Which comb to choose for water. Plumbing comb: comfortable wiring. Types and qualifications of distribution combs

Either connecting plumbing fixtures in series using tees, or in parallel, using a comb.

Installation of pipes through a comb is convenient because plumbing fixtures are connected independently of each other. This is not only a very reliable connection, it also makes it possible to turn off a separate branch in the event of an accident, without disrupting the operation of the entire system, in order to replace or repair an individual device. The plumbing comb makes life easier for the owners of an apartment or house, and also creates convenient conditions for specialists to carry out repair work.

Benefits of Parallel Connection

In Soviet times, single-pipe wiring with a tee connection was most often used in heat and water supply systems. It was a less material-intensive and cheaper solution. But the disadvantages inherent in such wiring do not meet modern requirements for comfort and maintenance.

Nowadays, collector wiring is increasingly being used, which allows you to connect not only standard plumbing equipment, but also swimming pools and underfloor heating, since the plumbing comb ensures an even distribution of water to each “consumer” and adjusts the hydraulic process in the system.

Combs are made for 2, 3 and 4 exits. If it is necessary to connect more devices, several collectors are selected, which in total will give the required number of outputs, and are connected in series with each other. This connection is very convenient when it becomes necessary to carry out repairs in the bathroom or in the kitchen. or with a tap, you can shut off the flow of water to the desired outlet and safely replace the device.

Comb mounting

According to the rules, the plumbing comb is mounted independently on hot and cold water (at the same time, for convenience, red and blue collectors are mounted in difference, respectively). They are placed on cold water pipes after filters and which level out sudden pressure surges in the riser. With the help of special clamps, the combs can be fixed directly to the wall, or they can be mounted in a box. It becomes possible to connect heat meters to heating devices.

For ease of regulation, a plumbing comb with taps is installed. Most often, collectors are made of cast iron or bronze, stainless steel, less often - titanium.

Pros and cons of installing a comb

pros:

Minuses:

1. Relative high cost in comparison with a single-pipe connection scheme. For good plumbing distribution combs, the price ranges from $ 120-150, and sometimes several of them are required, plus an additional number of fittings and pipes.
2. The collector itself takes up a lot of space if there are more than four connected devices.

The distribution manifold works quite simply. Immediately from the boiler, the heat element enters the distribution manifold, from where it is distributed along different branches to the heating radiators.

A separate tube leads to each heating element. If you look at the principle of heating, then when the water cools down in the radiator, it returns to the distribution manifold, and from it to the boiler for heating. Therefore, all batteries in the house are heated evenly, and each of them has a separate supply pipe.

The distribution manifold has its advantages:

1. Ease of use. The comb allows you to keep all your communications in one place. The owner no longer needs to climb under the sink to turn off the mixer in the event of a breakdown of the axle box. With the help of a comb, even a child who is left alone at home can turn off the water.
2. heating reliability. In the living room, from the distributor to the heating radiators, one whole pipe is laid, on which there are no unnecessary connections. If the pipe was purchased from a reliable manufacturer with a long-term quality guarantee, then leaks in the walls should not occur.
3. No pressure drops. With distribution wiring and maintaining normal pressure in the system, there are no drops. In addition, it is possible to limit the supply of coolant to each consumption point, but then there must be valve cocks on the distributor. If it already happened that there is little pressure in the system, then you can reduce the water supply to the toilet, if the tank is several times slower to fill, then this will not affect the comfort of the owners.

The disadvantages include the high cost of distributing water with a collector.

Types and selection criteria

Distributors can be:

1. With shut-off valves and without.
2. With valves or ball valves.
3. For thread or for Eurocone.

The comb can be:

• brass;
• steel;
• copper;
• polymer;

The number of connected circuits to the comb can be from two to twelve.

Combs are sold both cheap - simple designs, and modern improved, which are more expensive.

Before purchasing a distribution manifold, you need to consider and weigh all the requirements, as well as the functionality that you want to see in it.

