Water supply in an apartment building and private house or country cottage- a common occurrence, water should be available at any time of the year. However, temperature fluctuations can make significant adjustments to the water supply process.
Apartment owners think little about how the water supply is organized, and the owners of private houses are forced to take steps on their own so that the water in the pipes does not freeze in winter. At the same time, we note that frost spares neither steel nor plastic pipes... The only way to keep water in liquid form and prevent damage to the water supply system is to fully insulate the water pipes. Indeed, unlike here, there is no warm carrier.
Due to the fact that thermal insulation is performed on its own site, we are not talking about an industrial scale of work, which means it makes sense to study how to insulate water pipes with your own hands.
Do water pipes need to be insulated underground?
If the pipes are laid below the freezing level of the soil - no, if above - yes.
The depth of the water supply is regulated by SNiP 2.04.02-84.
Let's make a reservation right away, laying pipes to the correct depth neutralizes the consequences low temperatures, the material of this article is focused on those cases when, for certain reasons, the water supply system was buried at a shallow depth.
Methods for insulating a water supply system on the street (in the ground)
- pressure increase in the water supply system;
- cable for heating the water pipe;
- thermal insulation for water supply pipes.
1. Creation of high pressure in the water supply system
The water pipe will not freeze as the water moves at a high speed. To implement this method, a pump is used that increases the pressure in the water supply system or a receiver, which cuts into the pipe directly near the pump.
2. Heating cable for water supply
Cable power 10-15 W ( average price- 15 USD / r.m.). Excellent for heating pipes in the ground at a shallow depth of their placement. According to the rules, it is inappropriate to locate any communications in the soil below the level of soil freezing. There are situations in which this requirement is ignored. In this case, simple insulation of pipes will not give the desired result, because the pipeline will in fact be in water (in a humid environment that freezes in winter). Most of the heaters are not suitable for such a mode of operation and do not provide adequate thermal insulation.
The use of a cable for heating a water supply system makes it possible to lay pipes at a depth of 500 mm.
A heating cable for insulating water pipes is wound along the pipe or around it at a predetermined pitch. The step is determined by the power of the cable. The lower the power, the smaller the step. Heating cable laying methods are shown in the diagram.
Masters and users note that the insulation of a water supply system by heating a pipe with a cable is the most reliable method for the protection of pipes laid in the zone of soil freezing.
Cable heating makes it possible to avoid freezing of water in the pipe, and, equally important, to quickly defrost the frozen pipes. Such a need may arise in the country if it is intended for seasonal living. In this case, you can quickly prepare the pipeline for operation, because under natural conditions you can wait for complete defrosting until May (when laying pipes at the level of soil freezing). The cable is located both inside and outside the water supply pipe.
Note. Installation of temperature sensors along the cable route will make it possible to control the cable temperature and adjust it manually or automatically.
3. Application of heat-insulating materials for pipes
This is the most budgetary and simplest method of insulation from the point of view of independent implementation. Let's dwell on it in more detail. Let's start with what is better to insulate the water supply system, what materials can and are better used depending on specific conditions.
Thermal insulation for water pipes
It is not difficult to get confused in a wide range of thermal insulation materials. To choose the best option, you need, at a minimum, to know the main types and types, key characteristics and features.
Thermal insulation of water pipes is carried out with various heaters, which are grouped below (in the form of classification) according to the principle of the unity of the insulation technology.
Materials for insulating water pipes
Types, types, varieties and rules for choosing pipe insulation.
Rigid insulation
Polyfoam is an excellent insulation and has a relatively low cost (compared to other materials). However, it is rather difficult to insulate a round pipe with a rigid insulation plate. For insulation of pipes, special shells (hard box) are used - shells, into which pipes are placed, and the space is filled with soft insulation.
Rolled insulation
This segment presents: polyethylene (as an additional material), foamed foam (50-56 rubles / sq. M), wool (mineral (70-75 rubles / sq. M) and glass wool (110-125 rubles / sq. M) ), furniture foam rubber (250-850 rubles / sq.m, depending on the thickness).
Thermal insulation of water supply pipes with rolled thermal insulation is also fraught with difficulties, which lie in the hygroscopicity of the material. Those. the insulation loses its properties under the influence of moisture, which means that it has a narrower scope of application, or needs additional protection. Plus, it is necessary to think over the way of attaching the insulation to the pipe.
Segmental (casing) heaters
Insulation casing for pipes is the most progressive option for pipeline thermal insulation. The jacket for water pipe insulation ensures maximum tightness and, as a result, creates a reliable heat-insulating layer.
