What to Know About Pipe Fittings

The American plumbing market is worth approximately $124 billion per year – and growing.

The market is flooded, and a large percentage of its value is in parts. Pipes and fittings account for the majority of the materials used every day in the plumbing business.

If you have an issue with leaks or water damage in your home, it can pay to do your research before calling out a plumber for a costly consultation.

Our useful guide helps you learn about some of the need-to-know information about different types of pipe fittings. Read on to find out more!

Polypropylene Fittings

Polypropylene (PP) is a tough, rigid thermoplastic that has many applications.

In plumbing, PP fittings are often used in the agricultural industry because of their high resistance to common agricultural chemicals such as ammonia, acid-based fertilizers, and ethanol.

Polypropylene fittings are generally effective at pressures up to 150 PSI at average room temperatures.

In the home, PP fittings are sometimes used due to their impact-resistant qualities.

Nylon Fittings

Nylon fittings are incredibly versatile and widely used in the plumbing industry, especially at home.

Nylon fittings are handy for domestic and potable water applications as they are resistant to household chemicals such as detergents, chlorine, and bleach. If you look under your sink, you are likely to find nylon pipes and fittings.

Nylon fittings are generally acceptable for working pressures up to 150 PSI. As the usual range of water pressure in the home is between 30 and 80 PSI, nylon is often found in all aspects of domestic plumbing.

Copper Fittings

Copper fittings are another common type of pipe fitting. Copper pipes and fittings are generally more expensive than plastic alternatives and usually require soldering to fix.

Copper is beneficial because it doesn’t contaminate water, is very durable, and is lightweight.

Copper is also fire resistant. However, copper is a poor insulator compared to some alternatives and is, therefore, more prone to freezing.

Brass Fittings

Another metal commonly used for plumbing is brass, a zinc-copper alloy. Brass fittings are used in a wide range of applications and have an effective working pressure of up to 300 PSI.

Brass fittings are often favored in industrial systems because they are flexible and pressure-resistant.

A downside to brass fittings is their susceptibility to oxidizing reactions. Due to the high zinc levels in brass, they can corrode over time and leave residue in the water they carry.

Pipe Fittings Explained

So that’s the 101 on pipe fittings you may encounter when inspecting your plumbing.

Many plumbing jobs can be carried out at home, and you should be sure to check which kind of material is ideal for the job. A little knowledge can go a long way when it comes to the pipes and fittings in your home.

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