DIY heating pipe plugs. How to choose, install and remove plugs for different types of pipes. What types of stubs are there?

The cylinder block itself did not burst. The fact is that the transformation of the coolant, which is located in the cooling jacket, into ice, leads to the fact that the icy liquid expands. This causes overstressing of the block and can lead to cracks.

The engine plugs are actually plugs that fit tightly into the technological holes in the block and, under normal conditions, provide the cooling system with proper tightness. However, if the coolant or water inside the BC freezes, then the increased pressure squeezes the plugs out of the cylinder block, keeping the block itself intact after defrosting.

Also, during vehicle operation, a situation often arises when coolant flows through the plugs. You can often find that the block plugs are rusty, that is, they are destroyed due to corrosion. In one case or another, these elements need to be replaced. Next we will look at how to change the engine block plugs.

Read in this article

Antifreeze or antifreeze flows through the plug: replacing the plug in the engine block with your own hands

Let's start with the fact that the problem of coolant leaking through plugs is most common on older domestic cars. However, this malfunction does not bypass various foreign cars. To restore tightness to the cooling system if it leaks through a plug in the block, the specified plug must be replaced. Let's look at such a replacement using the example of a VAZ car.

So, the plug (cup plug of the engine block) is installed in six places. The five larger plugs are 40mm in diameter, and the slightly smaller one is 25mm in diameter. The plugs must be changed in a certain sequence.

Before replacing, in addition to the new plugs themselves, you need to prepare:

hammer;
chisel;
screwdriver;
pliers;
sandpaper;
sealant;

Experts, regardless of engine type and time of year, recommend using only high-quality antifreeze or antifreeze diluted with distilled water in the required proportions, but not running or even distilled water.

You also need to remember that any antifreeze has a limited service life (maximum 4 years), mixing is also prohibited various types coolant among themselves. Also used to flush the engine cooling system.

Deciding on the type of plugs

The choice of plugs should be based on the following factors:

availability of fitting type;
according to the material of manufacture;
according to operating conditions.

Current types of plugs

The basis for the classification of plugs is the material they are made of.

Plugs for steel pipes are made from the following materials:

Metal. As a rule, these are steel and brass. Such plugs are very durable, so they can be used for sewer, gas and water pipes. The downside is that such products are afraid of aggressive environments and are susceptible to destruction due to corrosion. Read also: "".
Plastic. These fittings are not subject to oxidation, however, they can change their shape due to exposure to high temperatures, including direct ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Polyethylene products are inexpensive and can serve as internal pipe plugs.
Chrome steel. Such plugs are considered the most expensive. Chrome plating almost completely protects the product from corrosion. Most often used as a decorative element, for example, as an end cap for pipes in the manufacture of a fence.
Rubber. Rubber pipe plugs are used to protect pipelines from dirt and all kinds of debris. Such plugs are not used as a retaining element, because the material is very plastic and cannot provide a strong enough fastening.

The material of the part determines the area of use of the fitting.

There are four types of plugs according to their design:

Threaded plugs. Most often the material used is metal, sometimes plastic. It is very easy to install such fittings, and the connection is strong and of high quality. The main thing is that the thread on the plug matches that on the pipe.
Pneumatic plug. This element is mounted using a pump. After air is supplied, it expands, forming the outline of the pipe, thereby forming a hermetically sealed closure of the end of the pipe. Pneumatic plugs can be used to temporarily terminate a water pipe.
Elliptical plug. It is a metal fitting, the installation of which is carried out by welding. It can be used as a permanent plug on an unused sewer pipe.
Flange plug. The part is made of metal and rubber. Installation is carried out using bolts and special rivets, which are inserted into the prepared holes on top of the plug. It is used to close casing pipes, and such a fitting is easy to install and remove at a certain moment.
Shipping plugs. They become necessary when you need to protect pipes during transportation. As a rule, the material of manufacture is plastic.
End caps. The material of manufacture can be any. In most cases, it is used to close pipes in unused sections of pipelines to prevent clogging.

Select the type of plug based on where they will be used.

How to choose the right plug

In order to correctly determine the type of plug, you need to take into account a number of factors.

The choice of plug depending on the purpose of the pipe is made as follows:

If this is a gas pipe, then the plug must be of extremely high quality. In this place it is better to install an elliptical type of fitting, because the threaded type will not provide adequate tightness and strength.
Plugs for heating pipes and pipes with hot water It is better to install metal ones. Due to high temperatures, rubber and plastic are likely to deform, causing loss of required strength and leakage.
In cold water supply systems, rubber, elliptical and flange plugs can be used. Make sure that their selection and subsequent installation is carried out properly.