There are varieties of segmental heaters:
rigid (heat-insulating casing for pipes - (PPU) or foamed polystyrene. Price from 190 rubles / lm, depends on the thickness and diameter of the cylinder);
soft (pipe insulation made of foamed polyethylene, cost from 28 rubles / l.m. with a thickness of 13 mm); Material prepared for the site www.site
basalt cylinders for pipes (from 15 rubles / r.m. at a thickness of 30 mm. (from 70 rubles / r.m. for foil basalt cylinders). Sprayed insulation (PPU)
The peculiarity of insulation by spraying polyurethane foam is that thermal insulation is applied to the surface of the pipe, ensuring 100% tightness (the cost of components for polyurethane foam filling is from 3.5 euros per kg). The number of components is determined by the thickness of the fill, the work is paid additionally). On average, the cost of insulation by spraying polyurethane foam is 15-20 dollars / rm.
Sprayed insulation also includes heat-insulating paint for pipes. You can apply it yourself, because thermal paint is sold in aerosol cans. Paint layer 20 mm. replaces 50 mm of insulation made of basalt wool... In addition, it is the only material that is not susceptible to damage from rodents.
When choosing a heat-insulating material for warming water supply pipes, you need to take into account the following factors:
- place of installation of the pipeline. Insulation of pipes laid on the ground and located underground is carried out different ways, even when using the same materials (it is also important to take into account the pipes are laid up to or below the freezing level);
- the frequency of pipeline operation. For example, in a dacha that is not intended for permanent residence, it is enough just to avoid a pipe rupture. For this, a receiver is installed or the water supply is insulated with a cable. But in a private house it is necessary to ensure the supply of water all year round. Here, the choice of insulation must be approached more carefully;
- indicator of thermal conductivity of pipes (plastic, metal);
- resistance to moisture, combustion, biological activity, ultraviolet, etc. determines the need to protect the insulation from these factors;
- ease of installation;
- price;
- life time.
How to insulate a water pipe with your own hands
The place of laying pipes is another important factor that must be taken into account when choosing a heater. Indeed, depending on where the pipes are located (in the ground, basement, cold attic, unheated room), the temperature and humidity conditions are determined, as well as the ease of installation of the insulation and the need for its additional protection.
Thermal insulation of water pipes on the street
Plumbing pipes are rarely laid by air or on the surface of the soil. Rather, in this case, the part of the pipeline that passes directly under the house or at the place where the pipe is adjacent to the pump, meter, inside the distribution well needs insulation.
The specificity of the insulation in this case is such that the pipe is insulated with any insulation that is able to provide sufficient tightness of the fit, and is not affected by moisture. As a rule, the thickness of the insulation intended for ground-based insulation of pipes is higher than for the underground one. At this stage, it is important not only to insulate the pipe, but also to protect the insulating material, in particular from getting wet.
Note. The most dangerous place from the point of view of freezing is the exit of the pipe to the surface. To insulate this unit, it is necessary to use materials with a higher thermal insulation capacity or to be laid in two or three layers.
Insulation of water pipes in the ground
Such insulation will be needed if only the pipes are laid above the level of soil freezing. Any material can be used to insulate the pipeline in the ground, including rigid insulation.
It is worth noting that the insulation of the external water supply does not end with the installation of insulation. It is important to protect the insulation from getting wet. To do this, a film, roofing material is wound over the main heat-insulating material, or a plastic box is equipped.
How to install a heating cable for heating pipes
For installation, prepare: foil tape, heat-insulating material, heating cable (power 20 W per running meter).
Water pipe insulation technology with cable:
- the pipe along the entire length (from the well / well to the house) is glued with foil tape;
- heating cable is laid in a convenient way with the same pitch. For a 20 W cable, a pitch of 100-150 mm will be optimal. For a less powerful cable, the pitch is reduced. The most convenient way to lay the cable is to wrap the pipe in a spiral;
- the cable is fixed with foil tape;
- a heater is installed on the pipe. Foamed polymer pipes, basalt cylinders or polyurethane foam shells are put on the pipe. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the diameter of the pipe corresponds to the inner diameter of the segmented insulation. Before starting work, rolled insulation is cut into strips, with which the pipe is wrapped and fixed with clamps or wire. Their task is to keep the insulation in a given position.
Note. The main thing when installing insulation is to minimize the number of joints that form cold bridges. Laying the heat insulator in two layers with an offset helps to eliminate them completely.
- the insulation is fixed to the pipe with tape (sanitary). The tape is wrapped very tightly. The main task of the winding is waterproofing, i.e. prevent ground water from entering the insulation;
- additionally insulate the pipe at the point of exit to the soil surface. The following options are offered: additional winding with insulation or arrangement of a box in which the insulation will be placed.
Advice. To avoid the risk of freezing of the water supply system at the place of entry into the house, it is advisable to wind up the heating cable before leaving the wall already in the house.
