Wafer plug – pipe foreman assistant

Advantages and disadvantages

Vacuum valves have a number of pros and cons.
Positive qualities include:

• there is no need to specially create a hole in the roof, which allows you to keep the roof intact and simplify the installation of the sewage system;
• the riser will not visually extend beyond the building, which will have a positive effect on its appearance, and there will also be a slight saving in material;
• Vacuum valves do not require maintenance or repair.

There are fewer disadvantages, but they must be taken into account before choosing vacuum valves:

• inability to work under heavy loads;
• high cost, which is due to the fact that the valves are made by hand.

Main types of threaded plugs

The classification of screw plugs is quite wide. For example, at the location of thread cutting. There are two positions here - with external thread or with internal thread. Other types are presented in the table.

End options have higher characteristics than transport ones. Hence their quality is higher, and therefore their price.

Power end plug on a gas pipeline

Purpose and principle of operation

Plugs shut off the water supply to a certain section of the water supply.
A plug is a special fitting that can be used to shut off the water supply to the system at a certain section of it. The element has the shape of a circle or square. The latter are rarely used for plumbing work.

The plug is used for the following purposes and in the following situations:

• Protection of the inside of the pipe from moisture and dirt, penetration of rodents and insects. This option is observed when installing fence posts made from round/square tubes.
• Suppression of a plastic water pipe or metal/polymer sewer pipe at the time of plumbing repair work in the system (installation/dismantling of its individual elements).
• Protection of tubes from the ends during their transportation.

To plug the gas pipeline, special flange plugs are used. They are subject to repeated installation/dismantling.

Exact numbers according to SNiP standards

SNiP standards establish the exact pressure in the water supply system for both cold and hot pipelines. For cold supply these figures are (in atmospheres):

• The minimum indicator is 0.3.
• Maximum – 6.

For hot water these indicators are slightly different:

• Minimum – 0.3.
• Maximum – 4.5.

Deviations in pressure indicators in the water supply network cause either problems in the system, its accelerated wear, or discomfort for residents.

You can accurately determine the pressure in your network by attaching a water pressure gauge to the mixer tap using a rubber tube.

In the absence of such an accurate device, you can approximately determine the pressure using an ordinary three-liter jar and a stopwatch. It is possible to calculate the approximate pressure based on the speed at which a can is filled with a stream of tap water using the following table:

To determine water pressure, several units of measurement are used today - bar, atmosphere, pascal, etc. All these designations may appear in regulatory design documentation, in the markings of pressure gauges, in technical data sheets of household appliances.

Plug for a water pipe review and installation on vodatyt.ru

A plug for a water pipe is an element of shut-off valves used as permanent or temporary measures to eliminate water leaks. During the installation of a water supply system, situations arise when you need to plug a pipe, and this is where a plug comes to the rescue.

How to plug a water pipe

The procedure itself is simple, and if you have basic knowledge and skills in the repair and construction field.

Those who have not encountered plumbing work should adhere to the following recommendations:

1. Threaded connections are sealed using FUM tape. This is necessary for sealing.
2. Before plugging the water pipe, you need to turn off the ball valve and cut it off from the supply system.
3. The welding machine must be used in accordance with safety requirements.
4. If a flange plug is installed, the bolts must be the same size as the holes made.

A decorative plug works on the same principle as a regular one, and therefore, during installation, all requirements must be met. The technology for installing fittings differs depending on the pipeline materials.

Metal is different in that such a pipe can be threaded, welded (except for cast iron), flanges can be installed, which means any methods can be used. You need to choose one that has all the necessary tools at hand. Plugs are made from different materials, and the choice depends on what kind of subpipe it is.

Cast iron pipe can be terminated with flanged fittings. The welding machine is useless; cutting threads will not work. In this case, sealing is performed with cotton fiber. Steel is a more malleable metal, and all those methods that are not available in the case of cast iron can now be applied.

To plug such a pipe, you can use:

1. Metal spherical plugs. Used for water pipelines, gas pipelines, oil pipelines.
2. Flange devices. Cold water pipes are sealed with a rubber gasket, hot water pipes are sealed with paronite.
3. Pneumatic plugs. They are used to eliminate emergency situations in production and in household support systems.
4. Decorative fittings. This is the case if the main task is not to maintain pressure in the pipeline, but the appearance of the structure.

The last category includes products made of plastic, rubber, and metal. Regarding copper pipes, it must be added that welding is possible, but the technology requires the use of special devices and materials. Copper is a soft metal

You can cut the thread, but you need to tighten it very carefully

Plastic pipe

Technologically, measures for end sealing of plastic pipes are divided into two categories. The first includes methods that involve soldering or gluing a plug and a pipe. Installing the plug in this way means that it can only be cut off later. The second method is temporary and involves the possibility of dismantling.

Plastic that is used without internal pressure can be jammed with decorative (for example, rubber) fittings

When it is important to maintain tightness, adhesives are used. The choice depends on the type of plastic. Such pipes are not designed for high pressure

Therefore, if we are talking about a water pipe, then it will most likely be a polyethylene pipeline

Such pipes are not designed for high pressure. Therefore, if we are talking about a water pipe, then it will most likely be a polyethylene pipeline.

Polyethylene pipe

Sometimes it is necessary to urgently plug the pipeline. In this case, a special fitting with internal thread is used, which is also made of polyethylene. You will need a die. With which an external thread is cut at the end of the pipe. The plug will need to be screwed onto it, but the connection is first sealed with FUM tape.

Experts recommend only one method for permanent plugs - welding. Polyethylene is soldered using a special apparatus that heats the contacting elements to a temperature where connections at the molecular level are possible. It is impossible to remove such a plug. And if the time comes for depressurization, you will have to cut it off.

