There will come a time that you will go to a supplies store and buy pipe fittings. Learning the basic is the beginning. You do not need to be an engineer or plumber to be acquainted with these things. Being able to identify and use it accordingly is a good addition to your skills.

Start by learning what a fitting is. A fitting is commonly applied in pipe systems to link straight pipes, regulate fluid stream and adjust to different shapes and sizes. Fittings actually require more time, money and materials to install. It is a vital part of plumbing and piping systems.

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The material used in making pipe should be the basis of selection. There are different materials used to manufacture pipes like carbon and galvanized steel, low-temperature carbon steel, stainless steel, and malleable iron. Another material is non-metallic like High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Industrial or domestic applications use PVC fitting because it is low cost, chemical resistant and easy to join. It is particularly common in water distribution market as well as sanitary sewer. Here are other things you need to know about PVC fittings:

Pipe fittings sizes

You have to know that the size of PVC pipes is named by their measurement. The measurement should be the inside diameter which is called bore. Do not be misguided by the outside diameter. Measuring the outside diameter will give you other results since the outside pipe is larger than the actual size you need.

If you need to know the size of the PVC pipe, you should learn how to read specifications.  Manufacturers label the pipes accordingly. You can also manually measure it to be sure. Industry pipe size include ½”, ¾”, 1’, 1-1/4”, 1-1/2”, 2”, 2-1/2”, 3”, 4”, 5”, 6”, 7”, 8”, 10”, and 12”. If all else fails, keenly ask question to the experts.

PVC adhesives and end types

The truth is, without any adhesives, the fittings will fit neatly but they will be somewhat permeable. If you are sure that there won’t be liquid passing through, adhesives won’t be necessary. If for sure there will be liquids passing, seal it with PVC cement or primer. This will ensure proper bondage. For threaded fittings, you need to put a thread seal tape.

Commonly used PVC fitting

There are different PVC fittings like tees, nipples, elbows, crosses, caps and plugs, adapters, bushings, couplings and unions and flanges among others. These fittings have different uses and applications. For example, tees are described with three ends – two in a straight line and the other is angled at 90 degrees. Tees are helpful in connecting two lines into one main line. Elbows, on the other hand, can bend the pipeline whether at 45 or 90-degree angle.

Fittings are standardized now. This means that manufacturers need to follow codes to ensure that fittings are produced in good quality. If you buy fittings, make sure that manufacturers adhere to codes to make sure it is safe and efficient. Do not settle for less.