Well      04/14/2019

Do-it-yourself water distribution. Laying water supply pipes - price. Hidden wiring: advantages and disadvantages

Laying water supply pipes in an apartment is a problem that has to be solved during overhaul. Sooner or later, the time comes when the water supply system becomes unusable. There can be many reasons for repairing and replacing the water supply system; we will list the main ones - the formation of fistulas, condensation on pipes, the appearance of rusty water from the tap, etc.

Is it possible to replace the water supply system in an apartment or private house on your own? After all, the work of plumbers will not be cheap. And the answer to this question is positive - yes, this is possible. At the same time, special permits and registrations will not be required for work. All that is necessary is to shut off the water supply to the riser for an hour.

All work on installing the water supply system will have to be carried out in strict sequence, otherwise the constructed structure will not operate without failure.

The arrangement of the water supply network begins with the selection of pipe materials. IN Lately household steel lines are not often installed. This material has already lost its popularity.

His place was taken cheaper and more practical structures made of plastic and metal-plastic. You can also use copper water supply systems, but their cost is too high. this option become a reason to reject this material.

  • Copper. Despite its many positive properties, this highway is not without some disadvantages. The first is harmful cuprous oxide, which is formed upon contact with an aqueous environment. Secondly, tin is used in solder when soldering. This material turns into powder over time, causing the joint to leak.
  • Metal-plastic. This material does not belong to the line of cheap materials, but it can be joined without the use of special tools. The laying of such a pipeline is permitted for open area, where you can quickly move through the joint at any time.
  • Plastic. These systems are called standard water supply structures. But plastic is different. And to do right choice, you need to know the properties and features of these materials. For example, a material such as polybutylene (PB) is distinguished by optimal thermal conductivity. Joints made of this type of plastic are absolutely reliable.


Polyethylene (PE)
not an expensive material, but for hot water supply (DHW) you will have to install reinforced products. Despite significant disadvantages, this material has a very significant advantage of not bursting after freezing. Therefore, such a highway works successfully indoors without heating or outdoors. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is chemically resistant, but fragile and degrades when exposed to ultraviolet light.

Polypropylene pipework for arranging water supply in an apartment will not be very expensive. Such a water supply main given time is used more often than others. This material is distinguished by its strength and durability.

The soldered polypropylene joint on the wiring reliably withstands pressure loads of up to 12 atmospheres, and is not much different from the base material. In a city pipeline there can be up to 6 atm, so this range is ideal for polypropylene wiring in an apartment. The routing of pipes for water supply in an apartment where polypropylene is used is characterized by higher hydraulic resistance than previous analogues and increased thermal stability.

When describing the characteristics of polypropylene wiring, it is necessary to remember their disadvantages. Polypropylene has only two of them. First, polypropylene cannot be glued, and when welding, you need to use special equipment and strictly follow all plumbing technology. Secondly, polypropylene has a significant coefficient of thermal expansion, which must be taken into account when performing installation.

Watch the video

The installation of water supply pipes in an apartment where polypropylene is used is recommended by experts as the only system at this time that, after correct installation does not require ongoing care. It is also necessary to add to the above that polypropylene is soldered at a lower temperature than other types of plastic.

Choosing a method for distributing water in an apartment

The layout of the water main can be carried out using the tee method (it is considered to be classic options). Or it can be produced using a modern collector method.

The first method is to sequentially run the main line from the common riser to the dismantling points. First, the main branches with different water are diverted, and then, using a tee, the water moves along the branches.


The classic scheme has the following advantages.

  • Small price.
  • Compact dimensions.
  • Simple gasket.

And her disadvantages are the following.

  • Constant pressure drops.
  • Impossibility of shutting off one point of consumption.
  • Tees are not always convenient to place in a bathroom or toilet.
  • For a small apartment, such a wiring is acceptable, but in a large country house it will cause a lot of inconvenience.

Collector wiring carried out for water supply in an apartment or private house is a method in which an individual pipe is installed at each intake point. With a collector design in an apartment, the sink, toilet, shower and all other plumbing fixtures supply water to required quantity independently of one another.

All pipes are connected to a collector, which is located at the entrance of the main line to the housing. The collector design is a system equipped with one input and several outputs. When connecting to it, not only the number of valves is taken into account, but also the number of all plumbing fixtures.

ADVICE. The connection of the collector structure to the home can be made after connecting the filter mechanisms for water purification and pressure reducers.

Collective distribution of water supply pipes in an apartment has numerous advantages:

  • The first is the possibility of turning off water at one of the points, without damaging other water intake points.
  • The control valves for this system are located in one zone and are always freely accessible.
  • Constant stability.
  • The risk of breakdowns is minimized. And if repairs need to be made, they can be done easily and quickly.
  • All water intake points have the same water temperature level.
  • If necessary, you can quickly connect a new valve or plumbing fixture. To do this, you first need to install a collector structure with several spare exits.

Watch the video

Perhaps the only negative in this case is the need for a large amount of building materials. After all, a “couple” of pipes is not enough in such a situation. Accordingly, such a scheme will require significant financial costs. In addition, such a design will require a lot of space.