The technology involves the use of such a tool:

• hacksaw, grinder, etc.;
• deburring agents (rasps);
• cutting tools (knives);
• sealing compounds (silicone);
• construction hair dryer;
• special welding machine.

In most cases, you can do the work yourself if you have everything listed at hand.

Installing plastic plugs

The polyethylene plug for pipes must be installed in a certain way, which depends on the type of pipeline.

Methods for installing plugs in a non-pressure pipeline

The liquid pressure in a free-flow pipeline is minimal and is no more than 1 atmosphere, so plugs can be installed in the socket. To do this, follow these steps:

1. the fitting is selected based on the rules described earlier. An O-ring is purchased along with the plug;

A fitting that is installed in the socket (left) and an O-ring that gives the pipeline joint greater strength (right)

1. A ring for sealing is first installed on the pipe at the place where the plug is installed;
2. the fitting, pre-lubricated with a soap solution, is inserted into the pipe by pressing. Pre-treatment with a soap solution will allow you to determine the strength of the resulting connection during the installation process. If bubbles appear on the surface, this means that the plug is not reliable;
3. The compression of the seal, which additionally protects the pipeline from leakage, is checked. For this, a metal plate of small thickness is used.

When the plug is installed correctly, the O-ring is pressed evenly around the entire perimeter.

Plastic plugs for square pipes, which perform decorative functions, are installed in a similar way. In this case, additional sealing of the connection is not required.

Methods for installing plugs in a pressure pipeline

In a pressure pipeline, installing a plug in the socket is not permissible, since such a connection is not reliable under the influence of liquid pressure.

Installation of a plug in a pressure pipeline can be carried out in the following ways:

1. detachable. For this purpose, fittings equipped with a threaded connection are purchased. Please note that the pipe must also have a thread. Installing this fitting is quite simple. It is screwed into the pipe like a bolt;

Plastic fitting for arranging a detachable connection

The use of detachable connections is advisable for installing a temporary plug or closing an inspection hole.

1. one-piece. The plug can be installed with glue or using a welding machine designed for polyethylene pipes. An adhesive joint is considered weaker than a welded joint.

Device for welding polyethylene pipes

Permanent connections are used to permanently fix a section of pipeline. To remove a permanently installed plug, you will have to cut off a section of the pipe.

The use of plastic plugs is quite widespread. Fittings can be used both for temporary fixation of pipes and for permanent restriction. Installation of plugs can be done in several ways, the choice of which depends on the type of pipeline and the purpose of the plug.

Types of stubs

Despite the fact that the range of these particular fittings is small, there are still some significant differences. Let's look at them in a comparative table.

Why do you need a drain plug?

Installation of this device is carried out in advance or unscheduled.

This procedure has the following goals:

• complete blocking of part of the riser for replacement or repair of its fragments;
• closing the channel openings to drain and clean clogged areas;
• at the outlets where it is planned to connect drain hoses of household appliances and sinks;
• at the junction of pipes of different diameters for the purpose of their inspection and maintenance;
• at the entrance of the apartment wiring to the riser, to block the drains during repairs or routine inspections.

Plugs are used to preserve backup outlets intended for emergencies or connecting new plumbing equipment.

Principles of correct installation

• So, it is worth making sure that the cross-section of the pump pipes and pipes are the same. Otherwise, the installation of the equipment will not be airtight.
• All bends and turns of the sewer should not have sharp angles.
• If the wastewater is supposed to rise vertically, then you need to install the vertical pipeline with your own hands from the pump at a distance of no more than 30 cm.
• It is prohibited to install a sololift in lowlands and recesses. Access to it should be free.
• If several devices are being installed in a house at the same time, then for each of them there must be a separate cut into the central drain of the riser.
• If the pump is mounted in such a way that the horizontal pipe is below its level and has a large length, then a 0.7 bar valve must be installed at the highest point of the pipe, which will allow air to ventilate the system after the unit is turned off.
• All pipe connections should be made with your own hands only by soldering or high-quality connections using sealant.
• It is prohibited to use flexible corrugated pipe for sewerage. Only PVC or polypropylene.

As you can see, installing a forced-air pump with your own hands is not at all difficult. And the result of the work carried out will ensure the efficiency of the sewer system.

What if the sewer outlet is located higher than the plumbing outlet? How then to organize the drainage of wastewater? In private houses, they made a pit into which wastewater was collected, and from there it was pumped with a submersible pump into the sewer or septic tank. Today there is another solution - a sewage pump. In many cases, its installation is cheaper, and even simpler - that’s for sure.

Installation and removal rules

To ensure stable operation of the pressure gauge and reduce the risk of its breakdown, follow certain rules:

1. The installation of pressure gauges must be carried out in such a way that it would be quite easy to take measurement results and carry out routine maintenance and repairs.
2. The rules define a number of conditions that determine the maximum dimensions of the distances between the measuring device and the walls of the room in which the device is installed.
3. If the pressure gauge is mounted at a height of 2 to 3 meters, the diameter of the housing must be no less than 160 mm. It is unacceptable to install pressure gauges at a height of more than three meters. This is defined in the requirements of regulatory documentation.
4. To carry out the checks of measuring instruments and equipment prescribed in the regulatory documentation when using the instruments, a three-way valve must be installed in the installation structure. Its installation location should be between the pressure gauge and the pipe (vessel).
5. When installed in conditions where it may be influenced by external external factors, for example, precipitation or high temperature, it is necessary to provide additional protection. For this purpose, so-called buffer elements, siphons and other products are used. The efficiency of the installed measuring equipment depends on how well it is protected from external influences.
6. To prevent freezing of the measuring instrument, they are provided with thermal insulation.
7. When connecting, it is necessary to vent any gas that has entered the system. To do this, slightly tighten the fixing nut on the fitting.
8. Pressure gauges that have not been verified and do not have a seal or appropriate seal on the body should not be allowed to be used for operation in networks. If the verification period has expired, or during operation it turns out that the operation differs from the standard one, then it must be removed and sent for diagnostics and repair. If damage appears on the meter body, or a crack appears on the glass, then such a device cannot be used and must be disposed of.
9. Damaged sensors are dismantled and transferred to a certified laboratory for repair work. If such a pressure gauge cannot be restored, then it is disposed of.

