Pipelines made of polypropylene pipes (PP) are widely used in households for laying communications for supplying cold and hot water, coolant in heating systems. When installing a pipeline, its sections are connected by soldering, and the main working tool is a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes.
Soldering polypropylene is considered a process that is not so difficult to master for any worker without construction skills who has studied the technology and has the appropriate tools. The market offers a wide range of devices for soldering polypropylene in various price categories. When choosing a tool, you should clearly understand for what purpose it is needed - this will allow you to spend your financial resources on the purchase most rationally.
Rice. 1 Soldering polypropylene pipes using a soldering iron
Which brand of soldering iron should I choose?
Soldering irons for polypropylene pipes are produced by almost many companies, both domestic and foreign. But only a few brands offer quality products at reasonable prices. Among countless brands, our editors have selected the five best:
- UNION . The Russian company supplies household-grade tools made in China. Prices for soldering irons and other equipment are below market prices, but the quality is quite decent. An extended warranty of 14 months and a wide network of service centers protect the interests of customers and ensure quick repairs.
- Resanta . The products of the Latvian brand are recognizable and have long proven themselves to be the best. The company has focused its activities on impeccable manufacturing quality of a wide range of products.
- Elitech . The brand is known as a reliable manufacturer of tools and equipment for household and professional use. The range includes both good devices for home use and expensive professional soldering irons.
- Candan . This is not the first year that the Turkish manufacturer has been supplying the domestic market with reliable devices with a long working life. This is one of the few brands that produces models for welding pipes up to 75 mm.
- Wester . The company supplies the market with several groups of tools and welding equipment, including popular soldering irons for home repairs or professional services. The key feature of the company is the production of durable equipment that is unpretentious to external conditions and overloads.
Soldering technology for propylene pipes
In fact, using a pipe welding machine is not at all difficult; you just need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and do not forget about safety precautions.
The soldering iron should be installed on the legs that come with the kit and connected to the electrical network; you need to let the device warm up. Heating must be carried out to a certain temperature; to help the user, the manufacturer provides a table with the indicated heating temperature depending on the diameter of the pipe.
A coupling is used to join pipes; for this reason, the soldering iron nozzles have ends with different diameters. The inner part of the coupling is fitted onto one part, and the outer part of the pipe onto the other.
The first thing you need to do is wait for the soldering iron to warm up; there is usually an LED indication. Next, the couplings are put on for a certain period of time (you can find out from the table), usually this is a period of time from 20 to 60 seconds. Then the elements are removed and well connected to each other.
If you want to get a good result, you need to be careful and take special care in the soldering process.
Best Inexpensive Pipe Soldering Irons
The group of the best, but inexpensive models includes household-grade soldering irons, the welding of plastic pipes with which is limited to domestic conditions (house, garage, cottage or apartment). They are characterized by cheaper prices, “weak” equipment, and average power parameters. Minor defects cannot be ruled out, such as a slight backlash, a thin platform without additional fasteners. Basic parameters, such as temperature conditions, type of pipes and fittings being welded, heating adjustment, are not significantly inferior to professional soldering irons.
ELITECH SPT 800
The ELITECH SPT-800 soldering iron has a standard, familiar design and typical parameters. The power of the device is 800 W, the equipment is limited - no pipe cutters, tape measure and level. A set of nozzles from 20 to 63. This is a good household welder with which you can lay a pipeline at home, in an apartment, in a country house, or in a garage. The resource of the internal mechanism is more than enough for several years of continuous use. However, the household soldering iron model is not without its drawbacks - the soldering iron leg may be curved and will have to be modified. The heating indicators are faded and barely visible in bright sunlight.
Advantages:
- reliable mechanism;
- low cost;
- high-quality case;
- good selection of attachments;
- average power consumption – the device can be used without a serious load on the network;
- clear and detailed instructions.
Flaws:
- meager equipment.
SOYUZ STS-7220
SOYUZ soldering irons have been very popular among knowledgeable craftsmen for several years now. At a minimally low price, these devices are able to work properly for more than one year, without overloads or failures. It is worth noting here good protection against overheating, fast and stable heating, and high-quality Teflon coating of the nozzles. The price of the soldering iron has been reduced due to the reduced base, where there are only two holes for nozzles. The package includes a good-quality case with metal latches, one screwdriver and six good dies with a diameter of 20 to 63 mm. The standard diameter of the holes on the iron allows you to purchase additional matrices of other diameters.
