An important nuance when assembling sewer pipes, which plumbers do not take into account during installation. Thermal gap

  • Nov 10, 2021

Surely many experts know that polymeric unreinforced pipes, namely polypropylene, like to lengthen when heated, pretty well. To compensate for such linear expansions, compensators are used, in the form of squiggles, or pipe bends with the letter "P"

The work of the compensator on the example of plastic heated towel rails. The illustration was created by the author of the article in the program " Easymnemo"
The work of the compensator on the example of plastic heated towel rails. The illustration was created by the author of the article in the program "Easymnemo"
The work of the compensator on the example of plastic heated towel rails. The illustration was created by the author of the article in the program "Easymnemo"

When the pipe is heated, the "U" shaped expansion joint takes on the extension of the pipeline. Thus, the pipes retain their position in space, do not protrude into the room. When it cools down, the opposite process takes place.

With water supply pipes, it is clear that expansion joints are needed. And it is clear that through such twists, water under pressure will flow anywhere. As my partner said "Water will flow along a crooked pipe"

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Sewer pipes, although free-flowing, also experience the same physical phenomena. When the residents wash and drain the hot water, the pipe heats up, therefore, it lengthens and expands. And when the cold water is drained from the toilet, the sewage system is cooled, respectively, the pipe returns to its original position.

What to do, compensate for pipe movements? You cannot bend the sewerage system, you cannot put extra "P" shaped expansion joints, it is fraught with loss of pressure and blockages. And a certain angle must be kept. Never thought about it? And I, too, have not yet been taught.

But what the lack of a thermal gap leads to, this would be especially noticeable on polyethylene pipes, he likes to turn into "Noodles", here is an example on a polypropylene sewer pipe:

In this case, the pipe is laid without a thermal gap and on fixed supports. The pipe began to expand and turned out, tilted under the bath. Which will lead to blockage.

The illustration was created by the author of the article in the program "Easymnemo"
The illustration was created by the author of the article in the program "Easymnemo"

What should be done so that the sewer pipes do not "twist" from the voltage when they expand from heating? The thermal gap should be left during installation directly in the socket, thereby the pipeline mobility will be preserved, and the position in space will not change:

The illustration was created by the author of the article in the program "Easymnemo"
The illustration was created by the author of the article in the program "Easymnemo"

That is, they inserted the pipe into the socket and pushed it forward a little by 5-10 mm. You can make marks so as not to miscalculate. Thus, we will save the pipe from unnecessary stress and problems with blockages and leaks.