Water supply wiring diagram

The layout of water supply pipes is, most of all, necessary for the owner of the apartment. A detailed plan helps to accurately navigate the location of various elements of the highway. No special permits are required to draw up a detailed plan. Only when registering the meter, city water utility workers can ask for this scheme.

Creating a complete circuit according to all standards, even for a professional craftsman, is a serious job. Because such a scheme for country house With summer kitchen required for project approval. For an apartment, it is enough to draw a diagram where everything will be simple and clear. Such a plan should include:

  • Water supply pipes.
  • Accounting mechanisms.
  • Emergency drains and valves.
  • Shut-off valves.
  • Water collection points.
  • Branches for natural use.
  • Direction of water movement.

The collector and any other distribution of water supply pipes must be carried out according to a scheme that will be understandable not only to the owner of the apartment. Therefore, there are certain norms and rules for drawing collector and other circuits. In this case, they recommend:

  • do not use isometrics, otherwise the intersections of pipes will confuse the entire manifold or tee circuit.
  • Do not overuse arrows and pointers so as not to confuse the plan.
  • Shut-off valves and metering devices must be indicated according to the rules and clearly.
  • The diameter and type of pipe products must be indicated.

As a result, it turns out that the collector or tee circuit must be drawn up according to strictly defined standards and must be without frills.

How to calculate the diameter of a pipe assortment

The diameter of the water supply pipes should be calculated correctly. And such a calculation is needed for a reason. After all, the smaller the diameter of the pipe, the less it costs. And with reverse side An excessively small pipeline diameter causes turbulence of the liquid. In this case, the throughput function of the main line decreases, and at a normal level of pressure from the tap, very little water will flow.

For a pipeline in an apartment, you can correctly calculate the diameter yourself. The initial parameters are as follows:

  1. The lowest pressure is 0.3 atm.
  2. For 1 meter of a 16 mm tubular product, the pressure loss can be 0.05 atm.
  3. Pressure loss per fitting connection is possible at 0.15 atm.
  4. At the water intake point, losses are 0.25 atm.
  5. The headroom for the most distant point can be at least double.

Now, it is necessary to find out whether the sequential distribution of water supply pipes in the apartment will be equipped with the necessary pressure at the most distant point. Will the current assortment be enough for a consistent design, or will it be necessary to purchase larger pipes?

The pressure level at the bottom of the risers is determined using a pressure gauge, then 0.6 atm is subtracted for each floor. But in multi-storey buildings such a calculation is not acceptable. In order not to increase the cost of construction in housing, risers are removed separately from the building. First, this is done on the lower, and then on the upper and middle floors.

Horizontal distribution of water supply pipes is characterized by a nonlinear dependence of heat loss in the pipeline. Such losses depend on the flow speed, which in turn depends on the cross-section of the pipe structure.

The slightly increased diameter of the range significantly reduces heat loss. For these reasons, simple design in an apartment with 20 mm, which has 16 mm bends, it functions properly.

What tools and materials will be needed for work?


To work on assembling the highway, you will need a standard set of tools. This: welding machine, tape measure, devices for cutting and bending pipes. Before purchasing materials, you need to carefully calculate the footage.

Also, before installation, doing it yourself, you will have to dismantle the old pipeline. This replacement is performed using traditional methods. In an apartment, it is better to do this after turning off the water measuring device, so that long time do not turn off the water supply to other floors.

Another tip that will be useful in this situation is that you should not take a valve with a lever. It is made of plastic, which tends to break at the most inopportune moment. It is better to use a ball device with a butterfly-shaped handle to shut off the water supply.

Do-it-yourself wiring installation


So, it was time to assemble the system. Directly. This is absolutely not a complicated process that even a novice master can do. If you adhere to the technology of this work, then in the end you can get a structure that will function reliably and for a long time.

You should also pay close attention to the gating and arrangement of channels in the screed. They should not extend further than 150 mm from the wall and no less than 20 cm from the furniture. All plumbing fixtures must be removed and removed from the premises before starting work.

On initial stage actions are set by arcs. These are plastic strips with corners for faucets. They are secured to the main wall with self-tapping screws. When performing this fastening, you should take into account the dimensions of the finish. This could be plaster, tiles or any other finishing design.

If House master does not have significant skills, it is difficult to accurately position the output workpieces flush. It is recommended to first make them with a protrusion at a distance equal to half the width of the side of the caps on the mixer. If these caps are not adjustable, then it is not recommended to “adjust” them using an emery wheel.

Watch the video

The next stage is connecting the sections of the highway. It is more convenient to collect the water supply on the table, and pull it into the recesses in one piece. But now the question naturally arises, how to stretch the structure through the walls?

In the case of metal-plastic, this is not a problem; such a line is made on detachable fittings. And soldered pipe products are carried out using adapters and metal-plastic inserts. The second, more reliable method is to install the network on site. Only for such actions you will have to purchase a compact welding machine.

It is also necessary remember that for cold and hot water you will need individual units for metering devices. It is recommended that counters and valve handles be distinguished by color.

Readings on metering devices must be viewed conveniently. For this reason, this area of ​​the highway is often performed in a very bizarre form. . This seal should be preserved; without it, the device is considered unusable.