Installation of a cable for heating pipes - video
Conclusion
Regardless of the method of insulation, it makes sense to choose only high-quality materials and mount them according to the instructions. Of course, this affects the budget of the event, but this kind of costs will pay off in the future. And a frosty winter will not bring unpleasant surprises in the form of a lack of water due to its freezing in pipes or a rupture in the water supply system.
Water supply belongs to the category of particularly important systems necessary for a comfortable and cozy stay in a private house. The absence of this system always makes life extremely inconvenient, therefore, when designing housing, close attention is always paid to water supply.
However, laying the pipeline is only half the battle. When operating the water supply system in winter, negative temperatures can seriously damage it, up to a complete loss of performance. To avoid this phenomenon, it is necessary to insulate the water supply pipes in a private house, which will be discussed in this article.
Requirements for the materials used
The materials used for insulating water supply pipes must have the following characteristics:
- Low thermal conductivity and the highest possible heat storage capacity;
- Complete resistance to moisture;
- Good resistance to aggressive external factors;
- Long service life;
- Ease of installation;
- Low cost.
Compliance with all the qualities described allows us to say that the selected material is good enough for pipe insulation. However, there are no ideal heaters, so you need to choose depending on the specific operating conditions.
Types of insulation materials
When deciding how to insulate a water pipe in a private house, you can consider a variety of insulation materials, but the most common and effective are:
- Glass wool (fiberglass insulation)... As practice shows, this insulation material is best suited for protecting metal-plastic pipes. The main advantage of glass wool is its low density, due to which a low weight of the material is achieved - and, therefore, a relatively simple installation. The main disadvantage is high hygroscopicity, therefore, fiberglass insulation must be covered with a layer of waterproofing material. Reliable waterproofing of water pipes will help extend their service life.
- Basalt heaters... This material outwardly resembles a shell that has a cylindrical shape. For maximum protection, the basalt is covered with roofing material, glassine or similar material. The most striking quality of basalt insulation is ease of installation, for which you have to pay in the most literal sense - the price of such a shell is very high.
- Styrofoam (expanded polystyrene)... It is foam that is most often used for insulating water pipes. In addition to high performance, it is appreciated for the possibility of multiple mounting and installation both indoors and outdoors, and even in the soil. There are products on the market with and without additional coating. Read also: "".
Special thermal insulation
All materials used for the insulation of water supply pipes work according to the same principle: the main role is played by the air between the pipeline and the insulation, and it is the air that prevents heat from escaping. Considering this fact, the selection of heat-insulating material can be carried out depending on the ease of installation and the characteristics of the pipeline.
Quite good insulation of water pipes in the country or in a private house can be created using ordinary tow or mineral wool. These materials are hygroscopic, but this does not prevent them from performing a heat-insulating function - after absorbing a certain amount of water, they increase in volume, thereby creating a hermetic protection for pipes. For normal operation, a 5 cm layer of material is enough.
True, tow on average lasts about 10 years - and this is a relatively short period. However, if you cover the insulation with oil paint, then it will be able to hold out about twice as long. In any case, both mineral wool and tow must be additionally covered with waterproofing, which increases the cost of work. The disadvantage of such insulation is the serious labor required to create the system.
Insulation of pipes in the country can be done much easier and cheaper by choosing polyethylene foam as a material, which is among best materials used for thermal insulation. Simple installation is ensured by a design called a shell - after installing the heat insulator, all that remains is to close the seams with adhesive tape.
In addition to low cost and convenient installation, polyethylene foam is different:
- Excellent resistance to temperature changes;
- Resistant to decay;
- High moisture resistance;
- Long service life (from 25 to 50 years).
Thermal insulation by pressure and air
More specific methods can be used to prevent freezing of the plumbing. The rupture of the pipe occurs due to the formation of ice in it, therefore the main task is to eliminate the cause of the rupture. This can be achieved by keeping the water under pressure - in this case, it cannot change the state of aggregation, so ice will not appear in the system.
To create pressure in the water supply system, the following algorithm is used:
- First of all, it is necessary to check whether the system is capable of withstanding a pressure of 5 atmospheres. This information is indicated in the documentation attached to the water pipes. In addition, it is imperative to carefully inspect the pipeline for cracks or other defects due to which it will not be possible to maintain pressure in the system.
- The immediate beginning of work is a tie-in into the pipeline of a submersible pump, which will provide pressure in the system. Install a non-return valve directly behind the pump.
- Then it remains only to turn off the tap on the installed receiver and start the pump. When the required pressure in the system is reached, the pump must be turned off.
