The joint is then heated, typically by using a propane or MAPP gas torch, although electrically heated soldering tools are sometimes used. Once the fitting and pipe have reached sufficient temperature, solder is applied to the heated joint, and the molten solder is drawn into the joint by capillary action as the flux vaporizes. “Sweating” is a term sometimes used to describe the soldering of pipe joints. Assembling threaded pipe is labor-intensive, and requires skill and planning to allow lengths of pipe to be screwed together in sequence. Most threaded-pipe systems require the use of strategically located pipe-union fittings in final assembly. Threaded pipe is heavy, and requires adequate attachment to support its weight.

Here is a brief overview of pipe fittings, their purpose, and the materials offered. In this type of flange, the stub is butt welded to the pipe, whereas flange is freely moved over the stub end. It is basically flange part but covered under ASME B16.9 that is why it is considered as pipe fittings. You can see the chart above that lists most widely used standard pipe fittings.

It is like a concentric reducer that maintains a centerline of the pipe but small in size. A pipe tee is used for distributing or collecting the fluid from the run pipe. It is a short piece of pipe with a 90-degree branch at the center.

PTFE tape and pipe joint compound (also known as “pipe dope”) should only be used on “IPS” (“iron pipe size”) threads, which are normal pipe threads. IPS threads make their seal along the threads themselves; when a piece of IPS-threaded pipe is screwed into a fitting, PTFE tape and/or pipe dope is used to assist that seal on the threads. Flare fittings, on the other hand, seal on the beveled ends of the fittings, and so using pipe dope or tape on flare threads could actually prevent the fittings from making an adequate seal. The chief advantage of these connectors is that they can be installed after cutting the pipe to length in the field. This can save time and considerable expense compared to flange connections, which must be factory- or field-welded to pipe segments. However, mechanically fastened joints are sensitive to residual and thickness stresses caused by dissimilar metals and temperature changes.

black pipe fitting

Lightly lubricate the thread and cone of the assembly stud and the thread of the union nut. However, the O-ring must be removed before welding, and any stray welding material must be removed from the O-ring groove and the fitting hole. Plug is a component of plumbing component which is generally used to close pipe opening during inspections and repairs. In use, the spigot of one segment was placed into the socket of the preceding one and a ring of oakum was forced down into the joint with a caulking iron. Ideally, this would be done by pouring in molten lead, allowing it to set, and hammering it tightly with a caulking tool. If this was not possible due to position or some other constraint, the joint could alternatively be filled with lead wool or rope, which was forcibly compacted one layer at a time.

They are used to connect pipework together and form angles. Plumbing fittings come in various different types to reduce the flow size from larger to smaller or to change the direction of flow between two pieces of pipework. Choose from metal or plastic fittings and various pack sizes.

Buy cut lengths of welded & seamless stainless steel pipe online in Sch 10, Sch 40, Sch 80, and Sch 160. Crimped or pressed connections use special fittings which are permanently attached to tubing with a powered crimper. The fittings, manufactured with a pre-installed sealant or O-ring, slide over the tubing to be connected. High pressure is used to deform the fitting and compress the sealant against the inner tubing, creating a leakproof seal. Flange connections tend to be expensive, because of their requirement for precision forming of metal. To make a solder connection, a chemical flux is applied to the inner sleeve of a joint and the pipe is inserted.

It must be installed in an easily accessible place for adjustment, replacement, and repair. A trap primer, a specialized valve, is usually connected to a clean-water supply in addition to a DWV system. Because of the dual connection, it must be designed to resist the accidental backflow of contaminated water. Underground piping systems for landscaping drainage or the disposal of stormwater or groundwater also use low-pressure gravity flow, so fittings for these systems resemble larger-scale DWV fittings.