After installing the meter, you should call an inspector from the water utility. He records the data on the device, and seals the meter and filter drain with his seal.

Watch the video

It is better to use a pipe cutter to cut pipes. By working with this tool, you can not only save time, but also better prepare pipe materials for soldering.

Special attention should also be paid to pipe bending. When working with metal-plastic products, it must be remembered that the minimum permissible bend level is equal to five outer volumes of the tubular product.

And at the final stage, the boiler is installed. These actions were included in a separate cycle of installation work. This work is carried out after the pipeline is put into operation. The pipes for the boiler are prepared in advance. Valves are placed near both pipes, and at this stage they are immediately closed and additionally sealed.

Ensuring comfortable living in an apartment is only possible with careful planning of all relevant systems. First of all, these are electricity supply, gas communications and water supply. It is about the plumbing in the apartment that will be discussed further.

Types of plumbing

All installation work must be carried out after drawing up a wiring plan and calculating materials. This will help significantly save time and reduce material costs. In appearance, there are two wiring options: open and closed installation.

In a closed installation method water pipes For laying highways, grooves are used - trenches hollowed out in the wall. It is in them that all pipes are installed. This method is considered the most expensive, but from a design point of view it is preferable. There are no signs of water pipes or unsightly connections on the outside. On the other hand, a possible leak in the system requires complex manipulations, and after its elimination it is necessary to restore the integrity of the walls.

The open method in this regard is much more practical, because there is access to any point in the system without extra effort. The disadvantages of this method are the unaesthetic appearance of plumbing elements, as well as a reduction in usable area, which is not always appropriate when small sizes premises.

Open or closed method of installing water pipes - you can decide for yourself by paying attention to the following facts:

  • Concealed plumbing does not take up any extra space, is aesthetically pleasing and is considered a professional plumbing job.
  • For small bathrooms and toilets, a closed method of installing a water supply system will be the only correct solution ().
  • Preventative inspections of the system are easier to do with the open method of pipe installation.
  • In the event of a fire, there is a chance that communications will remain intact, which means reduced restoration costs.
  • Best for beginners to use open method installation, because you can quickly install and fix problems.
  • For the installation of an open water supply system, the range of materials used is wider.
  • Leaks in the system are easier to detect and correct when open version water supply
  • The open form of the water supply system makes it possible to add new consumers to the system.
The choice of the preferred option should be consistent with each individual case. If you plan to do everything yourself, but the skills for such work are minimal, it is better to choose the open method. Small systems with a minimum number of consumers can be implemented in a closed or combined way, depending on the situation.

Helpful tip: to hide unsightly pipes and fasteners, you can use false panels made of suitable material. This method can be called optimal, because it combines all the advantages of both options.


You can select the appropriate type of “camouflage” according to overall design bathroom. Typically, traditional materials for such premises are used for this: ceramic tiles, moisture-resistant drywall and plastic panels.


Schemes for plumbing in an apartment

In addition to the method of installing pipes (), it is very important to determine in advance the preferred option for connecting all consumers. There will be two outputs: sequential and collector pipe routing. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, so it is advisable to think through all the nuances in advance.

The second name for this method is the tee circuit, because tees are used to provide power to all consumers. It is thanks to these elements that all the mains depart from the main pipe - the riser.



Installation of a tee circuit requires minimum quantity materials and is not labor-intensive. For beginners this is best option, because suitable scheme you can do it yourself. However, this type of connection also has a number of disadvantages:
  • There are many fasteners, which increases the risk of leaks and makes them difficult to detect.
  • The simultaneous inclusion of several consumption points creates a lack of pressure in the system, so the most distant point will have weak pressure.
  • Repair work requires a complete shutdown of water, which is not always convenient.
Choosing a tee connection system is the optimal solution for small apartments, where pressure differences do not play a significant role. If the tee circuit is consistent with closed type communications, it is necessary to consider access points to each tee. This will allow you to carry out maintenance and repairs without additional costs and difficulties.

The collector wiring is carried out according to the principle of parallel connection. This provides the necessary distance from the main source - the riser. Using separate pipes, each source of consumption has its own wiring. Of course, with such a connection the need for materials increases significantly, but this method also has its advantages:

  • Constant pressure in the system.
  • Leaks are eliminated when the water is partially turned off.
  • Diagnosis and prevention of leaks is easier than with a series connection.
  • There are relatively few fastening connections, which ensures greater system reliability.



However, the method is not without drawbacks. Coupled with the above-mentioned increase in material consumption, such a connection requires more skilled work. It will be problematic to install the pipes yourself, and hiring a specialist will increase the repair budget.

