Hope you have got to know about the latest declaration by the World Health Organization related to the plumbing profession. It is none other than declaring plumbers as one of the most important frontline health workers around the globe. The amazing thing is that the World Plumbing Council is promoting awareness of the plumbing industry’s role in protecting sanitation throughout the world. In this case, plumbing tools and many other fittings for home plumbing plays a major role.
Above all, I hope that you are eager to get to know what these fittings for home plumbing are, and the importance of them. Actually, plumbing fittings have a wider collection of plumbing hardware. They include faucets, pipes, and many other joints that help to connect these fixtures. Installing quality plumbing fittings is an important matter in order to have a properly functioning drainage system and an uninterrupted water supply.
However, before having a look at the different types of plumbing fittings, I hope that it is better to have a little idea about different types of piping systems. So, let’s start with that!
Different Types of Piping Systems
When looking at the past before 1960, we can clearly see that older homes most commonly used cast iron or galvanized steel pipes. They used these for their drain, waste, and vent systems. At that time, they designed waste and vent systems for the purpose of removing wastewater while preventing the flow of sewer gasses from entering their homes.
However, in the mid-1970s, people began to use plastic pipes and fittings. After many decades, at present, people use PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and copper pipes replacing all other previous types. The main reasons behind this transition were the sturdy, long-lasting, and easiness of installing features in them.
So, that was a glimpse of the different types of piping systems. With that, I hope you are ready to absorb the knowledge about some essential fittings used for home plumbing purposes. Thus, we are now ready to draw your attention to it!
Essential List of Fittings for Home Plumbing
Maybe you are a plumber, or else you might be doing your home plumbing work by yourself. However it is, this list is surely for you. Here we have listed the most essential fittings that are useful for home plumbing.
- Adapter
- Union
- Nipple
- Coupling
- Barb
- Cross
- Wyes
- Tees
- Saddle Tee
- Combo Tees
- Diverter Tee
- Flanges
- Caps
- Elbows
- Mechanical Sleeve
- Bushings
- Plugs
- Reducer
- Valve
- Clean-outs
Let us now look into the above mentioned fittings in wider.
1. Adapter
The amazing thing about the adapter is that it has male and female ends. The males consist of threads on the outside while the females consist of them on the inside. Hence, we can clearly identify them through this feature. We use adapters mainly for two purposes. Connecting different sized pipes is the first purpose. Another purpose is to turn a male pipe into a female, and vice versa.
We can see three types of adapters. They are male, female, and straight-threaded. But, if we find that one of the ends of the adapter does not contain threads, we have to weld it or solder onto the pipe. However, adapters become necessary if we need to extend or terminate pipe runs. We can use leak-free adapters which can withstand high pressure in gas pipes and also in water pipes. The best thing is that they provide a smooth transition from the piping to tubing systems.
If you need adapters as one of the fittings for home plumbing work you can buy them in several ranges of materials like steel, aluminum, rubber, brass, copper, cast iron, and also in polymers.
2. Union
You can see three main parts of a union. They are a nut, a female end, and a male end. Basically, unions are made to connect two pipes with the ability to detach them without any damage. Usually, we use them in cases of planned replacements in the future.
If you need pipe unions as one of the fittings for home plumbing work, you can buy them in several ranges of materials like cast iron, nickel, brass, bronze, plastic and also in rubber.
Unions are very easy to install and it is among the basic advantages of unions. However, we use unions mostly in industrial and municipal applications like wastewater systems and process piping. The most important thing is that you should have a look at the type and size you need very carefully before you buy a pipe union for your home plumbing work.
3. Nipple
If you are searching for plumbing fittings, you can find that nipple is one of the most popular out of them. The importance of a nipple is because it connects pipes to appliances like water heaters. Finally, it connects two straight pipe runs. Another thing is that nipple fitting has two male ends.
If you need nipples as one of the fittings for home plumbing work you can buy them in several ranges of materials like brass, aluminum, copper, PVC carbon steel, and also in stainless steel.
However, you can find five types of nipples in the market. You can have an idea of them by going through the following briefs.
