Comb is a switchgear that is used when installing heating systems, water supply and when connecting underfloor heating. The design of the comb allows you to evenly distribute heat flux over the entire area of the room. We will analyze in more detail why a comb is needed in the water supply system, how to select and install it.
The purpose of the comb
When laying water pipes in old houses, the main principle was used. Pipes were connected to the main branch in turn, so residents of the old housing stock still suffer from an uneven distribution of pressure and temperature. In water supply systems, tee wiring on thread or welding has traditionally been used. The tee could not provide a stable pressure when several points were turned on, which is why a comb is needed in the water supply system.
Wiring with manifolds or combs for water supply far does not have such drawbacks. Pipes are connected to the highway in parallel. When connecting a comb of cold or hot water, even filling the pool will not affect the water supply of neighboring apartments.
Distribution comb for water supply equalizes the pressure in the network, prevents water hammer and a sharp change in pressure. In modern homes, distribution manifolds are installed on hot and cold water pipes. Using the comb collector, an independent water supply system is created for each apartment, in addition to this you can:
- bring a water pipe to each device in the apartment;
- guarantee the independent operation of all plumbing fixtures.
For optimal results, it is recommended to install comb collectors for hot and cold water supply. At the outlet of each pipe, a crane is installed with which you can quickly stop the water supply to any device. This property is useful when a tap or drain tank breaks.
Types of combs
Water combs vary in:
- degree of sophistication;
- material
- number of taps
- center distance of bends (36 - 100 mm).
So, far combs for water supply can be made from:
- copper;
- steel;
- brass;
- silumin;
- polypropylene.
The design of the elementary distribution comb for water supply is simple: it is a pipe with several outlets. The number of outputs can be from 2 to 4. Such a collector is designed only for distributing water flows and it is not difficult to assemble it yourself.
There are complex models of combs for far water supply with ball valves and shutoff valves for each branch. Cranes operate in only two positions: on and off, and shut-off equipment allows you to change the flow rate. According to consumers, the second option is more convenient. The most sophisticated models are equipped with mechanical or electronic sensors and are designed to work in heating and hot water systems.
If there are more than 4 plumbing fixtures in the house, several collectors are connected together. Great usability of such wiring in the ability to equip a hidden water supply. The comb stabilizes the flow of water, reduces the likelihood of a breakthrough in the water supply.
Comb selection
Selecting a collector comb water supply, it is necessary to clarify some parameters:
- maximum pressure possible for this model;
- collector bandwidth;
- the possibility of additional connection of devices.
Distribution combs for cold water supply are made with blue taps, for hot - with red taps.It is convenient for installation and operation.
Comb installation
The distribution manifold is connected to the riser and further pipes are drawn from it to the plumbing equipment. As a rule, two combs are installed in the heating collector: for supply and return. In the water supply network, one comb is mounted on cold and hot water.
Installation of a water supply comb is so simple that it is not considered by plumbers as a separate process, but only as an intermediate stage in creating a water supply system.
The design is designed for any installation problems of the water supply comb and provides for:
- the presence of mounts for installation in the installation box or directly on the wall;
- the possibility of express installation without additional waterproofing;
- optimal hydraulic performance;
- the ability to connect heat meters;
- corrosion resistance.
When installing the comb in the heating system, keep equal distances between the collector and each heater. Otherwise, overpressure will form on the longest stretches. Each previous pipe segment to the radiator is cut 2 times shorter than the next.
As a rule, a separate niche is located under the comb, located in the wall not high above the finishing floor. Water supply combs are only connected in a dry storage room or corridor. If the place is visible, a cabinet is made under the collector - a sheet metal box with a door and technical holes. In a box fixtures for a comb are equipped. You can make a cabinet yourself using riveting or welding.
If the collector is located in the pantry, you can do without a cabinet. Combs are hung on the wall, on special brackets. Mounts are selected depending on the size of the comb.
DIY comb making
Although economically this is not too justified, having the necessary tools and a lot of patience, you can make a polypropylene comb yourself. To do this, you need the following materials:
- hacksaw and soldering iron for polypropylene;
- pieces of a polypropylene pipe with a diameter of 25 and 32 mm;
- tees 32x25x32;
- plugs for the 32nd diameter;
- threaded couplings inside 32: 1 inch and 25: 3 \ 4;
- couplings with thread outside 25: 3 \ 4;
- sealant;
- Ball Valves;
- air vent.
You can do without an air purifier. But be sure to leave a place on both ends to connect additional devices to the water comb in the future. During welding, it is important “by eye” to check the quality of the seams in order to prevent completely welded elements.
Video on how to independently make and install a distribution comb for cold water:
