Pipes for domestic sewage in the house: a comparative overview of modern types of pipes

Uninterrupted operation of the sewer system depends on a competent choice of components and the correct installation of the network. Often, home craftsmen equip engineering systems on their own and are faced with a priority question: which pipes for sewage in a house are better in technical and financial terms.

We will help to understand a difficult question. In the article proposed by us, all types of pipes used are described, their positive and negative sides are listed. The material is systematized so that it is easier to compare product characteristics, service life, cost and application practice.

Requirements for Pipes

Sewerage system of the house - a network of engineering communications, designed to drain sewage from private and high-rise buildings. The movement of waste is carried out spontaneously in accordance with gravitational laws. The entire communication complex includes a network of internal and external piping.

The internal sewage system consists of plumbing fixtures, filter units for pre-treatment of wastewater, pipelines, risers, collectors and branch lines located within the house.

Sewer pipes have a different color, indicating the purpose of the product. Gray or white color - installation of the internal house line, red or orange color - arrangement of the external sewage system

Operating conditions, technical parameters, pipe prices for outdoor and indoor installation differ from each other.The sewer network in the house does not experience intense load and is used in gentle conditions - the pipeline is laid inside the building and closed with decorative panels.

Basic requirements for an intra-house drainage line:

1. Strength. Despite the “facilitated” operating conditions, the pipes must withstand mechanical loads and the pressure of the waste fluid flows.
2. Bio and heat resistance. The material of manufacture must be chemically inert to aggressive components (cleaning products, etc.) contained in the withdrawn masses. Important - resistance to high temperatures.
3. Smoothness. Lack of gaps of an internal covering of a pipe provides unhindered movement of waste. Even minor roughnesses over time cause a reduction in the bore and clogging of the sewage system.
4. Convenience of installation. Light weight and ease of connection of individual elements facilitate the assembly of the drain line.

An additional requirement is the compatibility of the internal pipeline with the sanitary facilities of the room and the elements of the external sewer network.

The rules for organizing house sewage are set out in SP 30.13330.2012 and SNiP 2.04.01. The standards allow the use of pipes made of materials that maintain stable hydraulic resistance for 25 years

When choosing pipes for domestic sewage Three main criteria should be taken into account: material of manufacture, section diameter and manufacturer. Let us dwell in more detail on each of the parameters.

Technical and operational characteristics of different pipes

Two categories of pipelines are most popular: cast iron and plastic modifications. Over the past ten years, cast-iron pipes have lost the lead to polymer counterparts due to their corrosion resistance, reliability and lightness.

Cast Iron - Durability and Strength

The basis for the manufacture of cast iron pipes is iron ore. Some characteristics of the material correspond to the properties of steel, but due to the high oxygen content, cast iron products are characterized by increased wear resistance.

In the manufacture of sewer pipes, the centrifugal and semi-continuous casting technique is used. The first method allows casting "reinforcement" of any diameter, length and thickness. According to GOST, all outlet pipes are equipped with sockets.

According to statistics, the lowest percentage of accidents on cast-iron sewer lines. Many manufacturers provide a guarantee of 80 years, in practice this figure reaches 100 years

Advantages of cast-iron systems:

• high strength subject to installation rules;
• environmental Safety;
• good indicator of sound insulation;
• wear resistance;
• preservation of the form during the entire service life;
• fire resistance;
• resistance to different temperatures, atmospheric changes, chemicals and mechanical factors.

In order to prevent the appearance of a corrosive “plaque” the pipes and fittings mounted on them are treated from the inside with oil bitumen or enameled. In addition, this measure somewhat smoothes the roughness of the cast-iron surface.

Despite the strong arguments in favor of the traditional material, the high cost and laboriousness of installation work led to a decline in demand for cast iron pipes.

Additional disadvantages:

• the presence of roughness, contributing to the appearance of deposits and blockages;
• susceptibility to point impact.

