Types of PVC Pipe Fittings
PVC pipe is versatile and can be used for both high and low pressure distribution of air and water. Of course, going around corners or diverting flow can be difficult in a rigid piece of pipe, so PVC pipe fittings were developed to allow greater flexibility. Does this Spark an idea?
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Tees
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T-joints are used to make right angle connections between multiple pipes. The T-joint is designed to accommodate three separate pipes and is so-named because it is shaped like the letter T. The T-joint is the junction of three pipes, each of which can be of any length, because the only measurement that matters is the overall diameter of the pipe. When measuring to ensure that you're using a T-joint of the proper size, make sure that you measure the outer diameter of the pipe and compare it to the inner diameter of the T-joint openings.
Couplers
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A coupler is designed to join, or couple, two pieces of PVC pipe together. The coupler will have openings that are of nearly equal size and by definition will only accommodate two pieces of pipe. You can use a coupler to combine different pipe sizes, but typically only if the reduction is less than one-quarter inch, since the pressure difference caused by decreasing the size of the pipe through which the water flows may cause failure of the junction. Larger differences can be overcome with heavier couplers and pipe segments. As always, the joint should be secured properly, with plumber's cement, after joining the sections.
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Adapters
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Adapters come in two types, male and female, and are designed to couple a piece of threaded pipe to a piece of "slip" pipe, or pipe with no threading at all. The adapter will have either a threaded interior if it's a female or a threaded exterior if it's a male adapter. The other opening will be completely smooth in order to accommodate the "slip" section of pipe.
Bushings
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Bushings are typically used to add a threaded end to a non-threaded pipe section. The bushing has a threaded interior and a smooth exterior, and sits inside the section of pipe at the end opening. Bushings come in many different sizes and can even be used to decrease the diameter of a section of pipe in order to join it with a differently sized section.
Plugs
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Plugs come in either threaded or slip varieties. The threaded variety will have threads on the outside which can be screwed into the threaded end of a piece of pipe. Often, the plug will be threaded into a bushing which is then inserted and secured to the end of a piece of pipe with plumbing cement. A slip plug is completely smooth and must be cemented into the end of a section of pipe with a smooth end, thus stopping the flow of water through the pipe.
Caps
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Unlike plugs, which are inserted into the end of a pipe, a cap fits over the end, much like a glove. The cap stops all water flow through the end of the pipe and can either be threaded or smooth. Threaded versions don't require cement and can often be secured with plumber's tape; however, smooth versions require plumber's cement in order to remain in place.
Crosses
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Crosses are designed to join four pieces of pipe in a single right angle. Shaped like a "plus sign" the cross fitting is essential in many plumbing applications where water must be diverted from a single source and distributed in several different directions. Crosses are suitable for low-velocity airflow as well, though the sharp right angle can lead to a decrease in air pressure over long distances or multiple junctions. Typically, crosses come only in unthreaded varieties and, therefore, must be secured with plumber's cement.
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