Types of Water Supply Fittings
Types of water supply fittings that will
meet the requirements different application are now available.
Couplings: Couplings are used to connect two pipes of the same
diameter. They are a simple form of fitting that allows for speedy insertion
and withdrawal with leak-tight sealing an assured result.
Elbows: Elbows, which are used to change the direction of the water flow, are
available in a range of angles from 45° to 90°. This means that they can be
used for whatever plumbing requirements you have.
Tees: Of the shape of a letter 'T', these fittings let water flow in three
directions. They are often used to split or combine water flow.
Adapters: Adapters are used to join pipes of different sizes or
materials together--for example, connecting PVC pipes to metal conduits.
Unions: A type of fitting that creates an easy method for disconnecting and
reconnecting pipes, making maintenance and repair tasks easier.
Bushings: Bushings are fittings used to reduce the size of a
pipe. This enables a large pipe diameter to be connected to one having smaller
Valves: For controlling water flow the following kinds of valves are used.
Two basic forms of valve should never be confused 1. ball valves and 2. gate valves.
Check Valve: A check valve ensures that water flows in only one
direction. This prevents backflow and keeps our drinking water clean and safe.
Gate
Valve: Used to control the flow of
water, gate valves feature a movable gate that can fully open or close the
pipe.
Ball
Valve: This type of fitment enables
quick on-off control through a hole in a sphere, with the hole completely
aligned to the pipe when open.
Holester: This fitting is necessary for changing the direction of water flow, typically at 90° or 45° angles. In the branch pipes, it can be found everywhere.
Reducer: Used to connect pipes of different diameters. Reducers are important
for managing flow rates and pressures within the system.
Socket: A type of coupling, socket fittings connect two pipes
end-to-end. They’re commonly employed for extensions in water lines.
Nipple: This short piece of pipe has male threads on both
ends and is often used to connect two fittings or a fitting to a pipe.
Nipple (Taper): Taper nipples are used in connecting pipes with
different thread sizes, ensuring that the connection is both secure and
impermeable to leakage.
Cap: Used to close the end of a pipe, preventing water flow a cap also
seals the pipeline for future extension.
Plug: Similar to a cap, a plug seals an opening but is
designed for pipes with internal threading.
Flange: Flanges are flat fittings with bolt holes, used to
connect pipes, valves or pumps. They’re ideal for high-pressure systems.
Cross: This four-way fitting lets water to flow in multiple
directions and is often used in sprinkler systems or central manifolds.
Bend: A bend fitting provides a smooth curve for
directional changes, the aim being to minimize flow resistance and pressure
loss.
Bush: Bushings reduce the size of a pipe opening, enabling
a small pipe to connect to a large one. They are often used in tight spaces.
Union
Elbow: Some combination of a union
and elbow, this fitting changes the direction of flow while at the same time
making it easy to disconnect for maintenance.
Joint
(Swivel): These fittings allow pipes
to turn while maintaining a sealed connection, making them ideal for systems
with dynamic or rotating components.
Materials Used in Water Supply Fittings:
The
material from which a fitting is made also determines its strength, whether it
is compatible with other fittings and applications in which it may be used, and
how long the fitment lasts. Common materials include:
PVC
(Polyvinyl Chloride): Lightweight,
relatively cheap and resistant to corrosion. PVC fittings are now used
widespread in the water supply systems of private homes.
Copper: Known for its durability and resistance to bacteria,
copper fittings are common in both hot and cold water systems.
Brass: Combining strength with corrosion resistance, brass
fittings are suited to heavy-duty, high-pressure applications.
Stainless
Steel: Durable and rust-resistant,
stainless steel fittings are often seen in industrial and commercial settings.
PEX
(Crosslinked Polyethylene): Soft and easy to work with, PEX fittings are
becoming popular in modern plumbing.
Applications of Water Supply Fittings:
Water
supply fittings enter the pipe in a variety of plumbing applications,
including:
Residential
Plumbing: They are used in houses, to
join pipes running from the wall to sinks, bathtubs, showers, toilets and
heaters for hot water.
Irrigation
Systems: In agricultural and
landscaping layouts, the fittings ensure that water is distributed through
sprinklers and tubes from large pipes.
Industrial
Settings: Heavy duty fittings move
water and other liquids in factories, kilns, smelters.
Fire
Protection Systems: Specially shaped
fittings, which link into some piping system at right angles or with joints in
them, connect other pipes to sprinkler heads where water is distributed in case
of fire emergencies.
Factors to consider when choosing water supply fittings
When
selecting the right water supply fittings, must be aware of a few aspects:
Pipe
Material: The water-fittings material
will need to be compatible with the pipe material - if it is not, water connot
naturally flow and there are often leaks.
Pressure
and Temperature Ratings: Be sure to
check that fittings can withstand the system's operating pressure and
temperature rating.
Size
and Dimensions: For a secure
connection that will not leak, exact size is crucial.
Type
of Application: Specific fittings may
be required for different applications: thicker-than-usual walls for outdoor
use or high-voltage resistance to prevent voltage flashing.
Ease
of Installation: in system
environments that demand frequent installation or maintenance of new connectors
(i.e., constant fogging lines), choose water connectors you can easily install
and repair yourself.
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