Instructions for installing water pipes yourself (video)

It is possible to lay the pipes of the wave water supply system with your own hands:
  1. Draw a wiring plan on paper . It must indicate the actual dimensions and all used water consumption points.
  2. Select the optimal pipe laying option . You can use a combination of open and closed wiring installation methods.
  3. Follow the basic rules . The wiring must be carried out taking into account the following requirements: the pipes do not intersect and are located as close to each other as possible. In this case, it is advisable to choose the most simple diagram, without unnecessary connections and fasteners.
  4. Install inlet valves (ball valves) . They are installed directly to the sources of hot and cold water supply to the apartment. This will help turn off the water if necessary. repair work, connections and replacements individual elements systems. Also explore, .
  5. Provide a separate water supply . It is performed when necessary and is intended for consumption. In this section it is necessary to install deep cleaning filters.
  6. Install counters ( ) . They are also installed first. After them, pressure reducers are installed, which provide control of the water pressure to the devices used.
  7. Installation of other system elements .
The direction of pipe laying can be selected both from the main riser and from each device. Along with the installation of plumbing, it is also necessary to install sewer outlets.

The video shows the piping of the water supply system and the final result of such work. As an example, we use pipework in a new building. The selected type of wiring is a collector circuit. In addition to laying pipes to consumers, the master describes a method for installing and masking water mains. This video instruction will definitely come in handy for novice plumbing professionals, and some tips from a professional will help you avoid mistakes and waste of time when doing the work yourself:


Installation of an apartment's plumbing system is an important part of arranging a new home. Properly executed wiring will ensure comfortable use and reliability of the system. Installation methods and instructions self-installation water pipes, described above will help to carry out installation work correctly.

Major renovations should start with a good plan. At the same time, the plumbing in the apartment requires the closest attention. If the water pipe layout is not designed correctly, it can lead to a variety of problems in the future. And if problems in the water supply system were observed before the repair, it’s time to study the existing wiring in order to identify and eliminate deficiencies.

The task of creating a plumbing system in an apartment looks simple. It is necessary to deliver water from the central riser to each distribution point. List of such points in different apartments can be very different. A simplified version consists of a pair of washbasins (in the kitchen and in the bathroom), as well as a toilet and a bathtub.

But modern realities dictate more complex circuits. In almost every apartment today there are additional household devices, the operation of which also requires tap water. Almost everywhere there is an automatic washing machine. More and more housewives are looking to add another machine to their kitchen—a dishwasher.

In addition to bathtubs, bathrooms have modern shower cabins, often equipped with additional options such as hydromassage. A convenient plumbing fixture, a bidet, may appear next to the toilet. Finally, in large apartments the number of bathrooms is not limited to one. A couple of additional toilets and another shower increase the comfort for apartment residents, as well as the load on the plumbing system.

The advantage of a sequential wiring diagram for the plumbing system in an apartment is that this diagram is very simple and requires minimum costs for implementation

As a result, the requirements for the quality of water supply systems are increasing. Some devices are very sensitive to water pressure, which largely depends on how well the pipe layout is designed. Proper design not only improves the performance of the plumbing system, but also reduces the costs of its installation and operation, and also facilitates repair work.

There are two main schemes for distributing water supply in an apartment: tee, also known as sequential, and also collector. Both schemes have certain advantages and disadvantages, so they are used for different situations. In addition, sometimes it makes sense to combine both of these schemes.

Sequential water supply diagram

This is the easiest way to design and implement plumbing in a typical apartment. This scheme consists of one common pipe, to which all devices - cold consumers - are connected in series. tap water. In the same way, a hot water supply system is installed in parallel.


This diagram demonstrates in sufficient detail the structure and operating principle of a sequential water supply wiring diagram in an apartment, which is also called a tee

The main pipe should be larger in diameter than the rest of the water supply system, since it acts as a collector in this system. Tees are used to connect plumbing fixtures, which is why this scheme is often called a tee.

The principle of such a system is very simple both for design and implementation. Water supply is organized in a similar way in almost all apartments built according to standard Soviet designs. One of its significant advantages is the small number of water pipes. Therefore, the costs of creating such a water supply system will be minimal.

But such a plumbing system is only suitable for the small apartments described above with a small amount of plumbing. The fact is that the longer such a system, the lower the water pressure at the end of the pipeline. Plumbing fixtures connected at the end of the system will receive less water and may not function correctly.


When organizing a tee connection diagram, tees with threaded connection, which should be carefully compacted during installation

Problems with a consistent water supply system also arise if a faucet or tank breaks down. During repairs or replacement of plumbing, you will have to shut off the water supply throughout the apartment. A serial connection does not allow you to disconnect only one device from the water supply.

Experts note a number of other problems associated with the maintenance of tee water supply systems. Connection points are usually hidden under decorative trim and easy access to them is not always available. As a result, when a leak occurs, identifying the problem area becomes difficult.


This diagram allows you to visualize the set of elements that may be needed when creating a sequential water supply wiring diagram in an apartment

Very often, to repair a water supply system, it is necessary to dismantle false panels, break down walls, etc. And after completion of the repair work, it may be necessary to repeat the decorative finishing premises. But despite these shortcomings, the tee water supply system is still in demand today.

It is considered the optimal solution when designing apartments with small area. Such housing has a budget price, and the serial connection of plumbing allows you to reduce the cost of its arrangement. At the same time, the pressure in a short-distance water supply system remains quite high.

But in order to reduce the costs not only of creating, but also of operating such a system, you should carefully consider the layout of pipes and tees, ensuring access to them if possible. Also, do not skimp on plumbing at the expense of the quality of materials. All work must be carried out as best as possible to reduce the likelihood of breakdowns and leaks to a minimum.