At the same time, it is not so much the material from which this part is made that deserves especially close attention, but other parameters.

1. Throughput ratio- which should be greater than or equal to the volume of the water flow that should be distributed among consumers.
2. Theoretically calculated pressure parameters, or how many bar the distribution manifold can handle.
3. Does the selected equipment allow you to connect additional points who need water intake?

If you are not too sure of the correctness of your own choice, then seek the advice of specialists, since the installation of a water distribution pipeline at home is a very responsible matter.

Top manufacturers, price

The Oventrop brand is very well known both in the domestic and world markets, its products are well sold out.

It produces products that are made of tool steel, in which valve accessories are built in, thanks to which the system is adjusted:

1. Max working pressure- 6 bar at a temperature of 70 degrees. The price of this model, as well as any other, depends on the number of contours. So, the cost of a distributor designed for 2 circuits is approximately 3,500 rubles, for 12 circuits, respectively - 11,500 rubles.
2. The maximum working pressure and temperature is the same as the previous model. The price of a collector for 2 circuits is 4,000 rubles, for 12 circuits - 16,000 rubles.
3. Can withstand a maximum internal pressure of 10 bar and the operating temperature of boiling water. The cost of a double-circuit distributor is 2000 rubles, for 12 - 7000 rubles.

The following models of distribution manifolds of the Rehau brand are most popular:

Made from brass, brand Ms 63. It allows you to warm up the water by no more than 80 degrees, withstands pressure up to 6 bar. Such a double-circuit collector will cost you about 7,000 rubles, for 12 circuits it will cost 19,000 rubles.

Made of brass, brand Ms 63. Performance is the same as above model. The cost of a two-circuit device is 8,000 rubles, for twelve circuit devices - 21,000 rubles.

Rehau HLV

Made from Ms 63 brass. Specifications are the same as those of the above models. The price of a double-circuit collector is 5,000 rubles, and twelve circuit collectors are 10,500 rubles.

Do-it-yourself installation

Even at the heating design stage, you need to decide where exactly your pipes will run and where it would be logical to put the collector.

Don't set it too low, since you need to leave room for a normal bend of the pipes, in addition, the comb should not be far from the main pipes.

As a rule, they try to hide the collector in a special built-in cabinet, which is mounted in a niche or hung on the wall.

Before you start editing, you need to realistically assess your strengths. If you feel that you can not cope, then it is better to call the master.

For installation, you need to stock up:

• distributor;
• dowels;
• clamps;
• drill;
• brackets;
• a complete set of tools;

The collector is mounted on the wall using plastic dowels or brackets - this is the cheapest and easiest way.

Adviсe:

1. If the distributor is on the lower floor, and the batteries are on the top, then Mayevsky's automatic cranes must be installed on the radiators without fail.
2. When you have several radiators on the first floor of the house, and others on the second, then you can connect the two collectors so that they are directed in different directions. Then the air vent can be omitted.
3. Maximum possible distance between comb and batteries should be up to 20 m, if placed further, the radiators will be cold.
4. The localization of the distributor must be provided in such a way that so that it is approximately the same distance from all batteries.

If you assemble the comb yourself, then this installation will cost several times cheaper.

When assembling, follow the following sequence:

1. Put the circulation pump on the union nuts, do not forget about gaskets for tees.
2. Screw adapters with union nut to connect the distributor to the pump group.
3. Align the mixing block with the thermal head and a mixing valve to the pumping group.

If you are not confident in your own abilities, then entrust the installation of the comb to a specialist.

Owners of country cottages and private houses are increasingly abandoning the traditional one- or two-pipe wiring and prefer a collector distributor. This allows you to use fuel more economically and create comfortable conditions in each room separately. Agree that it is irrational to refuse to reduce heating costs, especially since the temperature in the rooms will not suffer from this.