What to do if you put a plug

It should be recognized that companies are partly right in using such methods of forcing them to pay debts. But what should the owner of an apartment with a blocked sewer do?

You need to immediately decide who is right in this situation and who is wrong. If the debtor feels that he is in the wrong, then the most effective and simplest way is to pay the bills, after which specialists will quickly remove the plug and residents will be able to use the plumbing.

However, the reasons for non-payment may be different. If financial problems arise that prevent you from paying your bills, you should contact the company providing the service, explain the situation and solve the problem.

Options for solving the sewer blocking problem:

• Pay debts in full;
• Together with the company’s employees, create a monthly debt repayment schedule;
• Agree on a temporary deferment of payments for objective reasons;
• Write an application to the service company to restore the service, according to which the plug must be removed within two days.

The work to unblock a sewer costs about the same as installing a cap, and the debtor, under Ordinance 354, does not have to pay for this work. There is another way to remove the plug, which is used by apartment owners - this is the unauthorized removal of the blocking device from the side outlet of the sewer pipe, which is private property, without access to the common riser.

How can you increase blood pressure?

If all elements of the system are in good working order, but the working pressure in the water supply system is still not enough for a comfortable life or plumbing operation, then you need to understand the reasons for this situation. There can be two of them:

1. The water in a borehole or well is not enough for household needs.
2. There is plenty of water in the source, but the pressure in the water supply is nevertheless low.

If there is too little water in the source

The first situation can arise as a result of various design errors. The main one is that the built source cannot provide a sufficient amount of water to a private home. This can be especially true in the summer, when the water level in underground sources decreases and the need for it increases. As a result, the water supply system is fed with insufficient water.

There are two ways to solve the problem:

• Expensive: creating an additional source of water used for secondary needs, for example, for watering the site. The main water supply remains unchanged.
• More budget-friendly: installing an additional storage tank in which water will be accumulated in order to compensate for the required water supply in the future.

The size of the storage tank should be selected based on how much water the house consumes in a day or two. It's easy to calculate:

• taking a bath takes 150-300 liters per person;
• for shower – 70-120 liters per person;
• for cooking and washing dishes - up to 50 liters per family.

In order not to worry about the consumption of water from the storage tank, its volume of 1-1.5 cubic meters is sufficient. This means that it will store up to 1.5 tons of water, which is enough for a family of 3-4 people without limiting their needs.

It is better to install an additional tank in the attic if the house can support its weight. At the same time, you will have to take care of its insulation so that in winter the water does not turn into ice. But, even in the event of a power outage, water from the tank can flow by gravity to all distribution points and provide minimal sanitary amenities - hygiene and food preparation.

The storage container can be made from any material that is chemically neutral to water - food-grade metal or plastic. The tank is usually equipped with an additional control circuit that controls the water level and makes it possible to automatically fill it at night or when the owners are absent during the day.

Do-it-yourself work with pipe plugs

It is worth noting that the assembly instructions will be provided as general and universal. That is, the scheme will be given in a way that everyone can apply in practice, without the presence of any expensive tools and consumables.

So, step-by-step installation of sewer plugs.

On a plastic pipe

In this case, you need to act something like this:

1. A cork is taken and its outer surface is covered with any plumbing silicone. If silicone is not used, there will not be a truly airtight connection. This means that both odors and noise from the flow of various liquids through the pipes will penetrate into the room. (See also the article Connecting a toilet to a sewer: features.)
2. There is a special groove inside the pipe outlet - as a rule, it contains a rubber rim, which also significantly affects the level of tightness. So, if such a rubber gasket is missing, then it must be inserted. In principle, an elastic band from any manufacturer should be suitable.
3. The rubber band is also lubricated with silicone.
4. The fitting is inserted into the pipe. If the diameter does not match and the part cannot be inserted as expected, then you can try to lubricate it with a small amount of oil and screw it in, as it were.

Blocked metal pipes

Typically, a metal sewer line is made of either cast iron or steel. In the first case, you can try to find a “native” lid at a flea market, but in the second you will have to be smart.

In fact, a plug for a steel sewer pipe is the same standard plug, but the difficulty is that it is difficult to find the required diameter of the product.

Therefore, if you can’t find a ready-made lid, try the following methods:

1. Make a part from a wooden chopstick, which is treated with silicone or liquid glass. The essence of the method is that if a wooden cork comes into contact with water or is exposed to moist air, the wood will swell. And due to this property, we will obtain the required level of tightness and a strong connection.

1. Install a hydraulic seal. Essentially, it is just a cement mortar that hardens even when under water. Naturally, you don’t just need to pour it into the hole - first insert something like a lid made of strong polyethylene into the pipe so that the mixture does not flow into the riser before it hardens.

And it’s probably also worth considering how to remove such elements from pipes.

How to plug a pipe without threads

As long as pipes are used in plumbing, there are plugs on them. These details are usually given undeservedly little attention, but they are also part of the tightness of the entire pipeline and must clearly perform their functions. In this article we will look at their main types and purposes.

