Alexei Volkov
Installing plastic water tubing is a delicate process that requires careful preparation, precise cutting, proper alignment, and thorough testing. The first step is to select the right type of plastic tubing, such as PVC, PEX, or PE, each with its unique properties and advantages. For instance, PVC is known for its rigidity and durability, PEX for its flexibility and resistance to freezing, and PE for being lightweight and flexible. Once the tubing is chosen, it must be cut accurately, ensuring the edges are properly deburred to prevent issues arising from rough surfaces. The compression fitting components, including the compression nut and ferrule, are then positioned correctly on the tubing, followed by mindful tightening of the nut to ensure a secure and leak-free connection. Proper alignment is crucial, and the use of alignment tools can be beneficial. With careful installation and the right choice of tubing, a durable and efficient water tubing system can be achieved.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right plastic tubing
When choosing the right plastic tubing, there are several factors to consider, including the intended application, the type of plastic material, the size, and the design.
Application
The intended application of the plastic tubing will dictate the type of tubing required. Plastic tubing can be used for a wide range of applications, including plumbing, liquid processing, pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems, medical applications, chemical processing, packaging, and food and beverage processing.
Type of Plastic Material
The type of plastic material is the most important consideration when selecting plastic tubing. Different types of plastics offer unique benefits and are suited to specific applications due to characteristics like chemical compatibility, temperature rating, pressure rating, corrosion and rust resistance, abrasion resistance, flexibility, toughness, and durability.
Common types of plastic tubing materials include:
- PEX (cross-linked polyethylene): commonly used for household plumbing, supplying hot and cold drinking water, and cycling reclaimed water. It is durable, flexible, and less expensive compared to many other piping materials.
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride): used for waste lines and food-grade plumbing jobs. It is lightweight, durable, inexpensive, and easy to install.
- LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene): used for point-of-use drinking water systems.
- Polypropylene: provides durability and heat resistance, making it suitable for higher-temperature applications.
- Santoprene: offers exceptional mechanical properties and is highly durable, resistant to fatigue, ozone, ultraviolet radiation, acids, alkalies, water, and most oils and lubricants.
- Silicone: highly flexible, soft, and resistant to high temperatures, making it suitable for tight spaces and medical applications.
- Polyurethane (PU): a softer plastic that combines the benefits of plastic and rubber, with excellent flexibility, chemical and abrasion resistance, and weathering characteristics.
- Nylon (polyamide): recognised as an industry standard for assemblies, especially pneumatics, requiring higher pressure and good temperature and chemical resistance.
- Polyethylene (PE): a lightweight and inexpensive plastic used in food and beverage, laboratory, and chemical processing applications due to its high degree of inertness.
Size and Design
Correctly sizing the plastic tubing is crucial for fitting it to the specific application. The nominal size of the tubing is based on the outside diameter, while the wall thickness and inner diameter determine the thickness of the tube wall and the flow area. Custom tubing may be required for more complex or specialised applications.
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Cutting and deburring
Cutting plastic tubing requires careful preparation and precise execution. The first step is to select the appropriate cutting tool for the job. For plastic pipes, a dedicated PVC/ABS saw, hacksaw, wire saw, power miter saw, scissor-type hand cutter, ratcheting hand cutter, or battery-powered cutter can be used. It is worth noting that a saw designed specifically for cutting plastic pipe will produce straighter cuts than a hacksaw. When cutting large-diameter pipes, it is advisable to wrap painter's tape around the pipe before cutting. This helps guide the cut and protect the pipe. If using a hacksaw, ensure it has fine teeth suitable for cutting metal, not wood.
The next step is to secure the pipe to prevent movement during the cutting process. This can be achieved by using a vise, clamp, or miter box. Once the pipe is secure, carefully align the cutting tool with the marked cutting position. For metal pipe cutters, this involves rotating the tool so that the wheel cuts deeper into the pipe. With a hacksaw, slowly draw the blade back and forth, ensuring a straight cut. When using an angle grinder or reciprocating saw, start the tool before bringing it into contact with the pipe, then apply steady pressure until the pipe is severed.
After cutting, it is essential to deburr the pipe to remove any burrs or shavings and create a smooth edge. This step ensures a better connection during the gluing process and enhances the performance and longevity of the installation. Use a deburring tool or a utility knife to carefully remove any particles from the cut edge. In some cases, a file may be necessary to smooth the cut edges.
For plastic tubing, it is crucial to choose the correct type for the application, such as PVC, PEX, or PE tubing. Each type has unique properties, such as rigidity, flexibility, and weight, making it suitable for specific applications. Properly deburred edges on plastic tubing contribute to a secure and reliable connection, preventing potential issues caused by rough or uneven surfaces. When installing compression fittings, ensure the tubing is correctly positioned, and the nut and ferrule are in place before tightening.
