The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing Pipe Fittings Supplier

Types of Piping Systems

Most homes built since the mid-s have plastic pipes and fittings, which are rated by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Plastic pipes can be used for pressurized applications, such as potable (drinking) water systems, hot- and cold-water distribution, and irrigation systems. They can also be used for nonpressurized applications (gravity flow), such as sewage, drainage and storm drain systems. Homes built prior to used galvanized steel or cast-iron pipes for drain/waste/vent (DWV) systems. DWV systems remove wastewater and prevent the flow of sewer gases into homes. The most common types of plumbing pipes used in homes today are copper and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), both of which are strong, long lasting and easy to install. Other choices include chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) and PEX pipe.

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Copper Pipes vs. CPVC Pipes

Whether copper or CPVC piping should be used to deliver a home’s drinking water will vary from home to home. Here are some pointers to help you determine the best choice:

• Water Types: In many areas, particularly those without municipal water sources, the acidity of the home’s water may be a factor in choosing the right types of plumbing pipes. Highly acidic water can break down copper pipes over time and cause green staining in fixtures. Although passive water filters can deal with acidity, they must be recharged every year or so. Because of this, owners sometimes opt for acid-indifferent CPVC piping.
• Installation Time: CPVC must not be pressured for 24 hours after installation to allow the pipe adhesive to set properly. Copper can be used within minutes of installation.

PEX Pipes

PEX pipes differ from traditional rigid pipes in one obvious way: They’re flexible. This makes it easier to snake them to different areas of a home. Using PEX piping may require running more pipe, but it also involves fewer fittings. PEX crimp tools offer a simple way to make these flexible fittings more secure and watertight.

Here are a few other advantages of PEX:

• It’s quieter than rigid piping.
• It has a smooth interior that resists scale buildup and corrosion, which can affect pipe flow over time.
• It’s freeze-break resistant, although not freeze-proof. PEX tools, such as specialty expansion kits, will enhance this benefit by absorbing dimensional changes caused by thermal expansions/contractions.
• PEX systems have appealing installation costs compared to rigid materials.
• PEX piping is often used in green buildings, installed either as a remote manifold or plumbing system.

PEX pipe and crimp fittings, with all their benefits, do have a drawback: Because UV exposure causes a reaction with polyethylene, it isn’t suitable for outdoor use. The maximum level of UV exposure is typically no more than 60 days, but this varies by manufacturer. Using PEX for underground water supplies isn’t ideal, even if UV exposure is decreased.

Have PEX specialty tools on hand to ensure you can make full use of PEX piping advantages.

Materials for DWV Pipes

• Cast-iron pipe and fittings (black)
• PVC Schedule 40 (SCH 40) DWV pipe and fittings (white; used in irrigation, underground sprinkler systems, swimming pools, outdoor applications and cold-water supply lines)
• Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) DWV pipe and fittings (black, common in the western US)

Materials for Pressurized Systems

• PVC Schedule 40 (SCH 40) pipe and fittings (white; straight, angular turns; designed for potable water under pressure into buildings)
• Copper tube size (CTS) chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipe and fittings (cream or tan, used for hot or cold water, sized similarly to copper pipe sizes)
• PVC Schedule 80 (SCH 80) pipe and fittings (dark gray, withstand higher pressure, designed for the distribution of pressurized liquids)

PVC SCH 40 DWV Pipe and PVC DWV Fittings for Nonpressurized Applications

PVC DWV fittings can be installed with foam core pipe or dual-marked solid wall pipe. ASTM F 891-rated foam core pipe is lighter and less expensive. Solid wall PVC pipe is often rated for both pressurized (ASTM D ) and nonpressurized (ASTM D ) applications (often referred to as dual marked). When solid wall or foam core pipe is used with PVC DWV fittings, the resulting system isn’t pressure rated.

