Plumbing is a vital field for the proper functioning of part of your home. Whether it involves installing a new system or fixing a leak, knowing the different types of plumbing fittings is largely an advantage to ensure a correct and watertight connection of the pipes. In this article, we will take the time to examine the main types of fittings used in plumbing and provide you with key information to choose the one that suits your needs.
Mechanical fittings
These types of fittings involve using an external tool to join two parts together. They are commonly used in domestic and industrial plumbing installations.
Threaded fittings
They rely on the principle of threading to link pipes together. Threaded fittings are easy to use and provide a secure and watertight connection. However, care must be taken during installation as overtightening can cause deformations or damage the pipes.
- Male-female fittings: The male fitting is screwed into the female fitting to create a watertight joint.
- Union fittings: They consist of two parts with male and female threads. They allow easy disassembly of pipes without having to cut them.
Compression fittings
They use a tightening ring (collar), which is compressed around the plastic or copper pipe to ensure sealing. These fittings are especially suited for plumbing repairs as there is no need to solder or glue the pipes together, which makes their installation and removal easier.
Soldered fittings
This type of fitting uses heat to partially melt the two parts, thus creating a watertight bond between them after cooling. The main soldering methods used in plumbing are soft soldering and hard soldering.
Soft soldering
Also known as tin soldering, this technique uses an alloy mainly made of tin to join metal parts. The working temperature is generally between 200°C and 300°C. Soft soldering is mainly used for small-diameter pipes, such as copper pipes for drinking water and natural gas.
Hard soldering
Hard soldering, also called silver brazing, requires higher temperatures than those used in soft soldering (around 600°C to 800°C). This method is mainly used for large-diameter metal pipes, such as those intended for industrial installations or hot water supply networks. The joined parts remain strong even at high temperatures and under significant mechanical loads.
Adhesive fittings
This category includes fittings that are assembled using a glue or specific adhesive to ensure sealing. They are generally used with synthetic materials such as PVC, CPVC, or ABS.
Socket fittings
They consist of two parts that fit into each other, like a "T" or a "Y". The female part is widened to receive the male part, which is then held in place by adhesive evenly applied between the contact surfaces. This process ensures perfect sealing and a strong connection when done correctly.
Welded fittings
They work on the same principle as socket fittings but require a heating tool to slightly melt the pipe surfaces before assembly. Once cooled, the parts form a watertight and strong joint. Welded fittings offer a more durable connection than socket fittings and are commonly used for large-diameter PVC pipes.
Instant or "push-fit" fittings
These revolutionary fittings allow quick and tool-free assembly between pipes. They consist of a body made of plastic or brass, equipped with an internal stainless steel ring that holds the pipe in place thanks to specially designed teeth. The connection is watertight thanks to an O-ring located inside the fitting.
Remember that some plumbing fittings also require sealing gaskets to ensure a watertight connection. Always check the product specifications before installation to guarantee the longevity and efficiency of your plumbing system.
