When purchasing PPR pipes, check that the product label is complete, including the manufacturer's name and address, specifications, and applicable standards. Avoid buying substandard products. You can visually select products with uniform color, smooth inner and outer walls, and no bubbles, dents, or impurities. Make a preliminary judgment by smelling (no irritating odor), feeling (smooth texture), and observing (uniform color). White PP-R pipes have high light transmittance, making them prone to bacterial growth and secondary water pollution. Therefore, they are not recommended for exposed installation. If they must be used, they should be installed concealed or wrapped with light-blocking material.
Purchase pipes and fittings from the same brand to ensure the quality of the heat fusion connection. Simple toughness and hardness tests can aid in judgment, but note that PP-R pipes have low-temperature brittleness; pipes are prone to cracking in winter, which is a material characteristic and not an absolute standard for quality judgment. Inferior products may contain recycled materials or excessive fillers (such as calcium carbonate), leading to decreased performance and a significantly shortened lifespan to 1-5 years, while high-quality products can last over 50 years under standard conditions.
PP-R pipes become brittle and less resilient at low temperatures (especially below 5°C), making them prone to linear cracking under impact during handling and construction. Special care must be taken during winter construction to handle them gently and avoid dropping or throwing. Use sharp tools and cut slowly. High-quality pipes should be made from random copolymer polypropylene (PP-R) raw materials that meet national standards, with strict limits on the addition of recycled materials (usually not exceeding 10%).
After installation, a water pressure test is mandatory. The test pressure for cold water pipes should be 1.5 times the working pressure, and for hot water pipes, it should be 2 times, and must not be less than the specified minimum value (e.g., 0.9 MPa or 1.2 MPa). The pressure test must be conducted 24 hours after pipe connection, with a pressurization time of at least 10 minutes. A test confirms the pipes are leak-free after pressure stabilization. Pipes installed concealed must be marked to prevent damage during secondary renovations. Impacts or nails to the pipes are strictly prohibited. Heat fusion connections must be performed by qualified personnel; open flames are strictly prohibited at the work site to prevent overheating or rotational adjustments.