Description

• White, rigid pipe and fittings
• Joined with solvent cement, conforming to applicable ASTM standards
• Have a gradual, sanitary turn

Application

• Draining household sanitary waste (kitchen, bathroom) and groundwater
• Not for pressurized applications or compressed air/gases
  

Joining Method

• Solvent cements must meet ASTM D standard
• Primer is required
• May be joined with a slip-joint compression fitting (a trap adapter)
• Threading PVC 40 pipe isn’t recommended
• Male iron pipe (MIP) and female iron pipe (FIP) size adapters are available

PVC SCH 40 Pipe and Fittings for Pressurized Applications

Description

• White, rigid pipe and fittings
• Joined with solvent cement, conforming to ASTM D standard
• Straight, angular turns
• Not for gradual sanitary turns for pressure systems

Application

• Distributing potable water under pressure into a building (not to be used inside)
• Irrigation and sprinkler systems
• Draining condensate waste from heating and air conditioning systems
• Not for compressed air or gases

Joining Method

• Solvent cements must meet ASTM D standard
• Primer required
• May be flanged with SCH 80 flanges
• Threading PVC 40 pipe isn’t recommended
• MIP and FIP adapters are available

PVC SCH 80 Pipe and Fittings for Pressurized Applications

Description

• Dark gray, rigid pipe and fittings
• Joined with solvent cement conforming to ASTM D standard
• Straight, angular turns must be used

Application

• Distributing pressurized liquids
• Can be used in industrial applications
• Not for use with compressed air or gases

Joining Method

• Solvent cements must meet ASTM D
• Primer should be iron pipe size (IPS) P-70 or Oatey Industrial Grade
• May be flanged with SCH 80 flanges
• Threading PVC 80 pipe can be done
• MIP and FIP adapters are available

ABS Foam Core SCH 40 DWV Pipe and ABS DWV Fittings for Nonpressurized Applications

Description

• Black, rigid pipe and fittings
• Joined with solvent cement conforming to ASTM D standard
• Fittings have a gradual sanitary turn

Application

• Draining household sanitary waste (kitchen, bathroom) and groundwater
• Not for use with pressurized applications or compressed air/gases

Joining Method

• Solvent cements must meet ASTM D standard
• Primer isn’t recommended
• May be joined with a slip-joint compression fitting (a trap adapter)
• Threading ABS-40 foam core pipe isn’t recommended
• MIP and FIP adapters are available

CTS CPVC Pipe and Fittings for Pressurized Hot- and Cold-Water Applications

Description

• Cream or tan, rigid pipe (with a gold stripe) and fittings
• Joined with solvent cement conforming to ASTM F 493 standard

Applications

• Distributing hot and cold potable water under pressure
• Not for use with compressed air or gases
  

Joining Method

• Solvent cements must meet ASTM F 493 standard
• Yellow FlowGuard Gold cements may be used without primer, where approved by code
• Compression fittings with a brass ferrule may be used
• Threading the pipe isn’t recommended; use CTS CPVC male adapters in cold-water applications only; use CTS CPVC brass-threaded transition fittings for hot-water applications

Don’t use compression fittings with brass ferrules to connect to CTS CPVC pipe or fittings where water temperatures exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Choosing Correct Pipe Sizes

Plumbing beginners often purchase pipes that are too small. To avoid this mistake, it’s helpful to understand the difference between actual measurements and nominal measurements. The word “nominal” roughly means “in name only.” For example, if you need a pipe that has an actual diameter of 1/2 inch, the one you purchase may not be labeled as a 1/2-inch pipe.

Next, identify what kind of plumbing pipe you’re using. Copper, plastic/steel and cast-iron pipes all require different sizing conversions. Knowing your piping material will help you convert your pipe’s nominal measurement to its actual measurement.

Nominal copper pipe sizes are 1/8 inch less than the outer-diameter measurement. Cast-iron pipes’ nominal sizes are around 1/3 inch less than their outer-diameter measurement. Plastic and steel pipes’ nominal sizes use the same conversion and are around 1/3 inch less than their outer-diameter measurement.

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Understanding the Vital Role of Pipe Fittings

When it comes to plumbing and piping systems, selecting the right pipe fittings is absolutely crucial. Whether your project is on a residential scale or involves a large-scale industrial installation, the performance and longevity of your system hinge greatly on the quality and appropriateness of the fittings you select. In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we will delve into the key factors to take into account when choosing pipe fittings, how to discern reliable manufacturers and suppliers, and the array of pipe fitting types available in today’s market.

