Pipes and fittings help plumbing systems maintain a good seal, make right direction of flow for the water that comes into our homes, and also regulate or limit the flow to a certain quantity. Whether it is a toilet or a drain, installing right components from the get-go promises targeted use, efficient operation and an appealing look for your plumbing system through the years.
The best fittings, for plumbing or anything else, are consistent; they last; they make connections that are easy to understand and predict, which demand only regular upkeep; and that, under the forces arrayed against them, neither rust nor corrode.
Couplings
Couplings (soon to be known as among other things pipe couplers) slide over the ends of two pipes and connect them end to end. They extend the pipe run, change the flow direction where the flow leaving a supply pipe enters the receiving pipe, join pipes of similar diameter (by reducing couplings) or join pipes of equal diameter together (two full couplings connected in the middle by the hubs increase the torque more forces, but, they demand extra space and report to be installed only temporarily.
Union fittings play the same role as couplings, but can be plugged off without having to remove the fitting from the pipes. The male or female threaded parts depend on the dimensions and come with a screw-in and lock together to provide a tight seal. This means that even when access is required these areas are regularly capable of being adjusted. These fittings are available in materials such as ABS brass chrome plated brass copper PVC mallebale metals to name a few
Tees
Tie fittings are similar to couplings, except that they do nothave fixed ends — they can be unscrewed from the segments ofpipeline allowing for quick repair or replacement. Straight pipes withouttoo many bends or curves allow for the installation of ties.
Wyes, which are a common plumbing fitting and technically known as 3-way elbows, are used to connect piping that is vertical to one that is horizontal, also avoiding backflow. Often referred to as long-sweep elbows, they offer water efficiency because they produce a smoother water flow while preventing backflow.
Compression fittings are an easy to use and require no glue or solder fitting between any type of copper, PVC or malleable iron pipes. It just use friction between an olive (compression ring) and compression seat to make airtight or watertight seal. It is easy to install and easily convertible to any type of pipe as well. Other type of plumbing fittings used in any types of plumbing appliance are elbows, couplings, unions, tees and caps which are designed with compression fitting. Wondering which one to chose for your project or which works best for you? Let’s take a look at all of them and then dive in to see which is your best fit. Olet fittings with threading or without thread, threaded/unthreaded are the essential types of fittings specifically used with copper or PVC pipe for changes in pipe diameter dramatically between outlets and inlet.
Elbows
Pipe elbows change the direction of the pipe at a right angle. With a large variety, it is widely used in all kinds of plumbing applications. It is the ideal choice when a straight pipe is not allowed to fit the location.
Therefore, using the right kind of pipe elbow is important because you never want a bottleneck in a system, and this can happen if you pick the wrong bend. Pay attention to the radius, since the bigger it is, the less of a restriction it will present. Also, you need to match the elbow’s pressure rating and its material. The elbow needs to be able to hold up to the pressure you are piping in your system without any leaks developing.
Their exterior surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis to eliminate the deposits that will, after a while, generate electrolysis and consequently corrosion. Pipe elbows should also be welded or threaded as tightly as possible in order to prevent them from bursting out of the pipe wall.
Flanges
Flanges are crucial parts of piping systems as they provide an air-tight wraparound seal to limit leakage and reduce the chance of a catastrophic accident. Manufactured at different diameters to fit pipes of all sizes and different rating specifications, flanges come in a range of shapes and must be fabricated in steel or other hard materials that survive rigorous security inspection.
Slip-on and socket weld flanges, assemblable without welding, are also widely used, each providing different advantages for different settings. Named flanges having vertical straight bevelling on both sides and matching their edges with their wall thickness, reduce erosion at the joint area; slip-on flanges are easy to install, although they do not offer as much static strength and fatigue resistance as their welded counterparts.
The flange you choose depends on which environment or application you are working in. A threaded flange can be appropriate in low-pressure applications where welding is inappropriate, but they can fail under more adverse conditions than others.