In the field of repair and construction works, flexible stainless steel pipes for water began to be used. Due to the convenient installation and technical characteristics, the elements have gained popularity. Masters use annealed and unannealed pipes. The first are more expensive and more durable. Although outwardly both types of tubes are no different.
Scope of corrosion-proof corrugated pipes for a water supply system
Flexible tubular elements are successfully used in various construction areas:
- installation of heating and water supply systems;
- heating floor device;
- laying of air conditioning and ventilation systems;
- installation of electrical wiring in the clamp;
- connection of gas stoves.
In addition, such pipes are used for fire extinguishing systems.
Specifications
The stainless steel corrugated pipe for water supply has the following technical characteristics:
- The internal section is from 15 to 32 mm (the manufacturer can make tubes of larger diameter to order).
- Permissible operating temperature - from -50 to +80 degrees Celsius. At the same time, the flexibility of the element does not suffer even at minus indicators of the environment. The highest temperature limit is +110 degrees.
- The amount of bending is three times the value of a specific diameter of the product.
- The most admissible working pressure - 15 bars. However, even at a rate of 50 bar, the pipes are tear resistant. A pressure of 210 bar is considered hazardous for steel flexible tubes.
- The roughness coefficient of the inner walls is 0.008.
- The service life is 20 years, subject to the technical recommendations for installation and the scope of the tubes.
When buying flexible pipes, it is worth inspecting them for visible defects. If the step of the corrugation is violated, there are distortions of the seam, it seems that the fittings are faulty or understaffed, it is better to refuse to purchase and turn to the other outlet for goods.
Criterias of choice
Flexible steel water pipes are selected according to the following criteria:
- Inner section. It should completely coincide in diameter with the performance of the system on which the installation of the corrugated element is planned. Pipes with a diameter of 1.5 cm, 2 cm, 2.5 and 3.2 cm are on the market.
- Type of manufacture of tubes. Annealed and Unannealed. The second is less durable and when bent while still in the store, they show some changes in the structure of the material.
- Seals for fittings. They must be required. Quality must meet established standards: evenness, smoothness, thickness, diameter.
- Length of the product. It is especially important if you buy a piece of corrugated pipe for connecting a washing machine, toilet, bidet, etc. You can buy material in bays of 50 meters or more.
- The number of turns of the corrugation per 100 mm tube. The smaller the cross section of the product, the more there are.
- Manufacturer. The most popular products are KOFULSO. It has a good thickness of the sealing rings and an impressive weight of fittings, which is important for a steel element. Another reliable product is the Meibes brand. But here, the buyer is often scared away by the price with almost the same technical characteristics as other cheaper products.
Steel flexible pipe is often sold in large skeins. Therefore, it is possible to buy the desired cut.
Mounting Features
Installation of a metal corrugated pipe for water supply is quite simple. The work is carried out in the following sequence:
- Check all union fittings for tight gaskets.They ensure the tightness of the system when connecting the pipe.
- If necessary, they can be further treated with sealant.
- Using a pipe cutter (if necessary) cut the desired piece of water pipe.
- At its end, you need to throw a nut and insert a corrugated pipe into it. Using the fitting, the element is tightly tightened with the main water supply line.
- A flexible tube is molded and in the same way the second end is joined with plumbing or another section of the pipe.
It remains to check the system for leaks. If water does not leak anywhere, the flexible element is installed correctly.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of flexible stainless steel tubes:
- Corrosion resistance even with prolonged use and constant temperature differences in the system.
- Ideal flexibility thanks to which it is possible to mount a water supply system even in the most difficult places and sections of the house.
- Opportunity to buy a pipe bay with a length of 50 m or more, and lay an extended section of the water supply.
- Easy installation, requiring no special skills and special tools.
- The minimum number of connections in the pipeline.
- Possibility of mounting flexible pipe systems at a maximum pressure of 15 bar.
- Heat resistant stainless steel. The material is suitable for operation at temperatures up to +110 degrees.
- The absence of high voltage on the metal at the junction of the corrugated pipes with conventional ones.
- Low noise of the transported medium.
- Light weight.
- Service life is from 20 to 30 years.
But with all the positive aspects, flexible steel tubes have a number of minuses:
- It is forbidden to use metal corrugation in places with high mechanical stress. From this, it may become unusable, or it will have to additionally protect the material from the outside.
- Accumulation of dust in the grooves of the corrugation. Caring for such pipes is more difficult. For these purposes, it is advisable to buy a special soft brush.
- Low aesthetics of flexible tubes. You won’t leave them open. You can fix the situation with the help of a plumbing box.
- The need to regularly check the tightness of plastic joints made with polymer union nuts. They may fail. It is often necessary to tighten the nuts all the way, sometimes change worn gaskets.
- The high cost of products. Compared to conventional polymer pipes, flexible pipes are much more expensive.
- The need to insure cells against harmful electrochemical corrosion. Otherwise, they will require a replacement.
- Heat losses when using tubes for heating systems during transportation of heat carrier with high temperature through them.
In no case can flexible steel pipes be bricked into a screed. They should always be open to access. Otherwise, the need for complex laborious repairs in the event of an emergency is not ruled out.
