Whether you are re-piping your entire home or just changing a few fixtures, there are several types of plumbing fittings that you can use. Flanges, caps and elbow joints are just a few of the options available to you. You may also want to consider alternatives to plumbing fittings such as couplings and adapters.
Push-fit fittings
Despite their growing popularity, some people are still skeptical of push-fit plumbing fittings. They are a twenty first century invention that consists of one or more O-rings and steel teeth, which are used to create a watertight connection.
The best way to properly install a push-fit fitting is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. A good pipe cutter is essential for making clean cuts. You should also protect the fitting from direct sunlight.
Some fittings even include a special tool to aid in their removal. This is important, especially if you are installing the fitting in a place that will be exposed to dirt and rocks.
Unlike soldering, which can be dangerous, push-fit fittings don’t require heat to establish a connection. They also use a special rubber o-ring, which creates a watertight seal.
Elbow joints
piping elbows are important fittings in plumbing systems. They allow pipes to change direction from a straight pipe to a pipe that turns at an angle. In some systems, piping elbows are used interchangeably with piping bends. But, in general, piping elbows are more common. They provide strength to piping systems.
Pipe elbows are available in different types and sizes. The types include short radius elbows, long radius elbows, and reducing elbows. All of these types are used to change direction in piping systems. The length of an elbow depends on the size of the fitting.
Short radius elbows are typically used for lower pressure pipelines. They generate less pressure drop and are less expensive than long radius elbows. Long radius elbows are used for pipelines that transport high viscous fluids. These types of elbows provide ample space and volume. They are often used in gas and food and beverage pipelines.
Couplings and adapters
Adapters and couplings are essential pieces of the plumbing puzzle. These are typically used to connect different types of pipe to fixtures or vice versa. The most common types include straight adapters and combination pipe adapters.
Adapters come in a variety of sizes, threaded connections and materials. The aforementioned straight adapters are usually manufactured from ASTM applicable cold down bars. They may also be manufactured from more exotic materials such as titanium, stainless steel and aluminized aluminum. The fittings in question are not recommended for compressible products or low-pressure discharges.
A coupling is a bit more complex. It features an interlocked housing that enhances its strength under tension. In addition, it boasts a couple of other features. The main one is the fact that it can accommodate more dimensional range.
Flanges and caps
Depending on the application, flanges and caps are used to protect the end of a pipe or to cap a pipe. There are many types of these fittings and they are made of materials such as carbon steel, aluminum, brass, and plastic. Some are threaded, while others are slip on.
Stainless steel end caps are the most common type of caps used. They are designed to offer increased corrosion resistance while providing a close fit. They also have ergonomic tabs for easy removal.
There are also tapered caps, which are used with straight tubes or bars. They provide a tight fit that keeps the pipe from rolling. Some tapered fittings also serve as a plug.
A flange is a pipe fitting that is threaded. It is used to connect two pipes or valves. It is often used in industrial applications. It is also used in residential pump systems. Usually, the piping is inserted into the fittings to make the connections. Occasionally, a special gasket is used to seal the flange.
Alternatives to plumbing fittings
Whether you are building a new home or revamping an existing one, there are a few alternatives to plumbing fittings to consider. Depending on your needs, you may want to consider metal, plastic, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes. Those that are made of aluminum are usually used for indoor plumbing. They are laminated with plastics inside for added protection.
Copper fittings are a popular choice for residential water lines. They are easy to install and provide a nice level of corrosion resistance. Although the copper fitting may be the star of the show, brass fittings also prove to be a worthwhile investment. They can also provide exceptional conductivity while retaining their luster for years to come.
One of the more cost effective materials to consider is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. PVC plumbing pipes offer a number of advantages over traditional plumbing pipe materials. They are cheaper to install, less prone to leaks, and easier to bend around obstacles. It also can be easily cut to length. It is also a lot more flexible than its metal counterpart.