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Positioning the compression fitting
Firstly, choose the correct type of plastic tubing for your specific application. Different types of tubing have unique characteristics. For instance, PVC tubing is known for its rigidity and durability, making it suitable for high-pressure applications. On the other hand, PEX tubing is flexible and resistant to freezing, making it ideal for both hot and cold water supply lines. Ensure that the tubing diameter matches the fitting size for a secure and leak-free connection.
Once you have selected the appropriate tubing, cut it accurately to the required length. This step is crucial to ensure leakproof joints. Use a sharp pipe cutter to cut PVC tubing, ensuring that the edges are smooth to prevent cracking. For PEX tubing, cut the pipe square, and consider using PEX cutters or similar tools for a precise cut.
Now, you can begin positioning the components of the compression fitting onto the tubing. Start by sliding the compression nut onto the end of the plastic tubing, ensuring that the nut's threads are facing the open end of the tubing. Follow this by sliding the ferrule (also known as the olive) onto the tubing. The ferrule is a critical component that, when tightened, squeezes down onto the tubing to create a secure connection.
To ensure proper alignment, use alignment tools or fixtures to hold the fittings and tubing in place during installation. This step ensures that all components are correctly positioned before tightening the nuts. For PEX tubing, you may need to use a crimping tool to compress the ring, ensuring it is centred over the barb.
Finally, tighten the compression nut securely. This step requires careful attention to ensure a durable and leak-free connection. Ensure that the ferrule is not distorted during this process, as it may need to be replaced if it becomes misshapen.
By following these detailed steps for positioning the compression fitting, you can achieve a secure and reliable installation for your plastic water tubing.
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Preventing leaks
To prevent leaks when installing plastic water tubing, there are several measures you can take. Firstly, ensure that the tubing has been inserted deep enough into the fitting. One of the most common causes of leaks is tubing that has not reached the O-ring. The O-ring, when compressed by the tubing, creates a tight seal that prevents water from escaping.
Secondly, when cutting the tubing, use a tube cutter to achieve a clean, perpendicular cut. An uneven or jagged cut can prevent a watertight seal from forming and cause leaks. If you are creating a bend or corner in the tubing, use quick-connect fittings designed for this purpose. Torque in the tubing can displace the components of the fitting, stretching the O-ring and preventing a seal.
Additionally, inspect your piping system regularly for any signs of moisture or loose connections. Check the durability of the pipes and fittings, and tighten any loose connections with pliers. Routine maintenance, regular cleaning, and updating pipes and connections are crucial to preventing leaks.
Furthermore, be cautious of the temperature conditions. In areas with frigid temperatures, water can freeze and turn to ice inside the supply pipes, potentially causing pipe bursts. Finally, install electric water sensors throughout your home to detect leaks or excessive moisture. These sensors will automatically turn off the water supply when a leak is detected, helping to prevent water damage.
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Using alignment tools
When installing plastic water tubing, it is important to use alignment tools or fixtures to ensure that the fittings and tubing are correctly aligned before tightening the nuts. This is a crucial step to prevent leaks or weak connections.
There are various alignment tools available that can assist in holding the tubing and fittings in place during installation. One such tool is the Super Grip Pipe Clamp, which is designed to easily hold and align two pieces of tubing or pipe. Alignment blocks are another useful tool, helping to duplicate each section of plastic blocks in steel tubing. These blocks are often made of aluminium and are designed to be aligned with an aluminium cutting board.
For those using PVC joints, it is recommended to make alignment marks beforehand, especially where orientation is critical. This is because once the solvent cement is applied and the pieces are pressed together, there are only a few seconds to get the alignment right before the cement dries.
Additionally, when working with plastic tubing, it is important to select the appropriate type of tubing for your application, such as PVC, PEX, or PE tubing, as each has unique characteristics and requires specific handling. For example, PVC tubing is rigid and prone to cracking if not properly cut and deburred, while PEX tubing is flexible and can be bent around corners without additional fittings.
By taking the time to properly align the tubing and fittings, and selecting the correct type of tubing, you can ensure a secure and leak-free connection.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several types of plastic tubing used in plumbing, including PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), and PE (polyethylene).
PVC is rigid and durable, making it suitable for high-pressure applications. PEX is flexible and can be bent around corners without additional fittings. It is also resistant to freezing. PE tubing is lightweight and flexible, making it suitable for low-pressure applications such as irrigation systems.
Alignment tools or fixtures are used to hold the fittings and tubing in place during installation, ensuring correct alignment before tightening the nuts.
First, select the right tubing and cut it accurately. Then, deburr the edges to ensure a smooth and secure connection. Position the compression nut onto the end of the tubing, followed by the ferrule. Finally, tighten the nut carefully.
One common issue is leaks, which can occur if the tubing is not cut and prepared properly. To avoid this, ensure precise cutting and deburring of the edges. Additionally, choose the correct type of tubing for your specific application to prevent leaks and potential system failures.
