Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) pipes are connected to each other by soldering. More precisely, this process is more correctly called welding (because it occurs without additional components, but more often it is considered soldering. The quality of the joint largely depends on the soldering iron that the plumber uses. There are relatively inexpensive models with a basic set of functions for one-time work. There are also more expensive ones with power adjustment and a clamp for reliable fastening of the device. We tell you which soldering iron for polypropylene pipes to choose and give a rating of the best models in our opinion.
What power should I use a soldering iron?
The power of devices for working with polypropylene and polyethylene pipes starts at 600 W. The most powerful ones can be 2000 W. The intensity of heating of the working nozzle and, in fact, the rate of melting of the inner or outer layer of the pipe directly depends on the power. In this case, devices with a power of both 600 W and 2000 W will heat up to the same temperature (for example, up to 300°C), but the heating intensity of a larger nozzle will be higher for a powerful one.
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If you are installing heating or a pipeline for yourself with a maximum pipe diameter of up to 25 mm, take a low-power one (for PP soldering irons) for 600 - 1000 W. If you plan to work with nozzles 50 - 63 mm, then you will need a device with 1500 - 2000 W.
How to properly connect plastic pipes?
To carry out welding work using a special machine for plastic pipes, you need to know a few simple rules to protect yourself from possible mistakes.
- Connect to the network. It is necessary to place the device on the stand, usually included in the kit, and leave it for 2-5 minutes until the control lights go out. This is necessary for the device to heat up to a certain temperature. During this process, the appropriate attachment can be attached.
- Set the temperature. If you have a thermostat, it is possible to select the optimal soldering temperature. Sometimes manufacturers of plastic pipes may use reinforcing additives during production, which either increase or decrease the refractoriness of the material.
- Take care of your safety. The metal surface of the nozzle has a very high temperature when starting work. Contact with skin may cause severe burns. Use heat-protective gloves when working with a welding machine.
- Make preliminary calculations. Measure the distance that one pipe will fit into the other at the time of soldering. It is best to use a pencil or marker that can be easily erased. It is worth measuring depending on the diameter of the pipes. For example, with a diameter of 20 mm, it is worth measuring about 13-15 mm in length.
- Warm up both parts before soldering. When one of the parts of the pipes being connected is heated, the desired tightness is not achieved. It is advisable to hold each of the plastic parts on the soldering iron nozzle for 5 to 10 seconds.
For more details, watch the video:
Diameters of nozzles for soldering irons
Soldering irons for PP and PE have the following range of sections:
- 16 mm;
- 20 mm;
- 25 mm;
- 32 mm;
- 40 mm;
- 50 mm;
- 63 mm;
- 75 mm;
- 90 mm;
- 110 mm.
For heating pipes, the standard bore diameter is 25 mm. The water supply is usually installed with a diameter of 25 - 32 mm, less often 40 - 50 mm, if it is necessary to organize watering of greenhouses. The distribution lines in the basement may have a 63mm diameter pipe.
If you need to update the plumbing in your apartment, take a soldering iron with 20, 25 and 32 mm nozzles. For professional work, it is better to immediately buy it with a full set of attachments included. Please note that nozzles are actually the most expensive components, so do not buy extra ones in reserve. If you need all sizes, take it complete with a soldering iron, as they cost more separately.
Additional functions and components
The following additional features and components may affect which plastic pipe welding machine you choose.
- Power adjustment . Power adjustment in devices can only be stepped. If you need to install a pipeline with a small cross-section, you can set the power to a minimum, while saving energy. By turning on two heating elements at the same time, you increase the heating rate.
- Temperature adjustment . Typically, devices have smooth temperature control, so you can customize this parameter for a specific type of work.
- Thermostat . The thermostat turns the device on or off when it reaches the required temperature. This saves energy and prevents the device from running constantly. Also, it does not need to be turned off every time the parts are heated. There is a thermostat in all models that have temperature control.
- Pipe cutter . Some manufacturers additionally equip soldering irons for polypropylene with pipe cutters. Using them you can cut the pipe to the length you need. On average, a normal pipe cutter costs 1,500 rubles, but you can save it by purchasing it complete with a welding machine.
- Case . At first glance, this may seem like a small thing, but carrying a soldering iron with all the attachments in a regular bag is not entirely convenient. The metal case is convenient to store and transport the tool, and it will last you longer.
