Of the plumbing supplies a plumber needs to be effective in his trade, plumbing fittings are the most commonly used. Plumbing fittings are links employed in pipe networks and plumbing systems to join pipes and tubes. Plumbing fittings can be adapted to suit the size and shape of the pipes they connect. They also come with a varying number of sockets.
They regulate, measure and control the flow of liquids and other substances. Some examples of plumbing fittings one is most likely to find in a plumber’s toolbox are detailed below.
Valves
Valves are very useful plumbing fittings and people come into contact with all kinds of valves every day. Taps, gas stoves and toilets all make use of valves in their functions. Valves control the degree to which a liquid flows. They can also completely stop the flow of liquid at the user’s command e.g. turning the tap off.
Elbow fittings
They change the direction of the flow. They turn at varying degrees in the same way that an elbow turns.
Pipe coupling
As the name suggests, pipe coupling joins two pipes together. If the pipes are not equal at the openings, a reducing coupling is used to match the sizes.
Union fittings
Union fittings are ideal for connecting pipes that are made from different metals. They designed so it is easy to connect and disconnect them; this makes union fittings perfect for connecting pipes that may have to be disconnected for regular maintenance. They are made of three parts; a nut, female end and male end.
Cross fittings
These plumbing fittings connect four pipes together and are also called 4-way fittings. They are extremely tough and can withstand pressure applied by the flow of four different pipes. The pipes are usually welded into the socket of the cross fitting.
Pipe Caps
They are used to seal a pipe at its open end. Pipes caps are gas and liquid tight.
Tee fittings
Tee fittings, or pipe tees as they are otherwise known, connect three pipes together in the shape of the letter ‘T’.
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