Photos of various plugs

Plugs are used in the following situations:

1. During pipe transportation. This helps prevent the product from receiving internal damage.

Handling pipes with end caps

1. To block the end of a branch of a water supply, sewer or gas pipeline. After all, all pipelines must end somewhere, and it is the plug that is responsible for the necessary sealing of such a place.

Plastic plug for sewer pipe

1. When repairing a damaged area. Especially if it is impossible to shut down the entire system, but it is necessary to isolate the recovery site by stopping the flow of the pipeline contents.

Pipe plug: selection, installation and removal on your own

Pipe plugs can be used for a wide variety of purposes. They are most often used for the safe transportation of pipes, to prevent leaks, and also as decorative elements. What types of plugs there are and how to choose a device that meets certain requirements, read on.

Fittings for temporary or permanent closure of various pipes

Selection of stubs

The choice of plugs should be based on several factors:

• type of fitting;
• selection of the material from which the plug is made;
• rules of application.

What types of stubs are there?

First of all, the classification of plugs is carried out according to the material from which the devices can be made. The following materials are used:

Metal. The most popular are plugs made of steel and brass. The metal pipe plug is strong enough, so it can be used for gas, water and sewer pipes. The only drawback is susceptibility to corrosion.

Fitting made of brass

Plastic and polyethylene. Such fittings are not subject to corrosion, but can become deformed when exposed to high temperatures and sunlight. The plastic plug is not very expensive and can be used as an internal plug for pipes.

Pipe fitting made of plastic

Chromed metal. The plug made of this material is the most expensive. It is practically not subject to corrosion. Mainly used as a decorative element. For example, plugs for fence pipes.

Decorative element for pipes made of chrome steel

Rubber. Rubber pipe plugs are used to protect pipelines from dirt and debris. As a rule, they are not used as holding elements, since they are very plastic and cannot be securely fastened.

Installation stages

Work on installing the pumping station is carried out in the following sequence:

• Determine the installation location of the pump. As a rule, it is installed at the lowest point of the sewer.
• The fasteners included with the pump are installed on a prepared site.
• Mount the device itself and check the reliability of its position. The pump station must stand level, without distortions or forced turns relative to the inlet/outlet of the collector.
• Rubber hoses included in the kit are connected to the inlet/outlet holes of the pump.
• The hoses are connected to the collector pipes using special fittings.
• All joints are additionally treated with sealant.
• The assembled system is connected to electricity.

What materials are the threaded plugs made of?

The classification is based on the material of manufacture. There are two groups here - plastic and metal. The latter are more widespread. They are represented by four groups:

• steel;
• made of stainless steel;
• cast iron;
• brass.

Steel

Threaded steel plug is the most popular version of this type of shut-off valve. More often they use a product with a diameter of up to 65 mm. Apply a plug:

• in plumbing systems;
• gas pipelines;
• oil pipelines;
• chemical and food industry;
• mechanical engineering.

Steel is a material that has increased resistance to chemically active substances. Especially those that have high oxidative characteristics. Therefore, a steel plug can be installed on material pipelines through which various acids move.

Stainless steel

In terms of its characteristics, this type of shut-off valve is not inferior to the previous one. But it also has its advantages - stainless steel does not corrode in an aquatic environment, which is important in water supply and plumbing networks.

More often, stainless steel plugs are made from AISI 304 or AISI 316 steel. This is the most versatile type in terms of size range. The diameter of the proposed plugs varies in the range of 6-100 mm. Therefore, they are often used in the automotive industry, where it is necessary to plug engine cooling radiators.

Stainless steel threaded plug

Cast iron

This type of threaded plugs was mainly used in water supply, sewer and heating systems that were assembled from cast iron pipes. Today, due to the fact that cast iron has been completely replaced by plastic, the need for them has disappeared. But they are still used in heating.

The variety, which is called a radiator plug, is still very popular today. It is made by casting with subsequent finishing - cutting right or left threads.

Products of this type are made from gray cast iron, so they have good technical and operational characteristics:

• high strength;
• affordable price;
• high anti-corrosion resistance;
• resistance to aggressive environments;
• long service life.

Brass

Threaded brass plugs are manufactured using hot stamping technology. Therefore, the material is always homogeneous, and the product has precise dimensional parameters, which reduces the cost. The absence of large additional operations associated with modification makes it possible to reduce the price.

Brass is a ductile material. This makes it possible to use plugs on pipelines through which media with high or low temperatures move. They easily tolerate temperature changes.

Other advantages:

• high strength;
• low magnetic conductivity;
• good anti-corrosion properties.

There is only one drawback - a short service life when in contact with aggressive environments.

Plastic screw plugs

Plastic, as a material cheaper than metal, today has begun to replace the latter almost everywhere. Plastic threaded plugs have replaced all other analogues, wherever possible. And the point here is not only in price, but in practicality. Plastic plugs:

1. Do not corrode.
2. They easily tolerate changes in temperature and pressure.
3. Easily cope with some aggressive environments.
4. They have a low specific gravity with high strength and reliability of the product.
5. They are distinguished by a wide range of standard sizes.
6. They are characterized by 100% environmental friendliness.

In addition, the technology for the production of plastic products makes it possible to produce them:

• different colors;
• with a logo;
• different configurations;
• different thickness.

It is also possible to take into account other customer wishes.

At the same time, during installation, plastic plugs do not require winding FUM tape onto the pipe threads, as should be done with metal analogues. To seal and seal the joint, additional gaskets and cuffs made of a softer polymer are used.