Another rather unusual way to insulate a water supply system involves the use of ordinary air as a heat insulator. It is located in the free space between the water supply main and the larger diameter pipes in which the first are laid. A layer of air will reduce the effect of frost on the pipes.
To increase the efficiency of air insulation, pipes must be deepened into the ground by at least a meter, since they are warmed up due to the heat in the earth. Laying such a system at a shallower depth is impractical.
You need to understand that the insulation of water supply pipes due to an interlayer of air is easiest to equip when laying a new or replacing an old pipeline. In addition, the cost of such a structure is quite high, and the installation is very difficult.
Before insulating water pipes in the country, it is worth considering a few tips, following which can slightly simplify the work or make it better:
- It is necessary to engage in the installation of thermal insulation in the warm season - when frost comes, firstly, it will be too late to insulate the pipes, and secondly, it is much more difficult to repair pipes and install insulation in winter;
- It is recommended to check the water supply pipes for leaks before the onset of cold weather - the slightest leak can cause a subsequent rupture;
- Insulation is necessary for all sections of the pipeline located in the zone of exposure to low temperatures (and this is not only the street, but also, for example, unheated basements);
- When laying underground communications, it is imperative to create a diagram of their location;
- When laying the heat-insulating layer, it is impossible to skip separate sites pipeline - the insulation must be solid and airtight;
- If there is no possibility of laying water supply pipes to a depth of at least one meter, you should think about using a heating electric cable, which provides reliable protection of the system from freezing;
- When heating the water supply with autonomous heating, it is highly undesirable to turn off the boiler;
- If the heating of the water supply pipe is realized due to an autonomous heating system, then their pipes must be located inside the heat insulator and have a point of contact;
- In winter, pipes for a water supply system with insulation often become a target for various rodents, so it is necessary to take timely care of the protection of the structure (coating the pipes with a solution with broken glass or a metal mesh is quite suitable).
Conclusion
Thermal insulation materials are available on the market in a wide range, therefore, if necessary, you can select the optimal material suitable for specific operating conditions. This is important, since the insulation of a water pipe in a private house is an important task aimed at maintaining the system in working order and preventing damage to it.
Today, almost every owner of a private or country house cared about their comfort and has their own plumbing system.
In summer, the use of a water supply system is only a pleasure, but with the arrival of winter, water supply pipes on the street will need to be insulated, otherwise they will completely freeze through in just a week at temperatures below -5 degrees and burst, leaving the owners without water.
Any material, even the most High Quality will not be able to withstand prolonged frosts in a harsh winter.
There are many options for how to make insulation and the choice of materials depends on the location and thermal insulation of the pipeline. According to separate methods, insulation is carried out for pipes installed indoors, in the ground or in the open air.
General information
How to insulate a street water supply? Laying a water supply system in the ground at a depth of two meters does not guarantee that it will not freeze in severe frosts.
And the water inside the structure should in no case be allowed to freeze, otherwise it can break and disable the entire water supply system.
Therefore, it is worth taking care in advance about protecting the water supply from freezing on the street and choosing the right insulation.
There are two weaknesses in the domestic plumbing system.
- The location of the pipeline outdoors under a layer of earth.
- The pipeline is located in an unheated room.
If the insulation of water supply in a private house that is inside the premises is easier to carry out, then the water supply that is laid outside requires a more thoughtful approach. Basically, it all depends on the quality of the insulation used.
A good insulation material for water supply should have the following characteristics:
- low thermal conductivity;
- durability;
- ease of installation;
- resistance to aggressive environments;
- must withstand the working temperature of the environment;
- fire safety and tightness;
- low price with the possibility of repeated use
Based on these characteristics, the optimal thermal insulation for the water supply system in a private house is selected. Today there are a large number of heaters. Below we will analyze some of them.
Requirements that the insulation must meet
Since this material is intended to protect the water supply from frost, it must have a number of characteristics.
Before insulating a water supply system on the street, you should know that, despite their diversity, each of them must meet the following requirements:
- minimum thermal conductivity to keep the maximum amount of heat;
- water-repellent properties that will provide airtight protection;
- antifungal properties that prevent putrefactive processes from developing;
- resistance to various aggressive environments that can affect a certain area of the structure;
- resistance to high temperatures and fire;
- long service life.
Before insulating the water supply system above the ground, think about when choosing a heater, so that later there will be no difficulties during the installation process.
If the work will be carried out by a non-professional craftsman, then it is desirable that the insulation process does not require a large number of tools.
Glass wool, mineral wool and expanded polystyrene
This type is produced from waste from the glass industry. The material has the appropriate properties and is most often used for insulating water supply outside from plastic.
At the same time, it is relatively inexpensive and can be purchased directly in rolls. How to insulate a water pipe with glass wool? To do this, the water supply (the part that is in the ground) is wrapped around, and then all this is fixed with a soft thin wire or construction tape.