Advantages:
- low price with good quality;
- presence of a case;
- high-quality matrices;
- long network cable;
- 14 month warranty
Flaws:
- the quality of assembly and parts of the soldering iron is poor;
- high energy consumption - 2 kW.
Kolner KPWM 800MC
The welder for polypropylene pipes from Kolner is 100% household and suitable for assembling a water supply system at home or for watering in a summer cottage. To confirm this, the price is lower than the analogue from SOYUZ, the equipment is stripped down and there are only three matrix attachments with diameters of 20, 25 and 32 mm. A soldering iron with the simplest possible layout does not have a temperature regulator and is equipped with a simple stand, which users often have to “modify with a file.” Despite its efficiency, the device copes with the assigned tasks and is cheaper than renting a tool.
Advantages:
- The best inexpensive pipe soldering iron on the market;
- familiar design;
- compact dimensions;
- heating rate;
- good thermostat and high-quality heating of workpieces.
Flaws:
- matrices of only three diameters with budget Teflon coating;
- no temperature adjustment.
Recommendations for purchase and use
When purchasing equipment, experts advise adhering to the following recommendations:
- To install small systems at home, you can buy a Russian-made soldering iron.
- Turkish devices are purchased when making a large number of connections in a country house or apartment.
- For one-time work, it is better to rent the device.
- European models allow installation on complex sites.
The service life of the equipment can be extended if you use it carefully, following the basic operating rules. When working with a soldering iron, you must not neglect safety precautions.
It is recommended to protect your hands with gloves. Connect the device to a grounded outlet to prevent electric shock to a person through the metal casing.
Soldering iron for soldering pp pipes in use
Experts also advise using a stand when working. It prevents the heating element from coming into contact with other surfaces. Therefore, there will be no fire in objects and structures, which include wooden floors.
Before starting the main work, it is recommended to perform test soldering using unnecessary pipe scraps. It is also necessary to periodically clean the nozzles, removing polypropylene residues from their surfaces.
The best soldering irons for welding polypropylene pipes combination of price and quality
The best models in the price-quality combination are soldering irons at an affordable price, the characteristics and capabilities of which are close to the professional class. The devices are more powerful, often equipped with not one, but two separate heating elements. Also, soldering irons of this group are equipped with good dies with a dense Teflon coating, designed for a large number of cycles. The stands are also excellent - they are more durable and stable, and, therefore, the welding process is safer and more comfortable.
RESANTA ASPT-2000
The household soldering iron model ASPT-2000 from Resanta has the optimal combination of price and quality. The device will serve the owner for many years, even with frequent pipe welding. The soldering iron is distinguished by a reliable design and high-quality internal mechanism; its resource is enough to lay a water supply system, heating system, and irrigation. A sensitive thermostat will turn off heating at a minimum temperature rise. The equipment is not rich, but there are 6 matrices of 20-63 diameters with a very high-quality Teflon coating.
Advantages:
- excellent quality and extended service life;
- durable matrices;
- excellent equipment;
- fast heating speed;
- long warranty (3 years);
- stable support and thick-walled metal case.
CANDAN CM-03
One of the best pipe machines in terms of power and reliability is used for welding reinforced and unreinforced polypropylene pipes with a diameter of 16 to 75 mm. Large parts can be welded thanks to the increased power of 1.5 kW and the temperature reserve - the working area heats up to 320 degrees. Of the options, the SM-03 has everything you need - two separate heating awnings consume 750 W each and can be switched on separately, temperature adjustment is manual, from 50 degrees. For protection, the soldering iron is equipped with a thermal relay that turns off the device at minimal overheating.
The soldering iron is sold in two versions: in a cardboard box or in a metal case with a complete set. The choice depends on the availability of components and the scope of the upcoming tasks.
Advantages:
- fast heating, welding of large diameter pipes;
- the shape of the heater is xiphoid, with the possibility of simultaneous installation of matrices of different diameters;
- unpretentiousness and low cost;
- high-quality equipment;
- iron made of stainless steel with a high service life.
Flaws:
- The set includes only 4 matrices (20-40 mm).
Wester DWM 1500
The best model of soldering iron for polypropylene pipes, according to customer reviews, is suitable for both domestic use and for carrying out installation work on an ongoing basis. A power of 1.5 kW is enough to instantly heat up to 300 degrees and weld pipes up to 63 mm. The device quickly reaches the set temperature, allowing for efficient welding work. The iron frame is made of thick metal, fixing the soldering iron is reliable and simple. A clamp on the stand allows you to attach the device to a workbench or other surface. The equipment is rich, but users note the poor quality of the pipe cutter and tape measure. An inexpensive, neatly made soldering iron can be easily mastered even by a master without experience.
