PVC pipes and different types of PVC pipe fittings have become a game-changer in the plumbing industry. Owing to its incredible features like durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness, PVC has become a staple material in the piping industry. However, there is one other feature that can make simple PVC pipes into complex plumbing networks. This is possible only because of the PVC pipe fittings.
Different types of PVC pipe fittings are the backbone of modern plumbing solutions. In this article, we will learn more about PVC pipe fittings and the role they play in making PVC plumbing networks seamless and the system efficient.
What are PVC Pipe Fittings?
PVC Pipe Fittings are components designed to connect, redirect, or terminate PVC pipes in plumbing and other applications. PVC fittings include elbows, tees, couplings, nipples, plugs, caps, and more. These fittings serve the purpose of creating a network of PVC pipes for the ease of fluid flow in different applications.
Different PVC pipe fittings play a crucial role in creating efficient and customized pipeline networks. They enable the seamless assembly of plumbing systems and provide a reliable infrastructure for the transport of water, gas, or other fluids. These fittings play a major role in the stability and functionality of PVC pipe networks.
What are the Different Types of PVC Pipe Fittings?
The different types of PVC fittings include couplings, elbows, tees, plugs, caps, crosses, unions, and various connectors that fit PVC pipes. We’ll explore different types of PVC pipe fittings in detail.
1. Tees
A PVC Tee is a 3-end fitting. Two ends on a straight line and one end on the side at a 90-degree angle. The design alls splitting of a line into two separate lines perpendicularly. It can also be used to connect two lines to one main line.
2. Elbow
When the PVC pipes need to be twisted from its liner path, an elbow is employed. Elbows are commonly available in 90 and 45-degree angles. It allows the orientation of pipes to any direction of choice and plan.
3. Cross
A cross is an unusual type of PVC pipe fitting that is used to connect four different pipes. Four sliding joints meet at 90 degrees to form a plus shape. It is used to split the liquid flow into different directions.
4. Coupling
Coupling is the simplest form of PVC pipe fittings. It is used to connect two pipes in the same direction. They are permanently fixed to the pipe’s length and need to be cut open to remove.
5. Cap
As the name says, the role of a cap is to stop the flow of liquid. They are usually connected to a PVC pipe at its end. They can be removed in the future and the network can be grown from that point.
6. Plug
A plug is similar to a cap. However, it is not connected to a PVC pipe, but to PVC pipe fittings. It has threads on one or both ends.
7. Adapters
Adapters make the PVC network versatile. They can have sockets or thread ends to connect to different varieties of PVC pipes and fittings. They can either be male or female, socket or spigot designed to change the pipe end type.
8. Bushings
Bushings connect PVC pipes of different diameters. They can also be threaded depending on the applications. They make pipelines easier to maintain even when different diameters are used in a project.
9. Nipple
A nipple is a PVC pipe fitting that has male ends. They are commonly made of Schedule 80 PVC. This is used to join two female ends of pipes or fittings together.
10. Flanges
A PVC Flange is a clamp, edge, bolt, or disc-like joint that creates a seal by pressing two surfaces with a compressive force. Most flanges use bolts to connect the two sides.
What are the Different Sizes of PVC Pipe Fittings?
PVC pipe fittings are available in different sizes. There is a standard sizing in the market which all manufacturers adhere to. PVC pipes and fittings of the same sizes are compatible with each other. Irrespective of the length of the pipe, the fittings will match the pipe.
PVC pipes and fittings are marked based on their outer diameters which is the standard nomenclature. The lowest size is half an inch and extends up to 12 inches in outer diameter.
PVC Adhesives
Though PVC pipes and fittings connect perfectly, they are not watertight. The connections will break as soon as the water or other liquid passes as they exert pressure. There are several adhesives that will make the PVC network and its components sturdy.
So, to avoid slips of fittings and pipes, adhesive is a must. For a guaranteed seal of pipe fitting, PVC primer and PVC cement must be used. The primer softens the inside of the pipe and fitting, preparing it to bond, and cement keeps the two pieces stuck together tight. While this works for unthreaded fittings, PTFE thread seal tapes are used to connect threaded fittings like taps.
Furniture Grade PVC Fittings vs Regular PVC Pipe Fittings
Owing to qualities like low cost, stability, accessibility, and easy-to-build options, PVC is being used to build other furniture as well. So, Furniture-grade PVC was introduced which is aesthetically pleasing, shinier, and has no written text or barcodes on it. They are UV resistant and won’t discolor from prolonged sun exposure.
Regular PVC pipes and fittings can be used with furniture-grade PVC. However, furniture grad PVC fittings should never be used for plumbing.
Conclusion
The PVC pipes industry is standardized. Pipes of one brand can be used with fittings of another brand. While fittings serve the purpose of scaling a network, the quality of PVC pipe fittings must be critically examined before employing them.
Dulet understood this problem of inferior quality PVC pipes and fittings and has spent years in research and development to become the best manufacturer of PVC pipes in Northeast India. Next time, when you are in need of PVC pipes, Dulet is your go-to contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What markers distinguish different CPVC Pipe Fittings?
To select a PVC pipe for a project, multiple factors like pressure, the height of a building, volume, fluid type, etc influence the decision.
2. What precautions should I take while installing CPVC Pipe Fittings?
The largest diameter of PVC pipe available in the market is 12 inches. However, the defined standards are available for sizes up to 48 inches.
3. How does the selection of specific types of CPVC Pipe Fittings impact a plumbing system?
PVC pipes and fittings are joined together using an adhesive, preferably with PVC primer and PVC cement.
4. What is the lifespan of CPVC Pipe Fittings?
PVC pipes have different diameters on the outside and inside. The difference between these two is the thickness of the PVC pipe. The internal diameter is always less than the outer diameter.
5. Where can I buy reliable CPVC Pipe Fittings?
If a PVC pipe and fitting are threaded, they can be twisted and removed. If they are glued using an adhesive, they have to be cut open.