Selecting a plug based on its purpose:

As a temporary measure for trimming, it is better to install flange and pneumatic plugs.
For long-term closure of the pipeline, it is better to use threaded and elliptical type products.
Decorative pipe caps are selected in accordance with the existing design of pipe products.

When deciding on a plug, you should take into account the material of their manufacture:

If the pipe is metal, then the plug for it should also be made of metal.
For plastic pipes, it is best to use plastic plugs, but only if the pipes are used to supply cold water.

And one more factor that determines the choice of fitting type is the cross-section and profile of the pipe.

IN in this case The selection algorithm is as follows:

The plug for pipes with a round profile is mounted only on round pipes.
Plugs corresponding to their shape are mounted on square pipes and pipes with other profiles. In some cases, round plugs are installed on such pipes - but exclusively as decorative elements.
All plugs must match the dimensions of the pipes.

If you follow these rules, the choice of plugs will be made correctly.

In special cases, plugs are made independently. Before you make a pipe plug, you need to take a simple sheet of metal. Next, you need to make all measurements, taking into account the cross-section of the pipe. After installation, such plugs are finally fixed by welding.

Installation of plugs

Each individual type of plug is mounted slightly differently due to its design features.

The main thing is to adhere to these rules:

To achieve normal tightness of the threaded connection, you should use some kind of sealant, for example, fum tape.
If you are installing a pneumatic plug, you should adhere to safety rules and monitor the volume of air supplied, otherwise the part may burst.
Installing an elliptical plug requires knowledge of welding work and taking into account all safety rules when operating this device.
The flange blank mounting bolts must be exactly the same size as the holes drilled for them, otherwise the seal will be compromised and the plug will not function properly.

How to properly dismantle plugs

Sometimes it becomes necessary to dismantle one or another plug.

To do this you will need:

stock up on all the necessary spare parts that will be required during the process of reconstruction or extension of the pipeline system;
shut off the water or gas supply to the system;
if a threaded or flange type plug is installed, then it is simply unscrewed with the available plumbing tool;
to dismantle the elliptical plug you will need a grinder - the plug will need to be cut off;
The pneumatic plug needs to be deflated.

And most importantly, when carrying out any repair work It is strongly recommended that you adhere to strict safety regulations.

In this article we looked at what a pipe plug is, what types they are and how best to install them in a given case. Pipe plugs are indispensable elements during transportation and as a temporary measure to block the pipeline.

All fittings must be matched to the exact size of the pipes and used strictly for their intended purpose. During installation and dismantling of plugs, all safety regulations must be observed. It is also important that some types of fittings can be made at home from scrap materials.

The spherical steel plug is an essential element of pipeline fittings, the main function of which is to close the holes at the ends of the system.

Design and production of spherical plugs

Stamped plugs in the shape of a hemisphere are made from a sheet of metal by hydraulically extruding the product into the desired shape. During manufacturing, a section of the sheet is heated until the desired softness is obtained, after which a piece in the form of an ellipse is cut out, and after some mechanical manipulations, a future pipeline sealing element is obtained. This method manufacturing is called stamping, and thanks to this, the plugs are also scientifically called stamped. Pipe plugs are small in size and relatively light in weight, largely due to the absence of a welded transverse seam.

When plugs of very large sizes are required, so to speak, non-usable, they are not produced en masse and molds for them are not made. Such products are also called spherical bottoms. The principle of their manufacture differs from stamping and is considered almost exclusive, because these devices are made by hand, and, as a rule, individually. The manufacturing method is called petal, because such a plug (bottom) is assembled from metal petals that are welded together. The quality depends on the number of petals; the fewer there are, the more masterly the work is considered, and the more reliable the product.

Spherical plug – areas of application

Spherical plugs have wide application on process pipelines, where they make it possible to achieve high tightness of the locking point. They are corrosion resistant, lightweight and have a low price compared to similar parts. This type of plugs is also widely used in production. various types containers, vessels, apparatus, boilers. Thermal power plants, nuclear power plants, technological and main pipelines are the main areas where this type of shut-off valve is used.

We should not forget about the gas, chemical, oil refining and food industries, where the plug plays the role of protection during sudden pressure changes. As noted above, the connection is made by welding, which provides further reliable protection when used in water or steam environments. Plugs can also be used as a temporary option during the period when pipeline branches are shut down to carry out any operational checks or tests. This device can also be used as a dead-end pipe at the point of disconnecting a certain section of the main line, when it is necessary to close it forever.

Spherical plugs made from high-quality materials, as a rule, fulfill their task 100%. Properly organized welding during installation allows you to obtain high joint strength, while the material remains resistant to corrosion. This device will serve for a long time and will not reduce its reliability even under mechanical loads. Spherical plugs are installed on pipelines with an outer diameter from 32 to 530 mm. It is worth noting that this shut-off valve can play the role of a bottom if the pipe diameter is more than 530 mm.

In essence, the plug is a miniature bottom. Actually, in most catalogs for such large-diameter products the name “bottom” is used.

In addition to shut-off valves, there is another device called a spherical plug - a squeeze plug. This part is located in the car engine, and its function is to seal water channels. A system of small channels runs through the cylinder block and allows the engine to be cooled while it is running, and the holes that go out on the sides of the engine are closed with spherical plugs. Every time such a cooling jacket is cleaned, the release plugs are replaced with new ones, because they are not threaded and cannot be reused.

Spherical plugs for pipes - installation rules

There are a number of factors to consider when selecting spherical plugs. First of all, the nominal pressure and working environment where the plug will be installed. They are fundamental parameters, since it is from them the right choice The ability of the stub to fulfill its obligations will depend. Also, do not confuse spherical and elliptical products, although they belong to the same type, but an ellipse is simply a modified sphere, even the manufacture of these devices meets the same GOST, and they are often indicated as interchangeable, they especially like to confuse the names by indicating one of them in parentheses as a clarification. Naturally, they differ in radius; the spherical type of plug has only one.

When carrying out installation, you should pay attention to the material of the seam; it must ultimately have the same mechanical properties as the plug for reliable further operation of the resulting lock. Like the base material of the plug, it should have a tendency to avoid intergranular corrosion. It is very important to select not only the plug, but also the materials for the seam; all of them must meet the requirements of GOST. These are, as a rule, electrodes with a special stainless coating and welding wire; it is better to purchase them in the same place with a plug. The best thing is to find a reliable supplier who can sell it all at once.

For even greater strength of the connection, the design should include a special sealing element in the form of a small depression. If a stamped plug of the required size is not available, it is possible to install an element of a different diameter (usually smaller) with a special adapter. All welds must be made with full penetration on both sides, preferably with UONI-13 electrodes, and in no less than 3-4 layers. Spherical plugs on main pipelines are installed with the convex part outward. The base material in this connection works in tension. It is not recommended to install spherical plugs with the curvature inward.

Pipe plugs can perform a variety of tasks, from closing end holes in pipelines to giving any structure a complete decorative look.

1

Now there is a huge variety of elements that interest us. They are divided into different groups depending on certain indicators and operational characteristics. First of all, pipe plugs are classified according to the materials from which they are made. From this point of view they are:

metal;
rubber;
polyethylene and plastic;
chrome plated.

Perhaps the most common today are metal plugs. They are installed on sewer and water supply lines made of steel and cast iron, and used in pipelines through which gas is supplied. Metal products are indispensable for industrial purposes. They are also used very actively in household networks. Metal plugs have high strength and operational reliability. But they have a serious drawback - they are susceptible to rust.

Therefore, now, when building household and municipal water supply networks, as well as cast iron sewers, instead of metal plugs, they are trying to use more modern plastic plugs, which are characterized by a high degree of anti-corrosion protection. Metal plugs are most often brass and steel structures. Products made of brass are quite resistant to corrosion. But their cost is high. Steel plugs have a lower price. But, as we said, they rust. And installation of such products is always a labor-intensive procedure.

Modern plastic sewer plugs

Corrosion is not a problem for polyethylene pipes. True, under the influence of the sun's rays and elevated temperatures they can become deformed. The undoubted advantage of such plugs is their low cost. Most often they are used as internal plugs for pipes (profile and round) and as plugs for fences. Note! It is not advisable to use polyethylene and plastic plugs for.

Rubber products cannot be securely fastened. They are very flexible. Therefore, it is unrealistic to use them as holding fittings. As a rule, rubber structures are installed on various highways for one purpose. They protect sewer and water supply networks from debris and dirt getting into them. Installation of rubber plugs (round and other shapes) is simple - they are simply pushed into the pipeline in the desired area.

Steel products with a special chrome coating are a variation of ordinary metal plugs. They are decorative structures. Their appearance– shiny and shining, ideal for adding beauty to various structures. Such decorative fittings are often used to decorate a fence made of pipe products that protect private plot, or fences around any public facility. Chrome-plated steel fittings are not afraid of corrosion and are characterized by a long service life. At the same time, the cost of such pipe plugs is objectively high. This is due to the high costs of manufacturers for their production (complex technology, high cost of chrome coating).

2

The products described in the article are divided into different types depending on their design features. In this case, the following types of pipe plugs are distinguished:

spherical (otherwise elliptical);
pneumatic;
threaded;
transportation;
end;
flanged.

Spherical steel fittings are made from alloys 12Х18Н10Т, 09Г2С, 12Х18Н10Т, 08Х18Н10 and some other metallurgical compositions. Such plugs are suitable for blocking individual sections of pipelines. In addition, they are used for arranging the bottoms of various industrial tanks. Steel elliptical products are installed by welding. And they are always produced using stamping technology.

Spherical plugs can also be made from rubber. Such designs are made in the form of an inflatable durable ball, which is equipped with a special pump with small dimensions. This pneumatic plug is inserted into the pipeline and then inflated with air. As a result of expansion, the pipe opening becomes completely blocked. A simple pneumatic plug can cost only a few dollars. But the price of such products used on large industrial highways is usually in the hundreds and even thousands.

Spherical Pipe Plugs

Threaded muffling elements are often installed on municipal and private water supply networks. They cost pennies, but in operation they show themselves to be quite reliable products. They are installed, as the name implies, on the threads on the pipe. Threaded round plugs are made of plastic (rarely) and metal (the main range of such fittings consists of them).

Transportation plugs have a one-piece elementary design, which requires the presence of simple fasteners (mechanical). They are made in the form of a kind of cap or cover.

Shipping round and profile plugs are needed to protect pipes during transportation. The purpose of such products is to protect pipe products from debris. Typically, shipping plugs are made of plastic. Metal plugs are less common. Functionally, transport products are similar to end caps. The latter are installed on unused (temporarily or permanently) sections of pipelines. They also prevent pipes from becoming clogged.

Flange products are made of rubber or metal alloys. They are mounted with special rivets or ordinary bolts. These fasteners are placed in special holes that are cut in the upper area of the plug. The advantage of such plugs is the ability to dismantle them at any time and then reinstall them. Everything is done quickly and without unnecessary complications.

3

The parts we describe are always selected taking into account the characteristics of specific pipes and pipelines constructed from them. In this case, it is necessary to take into account both the functional purpose of the pipelines and the material from which it is made.

It is not advisable to use rubber and plastic plugs for hot water pipes and heating systems. At elevated temperatures, such products can be seriously damaged. It's better to invest in more durable metal plugs.
Pneumatic and threaded plugs must not be installed on gas lines. They will not provide the required level of sealing.
If a plug is needed to block any type of pipeline for a long period of time, it is best to use flanged or elliptical products.
The shape of the pipe and the plug used for it must always match each other. Round plugs should be installed on round pipes, and square products - on profile structures.
Special plugs must be installed on well pipes. They are placed at the lower end of pipe structures. Such plugs are necessary to prevent water from flowing past the filter device into the wellbore.

Special plug for well pipe

Let's talk separately about the selection of fence caps. Nowadays, many types of fencing are built from pipe products. Therefore, this question worries many people. Choosing plugs for the fence is quite simple. If you need to close the ends of metal pipes, purchase plastic or steel products. It is desirable that they are fastened using a hidden bolt connection. In this case, the metal plugs will not rust for a long time.

Plastic covers to protect the ends of fence pipes can be purchased very cheaply. But you need to remember that such fence products very quickly lose their appearance when exposed to sunlight. And they break quite often even under minor mechanical loads. Therefore, experts recommend always buying metal plugs to decorate the fence.

Pipe plugs can be used for a wide variety of purposes. They are most often used for the safe transportation of pipes, to prevent leaks, and also as decorative elements. What types of plugs there are and how to choose a device that meets certain requirements, read on.

Selection of stubs

The choice of plugs should be based on several factors:

type of fitting;
selection of the material from which the plug is made;
rules of application.

What types of stubs are there?

First of all, the classification of plugs is carried out according to the material from which the devices can be made. The following materials are used:

Metal. The most popular are plugs made of steel and brass. The metal pipe plug is strong enough, so it can be used for gas and sewer pipes. The only drawback is susceptibility to corrosion.