It can be considered that the thermal insulation of the water supply on the street has been realized, however, this type of thermal insulation requires the use of an additional method of waterproofing (roofing felt), which increases the cost of work due to the presence of a second layer.
Also, when working with glass wool, you need to use overalls, gloves and a mask. The fiber of this insulation is very thin, so it can easily penetrate the skin or into the respiratory tract.
When choosing mineral wool, which is made on the basis of basalt fiber, before starting insulation, you need to purchase special cylinders of a certain diameter and size.
They are still called "shells" in construction circles. They can be easily cut with a regular knife.
These cylinders are often additionally covered with aluminum foil on the outside, which will provide additional protection against mechanical damage during operation.
Using a foil shell, you can quickly solve the problem of how to insulate a water supply system above the ground and prevent heat loss.
In addition to ease of installation, basalt cylinders adhere perfectly to the pipeline. The price of this material is higher than the price of glass wool, but it also requires protection from moisture, which is foil insulation or glassine.
Insulation of water supply on the street important point, for the implementation of which foam is most often used in practice. To insulate any line, a shell of a suitable diameter is made.
They are available with or without coating. The foam shell can be used several times, which saves money, while it has the most suitable performance characteristics as insulation.
How to properly install a Styrofoam shell
How to insulate a water pipe with foam? For correct installation shells do not need to have certain skills. Thermal insulation of water supply in this way can be done with your own hands in a short period of time.
The halves of the cylinder are put on the pipe and fixed with special tape. Parts must be overlapped (at least 10 cm). Also, all joints are carefully glued with tape and a protective layer is applied to the tape.
Shaped shells are used for corner segments, knots and turns.
Dismantling of the insulation is carried out in the reverse order, the protective layer, adhesive tape, and then the shell itself are removed.
Thermal insulation Energoflex
Watch the video
Alternative methods
Protection against freezing of water supply can not always be effectively produced using only insulation. In severe frosts, additional protection against freezing may be required, which can be carried out using special heating cables or pressure.
Everyone knows that for every liquid there is such a pressure at which it does not freeze. Thermal insulation of a water supply system can also be associated with this rule. It is enough just to cut the receiver into the pipeline.
To ensure the same pressure throughout the pipeline, a check valve is installed near the pump. Then you should close the tap installed in front of the receiver and turn on the pump.
It is optimal to create a pressure of 3 to 5 atmospheres. The main thing is that all the elements of the pipeline withstand such pressure. If the system can withstand such a pressure, then most likely, it will not freeze in winter frosts.
With the onset of heat, it is enough to simply normalize the built-up pressure and the water supply system can work as usual. Protection of water pipelines by this method is possible when using a submerged pump, which can create a pressure of up to 5 atmospheres.
Insulation of the water supply system in the ground can be carried out using special electrical cables. How to insulate it using this method? The wires are laid on the water pipe using the longitudinal method or in the form of a spiral and covered with a layer of insulation.
This method is very reliable if there is constant access to electricity. Using this method, you can heat the pipeline in one day.
Heating of underground water supply systems
To the question of how to insulate a water pipe under the floor, the answer is very simple. Most often they are wrapped with glass wool, which is secured with wire or plastic wrapping.
Watch the video
For outdoor use, this heating method is good, but when the water main is buried with earth, it is necessary to cover the glass wool with a waterproofing layer.
Under the influence of the earth, the insulation material, the density of which is low, will gradually collapse and the thermal insulation is broken.
Another method of thermal insulation is to use a wire to heat the water pipes.
This method, in order to insulate the plumbing system, will be more expensive, but if you install the cable yourself, you can save a lot.
Watch the video
Such a system turns on only in the coldest winter months and makes it possible to both insulate the water pipe under the floor, and not bury it deep, it is enough to dig a trench half a meter deep.
It is possible to arrange a wire for heating water pipes both on the inside and on the outside, the result will be good in every case.
But if you can attach a wire for heating the water supply on the outside on your own, then you need to call specialists for the internal location of the cable.
External fastening of the cable is carried out in two ways: longitudinal and spiral. You need to know in advance at what distance from each other the heating wire should be located and how many turns will need to be installed for optimal performance such a system.
It is imperative to install thermal sensors next to the cable in order to be able to control the temperature. This method of insulation is not only the most effective, but also reliable.
Now it is easy to understand how to insulate a pipe under the floor or underground. Using an electric wire for heating pipes installed under a layer of insulation, you can raise the temperature to an optimal value throughout the day, even in the most severe frosts.
The only drawback of this method is the complete dependence on the power supply, so you should not rely entirely on this option.