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comparison table
Due to the fact that there are a large number of machines for welding plastic pipes on the market, it is not always possible to immediately understand what exactly you need. To do this, we have made a table where you can clearly compare all the models that are included in the rating.
| Model | Power, W | Number of attachments included | Device weight, kg | Average price, rub |
| Kolner KPWM 800MC | 800 | 3 | 1 | 980 |
| RESANTA ASPT-1000 | 1000 | 6 | 2,85 | 1 580 |
| CANDAN SM-06 | 1500 | 4 | 5 | 2 559 |
| Wester DWM 1000B | 800 | 6 | 3 | 2 199 |
| CALIBER SVA-2000T | 2000 | 5 | 2 460 | |
| Special PTP-1000 | 980 | 1 | 2 190 | |
| DIOLD ASPT-4 | 1500 | 1 | 3 255 | |
| ELITECH SPT 1500 | 1500 | 5 | 3 099 | |
| RESANTA ASPT-2000 | 2000 | 4,65 | 2 630 | |
| Sturm! TW7219 | 1900 | 1 | 2 920 |
The best budget models of machines for welding polypropylene pipes
RedVerg RD-PW600-32
This is an inexpensive low-power soldering iron for working with small diameter polypropylene pipes. In particular, it is capable of working with pipes with a cross-section of 20, 25, 32, 40, 50, 63 mm - even larger than what is needed for home plumbing. The attachments are included, so there is no need to buy them separately.
The nozzles are Teflon coated, so the PVC will not stick during heating. The device is equipped with a thermostat and smooth temperature control. You can adjust the temperature from 50 to 300°C. Additionally, the kit includes a metal case for storing and transporting the device. An excellent option for personal needs.
Resanta ASPT-1000
One of the most popular soldering irons among Russian consumers. If you are thinking about which is the best soldering iron for plastic pipes for your apartment, take Resanta ASPT-1000. It has all running nozzles with a diameter of 20, 25, 32, 40, 50, 63 mm. The nozzles are also Teflon coated to prevent the plastic from sticking. The power of the device is 1000 W.
The soldering iron is equipped with a stable nozzle for convenient heating of pipes. You can change the temperature smoothly using the regulator from 50 to 300°. The kit includes a screwdriver and a storage case. Please note that in this model the heating/heating shutdown indicator works slightly differently than in other soldering irons. Here, when the soldering iron is heating up, the green LED lights up, and when it’s heated up and you can solder the pipe, the red LED lights up.
Candan CM-01
This is an “indestructible” device that is in the mid-budget range. Its main feature can be considered a clamp, which acts as a stand. It can be fixedly attached to the edge of the table, thereby making soldering pipes more comfortable and convenient. The clamp has a screw fastening, like on manual meat grinders. The device is capable of working with nozzles with a diameter of 16, 20, 25, 32, 40, 50, 63 and 75 mm. However, the kit includes only nozzles with a cross-section of 20, 25, 32 and 40 mm - although this may be quite enough for some.
The power of the soldering iron is 1500 W and there are two heating elements at once (the power can be adjusted). When both are turned on, the device begins to heat up much faster, saving the plumber’s time (this is very important when installing a large number of pipes). The device is quite heavy - as much as 7 kg. The equipment here is already richer than that of previous state employees: a screwdriver, a clamp, a tape measure, a level, a case, a wrench and a pipe cutter. The pipe cutter can cut all pipe diameters up to 75 mm.
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Soldering iron for PP pipes, features of selection and operation - the experience of FORUMHOUSE participants
Unlike city apartments, in a country house the organization of heating and water supply systems is the primary task facing the owners. There are several technologies for laying intra-house communications for distributing water or coolant in the heating system. Of these, the most budget-friendly and feasible for beginners is soldering polypropylene pipes. With this technology, the construction of communications is carried out by heating the component elements (pipes, angles, couplings, etc.) with a welding machine, followed by their contact with each other. With the advent of this technology, many homeowners began to choose self-installation and prefer to do without hiring specialists. But what you can’t do without is welding equipment, which will be discussed in the article. We will use the collective experience of the portal participants to choose a soldering iron for polypropylene pipes (welding machine for polypropylene), and also learn about the intricacies of its use.
Tool characteristics
Officially, this tool is called a welding machine for polypropylene pipes, but is popularly renamed a soldering iron, since this is its operating principle - heating elements using an electric heating element to the melting temperature, at which a monolithic connection is obtained without deteriorating the properties of the material. The design of all soldering irons for polypropylene pipes is the same:
- body with handle,
- heating platform,
- stand,
- nozzles of different diameters.
The number of nozzles, and therefore pipes, that can be processed simultaneously depends on the shape of the platform. They come in two types: rod-shaped and xiphoid.
Tool platform shape
| Platform shape | A heating element |
| Rod | a heating element in the form of a rod (cylinder), on which nozzles are put on and fixed, |
| xiphoid | the heating element is flat, in the shape of a sword (or iron) with holes in which nozzles are fixed. |
There are no differences in the operation of the units, only in ease of use in certain conditions and the method of fixing the attachments. They can be fixed anywhere on the rod, but on a flat platform only in the existing grooves.