Features of the collector circuit

This wiring diagram is considered optimal choice for large apartments, as well as where installation is planned large quantity plumbers. A special feature of this type of wiring is the presence of a collector. Water from the common riser is supplied first to the collector, and then to consumers, i.e. to plumbing fixtures.


This diagram clearly shows the design of the collector version of the water supply distribution in the apartment. The main flow of water is discharged to a collector, to which each piece of plumbing is connected separately

Each consumer is connected separately, and not sequentially, as in the tee system described earlier. One of the main advantages of a collector water supply system is the uniform distribution of water throughout the system. This means that the number of connected devices and the length of water pipes do not reduce the pressure in the system for one of the consumers.


In terms of design, a water supply manifold is a relatively simple device. If desired, you can select and install it yourself

Another advantage collector system- this is the ability, in the event of a breakdown, to disconnect only one plumbing fixture, and not the entire water supply in the apartment, as happens with a sequential connection. The same circumstance allows you to personalize the characteristics of the plumbing system for each specific device.

To do this, the necessary devices are installed between the collector and the device, for example, filters, gearboxes, etc. The water flow can be increased or, conversely, reduced, cleared of impurities or saturated useful substances and so on. The disadvantages of the collector wiring diagram include the high costs of its creation.

You will need significantly more water pipes than when implementing a tee scheme. In addition, such a system is more complex; an inexperienced plumber may encounter problems already at the design stage. To execute collector connection, you must first select a location for the collector from which the flow of cold water will be distributed.

The same device will be needed if hot water supply in the apartment is also provided centrally. The hot water collector is installed separately. Water pipes are laid between the collectors and the common riser, on which a shut-off valve must be installed. It will allow, if necessary, to completely shut off the supply of hot and/or cold water to the apartment.

Depending on the situation, water pipes may be installed on this section additional elements, for example, coarse filters or electric taps of the emergency leakage protection system. When the collectors are installed, pipes are supplied from them to each plumbing fixture.

Washbasins, bathtubs, and shower stalls usually require both hot and cold water supply. But to the toilet cistern or automatic washing machine you only need to apply cold water. If the apartment has a water heated towel rail, it is connected to the hot water supply manifold.

Additionally, the system may include filters, reducers and other useful devices. Of course, shut-off valves are installed between the collector and the consumer, allowing the water to be shut off only in this specific area, if such a need arises.

On large areas, it sometimes makes sense to combine a collector and tee wiring diagram. In this case, not one consumer is connected to one of the collector branches, but several, connecting them in series with pipes. As a result, this part of the water supply will have the same disadvantages as any tee circuit.

For example, in the event of a breakdown, this part of the highway will have to be completely disconnected. But sometimes combining wiring diagrams can significantly reduce the cost of installing a water supply system. In addition, such a solution may be optimal for individual design of residential premises.

What you need to know about collectors

According to the principle of operation, a water supply manifold is similar to a tee, only a little more complicated. It has one entrance through which water flows and several outlets for connecting plumbing. At the same time, the dimensions of the inlet pipe are approximately 30% larger than the dimensions of the water pipes, so the flow of water to the collector occurs faster than its consumption, even if several consumers are used at the same time.


A water supply manifold is not a very large device, the dimensions of which depend on the number of hot and cold water consumers. Sometimes it is placed in the space under the sink

Thanks to the collector, a large flow is created in the system, which is then simply divided into several smaller flows. The pressure in all parts of the water supply system remains stable, the pressure does not weaken. The throughput of the collector depends on the size of the device and is largely determined by the size of its inlet pipe.

Modern water supply manifolds are made from various materials:

  • brass;
  • of stainless steel;
  • polyethylene;
  • polypropylene, etc.

Devices made of polymer materials have fairly high strength characteristics, so they quite successfully compete with their metal counterparts. When choosing a collector, you should also pay attention to the method of their installation. Hardware usually equipped with traditional threaded connections.


Collectors for water supply vary in size, number of outlets, type of connection and other parameters. Before purchasing a collector, you should draw up a design for the plumbing system

For installation on plastic or metal-plastic water pipes, which are being used more and more often, manifolds with special compression fittings or fittings for soldering PVC pipes are provided. There are also devices with a mount called Eurocone and a combined version, which provides the ability to use several different options connections.

Another important indicator is the number of taps, i.e. outputs for connecting plumbing fixtures. Typically their number varies from two to six. What to do if you need to connect more consumers to the collector? Everything is very simple; to do this, connect two or three collectors with the required number of taps.


Typically, the manifold has from two to six outlets for connecting plumbing. To provide water to a larger number of consumers, you need to make a composite collector from smaller devices

For such a connection, additional pipes are provided on each manifold. They are connected and thus a composite manifold is obtained. Inputs on the collectors that are not needed for connection are closed with a protective plug, otherwise water will simply flow out of the device. Of course, there are collectors designed for cold and hot water supply. This obvious point should not be forgotten when choosing a suitable device.