In the event of a power outage, the wire for heating the water supply system will not be able to perform its function and you must always have a spare solution to the problem at hand.
Heating cable installation process
To install the wire, you will need to carry out the following manipulations:
- pipes are dug out, the trench is expanded so that we can freely carry out insulation work;
- a wire is wound around the pipe for heating in any of the above ways;
- a layer of heat insulator (polystyrene foam or glass wool) is applied over the electrical cable;
- installation of a protective coating (winding with fiberglass or sheet fabric), which is attached with a soft wire;
- the ends of the cable are connected to the mains;
- pipes are filled up.
As a result, a multi-layer protection is obtained, which consists of a cable, insulation, protective coating and a layer of earth.
It should be borne in mind that those parts of the plumbing system that are tilted do not need to be insulated at all; in such places, liquid stagnation and freezing are excluded.
And how to insulate the water supply above the ground is up to the owner of the house himself. It is advisable to use synthetic insulation that keeps heat well and does not rot.
The correctly chosen method of insulation, using a heating wire or ordinary insulation material, will save not only money, but also nerves.
It is not worth saving on thermal insulation, because tears and replacement of damaged sections of the water supply system will cost much more.
All insulation work must be carried out in advance in the warm season and should not be delayed until the first frost, when the first problems arise. Now you know how to insulate a water pipe on the street, and you are able to cope with this task on your own.
Even the worst frosts are not terrible for the water supply system in a private house, if the thermal insulation is made conscientiously and from high-quality materials.
Even if all the rules are followed, some problems may appear. In order not to scare you, it is worth remembering a few points that are widely described in the literature.
In addition to the fact that the thermal insulation of water pipes that are in the ground in a private house must be carried out correctly.
It can be disrupted due to the great attention of rodents, who are looking for warm places in winter and can spoil the thermal insulation layer. They effortlessly gnaw through the insulation along with plastic and asbestos-cement pipes and make nests there.
Such a place is ideal for wintering rodents. To prevent their attack, it is worth wrapping the pipeline with a fine-grained metal mesh, which must be plastered with a solution mixed with broken glass.
It is important not only to insulate the water pipe on the street, but also connecting fittings, couplings, etc. After all, if water freezes on them, they will simply burst over time, which will lead to the failure of the entire water delivery system.
More attention should be paid to precisely those sections of the water supply network that are in the ground on the street and in an unheated room (for example, a basement). It is necessary to decide how to insulate the pipes, which are most likely to suffer during the onset of frost.
If the heating system in a private house is carried out from a common heating main, then in no case should the boiler be turned off in winter so as not to provoke cooling.
In this case, the water supply must be in contact with the outlet of the steam heating system, and they are also insulated together.
During the design of a plumbing system in a private house, engineers draw up an accurate plan of all underground structures. It is recommended to save it in order to know the exact location, which will be needed while protecting the water supply from freezing.
Now you know how to insulate a water supply system that is installed in the ground in a private house correctly and efficiently.
And all the mistakes made during the insulation of the water supply on the street in your house and the savings on materials can provoke freezing and, as a result, rupture of certain areas.
Such problems are very difficult to solve in winter, if at all possible, so you should not save on insulation and electricity. It is better to lay an electric wire under the insulation for additional heating than to regret that it is not there!
The presence of water in the house undoubtedly adds to the comfort and convenience. However, in the cold season, as a result of liquid freezing, system ruptures often occur, which requires long and expensive repairs. Insulation of water pipes in the country will help to avoid problems.
All the nuances of this process are described below.
Applicable materials
Now in building supermarkets there is a huge selection of materials that are easy to install and reliably protect the water supply system from freezing.
Whatever insulation you choose, it must meet the following requirements:
- have low thermal conductivity and retain heat well;
- be durable and withstand well various adverse environmental influences;
- repel water (material moisture, as a rule, reduces its heat-saving properties);
- function under the influence of high temperatures without collapsing and without changing their technical characteristics.
The properties of the most common heaters are presented in the table.
| View | Description |
| Glass wool | This type of material is often used to protect metal-plastic pipes from freezing. The most common glass wool is Ursa, Knauf, Isover. The peculiarity of the insulation is low density, but at the same time you will have to use waterproofing - roofing felt or something similar. This will require additional time and money. |
| Basalt insulation | It is produced in the form of ready-made cylinders that can be easily mounted on pipes of the corresponding diameter. There are varieties of insulation, additionally protected with roofing material, special foil or glassine. This is a great option for those who are looking for how to insulate water pipes in the country. Its only drawback is the high price. |
| Expanded polystyrene | The most popular way to protect a suburban water supply. Especially in the case when you will carry out the work yourself. No instructions are needed to install polystyrene foam. It can be used both indoors and outdoors. In the latter case, it is recommended to purchase polystyrene foam insulation, additionally protected by an outer coating. |
| Heat insulating paint | The last word in building technology. It is a pasty mass made on a water or varnish base, diluted with acrylic and special fillers. Application to pipes is carried out using a spray gun. The paint does not deteriorate under the influence of high and low temperatures, and also protects steel pipes from corrosion. The thicker the layer you apply, the more reliable the protection will be. Although one layer is sufficient in most cases. |
Advice! If you use country houses from block containers, insulation work should not be neglected. Subsequently, after the construction of a capital dwelling, the container can be converted into a bathhouse, where a permanent water supply system is also needed.