Advantages:
- reliable frame with clamp;
- excellent build quality;
- accuracy of thermostat operation;
- Includes 6 matrices with durable Teflon coating (20-63 mm);
- comfortable handle with anti-slip coating.
Flaws:
- short service life of the tape measure and pipe cutter.
ELITECH SPT 1500
This is an improved model SPT-800, which has higher parameters and heating speed. The power reserve allows you to quickly weld PVC pipes with a diameter of up to 63 mm. Temperature control provides precise settings for optimal heating of pipes of different diameters. Separately, it is worth noting the successful design, “handy” and comfortable frame with a built-in clamp. The soldering iron is easy to install and remove from the stand, and if necessary, it can be firmly fixed to the workbench.
The rich set includes everything you need for pipe welding - gloves, screwdriver, hex wrench, tape measure, pipe cutting scissors. You can put attachments of three diameters on the iron at once, saving time on heating. The soldering iron is supplied in a case made of durable, thick metal.
Advantages:
- good equipment;
- reasonable cost;
- high-quality and comfortable stand;
- accuracy of thermostat operation.
Pipeline material and types of connections
There are two methods of connecting utility networks: detachable and permanent. Removable include threaded
flanged
and socket connections.
One-piece – electric welded
and soldered. Soldering was indeed used when installing the copper internal cold and hot water systems. In some special-purpose buildings, this installation method is still used today.
Until recently, all this applied to metal water pipes: steel, non-ferrous metals, cast iron. Steel is susceptible to corrosion. This is a serious disadvantage for water supply networks. Stainless steel is expensive and is used only in industry. It is no coincidence that recently polypropylene and polyethylene water pipes have gained deserved popularity.
Their use significantly reduces the cost of installation work and increases the service life of water supply systems. Refusal of electric welding improves the environmental component of installation and the quality of drinking water. Installation of light, cheap, strong, durable and harmless plumbing systems is carried out by connecting into a socket, using special welding machines, popularly nicknamed “soldering iron”.
The best professional pipe soldering irons
The best soldering irons in terms of power and build quality are designed for continuous use for a long time. They are equipped with more precise temperature controllers; the relay reacts even to slight overheating and protects the device from damage. The equipment supplied is always of good quality - pipe cutters, dies, screwdrivers are designed for long-term use.
Additionally, “pro” level equipment is equipped with:
- Microprocessors and displays;
- Electronic temperature control;
- Settings for welding pipes made of different materials (PVC, PP).
Wester DWM 1000A
The device is designed for professionals - high working life, high-quality and very comfortable stand, ergonomic handle. Convenience is provided by a digital display that shows the current heating, and electronic temperature control. A sensitive thermal relay reports overheating with an audible signal and turns off the heating elements to avoid damage to the parts being connected. The power consumption of the soldering iron is only 1 kW - it will not overload the network, but at the same time it will qualitatively weld pipes and fittings up to 63 mm.
Advantages:
- high quality matrix coating;
- electronic display and temperature control;
- impressive warranty (5 years);
- ease of adjustment;
- stable stand.
Flaws:
- temperature error up to 15 degrees;
- Pipe cutting scissors are not included in the package.
Dytron Polys P-4a 650W TraceWeld Solo
A high-quality professional machine for welding with block-type matrices, designed for intensive use and regular load. You can place three attachments on the work area at once. A soldering iron is used for installing water supply and heating systems made of polypropylene. Precise microprocessor settings allow you to set the type of material to be welded and the required temperature. Thanks to the advanced design, the soldering iron is very lightweight and convenient.
Advantages:
- the best professional soldering iron for polypropylene pipes;
- a complete set of dies with a diameter from 16 to 63 mm;
- special coating of nozzles prevents PVC sticking;
- economical energy consumption while maintaining stable temperature;
- built-in timer.
Flaws:
- high price.
CANDAN SM-01
An inexpensive but good 1.5 kW pipe welding machine quickly heats up to the set temperature and allows you to solder pipes with diameters from 16 to 75 mm. Maximum heating is up to 320 degrees; when the set temperature is exceeded, a protective relay is activated. The soldering iron is equipped with four “running” dies of 20-40 mm, a good pipe cutter, as well as a screwdriver and a tape measure. Packaging: metal case with secure latches. According to user reviews, the model is called “indestructible” even with hard use for a long time. Therefore, the device is excellent for frequent use and soldering in large volumes.
