First installation or renovation, you will need fittings for your plumbing network in both cases. There are several kinds since the uses are varied. To help you, here are the main selection factors to take into account to avoid any mistakes.
The Different Materials Of Plumbing Fittings
We do not always consider the materials’ importance before choosing fittings. However, the advantages and possible applications depend on this criterion. First, there are the copper fittings. They are acclaimed for their great solidity and have significant aesthetic advantages. The material is also durable over time, in addition to being reliable. These fittings are compatible with all plumbing, heating, and gas-related installations.
Plumbing Connection
Then come the brass fittings, which are obtained by alloying zinc and copper. Malleable, they allow pipes to be assembled very quickly and easily. It is a material with good longevity. You will also find high-density cross-linked polyethylene fittings, more commonly known as PER. Its most common use is in heating installations as an alternative to copper fittings.
Finally, there are the PVC fittings, appreciated for their lightness. Extremely resistant to UV and water, they are mainly used to create drainage networks.
Which Plumbing Fittings To Choose According To Your Needs?
Beyond the materials such as Lasco Plastic Fittings – Midwest Supply for example, there are other criteria to consider before your purchase, particularly the method of assembly. Solder plumbing fittings are joined by brazing, a technique suitable for sanitary installations and heating. Generally made of copper, solder fittings are preferred for permanent installation. It is imperative to have specific tools to perform the brazing. The operation should therefore be entrusted to a qualified plumber.
Solderless fittings are very convenient. Compression, sliding, crimping, or even screwing do not require any specific tool. Mechanical fittings also belong to this category which is perfectly suited to sanitary installations. Even if the assembly can be within reach of budding DIYers, entrusting it to a specialist is still advisable. It is essential to ensure the tightness of the connection after its installation.
As their name suggests, the fittings to be glued are posed by simple gluing. Of course, you need special glue. These plumbing parts are intended primarily for sewage disposal networks and the water supply system.
It will also be necessary to choose the right type of connection. Couplings make it possible to join two pipes of the same diameter. Elbows are used to change the direction of the piping at an angle of 27°, 45°, or 90°. Tee fittings are useful for joining three pipes together. Breeches, recognizable by their Y shape, are alternatives to T connectors. Reducers are essential when the pipes to be assembled have different diameters. There are also plugs or shutters that allow old connections to be condemned or offer the possibility of temporarily blocking a pipe. Finally, there are visit buffers which are recommended if it is necessary to ensure permanent access to a network.
Materials, shapes, and assembly methods are, therefore, the main selection criteria, not to mention the dimensions of the plumbing fittings. We advise you to call on a professional like Midwest Supply for example, a good plumber supplier, to do your plumbing work supply.