Plastic Pipe Plug

Rubber screw plugs

Separate from the above-mentioned plugs there are rubber ones. They are rarely used in engineering systems. More often, such plugs are installed on pipes that are being prepared for transportation.

They are often installed in a pipe system that is being prepared for pressure testing. Rubber products are used in the furniture industry - medical and school furniture, exercise equipment.

Choosing a high-quality plug for a profile pipe - the main characteristics of this type of plug are in the article at the link.

The principle of operation of the sewerage system

Let's look at how a public or individual sewer system works:

Centralized networks

The design and composition of centralized systems are approximately clear to most users, although almost no one has a detailed understanding. The composition of the network has a strict order, although outwardly it may look chaotic. The internal sewage system is connected to the external part of the system, which consists of several groups:

• yard;
• street;
• collectors.

External networks have a non-pressure structure, i.e. wastewater moves by gravity. To do this, all pipelines are installed at a certain slope, determined by SNiP or departmental standards. The organization of external networks is carried out according to different types:

• alloy. Both domestic and storm water are sent to a single receiver;
• separate. For storm and domestic wastewater, own collectors are used, not combined into one complex;
• semi-separated. A common alloy collector is used, but the wastewater is delivered through separate lines.

Wastewater contains a large number of active or aggressive components. This is especially noticeable in industrial systems, where a large amount of enterprise waste enters the wastewater. This puts forward specific requirements for the material of pipelines and wells. In their production we use:

• cast iron;
• polyethylene;
• polypropylene;
• fiberglass;
• polyvinyl chloride;
• reinforced concrete pipes and rings for collectors.

There are pipes made from other materials, but they are short-lived and are currently practically not used.

Advice from professionals

It is advisable to choose pipes and fittings produced by the same manufacturer. This makes it more likely that they will fit together perfectly.

When installing temporary plugs, the integrity of the seal should be checked. It should be remembered that over time, rubber dries out and decreases in volume. You should change the gaskets every 2-3 years without waiting for leaks.

Pneumatic plugs must not be pushed into the common riser. There is a risk of damaging not only the shut-off device, but also the pipeline.

Principles and features of installation of various types of plugs

When screwing in the plug, it is important not to strip the thread.

The pipe jamming device can be installed in different ways depending on its design features. The following actions are performed:

• Screwing in. This method is used to install a threaded fitting. Before installing it, you must use fum tape and sealant. They will additionally protect the system from leakage. The tape is wound in a small layer on the outer part of the fitting and screwed on. The threaded plug is screwed in by hand until it stops, but without excessive tension.
• Welding. Suitable if an elliptical element is being installed. It is possible to achieve complete tightness of communication. In this case, the work should only be carried out by a specialist. The welded plug is installed for a long period and is not suitable if any repair work is expected to be carried out on the communication section in the near future.
• Use of bolts and nuts. This method is used to install a flange muffler. Before installation, you need to place a seal between the fitting and the pipe. It, in turn, is selected in accordance with the permissible temperature values ​​for a particular system and the pressure requirements in it.
• Air injection. The water supply plug can be installed in several stages. Water is removed from the pipe, a hole is made in the desired section of the system, a fitting is inserted and air is pumped into it. Expanding, the walls of the plug fit tightly to the inside of the pipe. Remove the pneumatic fitting upon completion of the repair work. To do this, you just need to pump out the air from the rubber stopper and remove it.

Tips for choosing

When searching for plugs on the market, you should pay attention not only to metal products - there are other interesting materials. The main requirement can be formulated as follows: the material of the selected plugs should not conflict with the pipes themselves.

A good option for blocking pipes are elliptical plugs. True, they are only suitable for installation for a long time in a pipeline that is not in use. This metal plug for water pipes is installed exclusively by welding. For the manufacture of these locking parts, different types of steel are used, but the requirements for all types of elliptical plugs are the same - they must operate at pressures up to 16 MPa and temperatures ranging from -70 to +450 degrees.

There is another type of closing elements for pipes - a compression fitting. This device is a type of crimp plugs, but differs from them in the presence of a split ring that allows you to close pipeline elements located in open space.

The main advantage of compression fittings is their very simple installation, which requires only a pair of adjustable wrenches. The lack of need for special equipment has allowed these types of locking elements to become quite popular. The most commonly used devices are diameters of 16, 20, 26 and 32 mm.

Using a compression fitting, you can achieve complete tightness of the structure without using welding or bolting. The design of the ferrules includes good materials, giving the finished elements a high level of vibration fatigue and the ability to withstand high pressure. In addition, compression fittings for steel pipes are varied enough that they can be installed several times.

The design of compression metal plugs includes the following elements:

• Frame;
• Sealing ring;
• Split ferrule;
• Compression nut.

The fitting is designed quite simply, but at the same time demonstrates high performance characteristics.

Features of application

Another type of metal pipe plugs is flanged products, made in the form of a blind flange. Installation of such blockers is very simple: just take the bolts and use them to fix the flange on the pipe. Of course, you need to select an appropriate plug that can withstand operating pressure and temperature, and use materials to seal the connection. Flange plugs are suitable for pipes over 2 inches in diameter.

For metal pipelines, simple steel plugs can also be used. This method of blocking a pipe is very simple and reliable - a steel sheet is welded to the end of the pipe that needs to be plugged, which is subsequently cleaned and painted for a better look. The result is a reliable plug for a gas pipe or water supply network.

In addition, steel products are well suited for arranging various design solutions. In particular, such elements can often be found in the design of various metal buildings and fences. Often plugs of complex configurations are created from steel, so you have to work with them very carefully.