Weld Nipple
We can use weld nipples to connect tube fittings. They are very strong. Therefore we can use them under extreme pressure surges, vibrations, and changes.
Hexagon Nipple
Hexagon nipples have a hexagonal center and two threaded ends. We can buy them in the market in a variety of lengths, materials, and threads.
Swage Nipple
In order to get fluids through one pipe size to a different pipe size, we use swage nipples.
Barrel Nipple
This is a short tubular nipple. This has an external taper thread at each end. It is un-threaded in between.
Close Nipple
Close nipples are called so because they are threaded throughout both ends. Also, you can be referred to as a “running nipple.”
The most important thing is that you should have looked at the material, thickness, and diameter very carefully before you buy a nipple.
4. Coupling
Couplings are the same as unions. But the difference is they are not easy to detach without causing any damage to the pipes. We can use couplings to connect two pipes that are of the same size and diameter. Also, we can use couplings commonly to change pipe sizes. A bell reducer is a common coupling type that we can use to connect a big pipe to a smaller one.
Usually, you can find couplings having female threads or unthreaded. We can use un-threaded couplings for plastic solvent welding or copper soldering.
You can commonly find two main types of couplings
Compression Couplings
In this gaskets or rubber seals are used in both ends to connect between two ends. The seals in them help to prevent leaking.
Slip Couplings
We can use slip couplings to repair some places of damaged pipes.
If you need couplings for your home plumbing work you can buy them in several ranges of materials like chrome-plated brass, brass, CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), PVC, and stainless steel.
5. Barb
Normally, barb fittings have two different types of ends. One is a male end and the other end consists of a tapered and ridged cone. This amazing design of barbs helps to grip the inside of a tube and seal the connection.
When we insert the barb fitting the hose or tube will first expand. Later it becomes relaxed. When the tube or hose relaxes the connection becomes sealed. And it becomes difficult to undo too.
However, we can use barb fittings as one of the fittings for home plumbing work commonly in air, gas, and fluid control applications in low pressure. When considering the water connections we can use plastic barbs for cold water.
Before you go to buy a barb as one of the fittings for home plumbing work, you have to consider the material compatibility and hardness of the tube or hose.
6. Cross
When you look at the name, you can understand that something related to a cross might be there. Yes, of course. These are four-way fittings which are a combination of two tees. Usually, they have one inlet and three outlets. These outlets have a solvent-welded socket or female-threaded ends.
However, cross fittings are less popular than tees. The main reason is they can stress pipes when the temperature changes. Therefore we can use cross fittings commonly in plumbing works where thermal expansion is not an issue. Sprinkler system is the best example of it.
If you need cross fittings as one of the fittings for home plumbing work, you can buy them in several ranges of materials like brass, steel, stainless steel, malleable, and PVC.
7. Wyes
Normally, the appearance of wyes is like the letter “Y”. Therefore, we use them mostly in drainage fittings. These contain a 45-degree branch. The angling design of wyes is to reduce friction and turbulence. The best thing about the wyes is that they connect vertical drain pipes to horizontal ones and vice versa.
However, if you need wyes as one of the fittings for home plumbing work, you can buy them in few different ranges of materials like PVC and brass.
8. Tees
Normally, tees come as a three-way fitting. The appearance of a tee is like a coupling that contains an outlet in the middle. Actually, they are short pipes that have a 90-degree “branch” at the center of it.
You can commonly find two types of tees.
Straight Tee
We can use straight tees in setups where both pipe run and tee branch are same in size.
Reducing Tee
We can use reducing tees at the instances where the tee branch is smaller than the run pipe.
If you need tees as one of the fittings for home plumbing work, you can buy them in several ranges of materials like chrome-plated brass, brass, copper, CPVC, PVC, and stainless steel.
9. Saddle Tee
The appearance of a saddle tee is the same as a real saddle. Saddle tees come only in PVC. We can use saddle tees to add a tee to an existing pipe without cutting or re-soldering it.
We can use saddle tees most commonly in irrigation systems. The purpose is to add a new sprinkler line.
10. Combo Tees
These contain a gradually curving central branch. We can use them in drains to make the path smooth and slightly curved in order to reduce clogging. Also, this curve feature helps the plumber to push a snake tool through the drain easily.