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Pipe fittings hold a pivotal position in plumbing and piping systems. They are the vital components that link and join pipes, ensuring the smooth flow of fluids, gases, or solids. Furthermore, they are tasked with maintaining the structural integrity of the system, preventing leaks, and facilitating easy maintenance and repairs.

Key Considerations When Selecting Pipe Fittings

1. Material

One of your initial decisions must revolve around the material of the pipe fittings. Some common materials to contemplate include:

Stainless Steel: Renowned for its exceptional corrosion resistance and durability, stainless steel fittings are versatile and suitable for various applications, encompassing water, gas, and chemicals.

Brass: Brass fittings are a favored choice for water and gas systems due to their corrosion resistance and ease of machining.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): PVC fittings, known for their lightweight nature and corrosion resistance, prove excellent for water and wastewater systems.

Copper: Copper fittings have a significant presence in plumbing systems thanks to their heat resistance and long-term reliability.

Carbon Steel: Sturdy and capable of handling high-pressure scenarios, carbon steel fittings are often employed in industrial settings.

The material you opt for should align seamlessly with your project’s specific requirements and the type of fluid or gas your system will convey.

2. Type of Fittings

Pipe fittings present a variety of types, each designed with specific purposes in mind. The most prevalent types include:

Elbows: Used to alter the direction of pipe runs.

Tees: Craft a 90-degree branch connection.

Reducers: Employed to connect pipes of varying sizes.

Couplings: Unite two pipes together securely.

Adapters: Facilitate connections between pipes with different end types, such as threaded or socket weld.

Nipples: Short pipe segments designed for extending a fitting or connecting two other fittings.

Flanges: Enable easy assembly and disassembly of pipes.

The type of fitting that suits your needs hinges on the layout and requisites of your piping system.

3. Size and Dimensions

Ensuring a harmonious match between the size and dimensions of the fittings and the pipes they will link is absolutely vital. Fittings are available in a spectrum of sizes, typically measured in inches or millimeters. Incorrect sizing can lead to undesirable consequences such as leaks, pressure drops, or flow restrictions.

4. Pressure and Temperature Ratings

Always take into account the pressure and temperature conditions your pipe fittings will be exposed to. It is imperative that the fittings you select have the capacity to withstand the maximum pressure and temperature levels within your system, thereby averting any potential failures or safety hazards.

5. Compliance with Standards

To warrant the quality and reliability of your chosen pipe fittings, seek out products that adhere to industry standards and possess relevant certifications. Manufacturers who uphold established standards are more likely to produce fittings that are dependable and safe.

Making the Right Choice of Pipe Fittings Manufacturers and Suppliers
Selecting reputable manufacturers and suppliers is tantamount to choosing the right fittings. Here are some valuable tips to assist you in identifying trustworthy sources:

1. Research and Reviews
Commence your journey by conducting thorough research on pipe fittings manufacturers and suppliers. Delve into online reviews, testimonials, and case studies from past customers. This will furnish you with valuable insights into their reputation and the quality of their products.

2. Industry Experience
Scrutinize the track record of the manufacturer or supplier within the industry. Companies with a lengthy history of producing high-quality fittings are more likely to deliver reliable products.

3. Product Range
Opt for a manufacturer or supplier who offers a wide-ranging selection of pipe fittings. This ensures that you can find fittings tailored to your precise needs without any compromise on quality.

4. Certifications and Standards
Ensure that the manufacturer adheres steadfastly to industry standards and possesses pertinent certifications. For instance, ISO certifications underscore a commitment to quality control and consistency.

5. Customer Support
Exceptional customer support is indispensable, particularly when you encounter challenges or have inquiries concerning the products. Ascertain that the manufacturer or supplier extends responsive and helpful customer service.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the right pipe fittings for your project, meticulous attention to detail is paramount. The material, type, size, pressure, and temperature ratings, as well as compliance with industry standards, all contribute to the success of your plumbing or piping system. Moreover, selecting trustworthy pipe fittings manufacturers and suppliers is a crucial step in this process.

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