Regardless of the platform configuration, the soldering iron for polypropylene pipes is equipped with mechanical or electronic regulators that allow you to adjust the temperature regime. The optimal heating temperature of the nozzle is 260⁰C; if the deviation in any direction is more than 5⁰C, either the seam will be insufficiently strong, or the destruction of polypropylene will begin. In some models, in addition to a color indication indicating that the device is ready for operation, there is also a sound indicating the completion of operations.
The power of pipe soldering irons starts from 680 W and reaches 2000 W; the larger the diameter of the pipes, the stronger the unit should be. For most soldering operations of plumbing, heating, sewer or irrigation systems, 800-1200 W is sufficient, as our craftsmen confirm.
Dmitry Sokolov FORUMHOUSE user, Moscow.
Power affects the provision of a temperature of 260⁰С, +/- 5⁰С for fittings of different diameters. In general, 1.5-2 kW is excessive; such power is needed for large diameters. For diameters 16-63 mm, a model from 680 W is sufficient, for diameters 16-75 mm - a model 850 W, model 1200 W - diameters up to 125 mm.
Soldering iron attachments
The set of soldering irons for pipes, even in the lower price segment, includes nozzles, usually three pieces for the most common pipe diameters - 20, 25, 32 mm. If we are talking about models that are sold at a higher price, then the kit will include nozzles starting from 16 mm and 63 mm each; as an option, you can buy a set of nozzles separately, but branded accessories can cost the same as a budget soldering iron itself.
Initially, the nozzles are made of copper and aluminum alloys, then covered with a non-stick Teflon layer. The thicker this layer, the longer the nozzle will last, since as the coating wears away, plastic begins to stick to the molds, a characteristic “aroma” appears, and difficulties arise when removing parts. Wear of attachments occurs not only due to increased use or due to initially poor quality, but also due to careless handling of the tool.
Tool selection options
Not everyone has the opportunity to pay a substantial amount for a branded professional tool when they plan only for personal use, even taking into account all its positive characteristics. And a budget model from a not-so-venerable manufacturer will work on all systems in the house and will weld everything properly. Therefore, large, but five, or small, but three, everyone decides for himself, and we will look at what to pay attention to both when choosing and in the process of work.
To regulator gradation
Dmitry Sokolov
Thermostatic adjustment with an accuracy of 10⁰C may not be enough, since at 270⁰C the thermal degradation of PP-R begins, so the most important thing is a temperature of 260⁰C at the nozzle, and not at the temperature controller. This temperature must be checked with a thermometer during operation.
But if you can’t afford to overpay for a model with more precise settings, you can cheat.
mblUser FORUMHOUSE
In addition to your pipe soldering iron, buy an electronic tester with a temperature probe. Each time before heating the fittings being connected, measure the temperature of the soldering iron itself. When it’s 260-265⁰С, feel free to work.
You can also use measuring instruments when choosing a tool so you know what to expect.
APavlovich FORUMHOUSE user
You need to check it right away - go to the store with a pyrometer when looking at strange, cheap devices. In my experience, such a tool does not meet the stated characteristics. The nozzles do not heat up to the set temperature even at full power, the regulators and scale do not match, on some, even when there is a temperature regulator and control lights, the body itself heats up to 80⁰C, the temperature on the nozzles can differ by 50⁰C, there is no question of uniform heating .
For the strength of connections
The reliability of the handles and tripods can be checked by simply holding the device in your hand, as well as its ergonomics and weight, which is also important. A loose platform does not necessarily affect the quality of pipe soldering, but the need to tighten fasteners every few working hours will not add comfort.
Another member of our portal advises an integrated approach to choice.
Faustovo1FORUMHOUSE user
I have been welding PP for more than five years, and I have made the following conclusions about welding machines - when choosing, you need to consider the following points:
- Adjusting the power of heating elements.
- Nozzles
- Platform geometry.
- The location of the nozzles relative to the edge of the platform.
- Base.
The craftsman substantiates his conclusions with real situations.
- Adjustment - using special settings, it is easier to select the optimal temperature for fittings from different manufacturers, since during welding some may still heat up while others are already starting to melt. In winter, polypropylene heats up more slowly and processing takes more time; the regulator can set the appropriate mode.
- Nozzles - the non-stick layer on the nozzles of cheap models is too thin and after a dozen seams residues appear that need to be cleaned before the next operation.
- Geometry – when you have to solder plastic pipes of several diameters, it is more convenient if two pairs of nozzles can be fixed on the platform at once, one after the other (from the edge). This saves a lot of time.
