties is not inferior to the material of the main pipe.

Before choosing a soldering iron for plastic pipes, you need to determine its main scope of application. For household use Models with a power of 900-1200 W are quite sufficient; for professional purposes it is worth purchasing more powerful equipment, the cost of which is much more expensive.

When choosing, you should pay attention to the following design features tool:


It is these design features of the soldering iron that will determine the ease of working with it and its durability.

Nozzles for soldering pipes. Inexpensive tool kits usually include 3-4 attachments for working with pipes various diameters. If necessary, such attachments can be purchased separately. The main feature of such elements is the quality non-stick coating. Typically, Teflon is used for these purposes, professional instrument A higher quality layer of this material is used, which practically prevents polypropylene from sticking during the soldering process.

Special plastic scissors are used to cut polypropylene pipes. They feature a reinforced design that allows cutting even reinforced pipes. Such a tool is included in any minimum kit for soldering polypropylene pipes.

To work with reinforced pipes, you also need a device that allows you to remove a chamfer from the workpiece along with a layer of aluminum foil. It is not possible to solder reinforced pipes without removing this layer. Of course, you can remove reinforcement using a simple knife, but with this device the operation is performed faster and with better quality. Unfortunately, most tool kits do not have such a device, so you need to take care of purchasing it separately.

Rules for soldering polypropylene pipes

Before soldering plastic pipes made of polypropylene, it is necessary to perform a number of preparatory operations:

In general, the procedure for soldering polypropylene pipes is not complicated. The main thing is to respect the dimensions and maintain the temperature treatment time. Then the resulting joint will last quite a long time.

Soldering polypropylene pipes is an operation that sometimes has to be done in own home with your own hands. It is not at all advisable to buy a welding machine specifically for this. Therefore, many are trying to find such instructions, such methods that would save them from expensive purchases. Today we intend to offer a method that is quite applicable at home and does not require any special equipment.


You can get as much information as possible about polypropylene pipes and methods of welding them.

Do-it-yourself soldering of small-diameter propylene pipes

We will talk about pipes that are most often used for wiring inside the house, i.e. about pipes with a diameter of 20 mm. Let's say we need to solder a pipe and an adjacent corner fitting.

Soldering propylene pipes of this diameter can be easily done if there is some safe source of fire at hand, which could be, for example, a miniature gas burner.

According to existing regulations and to ensure the required quality of the connection, the pipe must extend into the fitting by 14 mm. To avoid violation of this standard, it is advisable to measure this distance from the edge of the pipe in advance and put a mark with a pencil.

Having done this, you can begin deep heating of the elements being soldered. The fitting, of course, must be heated from the inside.

The end of the pipe is heated from the outside.

When both parts are thoroughly heated, they can be inserted into each other.

When inserting the pipe, you should be guided by the previously applied pencil mark, which should be exactly along the edge of the fitting.

After this, the completed connection should be cooled without exposing it to any external influences. The cooled joint will be very strong and will in no way be inferior in strength to those connections that are usually made using special welding machines. You can verify this by cutting the soldering area you just made.

As can be seen in the photo above, the junction of the pipe and the fitting is completely monolithic, and such a pipe can be included in the composition without the slightest fear home system water supply

So, if you need to solder polypropylene pipes, you can easily do this work on your own, without purchasing any special tools for this. To do this, just take note of the recommendation we have given.

To independently install a water supply system from plastic pipes, you do not need a lot of knowledge and experience, since this process is not complicated. However, to improve the quality of the work performed, it is necessary to become familiar with the technology and some of the nuances of connecting pipe elements of this type. It is also important to learn a few lessons that describe how to connect different types of plastic pipe and the main points of this process.

Methods for connecting plastic pipes

Firstly, it is worth noting that plastic pipes include products made from the following materials:

  • Polypropylene.
  • Metal-plastic.
  • Polyethylene.
  • Polyvinyl chloride.

Each material has certain properties, therefore, the connection of products is carried out in different ways, including soldering polypropylene pipes without a soldering iron (read also: " "). For greater awareness, it is worth learning how to connect water pipes made from these materials.

Products made of polypropylene

Polypropylene pipe is the most popular material for plumbing. This is due to the presence of some advantageous points: reasonable price, high strength and long service life. Therefore, learning how to connect all types of plastic pipes should start with this type.

Polypropylene pipes are connected by welding with the obligatory use of couplings, angles, tees and other fitting elements. When connecting polypropylene pipes for water supply, you need to purchase pipes and fittings from the same manufacturer. Otherwise, even strict adherence to welding technology cannot guarantee complete tightness and quality.


To connect polypropylene water pipes with your own hands, you need to have the following tools on hand:

  • Special soldering iron. This is simply a welding device with a set of special attachments that allows you to connect pipes of different sections. In this case, the nozzle for each pipe is selected individually in accordance with its cross-section.
  • Cleaning up. This tool is used to cut off the reinforcing layer at the ends of the pipes. Stripping is used only for multilayer reinforced pipe products.
  • Pipe cutter By its name you can tell that the device helps cut polypropylene pipes.
  • A tape measure, pencil or marker may also be needed in the process of joining polypropylene pipe products.