At first glance, it may seem that decorative plugs are of no practical value. This statement is fundamentally incorrect - a welded steel part prevents corrosion of the pipe itself, and this quality is relevant even in the case of galvanized pipes, which always begin to rust from the end.

The pipe, which was cut in preparation for the installation of the necessary structure, loses its zinc coating, which is why corrosion begins to affect the metal. Of course, this leads to a loss of visual qualities of the fence, but this is far from the biggest problem.

The main trouble lies in the accelerated destruction of the structure, which can be prevented with the help of conventional plugs. In addition, the welded steel sheet will protect the pipe from foreign objects, including organic ones, which, when rotting, have a negative effect on the metal.

Application of metal plugs

Metal pipe plugs are used in the following cases:

1. If necessary, close the communication network to protect against foreign objects. As a rule, plugs are installed on the pipeline if it is not in danger of being installed in the near future. Sometimes there are situations when it is necessary to turn off the system, and then the structure can be equipped with shut-off valves.
2. When dismantling individual parts of the pipeline. Pipelines often have to be disassembled, and most systems have several operating circuits. Taking this factor into account, plugs can be used to block sections of the system without completely stopping it, which often turns out to be quite important.

Of course, the examples given cannot be called exhaustive - stubs can be used in other situations. Only the most common cases in which blocking the pipeline is necessary have been described above.

Installation: step by step instructions

Installation work is carried out in two stages: preparation for installation, and making connections.

First stage (preparatory):

1. Determination of connection points and the required number of valves.
2. Procurement of necessary materials and equipment.
3. Preparation of the workplace and tools.

Second stage (main):

1. Make the necessary switches.
2. When working on an existing pipeline, a tap is made at a selected point and an adapter is installed. Installation on newly installed sewer systems is carried out on the sockets of vertical risers or through tees on horizontal sections.
3. Clean the bell and valve body insert from dirt.
4. Install the sealing ring into the groove on the socket.
5. If the valve is mounted on a cast iron pipeline, a special adapter is installed in the socket.
6. The housing insert is lubricated with glycerin or soap solution for better sliding.
7. Then carefully, without distortions, insert it into the socket of the riser or tee until it stops.
8. Check the quality of the connection of parts for leaks. If necessary, the pipeline together with the installation is fixed with a clamp or supported on a bracket.

With all the advantages of vacuum sewer valves, you need to remember that they are not a panacea for all ills and are inferior in efficiency to ventilated drain risers.

Make it yourself or buy it

Independent production of locking devices requires professional skills and a set of special equipment. The sewer system is subject to increased requirements in terms of reliability and tightness.

In the retail chain you can purchase ready-made plugs or parts for their manufacture. It is advisable to take on such work yourself only in cases where the necessary products are not available for sale or their cost is excessively high.

Choosing an aerator

Before you buy an aerator for your sewer system, you need to know how to choose it correctly. Experts recommend that before purchasing, you familiarize yourself with the internal sewage system in a private house, find out its weaknesses and decide on the appropriate type of device.

Before purchasing an aerator, you need to consider the following nuances:

• type of sewerage pipeline in a private house;
• nominal pressure level in the riser;
• dimensions of the valve pipe mechanism;
• installation method;
• material of the aeration valve and its strength level;
• type of aerator (membrane, anti-vacuum, etc.);
• the ability to smoothly adjust the device in the event of a breakdown;
• valve operating mechanism;
• the presence in the design of a specialized unit that prevents the penetration of microorganisms and bacteria from the sewer into the premises.

The most important selection criterion is the diameter of the pipe. At the same time, you need to focus on certain tasks that the installation of a sewer air valve must perform. The sewer valve is very important for the proper operation of the drainage system in the house.

Types of aerators

Experts group aerators into groups based on various characteristics.

At the installation location:

• to the main riser;
• for draining plumbing fixtures (sinks, washbasins).

According to the principle of operation:

• automatic. These are the most common gravitational mechanisms. They are used in apartments and country houses because they do not have a large throughput;
• anti-vacuum. They work not only for air intake, but also for air exhaust. They can ensure reliable operation of several systems at once;
• combined. The mechanism combines the properties of both previous types.

By type of execution:

• membrane The role of the vacuum valve of the aerator is a rubber gasket, which bends under high pressure and allows the required amount of air to pass through;
• cylindrical. These are the highest quality devices, made of durable metal and equipped with a threaded cap that serves as a check valve. Such designs are intended for sewerage in a private house or small apartment;
• lever Such devices are made of high quality metal. The check valve is located on a special lever, which rises under high air pressure from the sewerage system and lowers under the influence of its own weight.

The most common devices are models that are designed for installation on a pipeline with a diameter of 110 mm. They are often installed near the main riser so that they instantly respond to any change in pressure and maintain the water seals of plumbing mechanisms.

Valve diameter

The diameter of the aerator valve comes in two types: 50 and 110 millimeters. These numbers correspond to the diameter of the pipeline where the device is supposed to be installed.

The first type is used on locally running branches of the system. In many cases, such aerators are installed in country houses or small apartments with an inclined or horizontal pipe arrangement.

This method prevents the pipeline from clogging and protects against the negative effects of too low temperatures in winter.

This device is also used for auxiliary risers, since thanks to the valve, only one riser can be brought to the roof.

Sewer aerator 50

Such a device can only cope with a small amount of waste, so it is mounted directly on the drain from sinks or toilets. There are certain rules to install a vacuum valve for sewer ventilation.

The mechanism can only be connected to a pipeline with the smallest diameter. A 50 mm aerator is connected after the very last drain hole and installed at the highest point of the riser.