To ensure complete sealing of the line, it is necessary to precisely adjust the linear dimensions of the connecting parts.

Pig-iron pig-iron products intended for arranging an intra-house sewer network are produced in three running standard sizes: 50, 100, 150 mm

Polyvinyl chloride - practicality

Polyvinyl chloride is a thermoplastic polymer that is resistant to acidic compounds, solvents, alkaline substances and mineral oils. The operating temperature range ranges from -15 ° C to + 66 ° C. Due to its technical properties, the material is used in the production of pipes for laying internal pressureless sewers.

The most promising raw materials for the production of sewer and water pipes, experts consider unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (vinyl plastic) - a type of PVC with a more rigid structure.

Distinctive features of NPVH pipes:

1. Duration of operation. Due to its resistance to corrosion processes and the "indifference" to chemicals, the service life is tens of years.
2. The ease of the pipeline. Due to the low specific gravity, the material has a small weight, which facilitates and accelerates the assembly of the sewer line.
3. The smoothness of the coating. Absolutely flat, without any roughness, the inner surface reduces the risk of clogging of the pipeline.
4. Arrangement of complex paths. A wide selection of mounting elements simplifies the design and installation of intricate drainage lines.
5. Affordable cost compared to metal counterparts.

Compared to steel, copper and polyethylene pipes, PVC products are characterized by high physical and biological inertness.

PVC pipes have high hygienic qualities - bacteria are not retained on their surface and colonies from pathogens are not created

It is convenient to reconstruct the PVC system if it is necessary to install additional plumbing and "tapping" the outlet pipe to the common riser.

Giving preference to PVC highways, you should consider the nuances:

• with prolonged high-temperature exposure (70 ° and above), the plastic becomes brittle;
• concentrated organic solvents are able to "corrode" and change the structure of PVC.

PVC and PVC-reinforcement contains chlorine. When burning, plastic smokes and emits corrosive toxic substances.

Polypropylene - resistance to adverse effects

Polypropylene pipes are superior to polyvinyl chloride in some respects. Advantages of PP products:

1. The elasticity of the material explains the resistance of pipes to mechanical shocks - polypropylene is slightly deformed, maintaining integrity, and is restored to its original state.
2. Suppose contact with an acidic environment. This quality increases their wear resistance and allows us to talk about the safe disposal of PP waste.
3. High rate of heat resistance. Allowable exposure temperature up to + 90 ° С, with a short-term increase to + 100 ° С, the PP-highway retains the declared qualities.

Frost resistance depends on raw material additives and the quality of pipe products. The spread of indicators within 10-50 ° C is below zero.

PP pipes along with PVC products are designed for long-term operation. Technological engineers, citing laboratory tests, declare a period of up to 90-100 years

The above characteristics are characteristic of products manufactured in accordance with GOST. Here the question of choosing a manufacturer will play a paramount role.

Basic information about the characteristics of a PP pipe can be found in its marking. Knurling is applied over the entire length of the product with an interval of 2-4 m.

Marking displays:

• brand name;
• type of raw material (B - block copolymer, R - random copolymer, PP - polypropylene, H - homopolymer);
• outer diameter (10-1200 mm), wall thickness;
• permissible working pressure.

It should be remembered that a thicker PP-pipe wall should correspond to a high rate of nominal pressure.

To organize the internal sewer line, pipes with a section of 40-110 mm, a thickness of 1.8-2.7 mm are usually used. This is enough in conditions of pressure-free operation.

Polyethylene - Product Flexibility and Availability

When wondering which pipe to use for home or apartment sewerage, it is worth paying attention to products made of polyethylene (PE). The material is formed during the polymerization of ethylene with the addition of catalysts.

Operational characteristics depend on the qualitative composition and conditions of the reaction (pressure and temperature). HDPE pipes are used for the sewer line.