If you need combo tees as one of the fittings for home plumbing work, you can buy them only in PVC material.
11. Diverter Tee
We can use diverter tees most commonly in pressurized hydronic heating systems. The diverter tee helps to divert the flow from the primary line into a side branch. The amazing thing about diverter tee is that even if the branch is shut off, the flow is continuous through the mainline. Sometimes we have to face many challenges in installing a diverter tee.
If you need a diverter tee as one of the fittings for home plumbing work, you can buy them in several ranges of materials like stainless steel, brass, chrome-plated brass, copper, and PVC.
12. Flanges
A flange is a round shape fitting. The main purpose is to connect pipes. At first, pipes are welded or threaded to the middle of the flange. Later, they are sealed together. We can use the outside holes for bolts.
The good thing about flanges is that they have the ability to handle high pressure. So we can easily use flanges in industrial applications.
If you need flanges as one of the fittings for home plumbing work, you can buy them in several ranges of materials like copper, malleable, PVC, and brass.
13. Caps
We use caps to cover the end of an open pipe. We can make this end liquid-tight and gas-tight by using caps. Another thing is that we can use a solvent-welded socket or interior threading to attach the cap to the pipe. The outside of the caps appears in many shapes like round, square, rectangular, I-shaped, or U-shaped.
If you need to use caps as one of the fittings for home plumbing work, you can buy them in several ranges of materials like copper, CPVC, brass, chrome-plated brass, PVC, malleable, and also in stainless steel.
14. Elbows
Elbows are curved fittings. The main purpose is to change flow directions. Usually, elbows are manufactured at 45 and 90-degree angles. Another good thing is it can be sweated or threaded. The ends of the elbows come in three different finishings like welding, threading, or socket. Also, there is a special elbow type called reducing elbow where the two ends differ in size.
If you need elbows as one of the fittings for home plumbing work, you can buy them in several ranges of materials like brass, chrome-plated brass, CPVC, copper, PVC, and also in stainless steel.
15. Mechanical Sleeve
The mechanical sleeve is easy to install. It joins two pipes using a screw. Usually, sleeves come in rubber. Later, it is inserted into a stainless steel clamp. When the clamp compresses the rubber it creates a tight seal. The mechanical sleeve is slightly flexible when compared with other fittings. We can commonly use it in misalignments in difficult places.
16. Bushings
Bushings are like small screws. The main purposes of bushings are reducing a large fitting to a small pipe and connecting pipes of different sizes. The good thing is that sometimes bushings can be threaded both on the inside and outside. However, busing fittings are smaller than couplings and unions. Therefore, we can often use it in the same situations.
If you need bushings as one of the fittings for home plumbing work, you can buy them in several ranges of materials like brass, chrome-plated brass, CPVC, copper, PVC, and also malleable.
17. Plugs
Plugs are as same as caps. But the only difference is instead of fitting on the pipe, we have to fit the plugs inside. It is better to thread the plugin in order to allow the plug to be removed. Therefore, we can have future use of the pipe.
If you need plugs as one of the fittings for home plumbing work, you can buy them in several ranges of materials like copper, brass, and also in stainless steel.
18. Reducer
The main purpose of designing the reducer is none other than reducing flow. There you can see two main types of reducers.
Concentric Reducer
The concentric reducer looks like a cone. The main structure is designed to join two pipe sections that are on the same axis. We can use this basically when there is a change in pipe diameter.
Eccentric Reducer
When the upstream pipe of a piping system is larger than the downstream pipe, we have to get the help of eccentric reducers.
If you need reducers as one of the fittings for home plumbing work, you can buy them in several ranges of materials like carbon steel, alloy, and stainless steel.
19. Valve
The main purpose of the valve is regulating or stopping the flow of liquid or gas. Usually, valves come in three different types. You can get to know about them with the help of the briefs below.
Isolation Valve
We use these for temporary disconnections at a part of a piping system. However, isolation valves are left fully open or closed.
Throttling Valves
We use throttling valves to control the pressure of a fluid. The best thing about these is that throttling valves withstand wear and stress.