Sewer aerator 110

These aeration units can easily handle huge quantities of liquid and are connected to a main riser with a diameter of 110 mm, or a valve is placed at the end of the aeration pipe. They are available with both internal and convenient external mounting mounts.

Their main advantage is that there is no need to route the pipeline through the roof and floor slabs. They also have automatic pressure regulation, are distinguished by a simple installation method for sewer pipes with a cross-section of 110 mm and a fairly low price.

Do you have an aerator installed? Yes 9.09%

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Methods for measuring pressure

Theoretical knowledge of standard values ​​​​relating to water pressure allows us to move on to practice, which gives an answer to the question of how to measure water pressure at home in a tap or other water points in an apartment.

Application of stationary pressure gauges

The main device for measuring pressure in water supply lines is a pressure gauge. There are several types of devices for this purpose, differing in design and operating principle.

The most common type of water pressure reading device is a mechanical pressure gauge. It is reliable in operation, has an easy to read scale of values ​​and an information dial

Often, monitoring the water pressure in an apartment is limited to the readings of a device installed at the boundary separating the intra-apartment and central pipelines. However, in reality, the readings of such a pressure gauge will not be entirely correct and will be accepted with some errors.

This is due to the fact that all pressure losses on the elements of the apartment’s internal wiring (filters, tees, shut-off and control valves) are not taken into account. In addition, the free water pressure is affected by turns and sections with changes in pipeline cross-sections.

Therefore, the best option is to equip all entrances to water consumption points in the apartment with pressure gauges. This is quite accessible at the stages of housing construction or during repair work to replace water supply pipelines.

Using a portable pressure gauge

A special feature of the portable measuring device is its versatility and the possibility of simple installation on pipelines and equally simple dismantling.

The use of this method allows you to measure water pressure directly at the inlet of each plumbing fixture that affects its pressure.

You can assemble a mobile pressure gauge with your own hands by improving a purchased factory device. To do this you need: 1 - a regular water pressure gauge with a scale of up to 6 bar; 2 - threaded extension; 3—adapter from 3/8-inch pressure gauge thread to half-inch extension thread

Fum tape is used to seal threaded connections.

The most convenient connection point for measuring water pressure is the shower.

The measurement algorithm is as follows:

1. The shower head is unscrewed from the hose.
2. A pressure gauge is mounted on the hose.
3. The shower tap opens.
4. The pressure is measured.

To take correct readings from the device, it is necessary to get rid of the air plug during the measurement process. It can be eliminated by several switches of the mixer from the tap to the shower or by opening and closing another tap in the water supply system.

If there is no appropriate adapter, then instead you can select a hose with a diameter that allows you to connect it to a pressure gauge. The connection to the shower hose in this case is made through a fitting with a ½-inch thread.

Instrumentless pressure detection

This method allows you to measure water pressure at the point of connection to plumbing fixtures with a certain degree of error without the use of special measuring devices.

To take measurements, you need to purchase a transparent PVC hose/tube about two meters long and with a diameter that allows you to connect it to a water tap

An experiment using a transparent PVC hose is carried out according to the following procedure:

1. One end of the hose is connected to the disassembly point, positioned and, preferably, fixed in a vertical position.
2. The tap opens and the tube is filled with water to the mark corresponding to the bottom of the tap (zero level).
3. The top hole is hermetically sealed.
4. The water tap is opened to maximum pressure.
5. The height of the water column is measured from the zero level to the lower boundary of the air plug (H).
6. The height of the air plug (h) is fixed.

Distance measurements should not be carried out immediately, but after 1-2 minutes, after an air plug forms in the hose under water pressure from an open tap.

The formula for calculating the approximate value of water pressure from an open tap, when using a transparent hose as a pressure gauge, will be as follows. P=Ratm × (N + h) / h

The value of Ratm is taken to be the value of the atmospheric pressure in the tube before the start of the experiment - 1 atm.

Methods

If you have such an obstacle in the sewer, you can use the following methods, each of which is capable of one or another

Effectively rid the toilet of a plug:

• fully repay the debt for services to public utilities (then the sewer plug will be officially removed);
• pull it out with your own hands by dismantling the toilet, or dismantling part of the sewer pipe;
• use chemicals (they are poured through an open inspection, if there is one).

With the first option, everything is clear - here you only need to deposit money. For the rest, prepare the following tools:

• a hook or metal hook with a long handle;
• hammer;
• flashlight (preferably small);
• wrenches or adjustable;
• pliers.

The use of chemicals can result in clogging of the entire riser, which will deprive your neighbors of the opportunity to use the sewer. They definitely won’t say “thank you” to you for this.

When trying to remove a drain blocker yourself, keep in mind that no one can give you a 100% guarantee of a favorable outcome.

Technical specifications

Household sewer pumping units have the following technical parameters:

• power. This is the main value on which the remaining capabilities of the device depend;
• height of liquid rise. Measured in meters, it shows to what height a given pump can supply wastewater;
• pipeline length. This value determines the length of the pipes with a slight slope towards the pump;
• wastewater temperature. For domestic installations this is an important value as the wastewater can be very hot. There are models with a temperature limit of up to +45°, there are more stable ones with an operating value of up to +85°;
• number of receiving pipes. Powerful models have 2 or 3 of them, low-power units have only one inlet and supply pipes;
• availability of additional components and devices. These include shredders and filters for removing odors.

When purchasing, compare the parameters of the pumping unit and the features of the drainage system. First of all, they determine the power of the device, then consider other indicators.

Adjusting pressure in autonomous water supply systems of country houses

The water supply system of a country house, as a rule, draws water from an autonomous source - a well or borehole. Therefore, the pumping station is responsible for the pressure in such a water supply system - a simple unit consisting of a hydraulic accumulator, a pump and a control unit.