Polyethylene obtained by the polymerization of hydrocarbons under low pressure has the following characteristics:

• recommended operating temperature - not more than + 40 ° С, short-term jumps up to + 60 ° С are permissible;
• the ability to expand by 5-7% of the initial state explains the flexibility of the material and resistance to shock;
• low thermal conductivity - the formation of condensate on the pipes is minimal;
• lack of reaction in contact with transported waste of different origin (organics, chemicals).

Polyethylene pipes have many inherent advantages of the “plastic line”: low cost, corrosion resistance, lightness of material and ease of assembly of the sewage engineering network.

Docking of the elements of the line is carried out by the method in the socket through a rubber sealing ring or by thermal welding using a soldering iron for polymer pipes

PE products are inferior to PP and PVC pipes in terms of wear resistance - with regular abrasive exposure to trash, the surface of the polyethylene is quickly worn away.

Steel - “rigidity” of the sewer line

Steel pipes provide strength and rigidity of the engineering network. The material retains the slope of the system and withstands high temperature loads.

However, the disadvantages of steel sewers are more serious:

• susceptibility to decay - when used to drain gray drains, painting or bitumen treatment is required; applying a waterproofing layer reduces the resistance to temperature from 700 ° C to 60 ° C;
• pipe joining is performed by threaded connection or welding - both methods make steel more vulnerable to corrosion.

The steel line is characterized by a high frequency of clogging - the diameter of the pipeline narrows due to the appearance of rusty deposits.

Steel pipes are more expensive than plastic counterparts, so their use is not justified from both practical and financial side

Alternative materials: asbestos cement and ceramics

Asbestos-cement and ceramic pipelines are rarely installed in private households and apartments. However, it is worth noting their technical and operational nuances.

Asbestos-cement pipes are made on the basis of Portland cement and asbestos fibers. Due to the complexity of installation, limited standard sizes and low strength, their use in sewer system not relevant.

Characteristics of asbestos cement: service life - 25 years, available diameters - 10-50 cm, working temperature - 160 ° C. The clogging frequency is the same as for cast-iron communications.

Technical parameters of ceramics slightly exceed the quality of cast iron pipes:

• resistance to corrosion - 100%;
• immunity to alkaline, acid compounds and other aggressive components;
• temperature resistance - ceramics can withstand temperatures of 1000 ° C or more;
• dimensions - 15-60 cm, wall thickness - 19 mm.

Ceramic pipes are in little demand due to the high cost and difficulties of self-assembly of the engineering network.

The likelihood of clogging is minimal - this is a consequence of smooth internal walls and the absence of corrosive growths. The term of operation of the ceramic highway is up to 150 years

Diameter selection according to building codes

Unlike cast iron products, a number of plastic shaped modifications are much richer. Manufacturers polymer pipes produce products with diameters from 16 mm to 6000 mm.

The need for a diverse assortment makes sense:

• the possibilities of pipeline engineering systems are expanding;
• the pipe size is selected taking into account certain tasks;
• it is possible to replace the main section of the highway with a pipe with the smallest possible diameter - when laying the sewage system of a private house, this will reduce the budget for repairs.

The most common sizes for the internal drainage network: 50/100/150 mm.

The pipe diameter is selected in accordance with the service site. For example, a pipe of 100, 110 or 150 mm is arranged for a vertical riser and toilet bowl

The scope of the pipes based on the bore:

• 16-25 mm - discharge of uncontaminated fluid from air handling units, air conditioners and dehumidifiers;
• from 32 mm - connection of a washbasin or sink used to wash conditionally clean dishes (glasses, wine glasses, etc.);
• from 40 mm - drain for bath, shower, kitchen sink, dishwasher or washing machine;
• 50 mm and more - simultaneous connection of shower and bath, laundry;
• 60-75 mm - combined connection of three and five devices, respectively, with the exception of the toilet.

Dimensions are measured from the inside and display the conditional passage of the highway. Given the wall thickness, the external value exceeds the internal size.

