home » Floriculture » DIY manifold for heated floors made of polypropylene. What you need to know when choosing a collector for a water heated floor. What is a collector?

DIY manifold for heated floors made of polypropylene. What you need to know when choosing a collector for a water heated floor. What is a collector?

The recently popular heating system for buildings using underfloor heating requires attention in design, selection of components and installation. Manufacturing requires a larger number of components and products than for a system with radiators. This is due to many factors, but the main one is the need to properly distribute the coolant among the branches and control its heating.

One of the required components is the distribution manifold (comb) to which the pipes running in the floor are connected. It performs several functions and without them, installing a heated floor is problematic. Despite the fact that the manifold group for heated floors is manufactured by many manufacturers and supplied to the market in many modifications, there is often a desire to save money and create it yourself.

How does this process work, what can you assemble a distribution manifold from yourself, and what materials are used for this? Let's try to answer these questions.

The underfloor heating manifold is used in heating systems for the following purposes:

flow distribution;
temperature control.

Its main purpose is to supply coolant of the required temperature and quantity to each branch of the heated floor. To do this, a mixing unit is installed with the manifold, including a pump, control valves and a bypass (in some versions).

The need for temperature control is due to the fact that boilers generally prepare water at a much higher temperature than required for heated floors. And in order to convert it to the required parameters, the water is mixed with the “return” until the desired temperature is reached.

Types of collectors

In addition to material and technical characteristics, collectors differ in the type of regulation. They can be either without regulation at all or with the use of flow meters, manual shut-off valves and automatic devices.

Without regulation

A manifold for underfloor heating without regulation allows you to create a cheap version of the distribution system. It does not use any control devices, and the coolant flows are distributed depending on the hydraulic characteristics of the system. Despite the cost, this option should not be used, since it is not convenient to use and can create difficulties in the future.

With manual regulation

Mostly those who are trying to save on equipment tend to install this type of collector. This isn't always a bad thing. Savings allow you to direct funds to places where they are most needed. What are the pros and cons of this option?

A manifold with manual regulation has the right to life and can perform its function in maintaining the required amount of coolant in each branch. In this case, the temperature of the coolant is regulated in the mixing unit, and its quantity for each loop is set manually once. Then the system works independently. Brass manifolds of this type have proven themselves well.

This option is especially relevant when installing a heated floor as an additional comfortable element in the heating system. When the main heating is carried out by radiators or other devices, and heated floors only create additional comfort. For the main heating system in the form of a heated floor, it is better to provide more serious automation.

One of the options for regulating coolant flows to each branch extending from the collector is to use a balancing flow meter. This element makes it possible to regulate the coolant flow and visually control it.

The device consists of a rod with a flange, which allows you to control the nominal diameter in the pipeline. It includes a window with graduation, from which you can visually determine the specific coolant flow through the observed branch. The adjustment is made using the adjusting ring under the cap. Its connection to the manifold is carried out using a thread.

A manifold with flow meters is very often used in modern systems due to its low cost and good performance characteristics.

With automatic regulation

Recently, heated floors are often installed, in which collectors with automatic regulation are installed. To do this, servos are used for each loop. They, in combination with thermal sensors for a warm water floor, allow you to regulate the flow of coolant in each branch depending on the readings of the thermal sensor.

To do this, the required section passage is established. Such systems are more expensive than options without regulation or with manual ones, but they are quite flexible and allow you to obtain comfortable living conditions. Do not forget that automatic systems require competent regulation, without which they will not show their full functionality.

What can a collector be made from?

Standard manifolds for heated floors supplied to the market are made of different materials: polypropylene, steel, and various alloys. Metal elements are most widespread due to their quality, strength and reliability.

Separate combs are available with different numbers of polypropylene bends, which can be stacked with each other to create manifolds of different sizes. The same applies to brass elements.

If the task is to install a manifold for a heated floor not made from factory elements, you can use pieces of pipes, tees and other elements of the heating supply network. Large-diameter steel pipes into which pipes are cut to connect pipelines are suitable. There are also options for using polypropylene tees, which are connected to each other using pipe scraps. As a result of this action, a comb of the desired size and characteristics is obtained.

Making a collector with your own hands

If you decide to assemble a homemade manifold for underfloor heating, you should have some experience and understanding of the design of heating systems. First of all, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the principle of operation and the task of the collectors, and then carry out competent calculations and actual manufacturing.

Calculation

The heating floor collector circuit is selected based on the characteristics of a particular system. First of all, it is necessary to carry out calculations and select pipeline sections. Before production you must:

Using a pre-developed scheme, determine which branches the underfloor heating system will consist of and their characteristics.
Calculate all the operating parameters of the system: the temperature of the hot water supplied to the collector, the coolant flow through all branches of the heated floor, the location of the sections.
It is important to find out the presence and number of heating devices other than those that will be connected to the distribution manifold.
Select the regulation and control system to be used in the distribution manifold.
It is necessary to decide on the location of the collector, since its design and the location of the outlet pipes depend on this. Completing this step allows you to connect the heated floor collector optimally.

To create a good distribution manifold that will allow you to properly control heated floors in the house, it is important to pay special attention to the selection of all components and parts. They must be designed to work in such systems.

In order for the selected manifold to perform its function efficiently and not create additional hydraulic resistance for flow movement and noise, the selection should be guided by the following rule: the diameter of the distribution manifold must be selected in such a way that its cross-sectional area is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of all pipelines that connected to the device. The same applies to the collecting manifold.

That is, for example, if 4 pipelines with an internal diameter of d=20 mm are connected to the collector, then the cross-sectional area of the collector should be: S = 4(πd²/4) = 1256 mm². That is, the diameter of the pipe for the collector will be at least 40 mm. This rule for the equipment of heating networks is described in particular in the following regulatory document: STO RAO UES of Russia “Heating points of heating networks”.

Accessories

When choosing a set of elements included in the manifold, you need to focus on the following products:

A comb, which is a piece of pipe with taps cut into it for connecting a heated floor pipeline. They can be purchased separately, welded from metal or soldered from polypropylene elements. For a manifold that is on the supply side, it is necessary to have a control valve on each circuit.
An air vent, which is connected at the top of the product to relieve air collected in the system.
Brackets that allow high-quality installation of a heated floor collector on a building structure. You can choose them from standard ones or make them yourself.
Drain valve, thanks to which it is possible to remove coolant from the system.
Tees and connecting elements.
Fastenings for connecting metal-plastic or polyethylene underfloor heating pipelines.

This standard set of elements is suitable for manifolds made of different materials.

The direct collector unit for a heated floor, in addition to the collector itself, includes a large number of additional elements that allow you to regulate and control the system. It includes a three-way or two-way valve, a pump, shut-off and control valves. The connection diagram of the collector in each option depends on the type of equipment selected.

Assembly

The manufacture of the collector itself is no different from working with elements of the heating network. If polypropylene is used, all components are soldered to ensure tightness, taps and other elements are connected. It is necessary to monitor the location of the pipes so that they can be conveniently connected.

When installing a manifold for a heated floor made of steel pipes, you must have welding skills. For work, a large-diameter steel pipe of round or square cross-section is taken. Sections of the required length are cut from the pipe for parts of the collector. The pipe sections are welded on both sides to ensure tightness, after which round steel pipes are welded to them, to which pipelines can be connected. To install metering and regulation devices in the pipes, places must be prepared for the air release device and other components. To protect against corrosion, such a collector requires painting.

Before assembly, it is important to assess all the risks and possible savings, and then get to work. You should not consider the collector as an independent system: it is an important part of the mixing unit, and if you have the idea to assemble it yourself, you should pay attention to the possibility of making the entire unit yourself. To do this, it is important to select correctly all the components, three-way valves, pump and shut-off and control valves. It is necessary to comply with all requirements for the installation of heating equipment.

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Water heating structures differ in many ways from similar electric heated floors. In general, the main difference lies in the nature of the coolant, which is heated by central heating or an electrical appliance.

In this design, the main role is played by the manifold, which is designed to ensure high-quality and efficient operation of all equipment.

That is why, below we will consider what this device is and how to install a manifold for a heated floor with your own hands.

Why do you need a collector installation?

The main function of the collector is to mix the coolant and distribute it throughout all heating circuits.

The principle of operation is that heated liquid (often water) enters the structure, where it is mixed with cooled liquid and redistributed for circulation in the floor heating system. The mixing level of cold and hot water can be adjusted and changed using special valves.

The use of the collector has a number of advantages, including:

safety of system operation;
long service life of the structure;
economical energy consumption.

How to mount and install a comb for a heated floor with your own hands?

For heated floors, you can use either a factory-made comb or make it yourself. Often, the finished version is made of metal (for example, brass, bronze). As for the self-made structure, it can be mounted from plastic and iron.

It’s not difficult to make a comb yourself; the main thing is to correctly calculate all the necessary parameters and characteristics for a specific underfloor heating system.

To do this you will need the following tools:

Scissors.
Soldering iron.
Adjustable wrenches.

All this will be enough to make a plastic comb. Additionally, you can get plumbing crabs, but this is not necessary.

By soldering individual elements of the comb, a complete version of the design is formed. At the beginning of manufacturing, it is necessary to connect the tees using small sections of pipes.

Advice: When soldering, leave a small distance between the tees. In the future, this will allow you to add another contour to the structure.

After connecting the tees, you need to combine them with couplings in order to then connect the plastic pipes.

The finished device must consist of two main elements, namely: return and supply. The latter should be higher when connecting a heated floor.

Installation of a heated floor comb

The comb is installed on the wall of the room and the ends of the heated floor pipelines are connected to it in series.

Each of the connecting plastic pipes must be laid in the appropriate room or distributed in a certain way across different rooms.

Installation and connection diagram for a heated floor collector

After all the main components have been assembled and the distribution combs have been installed, you can begin the process of installing the underfloor heating manifold.

If this is your first time working with such equipment, then in order to avoid problems and interruptions in the operation of the system, we advise you to seek help from professionals. But if you have certain skills, then these recommendations will certainly help you.

Advice: Before installing the collector, it is necessary to select and carefully prepare the optimal location for it. This largely depends on the dimensions of the device, which differ depending on the manufacturer.

It is convenient to place the manifold cabinet in a recess in the wall, and it is better if the installation is located in close proximity to the contours of the heated floor.

To install and connect the collector, you must complete the following steps:

Mount the manifold cabinet in the niche chosen for it in the wall surface.
All parts of the combs are fixed using metal strips, clamps and other structural elements are tightened. After all connections, the device must be securely mounted on the wall.
Next, pipes are supplied from the boiler and into the boiler using appropriate tees.
All metal-plastic pipes are being installed.
Testing equipment at low power. If the equipment works without failures, then it is necessary to check it at a higher power (about 65% of its maximum value).

For many of us, heated floors are represented as something complex, bulky equipment with which we can heat living spaces well. Talk about what is associated with hard work and great technological difficulties often becomes the reason for refusing to try to make a similar heating system in your home. However, for that category of people who have an irresistible desire to create comfortable conditions in their own home during the cold season, doing so is a completely solvable task.

Here it is important to have an idea of what the operating principle of the entire system is and how important it is to have individual elements, components and assemblies in the design of a home-made heating system. Doing the installation of water pipes with your own hands and laying the screed is half the battle. The main thing is to equip the system with the necessary instruments and devices that will not only perform the main work, but also control the entire process.

The meaning and location of the collector for warm water floors

When starting to install a heated floor yourself, you should be prepared to install a device such as a mixing unit. In this situation, you cannot do without such devices as a distributor, circulation pump and drain valve. All this and much more in the factory configuration costs a lot of money. A particularly expensive pleasure is the collector, which performs the main function - mixing cold and hot water for subsequent supply of coolant of the required temperature to the water circuit, regulates the operation of the entire heating complex. The device is a rather complex and high-tech design. Factory models are made of brass or stainless steel, so the price of such devices is correspondingly high.

Not everyone can afford to spend significant amounts of money to equip a heated floor with the necessary equipment. Moreover, if we are talking about heating small rooms.

Eg: Heating with warm bathroom floors can be done with your own hands at a minimum cost by connecting the water circuit to a heated towel rail. Buying an expensive collector with all the additional devices and equipment for these purposes is impractical and unprofitable.

In this situation, you can assemble a manifold for a heated floor with your own hands from available materials, shut-off valves and equipment. If the manifold can be assembled from improvised means, then you cannot do without a circulation pump, drain and three-way valve. If you have plucked up courage, have the necessary financial resources, certain knowledge and patience, you can get to work. There is no need to rush, first try to understand and figure out how the collector works and why it is installed.

On a note: do not listen to those who claim that the collector is needed only to distribute flows across different heating pipes of the water floor. This is superficial knowledge. The distribution of flows is carried out by the so-called comb or distributor. The collector's task is much more complex, larger and larger from a technological point of view.

The underfloor heating manifold not only performs the functions of distributing flows through the underfloor heating water pipes, but also participates in controlling the operation of the entire system. Thanks to the collector, you will make your heated floor as efficient as possible. It should be said right away, do not confuse the mixing unit with the collector. The mixing unit is a set of control equipment, while the collector is an integral part of the mixing unit, which is equipped with any “warm water floor” heating system.

Design and principle of operation of the collector

The manifold, or comb as it is also called, is included in the mixing unit kit. Without this device it is difficult to imagine a normally functioning heated floor. Without this device, the whole point of heating through underfloor heating is lost. Being the most important element of the mixing unit, the manifold ensures the mixing of water flows of different temperatures and their subsequent distribution through the heating pipes of the water circuit. Essentially, the device consists of two similar parts, one part is the supply part, while the other is the collecting part. Hence the name, which is common among specialists, distribution comb.

For reference: The distribution part is the unit for supplying warm water to the underfloor heating pipeline system. The collecting part is specially designed to collect waste coolant flowing in the opposite direction (return).

Structurally and externally, both parts are practically no different. The device is based on a large diameter tube equipped with threaded side branches (holes). The number of holes corresponds to the number of water circuits connected to the equipment. In simple terms, a comb is tees with the same parameters, twisted together. Therefore, for those who have at least some idea about plumbing, making a homemade manifold will not involve a pipe.

Having an idea of what a collector is and what its main tasks are, you can start planning your own heating system. In order to make a distributor, you need to know in advance how large the heated room will be and what your heating needs are. Therefore, decide the following questions for yourself:

how many heating circuits will you have;
what type will be the main source of water heating (we are talking about either a central heating and hot water system, or an autonomous boiler);
what additional devices and devices will be equipped with the heating system (pump, temperature sensors, pressure gauges).

On a note: To start making a heated floor collector with your own hands is necessary by choosing the design of the device. In other words, it is necessary to decide how the water pipes will be connected, and accordingly in what position the distribution and collecting combs will be located.

There are a lot of technological nuances that you should pay attention to before you start assembling your device.

For example, gas or electric heating devices are connected to the collectors from below or from above. When installing a circulation pump in the system, the connection will only be at the end of the comb.

In cases where you use an indirect heating boiler or solid fuel boilers as a heating device, the collector can only be connected from the end.

If you want to use water from the central heating system to operate heated floors, your collector must be connected from above or below. The diagram shows an option for connecting the collector to the riser of the central heating system.

If it’s not difficult for you, transfer the design diagram and the position of the distribution combs onto paper. At the same time, you can specify the dimensional parameters that you can rely on during the work process. It is appropriate to say here that the distance between the individual supply and return pipes should be at least 10 cm and no more than 20 cm. The same dimensions can be used for the distance between the individual units, the collection comb and the distributor.

On a note: Try to make your device not only efficient and technologically advanced, but also compact. Otherwise, you may later face the problem of installing a homemade collector. An oversized device is more difficult to hide in a collector box, and installation of a heated floor collector will negatively affect the interior of the heated room.

After drawing up a sketch, it will become clear how much and what you will need for further work on making a homemade switchgear.

The process of assembling a homemade manifold

If your heating system is concentrated in one room and for this you only need one water circuit, start assembling a simple collector. For these purposes you will need:

¾ inch mixing valve;
¾ inch adapter;
nipple;
tees;
elbow with a bend angle of 90 0;
¾ inch clamping coupling.

As additional equipment, you will also need a circulation pump with an inlet with 1-inch diameter pipes, a ¾-inch ball valve, air vents and a drain valve.

To make a manifold with your own hands, you can use brass components or metal-plastic valves, elbows, tees and adapters. Metal-plastic shut-off valves used for these purposes are cheaper and make it easy to improve the design of a heated floor, with the expectation of increasing the contours of the heated floor.

It is better to use round and square pipes for return supply and collection units. Metal pipes of rectangular cross-section are considered the best option, since, according to experts, removing them is more convenient to work with. Let's look at how to assemble a homemade manifold from metal-plastic pipes.

The manufacturing and assembly process can be divided into stages.

First stage: in accordance with the dimensions indicated on the sketch, pipes are prepared from which individual fragments of the structure will be made.

Second stage: individual elements are combined into a single structure in accordance with technological need and purpose;

Third stage: installation of individual elements is carried out in places prepared for cold welding. Next, welding work is carried out using a cold welding machine;

Fourth stage: having assembled your own collector, you need to check it for leaks. Having closed all the pipes, one is left open to supply hot water. The absence of leaks at the connections indicates that you did everything correctly;

Fifth stage: installation of the collector at its permanent location and connecting the heating pipes of the water circuit to it.

Conclusion

If you approach the issue of completing and equipping heated floors pragmatically, then a homemade manifold is well worth the effort spent on its production. The only “but” that can cast doubt on all your efforts is the reliability of the design and functionality. A ready-made manifold, which you can buy by investing a lot of money, may not fit your existing heating system. On the contrary, our work will be as close as possible and adapted to existing technical conditions.

A homemade comb, in which you probably tried to take into account all the design nuances, should work normally and efficiently.

Comparing the amount of money spent on creating a homemade collector and the cost of the finished device, we can safely talk about significant savings. Many collector models today are not cheap. As a rule, the price of one device is comparable in cost to half the money spent on consumables and subsequent installation of a heated floor.
For those who want to equip a heating system in their country house in this way or create a heated floor in the bathroom, this option will be very convenient and practical. Installing heated water floors as the main heating system in a house on a capital basis puts increased demands on you. In this case, it is better to buy a factory model, for the quality and reliability of which the manufacturing companies are responsible.

It is an integral part of the auxiliary or main underfloor heating system. Its design, assembled according to a complete professional scheme, is quite complex, as it consists of many interdependent elements. However, in many apartments, small private cottages or country houses, the heating system is equipped according to a lightweight scheme. It can contain only a few radiators and two or three TP circuits, which makes it possible to install them in a common cabinet with a simplified manifold (comb). Thus, in most cases, assembling a manifold for a heated floor with your own hands is quite feasible. And setting up such a system will not cause any particular difficulties.

What is required to assemble the main distributor for the TP?

The varieties, configuration and purpose of individual node elements of collectors have already been described in the article “”. Therefore, here we briefly recall that for assemblies of its various types you will need:

a pair of basic combs (monoblock or composite) for supply and return of coolant;
two-way ball valves. Two of them will be required to cut off the flow and return from the primary (radiator) heating circuit. The rest can be used as shut-off valves at the inlet/outlet of underfloor heating circuits into the corresponding comb;
manual valves - rotameters for balancing the coolant flow in each branch. They are usually mounted on the supply manifold for each TP circuit;
thermostatic valves, manual or controlled by a controller with servo drives;
a circulation pump, which is advisable to purchase as part of a ready-made mixing group, together with connection taps, a bypass, a mud filter, etc. It should be noted that when installing a manifold for a heated floor with your own hands using a simplified scheme, you can do without a pump, using only an automatic three-way valve or two-way valves like Unibox;
control devices – pressure gauges, thermometers;
security groups;
fittings and various connecting elements for attaching underfloor heating pipes to collectors, etc.

Design of a collector unit

A pre-designed diagram will help simplify the assembly of the comb. Having even an amateur sketch at hand, you will already be insured against many editing mistakes. But a well-thought-out diagram of a heated floor collector, drawn up by a professional, should already take into account a number of parameters and practical aspects. The most important among them:

number of heating branches (loops);
determination of characteristics of consuming devices - diameter and footage of circuit pipelines, as well as hydraulic losses in them;
type of heating boiler, its main operational capabilities - thermal output, circulation pump power, coolant heating temperature;
the presence of additional equipment in the heating system - storage and damper tanks, pressure gauges, thermometers, safety groups, hydraulic arrows, etc.;
the need to provide for the possibility of scaling - connecting additional circuits, improving the control system - installing automation devices on existing control elements, as well as units that provide remote access.

IMPORTANT! A professional connection diagram for a heated floor collector does not just give an idea of which tap is responsible for a certain area. It allows you to place the pipelines in a more orderly manner, and in the future facilitate the setup and management of the heating system.

Choosing a place to install the TP manifold

It is very important to determine the optimal location where the underfloor heating collector will be installed. It is desirable that it be located in the geometric center of the building at an equal distance from the main consuming circuits and the heating boiler. Of course, in practice it is impossible to maintain the exact distance from the comb to the heating loops. And the loops themselves rarely have the same length, which leads to an imbalance in their hydraulic resistance. As a result, the coolant will tend to circulate in a short branch, and long ones may result in a lack of flow. And although this problem can be eliminated by installing rotameters or adjustable valves, one should still strive to achieve symmetry in the laying of pipelines.

When choosing a place to place a collector for heated floors in standard apartments or small cottages, you have to take into account the features of their layout. Since the manifold cabinet is not the smallest in size, in conditions of limited living space it is usually located in a closet or in a wall technological niche. However, if the house is larger and already has a separate boiler room, then the distribution combs with all the piping are placed directly next to the heating boiler. In large houses with two or three floors, it is even easier to maintain a geometric mounting center. In them, the collector can be installed in the space under the stairs.

Manifold cabinet

Its presence in the equipment set does not at all affect the functioning of the water heated floor system. However, the collector (installation) cabinet is responsible for the aesthetic component of the perception of the thermal installation, as well as for the safety of its components and their settings. It protects the system's controls, some of which are quite sensitive to external mechanical influences. Sometimes the material itself, for example, a polypropylene manifold, despite all its reliability, can be damaged. Considering these factors, it is recommended to choose boxes with lockable doors.

The mounting height of the mounting cabinet is selected based on local conditions and the wishes of the owner of the facility. It is not strictly regulated by regulatory documents. It should be taken into account that placing combs lower than 50 cm from the floor level is undesirable. The recommendation is due to the practical convenience of supplying pipes for connection and fastening to the manifold. The optimal mounting height for the cabinet is about 1 m.

TP manifold assembly

Assembling and installing a manifold for a heated floor, purchased as a complete set, according to the instructions supplied by the manufacturer, will not be difficult even for inexperienced home craftsmen. In this case, the most crucial point is to control the tightness of the interfaces of elements and assemblies. And since in factory kits most of the unfinished connections are provided on rubber or silicone gaskets (in rare cases on fulente), this task can be solved quite easily by any installer.

For those who have some experience in plumbing work, it will be more profitable to purchase and assemble a manifold from various elements on their own. By doing this, you will be able to save up to half the cost compared to a ready-made constructor. In addition, it is possible to assemble exactly the configuration that will best satisfy the user’s needs.

DIY polypropylene manifold

Polypropylene manifolds are among the most affordable. However, it should be taken into account that they take up slightly more space than prefabricated metal ones, and even more so. It can also be problematic to install flow meters and other devices for automatic adjustment and control of coolant supply into a polypropylene structure.

The elements for assembling the comb can be fittings used in heating or water supply systems, or finished, factory-cast products. In the latter case, the manufacturer sets a fixed number of taps, which cannot be increased on the selected model.

IMPORTANT! It is more convenient to use a manifold assembled from polypropylene fittings if its design is installed in a boiler room, boiler room or other technical room. After all, with a number of heating circuits of 5 or more, the plastic assembly turns out to be too bulky.

Accessories and tools

To completely assemble a polypropylene heating manifold with your own hands, you will need a special mounting soldering iron - for diffusion welding, and from materials and ready-made elements:

no more than 1 m of polypropylene pipe PN 20-25 without an external reinforcing layer Ø 32 mm;
1-2 m of pipe PN 20-25 Ø 32 mm with internal or external reinforcement. This position can be dispensed with if the manifold does not include the mixing unit piping;
tees Ø 32 mm (in a quantity equal to the number of TP branches) with bends corresponding to the diameters of the transition threaded couplings for connecting circuits;
transition couplings plastic/metal. It is better to take models with union nuts - American ones;
Ball Valves;
balancing valves - suitable for heating radiators.

Build process

A homemade manifold for heated floors made of polypropylene is made as follows:

A piece of polypropylene pipe without external reinforcement is soldered to one of the inputs of the Ø 32 mm tee. Its length depends on the skill of the installer. If you are good with a soldering iron, then 5-7 cm is enough - 2 cm per landing depth of the pipe entering the tee and 1-3 cm between adjacent fittings. But they can also solder closely.
A plastic/metal adapter with pipe thread or American thread is soldered to the lower branch of the tee. These steps are repeated until the number of taps is equal to the number of heating circuits (possibly +1 in reserve). It is necessary to make two such combs, because one polypropylene manifold is intended for supply, and the other for return. However, there is no structural difference between them.
From the end of the comb, a transition coupling is soldered onto metal of the appropriate diameter. Subsequently, a ball valve will be connected to it to block the general supply of coolant to the TP system (if necessary).
A tee (or just an elbow) is installed at the opposite end to connect the air vent.
After assembling the polypropylene comb structure, shut-off valves or control valves are screwed to the adapter couplings, and an automatic or manual air vent is installed.

IMPORTANT! It is better to try to weld the plastic fittings of the tees close to each other. Otherwise, the already rather large design of the polypropylene manifold will take up an even larger volume.

The simplest model of a homemade plastic distributor is made in a similar way. If you plan to install various service and automatic devices, then you should provide for soldering the appropriate fittings for them. For example, to install flow meters, it is necessary to replace the tees on the supply comb with cross parts made of polypropylene. In this case, both branches of each cross are equipped with couplings with metal transitions. A metal (brass or bronze) extension of the appropriate diameter and length is screwed into the upper coupling to install the flow meter, and a pipe is connected to the lower coupling. In this way, a polypropylene floor heating distributor can be equipped with any measuring device, a safety group device or a special type of shut-off and control valves.

DIY metal comb for heated floors

To make metal combs yourself, brass or bronze fittings, tees, fittings, and plugs are used. The general layout and assembly sequence resembles a similar process for a polypropylene comb, which only takes a little longer. This is due to the fact that each threaded connection must be carefully sealed using fumlenta, flax tow or special sealants.

When purchasing fittings and other plumbing parts, you should pay attention not only to their attractive price and shiny newness, but also to the true quality of the material. Firstly, it’s good to understand which manufacturer’s products you will be dealing with. If the seller provides a certificate for his products, that will be absolutely wonderful. Secondly, just by some external signs one can guess whether it is worth getting involved with such a product. So, good factory parts are, at a minimum, heavier than fakes and have thicker walls. The use of thin-walled “Chinese” tees, although it will noticeably reduce the cost of the comb, will critically reduce its reliability. In addition, working with counterfeit goods is quite difficult - low-quality material can crack at any time.

IMPORTANT! The use of high-quality bronze fittings brings a homemade manifold for heated floors closer in cost to a factory product - there will be savings, of course, but very insignificant. If installation of adjustable flow meters using crosspieces is required, then self-assembly of the combs becomes completely unprofitable.

Practical aspects of installing a water TP distributor

It is better to assemble and install the manifold for heated floors before rolling out the pipelines of the circuits. In this case, one end of the pipe is immediately fixed at the place of permanent connection, then, after laying out the loop, the second is fixed.
By installing a comb with an automatic air vent at the top point of the system, you will forever get rid of the problem of air venting. If the distributor is located, for example, in the basement, then you will have to install additional valves to remove air somewhere on the hinges themselves.
Each of the combs must have a slight installation slope (rise to the air vent) to relieve air plugs.
When choosing a collector assembly scheme without a mixing unit, in which the temperature in the loops is controlled by thermostatic valves (RTL regulation), the length of the pipelines in the heating branches should be taken into account. It has been noted that this scheme works well if the length of the pipe loop does not exceed 50 m for a pipe Ø 16 mm. If the length of the branches is higher, then a heated floor collector circuit with

conclusions

The decision whether to make a manifold for a heated floor with your own hands or purchase a ready-made one should be made based on the level of your installation skills, requests for the comb configuration, as well as financial capabilities. It will be important to consider that:

if it is necessary to connect 3-5 circuits, and the distribution unit is planned to be located in a manifold cabinet, then it is optimal to use compact metal fittings or ready-made monoblocks;
for a heated floor system with 5-7 circuits or more, the use of polypropylene combs is economically justified. However, in this case it is better to install them in a specialized room;
For heating systems that are planned to be controlled automatically, it is advisable to buy a manifold for a heated floor in a complete factory configuration.

Many home craftsmen decide to install heated floors themselves. One of the main parts of such a system is the collector. In order for the heated floor to work efficiently and reliably, during installation of the system, all its components must be correctly installed, including the collector.

The collector is one of the main components that make up the heated floor, which ensures the connection of all heating circuits into a single system. When hot water is supplied from the boiler, its temperature can be very high, and this is unacceptable for a heated floor, so a mixing unit is installed together with the manifold, which ensures the water temperature is about 40-45 degrees.

The main task of the collector and the elements that are installed on it is to prepare and supply water of a given temperature to the heating circuits.

The collector consists of two horizontal tubes that are connected to the supply and return lines. They can be made from polypropylene (by soldering the necessary fittings) or use brass or stainless steel.

There are thermostatic valves on the supply pipe, and flow sensors are installed on the return pipe. Using thermostats, you can regulate the temperature in each heating circuit.

Flow sensors allow you to visually monitor the fluid flowing through them, and with their help, hydraulic balancing of the system is carried out.

If you purchase a cheap manifold for a heated floor, then it may not have flow sensors.