Have you also thought about connecting a collector and want to learn more about this equipment? We will help you understand the topic - in this article we will take a closer look at what the distribution comb of the heating system is and what are its advantages.

We highlight the significant disadvantages of its use, describe in detail the connection process, providing the material with visual photos. And also we will dwell on the basic connection rules that it is desirable to follow. Here are useful video recommendations for the installation and hand-made manufacture of the comb.

Collectors (distribution combs) for heating are an important component of a modern heating system. In a simplified form, the comb can be represented as a pipe with a plug at the end and several outlets in the form of branch pipes, which allow the coolant to be directed to individual points.

The number of outlets is different - it depends on the specific heating system and the number of heaters planned for connection.

With the help of a collector, the coolant flows in the heating circuit are optimized. It also smooths out pressure surges () that appear due to the operation of boiler automation that regulates temperature conditions.

Image Gallery

A master with experience in collector equipment knows how to properly install a distribution manifold and hide it in a cabinet so as to hide all pipes

Since the resistance in the circuits is different (due to different lengths, etc.), it is necessary to ensure optimal consumption of the coolant by balancing.

To do this, not shut-off valves, but balancing valves are placed on the nozzles of the return manifold. They can regulate (although not exactly, but by eye) the coolant flow in each circuit.

Option #2 - with pumps on each branch and hydraulic arrow

This is a more complex option, which, if necessary, will need to power consumption points with different temperature conditions.

So, for example, in radiator heating, water heating ranges from 40 to 70 ° C, a warm floor range of 30-45 ° C is enough, hot water for domestic needs must be heated to 85 ° C.

In the strapping, a hydraulic arrow will now play its special role - a piece of deaf from both ends of the pipe and two pairs of bends. The first pair is needed to connect the hydraulic arrow to the boiler, the distribution combs are joined to the second pair. It is a hydraulic barrier that creates a zone of zero resistance.

On the comb itself there are mixing units equipped with temperature control devices. Each outlet branch pipe has its own pump operating independently of the others, providing a specific circuit with the necessary amount of coolant.

The main thing is that these pumps do not exceed the total power of the main boiler pump.

Both considered options are used when installing distribution manifolds for boiler rooms. Everything you need is sold in specialized stores. There you can buy any unit assembled or element by element (based on savings due to self-assembly).

To further reduce future costs, the heating distributor Can .

The collector for the boiler room is located in close proximity to the heating equipment and is exposed to high temperatures that only metal can withstand.

Not so stringent requirements for thermal stability are imposed on a local distribution manifold; not only metal pipes, but also polypropylene, metal-plastic pipes are suitable for its manufacture.

For a local distribution manifold, it is easiest to select suitable scallops from those that are commercially available. In this case, one should take into account the material from which they are made - brass, steel, cast iron, plastic.

Cast scallops are more reliable, eliminating the possibility of leakage. There are no problems with connecting pipes to combs - even the most inexpensive models have a thread.

Distribution combs assembled from polypropylene parts impress with their cheapness. But in an emergency, the joints between the tees will not withstand overheating and will flow

Craftsmen can solder a collector made of polypropylene or metal-plastic, but you still have to buy threaded lugs, so the product will come out not much cheaper in terms of money than a finished one from a store.

Outwardly, it will be a set of tees interconnected by tubes. The weak point of such a collector is insufficient strength at high heating temperatures of the coolant.

The comb can be round, rectangular or square in cross section. Here, the transverse area comes first, and not the shape of the section, although from the standpoint of hydraulic laws, a rounded one is preferable. If the house has several floors, it is better to install local distribution collectors on each of them.

What do you need to know about cons?

After the advantages of using distribution combs in heating systems have become clear, it makes sense to dwell on some of the disadvantages:

1. High price. Collectors are made of durable high-quality metal, the cost of which is above average. High-precision locking equipment is also expensive. The more circuits a comb serves, the higher the cost of equipping it.
2. Energy dependence. Collector heating without a circulation pump does not work. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare for additional payment for electricity.
3. High pipe consumption. The consumption of pipes in is several times higher than in conventional ones, since a separate loop must be pulled to each device. All this complicates and increases the cost of installation work.