Advantages:
- a powerful soldering iron welds pipes with a diameter of up to 75 mm;
- two separate heating elements;
- clamp on a stand;
- high quality of materials and workmanship;
- strong foundation;
- convenient pipe cutter and precise temperature controller.
Flaws:
- lack of a complete set of matrices.
Design and principle of operation
The soldering iron for polypropylene pipes resembles an iron due to its characteristic working part. It heats up to a high temperature - 260-300 degrees and heats up the nozzles that are installed on both sides. Such attachments are called matrices.
One nozzle performs the function of melting the outer part, and the second heats the inner part of the fitting.
Two elements are held on the instrument at once, and then they are joined. They harden quickly, forming a strong connection. According to this scheme, all elements are connected.
Using straight and curved fittings, parts are prepared for different areas. Often, a soldering iron for polypropylene is installed on a special stand and soldering is performed at a prepared workplace.
For regular work, you should choose models from well-known manufacturers
Criteria for choosing a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes
To choose the right soldering iron for pipes, you should pay attention to the main factors:
- Temperature Range . The optimal takeoff is from 50 to 300 degrees - this is dictated by the technology of welding polypropylene pipes. A lower temperature may not be enough, and a high lower threshold will not allow you to cook small diameters.
- Power . The minimum value is 600 W and above, good power varies from 1.1 to 1.5 kW. Devices consuming more than 2 kW are classified as semi-professional or professional; such characteristics are useful if the soldering iron is used frequently.
- Construction and protective options . It is important that the device has high-quality protection against overheating - this will protect the working sole and internal mechanism from damage. You should also choose models with reliable, stable support and clear temperature control.
- Equipment . It is necessary to have matrices in the kit corresponding to the diameter of the pipes (20, 25, 32 mm or others), so the scope of the upcoming tasks must be determined before purchasing. In addition to the solder itself and the dies, you need a tape measure, special scissors, a level, a marking pencil, a hex key, a screwdriver and gloves to protect against burns. It is convenient when all accessories are already included in the kit.
Distinctive features of various types of soldering irons by design
When solving the problem of how to choose a soldering iron for soldering polypropylene pipes, a consumer or specialist will have to consider a wide range of models presented in the retail chain. All electrical appliances of different brands have design differences, excellent equipment, electronics, and manufacturing materials. When choosing, the consumer will have to face the following features of all modifications:
Heating element shape. The generally accepted standard is a heater made in the shape of a sword with two to three through holes, although occasionally there are models with a rather original design of two or more petals and a large number of mounting slots for attachments.
It is believed that a good heating iron should have a relatively large mass - in this case, the ambient temperature and weather conditions (strong wind, high humidity) will have the least impact on the heating process. Irons of different brands have different thickness and width, and one of the main advantages of high-quality devices is a reliable and strong connection between the platform and the body.
The solidity and strength of the unit are important if only one part is heated on the side of the iron without support from the oppositely located second one.
Rice. 5 Cost of popular attachments
Execution of nozzles. An inexpensive soldering iron for plastic pipes is usually equipped with budget thin-walled nozzles without special surface treatment; all heating couplings come in standard sizes 20 - 25 - 32 - 40 - 50 - 63 mm. In more expensive models, the walls of the nozzles are much thicker, as a result they retain heat much longer.
The surface of high-quality nozzles is coated with non-stick Teflon coating, for example, blue Candan models have a three-layer coating, and black models have one layer. Some companies sell attachments at exorbitant prices for domestic consumers - for example, 4,500 rubles. for one Rems brand coupling.
Repair nozzles. Many soldering units are equipped with special repair tips with diameters of 7, 8 or 9 mm, as well as a small piece of polypropylene rod of the same size. These elements are necessary for repairing pipes in case of breakdown using the following technology. In the place of the defect on the pipe, a drill is used to make a closing hole, at the same time its walls and the polypropylene rod are heated, then the pin is inserted inside. After trimming the frozen protruding section of the pin, a strong and reliable plug is obtained in place of the through channel.
Selection by country of manufacturer
Some buyers prefer to choose equipment based on the manufacturer. The most common products on the market are from the following countries:
- Germany;
- Czech Republic;
- Türkiye;
- Russia;
- China.
