Distribution manifold for a water supply system or a water comb - a device designed to simplify the water supply scheme in a private house or apartment. Its purpose is to bring a uniform water flow to each point in the living room and reliable protection against leakage. However, the device is able to cope well with its tasks only with proper installation.
Application area
The collector's task is to equalize the pressure in the water main, to prevent sudden changes in pressure and water hammer.
With his help:
- Autonomous systems are created to supply water in each apartment of a multi-story building.
- Water pipes are connected to each plumbing fixture.
- All plumbing fixtures operate independently of each other.
To achieve the best result, the installation of collector devices on cold and hot water supply is recommended. The output of each pipe section is equipped with a tap or valve, which allows you to quickly block the flow of water to any point. This will help prevent leaks in the event of a malfunction. The collector is placed on the main riser and is usually hidden in a plumbing cabinet. It is undesirable to cover it with furniture or sew it into the wall without quick access.
Device and principle of operation
The redistribution of the water stream by the collector into several directions with the same pressure is the main function of the installation.
The switchgear is connected directly to the riser. On both sides there is a threaded connection (on one side - internal thread, on the other - external) for connection to the main pipe and additional collectors.
The inlet is 20-40 percent larger than the outlet. For a collector water supply system in a standard apartment, the first section is 3/4 inch, the second is 1/2 inch.
The locking elements on the output allow you to shut off the water flow in time and adjust the power for each individual point to stabilize the pressure or save on water.
Collector classification
Devices are created from different materials:
- brass;
- polypropylene;
- cross-linked polyethylene;
- from stainless steel.
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- Stainless steel
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- Polypropylene
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- Brass
Classify devices according to the method of connecting pipes. Threaded fastening implies the presence of internal or external threads. The connection is made using the euro cone or using compression fittings for pipes made of metal-plastic and plastic.
For polypropylene water supply pipes, plastic fittings for soldering are still used. But products made of cross-linked polyethylene cannot be connected in this way; compression fittings will be required.
The collector installation has a different number of outputs: from 2 to 6. Products are equipped with two fasteners corresponding to the cross section of the main pipe. With their help, several units are combined into one device without the use of additional transitional parts. An increase in the length of the comb is necessary in cottages with a large number of plumbing fixtures.
It happens that only one device is installed. Then special plugs are used to close unused outputs.
Devices block flows to some consumers, while the rest continue to work. This helps in the repair or replacement of plumbing, the restoration of the damaged area or the cleaning of the water supply.
Criterias of choice
Before choosing a device, it is important to calculate the total number of water consumers. They include toilet bowls, faucets, dishwashers and washing machines and other appliances. Their number should match the number of outputs. If in the future it is supposed to connect additional plumbing fixtures, it is worth choosing a comb with a large number of conclusions. Unused exits are blocked by special plumbing plugs.
The type of device differs depending on the material and the cross-section of the pipe segments and shaped elements. To make the collector easier to install, select a water comb with already installed taps.
If the number of points is greater than the number of pins, put several devices, connecting them into a single unit.
It is worth familiarizing yourself with the technical specifications of the various combs to make a choice:
- pressure in the water main;
- instrument bandwidths;
- installation on hot or cold water supply;
- the ability to connect an additional plumbing fixture.
There are situations when a flexible water hose is required for connection, which is determined by the location of the device and the area of the room. Hoses are easy to install, but they are less reliable in terms of leaks.
Installation Rules
The distribution of the water supply network with the installation of the collector can be done independently. They assemble it according to this scheme: the main pipe is connected to the comb directly, without any branches. Pipes that supply water for each plumbing fixture are connected to it. Devices are conveniently mounted behind the flush toilet bowl. But other versions are acceptable.
To select a location for the comb, take into account:
- availability for repair and installation;
- humidity (moderate);
- the presence of a bearing wall on which the device is fixed;
- the ability to work in case of an accident at any time of the day thanks to additional lighting.
Sometimes the device is installed in a separate room or closet. To fix the collector, special clamps are used.
Combs are installed both on hot and on cold water supply. For ease of use and to avoid confusion, manufacturers produce collectors in two shades: red and blue.
Installation should be performed only after the wiring is installed, the meters, check valve, filters and other parts of the water supply line are set. At the point of connection to the main riser, the system is equipped with ball valves that block the main flow. It also houses a coarse filter and a counter that allows you to control water consumption.
It will be necessary to complete the installation of water lines for each point of consumption. To do this, it is worth leaving free bends in the collector, drowning them with plumbing plugs. Only then can the node responsible for distribution be mounted. Install it without additional sealing.
Carrying out the installation in this order will reduce the load on the joints, help to avoid their deformation. This is especially true for non-professionals.
When installing, you need to take into account such points:
- The device, which is responsible for distribution, is certainly equipped with shut-off elements for regulating and blocking the flow.
- The cross-section of the connection point to the main line must be larger than the standard 15 mm. This diameter of the inlet pipe allows you to provide the consumer with the right amount of water while using several plumbing fixtures.
- To neutralize the water hammer, which can cause serious harm to the water supply, you need to install a special damper.
- Fittings-adapters are installed on the threaded connection of the valves or the exits from the manifold. Pipes connecting water to the points of consumption are connected to them.
- When equipping a building with two or more floors with water supply, it may be necessary to install a circulation pump.
If you choose a hidden water distribution system, you will need to install heat-insulating material on the supply pipes. This method allows you to avoid cracking the screed or places of embedment. Heat losses in the hot water supply pipeline will also be reduced.
Advantages and disadvantages
The device has many advantages:
- Convenience. All communication nodes are located in one place. There is no need to get under the sink to turn off the mixer with a malfunctioning axle box. All that is needed is to close the required tap on the splitter.
- Reliability. From the device to the point of consumption, a pipe is laid without any connections. If everything is mounted correctly, there will be no leaks.
- Exclusion of pressure drops. With the simultaneous use of two plumbing fixtures, the pressure in the line will remain unchanged. If shut-off valves are available, you can adjust the water supply if the pressure in the water supply is too large or too small.
- Lack of temperature differences. This point is important when using hot water at two points.
Collectors are needed for the convenience of using household appliances that are connected to the plumbing system. It will not be necessary to completely shut off the water supply complex if it is necessary to repair individual points or sections of the highway. The system can be installed in hidden form. In open form, it can be too cumbersome.
The only disadvantage of installation is the price. The distribution of water supply with the use of collectors is much more expensive in terms of material (combs themselves and connecting elements) and work, if this is done by a hired specialist. But taking into account the reliability and usefulness of the device, the costs are fully paid off.
A water supply system with a collector helps to eliminate most of the flaws in the water supply line or helps protect consumers from possible imperfections in a sequential or mixed scan pattern. The durability of plastic, copper and steel appliances is more than half a century, but the operating time of ball valves is about 15 years.