Plastic and polyethylene. Such fittings are not subject to corrosion, but can become deformed when exposed to high temperatures and sunlight. The plastic plug is not very expensive and can be used as an internal plug for pipes.

Chromed metal. The plug made of this material is the most expensive. It is practically not subject to corrosion. Mainly used as a decorative element. For example, plugs for fence pipes.

Rubber. Rubber pipe plugs are used to protect pipelines from dirt and debris. As a rule, they are not used as holding elements, since they are very plastic and cannot be securely fastened.

The area of application of the fitting depends on the material of manufacture.

Based on design features, all plugs can be divided into four types:

pneumatic plug. The device is installed using a pump that supplies air. During the period of air supply, the plug expands and takes the shape of a pipe, thereby reliably closing the passage of gases or liquids. A pneumatic fitting can be used as a plug on a water pipe to temporarily block the flow of liquid;

elliptical plug - a metal fitting installed using welding. Can be used as a permanent plug on sewer pipe in an unused pipeline;

flange plug. The product can be made of metal or rubber. The fitting is installed using bolts or specialized rivets, for which there are special holes in the upper part of the plug. The fitting can be used as a casing plug, as it is not only easy to install, but also to dismantle at the right time.

In addition, there are:

transportation plugs necessary to protect the pipes during transportation. They are primarily made of plastic;

end caps. The end cap for pipes can be made of any material. Primarily used to prevent blockages in pipes and unused pipe sections.

The choice of plug design should be based on the intended use of the product.

Fitting selection rules

To select the correct plug, you need to rely on many factors. The selection algorithm looks like this:

The most important factor is the purpose of the pipe:
- plug on gas pipe must be as reliable as possible. For this purpose, elliptical fittings are predominantly used, since the threaded connection is considered less durable;
- Metal fittings are used for hot water supply systems. From high temperature passing liquid, rubber and plastic products can be deformed, which significantly reduces the strength of the plug;
- For water supply systems, you can use threaded, elliptical and flange plugs, the main thing is that they are correctly selected and installed.

At the next stage, the choice of plug should be based on its purpose:
- for temporary blocking, it is more advisable to use flange and pneumatic plugs;
- for long-term restriction of the pipeline, it is recommended to use threaded and elliptical devices;
- The decorative plug for the pipe must match the design of the product.

When choosing a plug, it is important to consider the material from which the pipe is made:
- the plug of a cast iron pipe, as well as for any other made of metal, must also be metal;
- For plastic pipes It is more advisable to use plastic plugs if the pipes are not used for hot water supply.

The last factor influencing the choice of fitting is the size and shape of the pipes:
plugs for round pipes can only be installed on round pipes;
plugs for square pipes and other forms of profile pipes are installed on the corresponding pipes. Rarely can be used for round pipes, but only as decorative elements;
Each plug must fully correspond to the dimensions of the pipe.

If you follow these rules, then choosing a plug will not be difficult.

In some cases, you may not need to purchase plugs, but make them yourself. For example, you can make plugs for profile pipes with your own hands from an ordinary sheet of metal by making a cut of the same size and cross-section. Homemade plugs are installed by welding.

Installation of plugs

Now let's look at how to put a plug on a pipe. In most cases, this operation does not cause difficulties even for people who do not have special knowledge.

The external plug for pipes is installed based on its design features. When installing fittings, the following rules must be followed:

for sealing threaded connections It is advisable to use a sealing material. For example, fum tape is optimal for water supply pipes;

When installing a pneumatic plug, compliance with safety rules and control of the amount of incoming air is required. IN otherwise the device may “burst”;
if an elliptical plug is installed, the fitting installer must know the simplest welding methods and strictly follow safety precautions when working with the welding machine;
For flange plugs, the fixing bolts must exactly match the dimensions of the prepared holes. Otherwise, the plug will not perform its function.

You can watch the video about the selection and installation of plugs using the example of fence pipes.

Removing the plugs

To remove temporary plugs, you must:

prepare all elements necessary for reconstruction or extension of the pipeline;
stop supplying water or gas to the pipeline;
if a flange or threaded plug is installed, it is simply unscrewed using plumbing tools;
the elliptical plug is cut with a grinder;
the pneumatic plug simply deflates.

Pipe plugs are widely used for transportation and temporary restriction of pipeline capacity. Each fitting must be precisely selected in size and purpose. Installation and removal of plugs is carried out in strict compliance with safety rules and regulations. You can also make a limiter yourself from available materials.