All about the types, installation and connection of combs for water supply to collectors

A comb is a switchgear that is used in the installation of heating systems, water supply and when connecting underfloor heating. The design of the comb allows you to evenly distribute heat fluxes over the entire area of ​​the room. Let's take a closer look at what a comb is needed for in the water supply system, how to select and install it.

The purpose of the comb

When laying plumbing in old houses, the main principle was used. The pipes were connected to the main line one by one, so residents of the old housing stock still suffer from uneven distribution of pressure and temperature. In water pipelines, tee wiring with thread or welding has traditionally been used. The tee could not provide a stable head when several points were turned on, which is why a comb is needed in the water supply system.

Wiring using collectors or combs for far water supply is devoid of such disadvantages. The pipes are connected to the line in parallel. When connecting a cold or hot water comb, even filling the pool will not affect the water supply of neighboring apartments in any way.

The distributor comb for water supply equalizes the pressure in the network, prevents water hammer and sudden changes in pressure. In modern homes, distribution manifolds are installed on hot and cold water pipes. With the help of a comb collector, an independent water supply system is created for each apartment, in addition, you can:

• lead a water pipe to each appliance in the apartment;
• guarantee the independent operation of all plumbing fixtures.

For optimal results, it is recommended to install manifold manifolds for hot and cold water supply. A tap is installed at the outlet of each pipe, with which you can quickly stop the water supply to any device. This property will come in handy in the event of a faucet or cistern breakage.

Types of combs

Water faucets differ in:

• the degree of sophistication;
• material;
• number of branches
• the center distance of the bends (36 - 100 mm).

So, combs for water supply far can be made from:

• copper;
• become;
• brass;
• silumin;
• polypropylene.

The design of an elementary distribution manifold for water supply is simple: it is a pipe with several outlets. The number of outlets can be from 2 to 4. Such a collector is designed only for distributing water flows and it is easy to assemble it yourself.

There are complex models of combs for far water supply with ball valves and with shut-off control valves for each branch. The taps work only in two positions: on and off, and the 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. The great convenience of using such a wiring is the ability to equip a hidden water supply. The comb stabilizes the water flow, reducing the likelihood of a water pipe break.

Comb selection

When choosing a collector for a water supply comb, some parameters should be clarified:

• the ultimate pressure possible for this model;
• collector throughput;
• the possibility of additional connection of devices.

Distribution manifolds for cold water supply are made with blue taps, for hot water - with red ones. It is convenient for installation and operation.

Installing the comb

The distribution manifold is connected to the riser and then pipes are pulled from it to the plumbing equipment. As a rule, two combs are installed in the heating manifold: for supply and return. In the water supply network, one comb is mounted for 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 problems of installing a water supply comb and provides:

• availability of fasteners for installation in an 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 manifold in the heating system, keep equal distances between the collector and each heater. Otherwise, overpressure will form on the longest sections. Each previous pipe section to the radiator is cut 2 times shorter than the next one.

As a rule, a separate niche is equipped for the comb, located in the wall not high above the finished floor. The water supply combs are connected only in a dry storage room or corridor. If the place is prominent, a cabinet is made for the collector - a box made of sheet metal with a door and technical holes. The box is equipped with fasteners for the comb. The cabinet can be made by yourself using riveting or welding.

If the collector is placed in a closet, you can do without a cabinet. The combs are hung on the wall, on special brackets. Mounts are selected depending on the size of the comb.

Making a comb with your own hands

Although economically this is not very justified, with the necessary tools and a lot of patience, you can make a polypropylene comb yourself. To do this, you will need the following materials:

• hacksaw and soldering iron for polypropylene;
• pieces of polypropylene pipes with a diameter of 25 and 32 mm;
• tees 32x25x32;
• plugs for the 32nd diameter;
• couplings with thread inside 32: 1 inch and 25: 3/4;
• couplings with a thread outside 25: 3 \ 4;
• sealant;
• Ball Valves;
• air vent.

You can do without an air vent. But be sure to leave space at both ends for connecting additional devices to the water supply comb in the future. During welding, it is important to "by eye" check the quality of the seams in order to prevent completely welded elements.

A video on how to make and install a cold water distribution comb yourself: