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Pipe fittings are indeed complex and perplexing to an inept homeowner, making it hard to pick the appropriate screw or nail for a building project. Explicitly, since the pipe’s materials differ, determining its specific function is challenging. If your pipe malfunction, the experienced and certified Modesto plumbers can help you repair or repipe your property, including gas and water lines. Here, below we have outlined the pipe fittings and their uses.
Types of Plumbing Fittings!
Following are the different pipe fitting and their functions:
Elbow Pipe Fittings:
These pipes intend to reverse the flow direction between two pipes, often offered in 22.5, 45, and 90-degree angles. For the same-diameter pipes, normal elbows are employed; alternatively, you can use reducer elbows. These are created from varied materials, typically have female threads, and can be repaired by butt or socket welding.
Reducer Pipes:
Reducers are of two types, responsible for changing the flow size from larger to smaller by minimizing the pipe’s size. The first is a cone-shaped concentric reducer that slowly reduces around the pipe. However, air buildup is possible in such instances, leading to cavitation. Eccentric reducer is another type having one edge parallel to the connecting pipe, helping prevent air accumulation.
Tee Pipe Fittings:
Tee-type fitting is T-shaped plumbing system components having one inlet and two outlets, placed at 90 degrees to the main line connection inlet. Plumbers can use this fitting to connect two inlets to a single outlet. These come in multiple materials and sizes. If all three sides of a tee are the same size, it is called an equal tee; otherwise, it’s termed an unequal tee.
Cross-type:
Cross fittings comprise four openings in four directions and are interlinked when the four pipes intersect at a place. Due to their position in the middle of four connecting spots, these fittings impose excessive stress on the pipe when the temperature rises. Cross fittings are typically utilized in fire sprinkler systems.
Coupling:
Couplings are utilized to join pipes of the same diameter and are essential if the pipe breaks or leaks. Generally, two types of couplings are there: compression and slip. The former connects two pipes and prevents leakage by placing gaskets or rubber seals on both sides; alternatively, you can use glue. Slip coupling, on the contrary, has a straightforward installation, consisting of two pipes putting one into another, with the inner pipe sliding up to a preset length. You can repair long-length broken pipes using slip coupling.
Unions:
Union fitting works similarly to coupling. While the coupling can’t be changed once fixed, in such instances, you may remove it at any time necessary. It consists of nut, male, and female terminated threads, making it useful for keeping the pipe’s function.
Adapters:
Pipes not having special and plain ends may utilize adaptors to thread them, either male or female, according to the situation. These fittings are typically used with copper and PVC pipes. Male adapters have male threads, while female adapters have female threads. Adapter’s one plain end is glued, welded, or soldered to the pipe’s plain end.