Self-insulation of a water supply system
Technologies used
All materials listed in the previous section have similar characteristics. The choice of a specific method depends on the external conditions and the place of laying the water pipes. It is advisable to take care of insulation even at the stage of project development, since some technologies do not require laborious digging of deep trenches.
You can stop at less costly methods.
There are several of them:
- High fluid pressure... To insulate the water supply system in the country, it is necessary to supplement the water supply system with a special risiver, where pressure is injected (its value should be at least 5 atmospheres). The method is suitable when a submersible pump capable of providing the required characteristics is used for water intake.
- Air . Here, insulation is carried out using the porous materials discussed above (glass wool, expanded polystyrene, basalt insulation). In this case, the effect of the so-called "umbrella" is achieved, which protects the water supply system from the effects of external cold air. The result is a water pipe laid in a pipe made of heat-insulating material.
- Electricity . Heating of the pipeline is carried out using a special electric cable, which is laid inside or outside the pipe. Its power ranges from 10 to 20 W per linear meter.
In this case, it is necessary to bury the pipes in the soil to a depth of 50 cm (and not 2 meters, as in other cases). The electricity supply can only be switched on in winter, when there is a risk of liquid freezing.
Advice! In the event of a mains failure or a temporary power outage, you will need current to keep such a system functioning. A temporary solution to the problem may be renting a diesel generator for a summer residence, which will keep all consumers working.
Thermal insulation protection
Consider the process of insulating pipes using fiberglass:
- The material is wrapped around the water pipes and secured with plastic tape.
- On top of the resulting layer, waterproofing should be arranged, for which roofing material is perfect.
This method is good for protecting pipes indoors.
However, its use is impractical outside the house for the following reasons:
- arrangement of the second layer of roofing material increases the time and money spent on insulation;
- backfilling of soil will compress the material, which will lead to a strong deterioration in its thermal insulation properties.
- Compaction of the soil during backfill will further reduce the effectiveness of glass wool, which, moreover, can get wet during autumn rains.
For external insulation, it is better to stop at basalt insulation or expanded polystyrene, the installation of which will not take much time.
- A heater is put on a pipe of the corresponding diameter, consisting of two halves.
- Its component parts should overlap each other by 100-200 mm. These "overlaps" are secured with adhesive tape.
- Corners, turns, bifurcations and so on are protected with special "shaped" parts.
Expanded polystyrene and basalt insulation have an extremely low coefficient of water absorption (no more than 2%), which does not allow them to get wet during the rainy season. In addition, these materials do not crumple when backfilling water trenches. In addition to insulating a water supply system on the street, the method in question is often used to protect pipes passing through unheated rooms in a house.
Heating with a wire
Insulating water pipes with an electric cable is very effective.
The installation process consists of several stages:
- Spiral pipe should be covered with foil adhesive tape.
- A special heating cable is wound onto the resulting spiral (it is sold in building stores). The step between the turns is 10-15 cm.
- It is necessary to fix the wire using the same foil tape.
- After that, the pipe is additionally protected with expanded polystyrene or a material similar in properties. Carefully make sure that there are no gaps between the components of the insulation.
- The last layer is sanitary tape, which is carefully wrapped around the entire pipe. It will also serve as waterproofing.
If all procedures are carried out correctly, when the electricity is on, the water in the pipe will not freeze. Most often, such a water supply system is not buried in the ground more than 50 cm from the surface.
One of the main problems faced by owners of private houses or summer cottages in winter, this is freezing of the water supply system and, as a result, the inability to use water. In addition, there is a danger of pipes bursting when the ice begins to thaw in them.
The best way to solve this problem is by laying pipes that supply water to the house, at a depth below the freezing zone of the soil. But how to insulate the sewer system with your own hands when there is no way to bury the pipes deep in the ground? Let's talk about this in more detail.
Thermal insulation of the water supply system to the house: alternative approaches
Create in the pipes that provide water inlet to the room, high pressure... As you know, water under pressure does not freeze when the temperature drops. In this regard, it is recommended to supplement the system with a receiver - a device that maintains constant pressure in the water pipes.
