Pipe Fittings

If you’re planning to purchase pipe fittings for your plumbing needs, the first step is finding out the kind of pipe you have at home. It is often simpler to utilize similar types when adding-on, but one also has the option to choose other types. In changing the type of pipe to be used, “special adapter fittings” must be bought to be able to switch from one type of material to another type in the middle of a “pipe run”.

Supply lines are pipes that carry “pressurized water” into one’s fixtures; the most common choices for these types are plastic and copper. On the other hand, if the home has galvanized pipes, its sensible to continue using galvanized ones. In numerous localities, plastic pipes for supply lines are not allowed.

Pipe and pipe fittings make up a plumbing system. Plastic or metal pipes are connected by various fittings designed to match lengths in straight lines, branch in two directions, enlarge or reduce pipe sizes, turn corners, or connect to fixtures. There are some basic types of home pipe fittings, and knowing more about their function will help you choose the right one for your pipe type.

Soldered Fitting

This type of pipe fitting is used to connect copper pipes. The fitting is unthreaded, and is joined to the pipe through sweating or soldering with the use of torch, solder, and flux.

Threaded Fitting

This type of fitting is commonly utilized for steel fittings, but a number of plastic pipe fittings and copper pipe fittings can also be threaded. Threaded fitting used PTFE tape or pipe dope on its threads when joining it, to prevent corrosion and leaks. If its threads are on its interior, it’s a “female” fitting; if it has exterior threads, then it’s a “male” fitting.

Iron Pipe Size or IPS also refers to “threaded pipe”. Male Iron Pipe or MIP refers to “male threading” fitting that’s suitable for IPS pipes. Female Iron Pipe Size or FIP refers “female threading” that fits IPS pipes.

Solvent Weld Fitting

These fittings are utilized for plastic pipes that are unthreaded. They have specially-formed sockets that plastic pipes are inserted to. The fitting is bonded with the use of cement that’s compatible to the plastic type that’s being connected.



Compression Fitting

These fittings accomplish a “watertight seal” through tightening its nut, compressing a ring on the pipe. Using the fitting avoids soldering, gluing, or threading pipe connections. They’re used with “water supply tubes” or pipes that have unthreaded ends. It may also be used in connecting two pipes that are of different types, like copper and plastic. It may be retightened or reinstalled, and removed.

Flared Fitting

The fitting functions like compression fittings, but one of the pipe’s ends is flared. These fittings are typically used in oil heating, small appliances, and refrigeration.

Insert Fitting

The fitting is sometimes utilized with “flexible” plastic pipe. It’s inserted on a pipe, compressed, and sealed using an adjustable clamp.

Adapter Fitting

This type of fitting helps connect two types of different tubing, like galvanized steel and copper, or solvent weld and threaded, or two dissimilar sizes that are generally incompatible. “Dielectric fitting” will connect a pipe with different metals to avoid corrosion in copper pipes. “Bushings” and “reducers” are two major types used in converting one size to another.

Flexible Fittings

These are soft and flexible plastic fittings in short lengths. They’re very tolerant and flexible, and are usually utilized in drain fittings for repair applications or “tying” into already on-hand drainage systems. It can fit over existing pipes, and constricts with a clamp.

Pipe fittings are among the basic supplies for plumbing projects. It’s important to have the right knowledge for basic pipe fittings in doing DIY plumbing projects, as well as having the skill itself.