- The location of the nozzles - in order to weld seams in hard-to-reach areas of the pipeline, it is easier when the nozzle is fixed flush with the edge of the platform; the protrusions in such a situation get in the way.
- The base is not the most important, but significant parameter; it is inconvenient to work when the tripod is flimsy.
Beginners are afraid of ruining the connection by choosing the wrong soldering iron, but it's not just a matter of equipment.
qazwer1973FORUMHOUSE user
Degrease the pipe, mark the depth with a felt-tip pen (don’t be lazy), use good quality pipes and normal scissors (so that you don’t make an ellipse out of a circle). And everything will be fine, even with a budget soldering iron.
Before the “test in battle” it is worth practicing on consumables.
Bearr3mFORUMHOUSE user
Budget models are quite suitable for non-professional use. If you are soldering for the first time, I advise you to practice a little - assemble a dozen couplings with a pipe, make sure that the edge of the pipe inside the coupling does not turn inward, narrowing the connection, you will get your hand full - and go into battle.
Whatever pipe soldering iron you ultimately choose, it in itself does not guarantee error-free assembly. If you have doubts about the correctness of the scheme or execution technology, go to the engineering systems section. Specific models of specific brands for soldering work will be recommended or advised against in the topic on choosing a soldering iron for polypropylene. The video talks about the types of pipes and the features of their soldering.
Soldering iron for polypropylene pipes: rating of the best professional ones
Wester DWM 1500
A powerful two-tension polypropylene soldering machine from Wester is suitable for regular professional use. By running two heating elements simultaneously, the desired temperature is reached faster. Moreover, it can be smoothly adjusted in the range from 50 to 300°C. It can connect pipes with a diameter of 20, 25, 32, 40, 50 and 63 mm. Each diameter comes with its own Teflon-coated nozzle. According to reviews from those who bought it, the device is reliable in operation and heats up very quickly.
The soldering iron is equipped with a clamp that can be fixedly attached to the table. Thanks to this, it is more convenient to use the device - it does not move while installing polypropylene parts on it. The manufacturer included gloves, a tape measure, a wrench and a pipe cutter in the kit. The entire set fits easily into a metal case. Its cost is about 3,000 rubles, which is not so much for a professional instrument made in Germany.
Valtec ER-04
Valtec, like Candan, comes from Turkey and produces high-quality plumbing equipment, of which the Valtec ER-04 model is a clear confirmation. This device is intended for serial assembly of water pipes made of polypropylene and polyethylene. It is designed for pipes with a diameter of 20, 25, 32 and 40 mm. At first glance it may seem small, as for a professional tool, but in practice there is rarely a need to mount a product of a larger diameter. The manufacturer included all these attachments in the kit.
The clamp allows you to firmly fix the device on a table or workbench for more convenient work. There is no need to buy a pipe cutter separately, as it is included in the kit. The set also includes a 2-meter tape measure, a hexagon for replacing nozzles, a level and plugs for installing water sockets. All this conveniently folds into a metal box.
GM Cobra 0005 COBRA
A powerful device that allows you to work with pipes up to 90 mm in diameter. True, there are only 4 attachments in the kit: 20, 25, 32 and 40 mm. The rest will have to be purchased separately. The body of the device is made of aluminum alloy, so the soldering iron weighs less than many competitors with similar characteristics: 1.6 kg. The heating element is naturally made of stainless steel.
The metal case also contains all the accessories: pipe cutter, tape measure, clamp. For a 1500-watt soldering iron, the price is very attractive.
By the way, have you ever wondered what is better to use for plumbing: metal plastic or polypropylene? Read about all the pros and cons in our article.
Selecting a welding machine for PP pipes
Bell and coupling types require the use of fittings. If this option is not suitable, you should buy a welding machine for polypropylene pipes that performs butt welding of PP blanks. This option is the most economical, as it does not involve the use of fittings. You can also buy welding for polypropylene pipes, which works on the principle of a contact-butt connection. Its essence lies in the hermetically sealed connection of the molten ends under high pressure. The strength of the resulting seams is equal to the strength of the body. The technique is capable of providing a high welding temperature of 250–260 °C, which allows obtaining a strong connection.
- According to the type of connection,
a welding machine for polypropylene pipes can be: socket, - coupling,
- butt.
Welding machines can be divided into manual and mechanical type devices. Mechanical welding is used for welding large diameter pipes. Such devices are distinguished by complicated controls. Manual-type devices are used for welding small-diameter products. The devices are small in size, easy to move, lightweight and reliable.
Also, when choosing, you should pay attention to such criteria as the power of the equipment and the number of attachments included with the device.