Before leaving with suburban area you should turn on the receiver and set the pressure at 3 atmospheres. This will be enough to keep the contents of the pipes from freezing. In the new season, it will be necessary to relieve some of the pressure, and the water supply system will return to normal.
When using this method, pay particular attention to uniformity of pressure throughout the system, and also ensure that the pipes have the necessary safety factor to withstand the pressure build-up without rupture or other damage.
Heating pipes
Equip heating pipes that supply the house with water using an electric wire. To insulate the water supply in this way, it is necessary to wrap the problem areas of the pipes with an electric cable and connect it to the mains. Under voltage, the cable will heat up, heat the pipe, which means that the water inside it will not freeze.
The main nuances of this method of insulating water input are an increase in electricity costs and the impossibility of heating pipes in the absence of voltage in the network. Speaking about the first "but", it should be noted that the overpayment for electricity will be much less significant than the laboriousness of the process of defrosting an icy water supply system. The solution to the second problem can be the purchase of an autonomous generator.
Insulation
Supplying water to the house, by air. When water pipes are deepened into the ground, they are affected by different temperatures: from above - cold air penetrating into the soil from its surface, from below - heat from the depth of the ground.
If you insulate the pipeline from all sides, then it will be insulated not only from cold, but also from heat, therefore, more suitable option in this case, there will be insulation with a casing in the form of an umbrella, so that the heat coming from below naturally heats up the pipe.
Pipe in pipe
Use the pipe-in-pipe method. To insulate in this way, water pipes should be placed inside other pipes, large in diameter, and the voids should be filled with expanded clay, foam, mineral wool, polyurethane foam or other heat insulator.
Hot air can also be pumped into the space between the pipes. With this method of equipping the water supply system, your financial costs will not increase too much, since polypropylene pipes are inexpensive. The pipe in the pipe is laid directly in the ground or in a specially prepared brick tray (if the soil is loose or excessively wet).
What materials are best used to insulate the water supply system
You can insulate water pipes using various means, but the former must necessarily meet the following requirements:
- to be durable in operation, that is, to provide reliable protection of the water injection system into the room without the need for frequent repairs;
- be easy to use, which is especially important for those who carry out insulation with their own hands and want to know for sure that the water supply system to the house will function stably and uninterruptedly;
- be moisture-proof, since a wet insulation is unable to fully perform its functions;
- have low thermal conductivity;
- be durable, especially in relation to aggressive environmental factors.
Glass wool
Glass wool is a type of fiberglass-based insulation. The most famous brands are Knauf, Isover, Ursa.
With the help of glass wool, they are predominantly insulated metal-plastic pipes designed to enter water into the house. Thermal insulation with glass wool requires equipment of the water supply system with additional external protection in the form of a layer of fiberglass or roofing material.
Basalt fiber is supplied in the form of cylinders. This insulation is easy to install and can be laid directly into the ground. The protective cover of basalt fiber is foil insulation, roofing felt or glassine. The only drawback of this material is its high cost.
Expanded polystyrene
Expanded polystyrene is the most acceptable option for ease of use, characteristics, and cost. The polystyrene "shell" can be installed with or without a protective casing, and there is no need to lay trays in trenches.
Polystyrene foam insulation can be used many times, since it is not only easily attached to the pipes, but also dismantled without unnecessary problems. Styrofoam provides effective insulation elements of the water supply system located in the ground, above the ground and in rooms without heating.
In order to lay the polystyrene "shell" on water pipes, it is not necessary to have special skills and equipment. The halves of the "shell" matched to the pipe diameter are mounted on the pipe with an offset of 100-200 mm relative to each other and fixed with ordinary tape. This "overlap" reduces the likelihood of cracks in the insulation.
If it is necessary to repair or replace pipes, dismantling of expanded polystyrene is carried out in the reverse order.
Heat insulating paint
Thermal insulation paint is a novelty in the market of thermal insulation products. This paint is based on water or varnish with the addition of fillers and acrylic dispersion. is produced in the form of a thick paste-like mass of white or gray color.
According to its thermal insulation characteristics, 1 mm of such paint corresponds to a 50 mm layer of mineral wool insulation.
Such a coating not only prevents the release of heat from pipes into the ground, but also returns up to 70% of infrared radiation back. Accordingly, the thicker the paint layer, the more reliable the pipe insulation.
Heat insulating paint is not only an excellent insulation, but also a means for the prevention of corrosive changes in metal, and therefore it is recommended for insulation metal pipes water supply to the house. The service life of this material is from 15 to 40 years.
Heat-insulating paint is applied with a spray gun, and small sections of a water supply system with a complex configuration are processed manually with a brush or roller.
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