The principle of operation of such a station is as follows: the pump pumps water into the accumulator, which releases the liquid to the consumer, and the control unit turns the pump motor on or off, responding to changes in pressure in the accumulator. Simply put: if there is no water in the accumulator, then the pressure in the accumulator drops and the pump works, and if there is, then the pressure in the accumulator increases and the pump turns off. Accordingly, by opening the tap valve in the house, we empty the battery of liquid, simultaneously starting the station pump.

Therefore, pressure regulation in autonomous water supply systems is carried out by calibrating the control unit, which is set to a minimum value - the “starting” pressure that turns on the pump, and a maximum value - the pressure at which the pump will turn off. By raising the starting pressure, we increase the maximum pressure in the water supply. Accordingly, by reducing the maximum value, we reduce the peak pressure in the autonomous water supply system.

Technically, the adjustment process looks like loosening or tightening two spring-loaded screws hidden in the control unit housing. Moreover, detailed adjustment instructions are attached to the documentation set for each pumping station.

In addition, the pressure in the autonomous water supply can be adjusted by adjusting the hydraulic accumulator. To do this you need to do the following:

• The pump of the station is turned off, after which you need to open the taps in the house, draining the water from the battery.
• Next, a regular bicycle or car pump is connected to the battery nipple, with which you can raise the pressure in the empty part of the battery, separated from the filled area by a membrane.
• After pumping air, a pressure gauge is mounted on the battery nipple, releasing the pressure to the required value (usually 1.5-2 atmospheres).

By completing these steps, you can change the pressure in the water supply without complex adjustments to the control unit. Therefore, most owners of pumping stations resort to this method of calibrating pressure in their autonomous water supply systems.

How to dampen the speed of water movement

The damping of the flow force is achieved due to the difference in the wastewater level. The design of a standard damper well allows reducing the pressure by 17-20%. The deeper it is, the more the waste flow will slow down.

In multi-stage wells, water moves along planes located at different levels. In this case, the next plane is lower than the previous one, like steps. The flow rate decreases repeatedly as the water moves through the cascade.

The flow rate is slowed down by the thickness of the water in the reservoir (the pool) into which it hits. Installing an additional partition (water trap) further reduces the flow rate. Instead of a partition, a special grill can be fixed.

The pressure is reduced by a 90º swivel elbow installed on the incoming pipe.

If large debris is found in wastewater, the well is equipped with a trash basket (grid). It will trap floating objects and prevent pipes from clogging. The trash basket also reduces the speed of wastewater.

At what values ​​does the equipment function normally?

Modern apartments are often filled with a variety of appliances directly connected to the water supply system - automatic washing machines, dishwashers, massage showers, etc.

Each of these complex technical devices has its own technical characteristics, which, among other parameters, determine the minimum permissible pressure in the water supply network. For each device these indicators are different:

• Washing machines and dishwashers of standard type require a pressure of approximately 1 bar. Ideally, for their best functioning, the recommended pressure is about 2 bar. True, the latest models of this technology have adjustable inlet valves, which can open at a pressure of 0.3...0.5 bar.
• Plumbing equipment can already function at a pressure of 0.2 bar. True, using a washbasin from which water flows in a thin stream will be very uncomfortable.
• For plumbing fixtures designed for high pressure (jacuzzi or hydromassage shower), much higher pressure will be required - 3-4 bar. Therefore, if in your water supply system the maximum pressure does not exceed 1.5-2 bar, it will be absolutely impractical to purchase such expensive devices - they will not function at full capacity.
• An automatic watering system for a lawn or beds requires about 3.5 bar.

tools and materials

In order to carry out work on blocking water pipes of any type, you will need consumables and the following tools:

• a hacksaw or a so-called “grinder”;
• file (rasp) for removing burrs from the ends of pipes;
• sharp mounting knife;
• thread-cutting device (if necessary);
• plugs and screw plugs used for temporary and permanent blocking of pipes;
• silicate glue (sealant);
• a welding device with a set of nozzles or a construction hair dryer (for sealing plastic pipes).

Finally, let us remind you that work on blocking the end holes of pipes, in most cases, does not require special skill from the performer. At the same time, virtually all working tools (with a few exceptions) are constantly available in any household.

A plug for a water pipe is an element of shut-off valves used as permanent or temporary measures to eliminate water leaks. During the installation of a water supply system, situations arise when you need to plug a pipe, and this is where a plug comes to the rescue.

What can affect the water pressure in the apartment?

According to accepted SNiPs, the standard water pressure at the level of the 1st floor should be about 1 atm.

With each new floor, the nominal pressure in the network should increase by 0.4 atm. Thus, the standard water pressure in the tap on the tenth floor will already be 5 atm. However, this does not always happen. There are several reasons for insufficient pressure, and if you establish them correctly, you can increase its indicator to the standard:

• Pipeline clogged. The most common cause of insufficient pressure in the tap. This problem is common with steel and cast iron pipes, where sediment forms on the inner walls over time. The solution to the problem in this case is to replace old pipes with new ones, preferably made of plastic.
• Clogged coarse water filter. They are placed in front of water meters and are subject to regular cleaning to restore passability.
• A clogged aerator - a special mesh sometimes installed on the spout of the faucet - can also lead to a decrease in the measured pressure in the water supply. By cleaning it, you can often increase the pressure of the flowing water.

If the listed measures do not lead to significant results, then the reason for the poor pressure lies in the insufficient power of the supply pumping station. Also, due to an oversight by specialists, the shut-off valves at the entrance of the pipeline branch from the central main to the house may be partially blocked.

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