This list, which takes into account user reviews, is compiled in descending order of tool quality and does not take into account prices for specific models.
When choosing a manufacturer, you should not try to buy a tool made in countries that occupy the top positions. Of course, this is a high-quality tool, but its price is very high.
Soldering irons of this quality are used for professional purposes when performing large volumes of work. They can work properly for many years and even decades, and then their purchase is justified.
If you choose a tool for installing polypropylene pipelines in one house, that is, practically to perform a one-time job, then there is no point in paying such money for it. After all, a good set made in Germany can cost 30,000 rubles or more.
Process technology
Installation of polypropylene pipes is a simple process in which the correct use of nozzles is one of the key points. To connect pipes made of polypropylene, it is necessary to go through a number of steps.
- Pipe cutting. If you have to lay a long pipeline, as well as when its bends are required, then the pipe should be cut into appropriate pieces. The presence of burrs must be excluded. The ends of the pipe are chamfered.
- Cleansing. The ends of the connected pipes must be cleaned of dirt, oil stains, dust and traces of rust. This is a guarantee of obtaining a high-quality and airtight seam. Final cleaning can be done using sandpaper.
- Installation of nozzles of the required size.
- Plug in the soldering iron with the nozzle installed on it.
- If the soldering iron has a thermal control function, you should set the required temperature. If it is missing, you need to make sure that the corresponding red indicator on the soldering iron lights up. After this, you need to wait a little so that the heating element has time to heat up. After this, the indicator light will go out.
- Insert the end of the pipe into the nozzle and hold it there for a few seconds, which will be sufficient to melt the polypropylene.
- Connect the pipes using heated fittings.
- After welding the pipes, you must allow at least one minute for them to cool. At this time, the pipes must not be rotated or moved.
It must be remembered that the nozzles must be securely fastened before starting the process.
Iron attachments
The soldering iron, designed for connecting propylene pipes together, contains a heating element whose shape resembles an iron. Therefore, attachments for this tool are often called iron attachments for polypropylene pipes. These parts are among the necessary parts, without which the operation of the soldering iron will be impossible.
Iron nozzles for polypropylene pipes have different sizes, from a range of which you can select those necessary for a specific welding process.
Equipment and quality of nozzles
Soldering iron attachments are usually sold complete with it.
When choosing a set, you should take a closer look at both the configuration and the quality of the attachments. Very often, components of the most popular sizes are sold complete with a soldering iron - 16, 25, 32. These are the most common sizes for polypropylene pipelines in private homes.
If this range is sufficient, then there is no point in buying a more expensive set. As a last resort, you can select and purchase a larger nozzle separately.
In this case, it is necessary that the power of the device be sufficient to heat it. True, a pair of good heads can cost as much as the entire budget soldering kit.
A round soldering iron for pipes is equipped with attachments in the form of pads, which are attached to the tip and crimp it using fastening screws.
The nozzles must be made of light metal or alloy with good thermal conductivity. Only then will they be able to quickly heat up to the set temperature.
In addition, it is necessary to take into account the coating material of the nozzles and the thickness of its layer. Often the heads are coated with a Teflon layer, which allows them to be used repeatedly without loss of properties.
More expensive soldering iron tips are treated with a metallized Teflon coating, which is even stronger.
The presence of a coating on the soldering iron heads promotes better melting of the material and easier removal of workpieces from the nozzle.
If the coating is damaged, polypropylene begins to stick to the metal of the nozzles, gradually burns and the quality of the following connections significantly deteriorates.
Power
To choose a device for polypropylene pipes, you need to determine the required power. The power of the soldering iron must correspond to the level of work performed and the materials used.
The larger the diameter of the pipes, the greater the flow of liquids will pass through it and the more reliable the joint should be. To solder large-diameter polypropylene pipes, larger nozzles are needed.
To heat such nozzles to the melting temperature of polypropylene, you need a soldering iron with high thermal power, while for connecting small-diameter pipes, you can get by with less power.
To install a pipeline in a private house, polypropylene pipes with a diameter of no more than 32 mm are usually used. Accordingly, you can choose a low-power soldering iron.
You can calculate the required power in the following way. It is necessary to increase ten times the diameter in millimeters of the largest head that is to be heated.
For example, for soldering 63 mm polypropylene pipes, a power of 630 W is sufficient. In the line of tools, the closest models of soldering irons with an indicator rounded up produce 680 W. It is advisable to continue choosing among these models.