In addition to the diameter, when choosing polymer pipes, attention should be paid to the following points:

Leading manufacturers of internal pipe

To determine which pipes are best used for sewage, you should compare the characteristics and prices of products from leading pipeline systems companies. Market leaders are firms: Rehay, Wavin, Ostendorf, Politek, Politron and Corsis.

Rehay Raupiano - Silent Sewer

The German company Rehay has developed multilayer pipes - Raupiano Plus.

The three-layer structure of Rehay Raupiano includes: an external impact-resistant polypropylene shell, a reinforced mineral gasket in the middle and a smooth inner PP layer

A track record of benefits:

• improved sound insulation - sound absorption efficiency increased by 30%;
• aesthetics - white pipes fit various room designs;
• reliability - multi-layer provides protection against leaks, shock and the appearance of an unpleasant odor;
• flexibility - floor and wall mounting possible.

Raupiano Plus - products for universal sewage, compatible with adapters and pipe fittings from other manufacturers. To increase the heat resistance of polypropylene, the manufacturer proposes to install fire cuffs that block the spread of fire through the engineering system (sensor response temperature - 120 ° C).

Wavin - plastic piping systems

Wavin is a European leader (Netherlands) with forty years of experience in manufacturing polymer pipes for water supply, sewage, drainage and storm water disposalunderground cable laying. The company has gained a reputation as an innovator and supplier of high-quality products.

Wavin offers complete solutions for indoor sewage systems: PVC and PP pipes, Wavin AS sound-absorbing systems, fittings, mounting clamps and associated fittings

Product Features:

• sizes - 32-110 mm;
• raw materials of manufacture - PP and PVC;
• thickness - 2.6 mm;
• pipes with a section of 50, 100 mm are available in a two-bell version;
• resistance to temperature: 75 ° С - constant contact, 95 ° С - short-term exposure;
• white and gray color.

Wavin Asto Systems - Premium sound absorbing sewer. The wall thickness is 5.3 mm with a diameter of 110 mm. The thick pipe holds noise and suppresses acoustic vibrations. Heat resistance reaches 90-95 ° С.

Ostendorf HT - sound absorbing polypropylene

Ostendorf (Germany) specializes in the production of pipes and fittings for arranging sewage.

Characteristics of Ostendorf NT series pipes: material - PPH, boundary effluent temperature - 95 ° С, working medium - wastewater, docking of elements into a socket

Products with noise reduction properties are made on the basis of polymer and mineral compounds.

Thanks to new technology, it was possible to improve the acoustic quality and strength indicator. Range of products - pipes with a section of 50-200 mm, product length - up to 3 m.

Politek - domestic products

The company specializes in the production of component polymer pipelines. The products meet European standards, each batch undergoes laboratory tests, the results of which are supported by a certificate.

The material for the manufacture of pipes for internal wiring is copolymerized stabilized polypropylene. Anti-foams are introduced into the composition of the raw materials, which impede ignition and promote attenuation

Characteristics of the internal sewerage Polytek:

• increased ring strength due to the two-layer pipe structure;
• good temperature resistance - 70 ° C;
• models: pipes with a bell and without;
• sizes: 32/40/50/110 mm, wall thickness - 1.8-2.7 mm.

Polytech products are resistant to chemicals, therefore it is recommended for internal wiring of the sewer line at production sites, in hospitals, laboratories and commercial buildings.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video # 1. Comparison of sewer pipes designed for arranging the external and intra-house sewage network:

Video # 2. Assessment of the effectiveness of the silent sewage Raupiano and Skolan:

From the point of view of financial benefits and practicality, polypropylene pipes are the best choice for organizing the internal part of the sewage system. PP pipeline is affordable, easy to implement and guarantees uninterrupted long-term operation of the new engineering system.

Please write comments in the block below. Tell us about which pipes were used to repair the sewer system in the apartment or to lay the system in a country house. Ask questions, share useful information, post a photo on the topic of the article.