Before choosing a collector, you should decide on the type of water pipes. The most common choice today is polymer materials. With them it will be more convenient to install a manifold made of polypropylene or cross-linked polyethylene. These manifolds are usually provided with a suitable fitting connection.

Modern collectors designed for wiring in an apartment according to a parallel circuit are usually already equipped with shut-off valves for each outlet. This is the most preferred solution because it eliminates the need to install shut-off valves when installing each plumbing fixture. As a result, costs are lower and installation of the plumbing system will take much less time.

They are usually installed in front of the collector check valve, necessary filters and metering devices. Some sewers have built-in shut-off valves that allow you to shut off the supply of tap water to your home. If we are talking about a brass manifold, then it is better to choose a model without such taps and install them separately.

A reliable metal manifold can last about half a century, but the service life of cranes is usually limited to a couple of decades. If the built-in taps become damaged, you will have to replace the entire device. But replacing taps installed separately will not affect the device.

Common installation mistakes

It is best to entrust the design of a water supply system, both collector and tee, to professionals familiar with building codes and capable of performing hydraulic calculations. But even the most best project will be useless if errors are made during its implementation.


Shut-off valves are part of any water supply scheme: both sequential and collector. They are installed at the entrance to the water supply system, as well as in front of each plumbing fixture.

For example, some would-be craftsmen, driven by the thought of unreasonable savings, neglect the requirement to insulate hot water pipes that are laid under the floor or in the thickness of the walls. As a result, part of the thermal energy is transferred to the materials surrounding the pipe, which deteriorates the quality of the water. In addition, condensation from the surface of pipes without thermal insulation can damage the finishing of the room.

During installation work experienced craftsmen It is recommended to cover the ends of pipes that are not yet installed to prevent debris from getting into them. The absence of this protective measure may lead to the fact that immediately after installation the water supply system will have to be thoroughly and for a long time flushed or even repaired.


When soldering polypropylene water pipes, you should remember that slight dirt or moisture at the soldering site can significantly impair the quality of the work

If soldering is required plastic pipes, all work should be carried out in clean room to avoid contamination. It is also unacceptable to solder pipes that contain even a small amount of moisture. A drop of water or particles of debris at the soldering site can significantly weaken the connection and degrade its quality.

You should not design the water supply system in such a way that all pipes pass through the ceiling through one common hole. This may degrade the performance of the water supply. Professional designers never make such mistakes.


When drawing up a wiring plan, it is necessary to ensure that the pipes do not block access to the joints. This will make repairs much easier in the event of a leak.

An insufficient number of locking devices can also cause a lot of trouble during installation work. Such fittings must be present in front of each device to which water is supplied, as well as for each riser. If the house has more than one bathroom, you can install a shut-off valve for each of them.

Sewerage is usually designed simultaneously with the water supply system. It is necessary to ensure that the pipes and risers of individual systems do not overlap each other. This will make maintenance and repair work easier in the future.

Video on plumbing installation

The features of the collector and tee water supply systems are interestingly described in this video:

A detailed overview of the collector water supply system is presented in this video:

The option with tee wiring can be viewed here:

Correct choice of wiring diagram - important factor for normal operation of the plumbing system. But in addition to proper design, you will need to choose the right necessary materials and perform all installation work correctly. Only if all these conditions are met will the water supply in the apartment last a long time and flawlessly.

Morally outdated and physically unable to fulfill their intended purpose pipes indicate that replacing the water supply wiring in a private house or apartment is a matter of particular importance. If this is your case, then correcting the situation immediately will avoid unnecessary problems.

1

You shouldn’t hesitate to replace old pipes, as you can ruin the finish overnight or, even worse, flood your neighbors below. And this threatens with litigation and unplanned expenses for repairing someone else’s apartment.

If you decide that replacing pipes in an apartment or private house is necessary, then first you should decide on the water supply distribution. In small rooms, the open installation option will limit the owner’s options for placing plumbing equipment. In spacious rooms, you can use any method, but there are still a number of limitations:

  • It is prohibited to embed any detachable connection into the wall, even when using copper pipes. Reducers, compression fittings, barrels, nipples and other equipment should be in a visible place so that they can be easily replaced if necessary.
  • Allowed internal installation copper, metal-plastic or propylene pipes with a pressed connection method. – polypropylene.

Pressed method of connecting propylene pipes

Replacing the water supply system in a private house or apartment is not an easy job; it requires certain knowledge and skills. Therefore, before proceeding, it is necessary to select the optimal laying scheme and pipes, taking into account the geometry of the premises, the pressure in the network, and the temperature regime.

Laying hidden wiring of the plumbing system has its positive aspects:

  • A neat appearance of the room - all communications will be hidden in the thickness of the wall.
  • Maximum preservation of the usable area of ​​the room - you can conveniently arrange furniture without taking into account protruding pipes.
  • In the event of a possible fire, plastic pipes embedded in the thickness of the wall will not be damaged and will not release toxic substances.


Plastic water supply pipes embedded in the wall

But with all the positive aspects, hidden installation has its disadvantages, which are expressed in the following:

  • Limited choice of material due to the inability to hide protruding detachable pipe connections.
  • Difficulty of execution. Drilling channels for installation is difficult and dirty work.
  • The leak cannot be detected. This will only become clear when neighbors complain about flooding.
  • To replace pipes, you will have to break the integrity of the wall and then seal it. The biggest problem will be caused by the tiles, which will need to be dismantled, bought new ones to replenish, and laid again. And this is an additional waste of time and money.