Installation of a water supply system made of polypropylene pipes is carried out as follows:

  1. Turn on and warm up the welding machine. The device must go through three phases: heating to a certain temperature, switching off, and reheating. The operating mode can be monitored by a light indicator (read also: " ").
  2. While the soldering iron is heating, the reinforcing layer is stripped in the place where the fitting will be welded.
  3. Dust and dirt are cleaned from the surface of the elements to be joined and wet areas are wiped well. Please remember that failure to follow these steps may result in a weak connection.
  4. The end of one pipe and the connecting element are inserted into the heating nozzle and kept for a certain period of time. The heating time must be strictly controlled, since holding it for a long time leads to deformation of the elements, and insufficient heating reduces the strength of the connection of plastic water pipes. Therefore, each welding machine is accompanied by a special table, which indicates the heating time of parts having a certain diameter.
  5. The heated elements are pulled out of the nozzles and quickly connected. The strength of the connection also depends on the speed of action at this stage, so the process must be performed quickly but carefully. The pipe is inserted into the fitting until it stops, but it should not be deformed. The connected parts should be held until the plastic has completely cooled.
  6. In a similar way, all elements of the water supply system are connected. To avoid damage to the material, you need to perform actions on unnecessary pipe scraps. The process of welding polypropylene pipes is quite complex, but after a few trial steps you can start working on your own. From the leftover material you can make various homemade products from polypropylene pipes, which look quite original.

Joining of metal-plastic pipes

You can also do the connection of metal-plastic pipe products yourself using one of three methods:

  1. Connecting using compression fittings involves performing the following actions: the end of the pipe is put on the collet, secured with a compression ring and compressed with a clamping nut.
  2. Connecting with crimp fittings involves compressing the ring at the end of the fitting using a special press.
  3. Docking with push fittings is a new joining method that does not require any tools. This method may be the answer to the question of how to connect plastic pipes without soldering.


Regardless of the chosen method of connecting metal-plastic pipes, the tools should still be prepared. In particular, you will need a pipe cutter, which can be replaced with a regular mounting knife, and a calibrator, which can be any cylindrical object of a certain diameter.

The most popular is the connection of metal-plastic pipes using compression fittings, which involves the following steps:

  • First, the pipes are cut using a knife or pipe cutter, ensuring a right angle to the cutting line.
  • Before connecting the pipes, the cut ends are processed, that is, the diameter is calibrated and chamfered, using a calibrator in both cases.
  • The nut is removed from the fitting and placed on the end of the pipe, followed by a compression ring.
  • Now the collet is inserted into the end of the pipe, having first checked the presence of rubber O-rings.
  • Slide the clamping ring onto the collet and tighten the nut on the fitting. In this case, you should not allow the nut to be over-tightened, as this will damage the rubber seals (read also: " ").


All water supply elements are connected in a similar way. Such installation is characterized by one advantage: a minimal set of tools for work, which any owner has at hand. In addition, this is the only option that allows you to get a detachable connection, which is necessary in some situations.

The connection using compression fittings is carried out in the same order, only the compression ring and nut are replaced with a ferrule ring. A manual or electric press is used to compress it.

Push fittings make it possible to connect metal-plastic pipes much faster than previous methods. To complete the work, it is enough to insert the prepared end of the pipe into the connecting piece, and all actions are performed without much effort.


Push fittings can be used to connect pipes made of metal-plastic and cross-linked polyethylene.

The connection using any of the listed methods is sealed and reliable, so you need to choose depending on the available tools and financial capabilities.

Polyethylene pipes can be connected using one of the following options:

  • Using compression fittings.
  • Welding using an electric coupling.

The connection with compression fittings is carried out by analogy with metal-plastic pipes, but in a certain sequence:

  • The pipe is cut and chamfered.
  • A clamp nut is placed on the pipe.
  • It is followed by a collet.
  • Next, put on the thrust and sealing rings in turn.
  • The pipe is inserted into the fitting body, all parts are moved to the edge and the nut is tightened.


This method is most often used when assembling household irrigation systems in country houses or on a summer cottage.

The connection of metal-plastic pipes in household water supply systems is carried out using electrofusion welding. Therefore, to perform the work you need to have a special welding device and an electric coupling with a diameter in accordance with the cross-section of the elements being connected.


The welding procedure involves performing the following steps:

  • Preparation of the surface of the elements to be joined. To do this, use a special scraper to remove the top layer of pipe products and degrease the cleaned area.
  • The ends of the elements to be connected are inserted into the electric coupling, and the joint should be located exactly in its middle.
  • The electrofusion coupling is connected to the welding machine and the coils inside it begin to heat up. As a result, the polyethylene begins to melt and welding of the edges of the pipe elements occurs.

A machine for this type of welding has a very high price, so if it is not intended to be used further, it is better to rent the device for a few days rather than spend a large amount for its one-time use.

Pipe products made of polyvinyl chloride are connected using a special adhesive composition. However, it is very difficult to call it glue, since when the surfaces being joined are treated with this substance, the plastic melts and the edges are welded and not glued together. In other words, pipes are soldered without a soldering iron.

The process of connecting polyvinyl chloride pipes is as follows:

  • First, the edges of the pipes to be connected are cleaned of dust and dirt and dried well.
  • Then the ends are chamfered. This action must be performed so that the adhesive composition is not scraped off when connecting the elements.
  • Next, one end of the pipe is inserted into the fitting to measure its depth. Make a corresponding mark on the pipe with a pencil or marker.
  • The end of the pipe is treated with adhesive up to the mark using a brush. At the same time, we should not forget that the glue should not be left on the surface for more than 25 seconds.
  • The elements are connected and slightly rotated to evenly distribute the composition over the entire surface. The glue should dry naturally without any external influences. The drying time of the adhesive composition may be affected by air temperature and other factors.


Based on everything said above, we can conclude that in most cases, connecting plastic pipes can be done with your own hands, without having special devices at hand and without possessing special knowledge and skills. The main condition is strict adherence to technology. It is also important to listen to the advice of professionals. This will help install the water supply without unnecessary material costs.