In addition to the details described, the manifold is equipped with a pressure gauge and thermometer, they allow you to control the temperature and pressure in the system. There is a tap for air release, elements for fastening to the wall or to the manifold cabinet. Manufacturers often sell a completely finished kit, which, in addition to the manifold, has a pump and a two or three-way valve.

Collector design and connection diagrams

The use of a modern collector has a number of advantages, and without this element, it is impossible to ensure efficient and safe operation of this type of heating:

safety, the possibility of supplying very hot water to the system is eliminated;
opportunity control the temperature in each individual circuit, and installing a thermostat and electric drive allows you to automate this process and adjust the floor temperature, depending on weather conditions;
You can also adjust the temperature manually, but this method should not be used if a high-temperature hot water source is used;
It is possible to limit the temperature; for this, a certain level is set on the thermostatic head, above which water will not be supplied to the heating circuits.

A water heated floor collector consists of a system of pipes that are assembled in a certain order, which allows you to combine several water flows into one.

Several methods of connecting pipes are used:

parallel;
sequential;
mixed.

If used parallel system, then there is a high probability of losing some heat, but this option allows you to install a two-way valve, which is an additional control element.

The most productive is serial system. The combined system combines the advantages of the previous two; its installation is quick and simple.

Purpose of valves

Two way valve can only pass water in one direction, but its throughput is low. Its main advantage is the smooth supply of coolant. Modern models have a servo drive, which allows you to precisely adjust the throughput hole; this is done using a motor and a valve position sensor.

Two-way valves have a small capacity, so they can be used in rooms whose area does not exceed 200 m2.

Three-way valve can mix and separate water flows, which is why it is also called mixing. It has three pipes, one where water comes from the boiler, another where it is supplied to the system, and one where the return flows and mixes it again with hot water. Such elements are installed in autonomous heating systems at the outlet of the collector.

During operation of the heated floor, the valve becomes clogged and for ease of replacement, a detachable coupling is used.

Independent installation of the collector

To complete the installation work, you will need the following:

collector with all necessary elements;
manifold cabinet, if installation is carried out not in the boiler room, but indoors;
spanners;
screwdrivers;
winding with paste.

If you purchased a collector, then any home craftsman can assemble and install it yourself. Valves and flow sensors are already installed on the hot water supply and return pipes; you only need to connect them together, since the manifold is usually sold divided into several branches.

After this, the tubes are mounted on brackets, and now the manifold forms a single unit. At the next stage of assembly, control devices, plugs and other available elements are installed.

To properly assemble the collector, follow the instructions that were developed by the manufacturer and are necessarily included with the specified equipment.

After assembly, it is necessary to attach the manifold to the wall, and only after that can the valve and pump be installed. If you install them earlier, there will be difficulties when installing the finished unit on the wall.

Pump and valve installation is carried out in accordance with the scheme that you have chosen, after which they are through the highways connected to the boiler, and the heating pipes are connected to the outlets. If the collector is installed not in a boiler room, but in a living room, then it is better to install it in a collector cabinet.

During installation, in cases where it is necessary, be sure to use thread winding. To understand when this is needed, look for the presence of an o-ring; if it is present, then winding is not carried out; in other cases it must be used.

First, assembly is carried out without winding, it is checked that the parts fit together normally, then everything is disassembled and installation is carried out with winding, and rubber gaskets must be inserted into the union nuts.

When assembling the manifold, pay attention to the location of the outlets: those for pipes are directed downwards, and the air vents are directed upwards.

In order to correctly and efficiently install the collector and connect it to the heated floor system, you must adhere to the following tips:

when choosing the specified equipment, consider the size of the room, its purpose and your budget;
for a small room, a simple and cheap plastic collector is enough;
Equipment that includes a circulation pump will be more efficient, but it will also cost more;
the manifold cabinet must be installed so that it provides convenient connection of pipes and does not create discomfort in the room;
it is better to purchase a ready-made collector kit, which already contains all the necessary equipment;
if the elements to be connected have different diameters, then adapter fittings must be used;
the simplest and cheapest would be a manifold made of shut-off valves, but it does not have the ability to be adjusted, and the use of control valves allows you to set the temperature in each individual circuit.
Since the areas of the rooms are different, they are heated unevenly, and to adjust the underfloor heating manifold, adjustment valves are used.

Conclusion

Although it may immediately seem to you that the collector unit has a complex design and cannot be installed independently, this is not so. When purchasing such equipment, be sure to study the instructions, following which you will be able to perform all installation work yourself.