As you can see, wiring in an apartment or private house in a hidden way has more negative aspects than positive ones. Therefore, when choosing this option, carefully weigh everything and draw a conclusion about its necessity. Calculate the exact length of the sections so that after assembling the pipeline you do not have to lengthen the groove to the required dimensions.

2

First, let's look at the positive aspects of this option. Open wiring of water supply systems allows the use of pipes from any material, and there are also no restrictions on the use of fittings. The installation process is less labor-intensive due to the absence of the need to chisel the walls. Dismantling and replacing a leaky section of the pipeline is also not difficult. Easy to monitor pipe integrity. They are always visible, and the slightest leak will become known immediately. The water supply system in a private house or apartment, made according to the open type, can be modernized at any time.


Open wiring of the water supply system

Disadvantages of open pipe laying:

  • Unsightly appearance walls It is good if the installation is carried out in a large room, where the outer pipes can be decorated with a box made of plasterboard. In small rooms, such structures will spoil the entire look of the finish.
  • Reducing usable area. Due to the fact that the installation is carried out on plastic latches, they will protrude 8–10 cm from the wall. Therefore, move it close to the wall, for example, washing machine, will not work.


Disadvantages of open pipe laying

When choosing a method for installing pipework in an apartment or private house, weigh the pros and cons. In some cases, it is better to sacrifice free space than to subsequently redo everything if a connection leaks in a walled-up wall.

3

An important part of the job. Have you encountered a situation where instead of a pleasant warm water Does the tap start to come out hot or ice cold? And all because someone turned on the faucet in the kitchen or flushed the toilet.

It's all about incorrect wiring. It will help you avoid such incidents good location and connecting all connections that drain water to various rooms. There are two options for laying water pipes in a private house and apartment: tee and manifold.


Laying water pipes in a private house

The tee method is a serial connection of a pipeline, where all sources of consumption are connected one after another. Simply put, one supply line is laid, from which a separate pipe is diverted in order to each consumer by installing a tee connection. This option makes the last consumers in the chain hostages of water pressure “weakness”. Tee wiring will ensure an uninterrupted supply of water to all taps if it is installed correctly. If you do not know the technology for producing such work, it is recommended to contact specialists.

The collector method is more convenient, since in this case the pressure in the network is distributed over all points of analysis with approximately the same power. Here, a pipe connected to a common main is connected to the house sewer, and separate outlets go from it to each tap. A ball valve is mounted at the inlet and at the end of each outlet pipe. This allows not only to rationally distribute pressure, but also to repair possible leaks without shutting off the general supply.


Collector option for water supply wiring in a private house

The disadvantage of such pipe routing is the greater consumption of materials: pipes, fittings and adapters.

When using the collector method, additional usable area of ​​the room is consumed, therefore small rooms it is better to refuse it.

When choosing this installation option, it is recommended to build on the existing wiring. Maybe you won't have to change anything. For example, if there is a main line in the toilet, from which water flows through the return line into the kitchen, then you can not develop anything and simply connect the water in a sequential way: sink, dishwasher and washing machine. But the wiring for the bathroom depends directly on the number of consumers.

4

The correct pipeline layout should look like this:

  • The first tee should be installed to drain cold water into the shower. Then there will always be good pressure here.
  • The second one is for a watering can in the bathroom, if you have Vacation home with separate washing compartments.
  • The third one is on the kitchen sink.
  • The fourth is for everything else: washing machine, dishwasher, etc.

Replacing the water supply wiring in an apartment or private house will be effective using this method. First of all, the main collapsible plumbing fixtures are provided with water, and then the rest receive it.


Replacing water supply wiring in an apartment

Some layouts do not allow cold water to be discharged into the shower at the first outlet of the collector. The first outlet, no matter how you look at it, goes to the kitchen or toilet. In this case, too, there is a way out. The peculiarity is to reduce the pressure by installing thinner diameter pipes.

For example, if the pipeline outlet towards the toilet has a diameter of 25 mm, install an adapter on it with an outlet diameter of 20 mm. And after some distance, install a shut-off ball valve, after which install a branch with a pipe cross-section of 10 mm. Thus, in cistern The water will fill more slowly and there will be no effect on the pressure in the shower.


Pipeline outlet towards the toilet

You can make something like a collector using pipes of different diameters. After supplying water to a pipe with a diameter of 25 mm and installing all the necessary fittings ( ball valve, check valve, meter and coarse filter), a piece of pipe with a diameter of 32 mm is installed. And from it to consumers, branches with a diameter of 20 mm are made.

5

The wiring looks like this:

  • From the main line, a tee is first installed with a branch directly to the bathtub.
  • After it, the same tee is installed, supplying hot water to the shower head, if there is one.
  • And on last exit water enters the kitchen.


Hot water pipe installation

WITH hot water There are usually fewer problems. The main thing is to provide for the installation of a check valve. This will prevent hot water from going into the riser with cold water.