The collector system, according to experts and those who already use it, is the most modern, reliable and efficient.

But at the same time, both its arrangement and operation are expensive.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Installation of heating equipment with connection to a distribution manifold:

Making a comb with your own hands:

Compared to the traditional organization of the heating system, distribution combs increase its efficiency, and only the financial issue somewhat hinders the consumer's interest in this heating method. But if you have enough money, distribution combs are your ideal choice.

Have you implemented a collector heating system in your house? Or are you just planning its arrangement and something is not clear to you? Ask questions - we will try to answer them.

Or maybe you used a comb to connect the underfloor heating system? Share your personal experience of assembling and installing the system - leave your comments in the block below.

A plumbing comb is a distribution manifold, usually a pipe with branch pipes. Pipes can be threaded or shut-off valves installed.

The main purpose of the plumbing comb is to evenly distribute the flow between the outlets of pipelines connected in parallel to the manifold. To solve this problem and really evenly distribute the flow is possible only if the cross section of the plumbing comb is greater than the total cross section of the pipelines connected to it.

Where is a plumbing comb used?

Plumbing combs are indispensable for dividing the coolant flow coming from the boiler into several independent flows. The need for this often arises when heating an extended building with, for example, two wings, or when connecting several heating circuits at the same time.

Do not do without distribution manifolds when installing a water supply system. For example, it is most convenient to organize the simultaneous supply of water to the bathroom, the kitchen and the toilet using a plumbing comb. The use of a distribution manifold greatly simplifies the installation of water meters and the installation of underfloor heating.

However, the list of ways to use a plumbing comb can be endless, and there is only one conclusion - these devices are indispensable today when installing heating and water supply systems.

Benefits of a distribution manifold

• The use of a plumbing comb greatly simplifies installation work and subsequent maintenance of heating and water supply systems.
• Only when using a collector, it is possible not to turn off the boiler during the repair of the heating system, but to turn off only one of the branches of the system by closing the taps on the comb.
• Installing a comb allows you to equalize the pressure in all branches of the heating or water supply system.
• Installing a collector allows you to perform hidden installation of equipment in the heating system. An example is the installation of a warm floor with several branches for the movement of the coolant.
• The division of heating or water supply systems into several streams using a collector allows you to control them by installing measuring instruments on branches, which is also possible only when using a plumbing comb.

To date, no real shortcomings have been identified in the plumbing comb.

Types of plumbing combs

The plumbing comb can be made of brass or polymeric materials. It can have two, three or four outlets. If you need to connect more outlets, you can connect the combs together into one design.

A shut-off valve is installed on each outlet. This may be a conventional ball valve with two positions "open" and "closed", or it may be an adjusting valve that allows you to control the flow of fluid passing through the branch.

The collector can be equipped with special mounting clamps, the use of which allows you to mount the device on the wall or place it in a sanitary cabinet.

How the Collector Works

The collector has one input to which the supply pipe is connected. The incoming liquid is evenly distributed over the cylinder and enters the outlets. With a fully open valve in each branch, equal conditions are created for the movement of the flow, equal pressure and speed of movement.

To change the parameters of fluid movement in one of the pipelines connected to the collector, it is enough to change the position of the regulator in one direction or another. To turn off one of the branches of the system, simply turn off the corresponding valve on the comb.

For the installation of heating, cold and hot water supply, various combs are used that have the appropriate parameters and technical characteristics. As a rule, they are labeled accordingly.

Comb mounting

The issue of installing the comb is solved at the design stage, simultaneously with the calculation of the length of the connected pipelines and their flow sections. Already fully assembled pipeline branches are connected to the collector.

The tightness of the joints is checked empirically after the water supply, and its strength during the pressure testing of the system.