Non-return Valves
We can find non-return valves in the name of check valves in the market. In these, we can see a free flow of fluids in one direction. Also, it prevents reverse flow too. We can use non-return valves most commonly in sewage and drainage systems.
If you need to use valves as one of the fittings for home plumbing work, you can buy them in several ranges of materials like bronze, cast iron, cast steel, stainless steel, and carbon steel.
20. Clean-outs
A clean-out fitting contains removable parts. These parts allow us to access the drainage system without undoing other plumbing fittings. However, we are able to use an auger, which is a drill type, to enter and clean a clogged drain through a clean-out.
If you need to use clean-outs as one of the fittings for home plumbing work, you can buy them most commonly in PVC.
With that, we have reached the end of the exploration of the different types of fittings for home plumbing. We hope that you have gained a good knowledge of them by now. Next, let us move on to a brief guide on different materials used in plumbing fittings.
Different Materials Used in Fittings for Home Plumbing
Having knowledge about materials that are used in fittings will surely help you to find the right fittings for your home quickly. Let us have a quick look at such materials.
1. Cast-iron Fittings
Cast-iron fittings are usually black, and they can go in DWV systems.
2. PVC Schedule 40
We can commonly use them in irrigation, DWV systems, and many other outdoor applications such as pools and sprinklers. This material is even better enough to use in pressurized systems as well. But, it is not suitable to use for compressed gasses or air.
3. PVC Schedule 80
We can use these in pressurized systems without any doubt. However, we should remember to use only pressurized liquids, but not gasses or air.
4. Copper
These are better to use in hot and cold water distributions, especially in pressurized systems.
5. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
These are most commonly used in DWV systems. Mostly popular in western parts of the US.
6. Brass
This is a mixture of metal alloys like zinc and copper. Brass is more suitable for fittings used in pressurized systems.
7. CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride)
When compared with PVC, CPVC can withstand higher temperatures. So we can use it for drinking water at higher temperatures up to 200 degrees without causing any doubt.
By now, you might surely have gained a huge knowledge about fittings for plumbing works. But I hope now you are thinking and wondering about which fitting material is best for plumbing. Nothing, to worry about. We are ready to help you clear out your doubt. Have a look below!
Which Fitting Material is best for Plumbing?
Of course, it is a PVC pipe. At present, most of the residential homes use polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe in their plumbing applications. Affordability, and availability in a number of fittings types, and different sizes, are the most popular reasons behind this selection. Also, PVC is suitable for most warm and cold water applications.
After having a brief knowledge about the materials used in plumbing let us have a look on how you can find the correct pipe fittings for your home plumbing work.
How do You Find the Correct Pipe Fittings for Home Plumbing?
Actually, this is a nice simple question to ask yourself: Why do I need it?
Fittings are the basic things that help to bring the pipes together that come from different applications. We use some fittings to redirect, while some others are used to extend the length. Size is one of the most important and crucial factors when finding the correct pipe fitting. Generally, we are measuring the pipes by the inside diameter (ID) and outside diameter (OD) of the relevant connection. We measure this usually using inches or millimeters.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Fittings for Home Plumbing
When considering the advantages and disadvantages of fittings, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages without any doubt. Some of the advantages are as follows.
Fittings are easy to assemble. Also, they are easy to take apart. They are inexpensive. The simplicity in them helps to fit them by yourself. Another thing is that durability is high. And also fittings allow us to replace them easily.
When considering the disadvantages, we can see that if we install the fittings in an incorrect way, they will surely leak. Also using a fitting in the wrong application also leads to leaks in them. Another disadvantage is that most of the fittings are less in strength.
The Bottom Line
Hope this article provided you a good overview of the fittings you can use for home plumbing. And why not? It is better to get support from a plumbing expert if you need to ensure that your home is done with a high performing plumbing system. Because only the professional plumbers know the essential tools used in plumbing and kinds of plumbing fittings that will suit the relevant places. If you are eager to be a well-expertized plumber you can attend the vocational training programs for plumbing that are established throughout the world. Another important thing is that, as the hazards are common to whatever we do, we must take the necessary steps to overcome the hazards during plumbing.
Have a nice time with plumbing!
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