When choosing a scheme for supplying water to various plumbing fixtures, keep in mind that with a collector connection option, the pipeline cannot be walled up in the wall. There is an option when the pipes can be hidden under floor covering. But the collector himself must be visible. Therefore, the central node in the collector wiring diagram is usually decorated with a plasterboard box so that there is free access to taps and all other connections.

The question of replacing and adjusting the water supply system in a home often arises before people who decide to make repairs. The reason may be remodeling the bathroom, replacing old pipes, etc. For such work, there is no need to have documentation certified by regulatory authorities and you can even do without the services of professional plumbers. The owner can install the water supply in a house or apartment with his own hands. It's important to have necessary tool, a minimum set of skills, as well as draw up a clear action plan and prepare a water supply diagram.

Plumbing in an apartment: what you need to know before installation

First of all, analyze your goals and objectives: what the rooms with plumbing should be like, how and where approximately the pipes will run, how much time, effort and money you are willing to spend on updating the wiring. The system can be of two types:



Attention! You risk finding out about a leak from a water pipe walled up in the wall only from your neighbors.

For self-installation of water supply at home, pipes made of plastic or metal-plastic are usually chosen. Cast iron and copper are not used due to difficulties with cutting, welding and other manipulations. Metal-plastic pipes - the best option for water supply. But more often they choose plastic ones. They are no less reliable and easy to install, and their low thermal conductivity is excellent for hot water supply (DHW).

Advice. Among plastics, the most a good option experts call it polypropylene. However, for the connection you need a special welding device.

How to make a diagram

The water supply wiring diagram determines where, how and through what diameter pipes water will flow into your home. Compliance typical methods installation will ensure proper and safe water supply. Sequential or tee scheme - one pipe is taken from the main line, and all water consumers in the house are connected to it one by one. For cold water supply (CWS), experts recommend doing this:

  • The 1st tee-bend is directed to a mixer or shower with tap in the bathroom;
  • 2nd - on the sink, dishwasher and (if the second unit is located in the kitchen);
  • 3rd - for flushing the toilet;
  • further - to the boiler and to washing machine in the bathroom.

Attention! Hot water is distributed in approximately the same way: the bathroom, and then the kitchen. The toilet, boiler, and washing machine do not need hot water. Don't forget to install a check valve on the main cold water pipe. Otherwise hot water will go the way for the cold one.

The circuit is easy to install: each consumer is connected to the supply pipe using a tee. A significant disadvantage of this method is the different levels of pressure. If several water consumption points are operating simultaneously, the last one will have the lowest pressure. But this can be solved. Another drawback: during the repair of one of the elements of the system, you will have to turn off the water supply for everyone.


Comparison of tee and collector circuits

The collector scheme assumes that an intermediary supplies water from the main water pipeline to the collector. All water consumers are connected to it. The device provides equal pressure for everyone. Mounted on each outlet pipe ball valve, which allows you to repair part of the system without compromising the performance of the rest. Wiring according to this scheme requires more space, as well as an increase in the number of pipes, taps and various connections and connectors. As a result, the option will cost the homeowner more.

Attention! Collector wiring it is difficult to hide the water supply in the wall. You can disguise it in the floor, but the collector itself must remain open and have easy access.

Installation of home water supply made of metal-plastic

After preparing the diagram, calculate how much and what materials you will need. It is better to buy everything with a small margin. A metal-plastic pipe bends. However, up to the connection point it must have a flat area of ​​at least 5-7 cm. Connections are made using the press method or using compression fittings.

The second option is only suitable for open type water supply:

  • measure and cut the pipe;
  • remove the chamfer from it using a special calibrator;
  • place the fitting nut on the pipe;
  • insert the ring, and then the fitting itself;
  • crimp with a pair of open-end wrenches.

The weak point of this type of connection is leakage. Pipes must be inspected and fittings must be tightened at least once a year.

The press clutch is performed as follows:

  • cut the pipes required length;
  • calibrate;
  • put on the fitting and crimp it by hand press. This connection is considered more reliable, but not dismountable.


How to make a water pipe from plastic pipes

To connect using polypropylene pipes It is best to take samples with a cross-sectional diameter of 25 mm and a wall thickness of 2.8 cm (for hot water supply - 3.2 cm). Perform the work in the following sequence:

  • cut strictly perpendicularly using special scissors;
  • mark the welding depth on the edges, which depends on the fitting;
  • remove the middle layer of the pipe using a trimmer by 1-2 mm;
  • prepare a welding machine with an appropriate nozzle;
  • Cooking takes about 7 seconds. at a temperature of about 250°C;
  • welding should begin when the machine heats up (the indicator goes out);
  • push the required places on the pipes and the fitting onto the device nozzle, do not twist;
  • Also, without scrolling, carefully and quickly connect the pipes or pipe with the fitting to each other, pushing them onto each other.

Wait a minute for cooling. If the welding seam is not perpendicular or unreliable, you can cut it and repeat the procedure again.

Installation of water supply wiring at any stage of the process is best done with an assistant. The result depends on the accuracy of the calculations and the accuracy of the work.

Installation of water supply: video