What Pipe Is Best From Meter to House

Eugene is a trained engineer and self taught home comeback enthusiast with almost 40 years of experience.

A DIY Guide to Plumbing

Basic plumbing isn't rocket science. If y'all are reasonably practiced at DIY, sympathise the basics, and take intendance when putting it all together, information technology'southward not too hard. This is a comprehensive and easy-to-sympathize guide to pipage types, plumbing fittings, thread sizes, with instructions for how to use fittings to connect copper, PVC, and PEX pipes.

How to Use Plumbing Fittings for Joining PVC, PEX, and Copper Pipe.

© Eugene Brennan

What'due south Covered in this Guide

• Pipe and tube types and thread sizes
• Compression fittings
• Threaded fittings
• Push fittings
• Soldered capillary fittings
• How to cutting tube and pipe

What Material and Type of Plumbing Pipage Is Correct for the Chore?

Plumbing pipe is made from diverse materials, including copper, galvanized steel and fe, polyvinylchloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinylchloride (CPVC), cantankerous-linked high-density polyethylene (PEX), and polybutylene. Fittings are made from brass, plastic, copper, or malleable iron.

• Copper. Copper is widely used and can withstand very high temperatures. It is always used for the terminal connections made to primal heating boilers/furnaces where temperatures may exceed 100°C (212°F). The disadvantage of copper pipe (or "tube," as it is known in the plumbing manufacture) is that it is rigid and either must exist bent past using special tools or by using separate lengths of pipe and 45° or 90° joints.
• Stainless Steel. In the 70s during a copper shortage, stainless steel plumbing was pop. Information technology is even more rigid than copper withal, then any bending can be difficult. Stainless steel is supposed to be more corrosion-resistant than copper and is sometimes used for artful reasons where plumbing must exist exposed.
• PVC and CPVC. Piping made from these plastic polymers has several advantages over copper. Plastic pipage is ductile and tin exist hands bent, reducing the number of bend fittings required. If a really tight bend is required, 90° elbow joints tin can be used. It can also exist easily routed through flooring and wall spaces. Plastic is a better insulator than metal, so heat loss is reduced. Normally, plastic pipe has more "requite" and volition stretch more than copper when water freezes and expands inside the piping, reducing the danger of bursting in sub-nothing temperatures. PVC or polyvinyl chloride is the most basic blazon of plastic pipage used for both drinking water and waste pipe plumbing. Chlorinated PVC or CPVC has the same characteristics equally standard PVC but has better corrosion resistance at higher water temperatures and is also significantly more than bendable.
• PEX. Plumbing tubing is as well fabricated from cross-linked high-density polyethylene (PEX). This is a tough, ductile cloth which tin survive temperatures as low every bit -20°C (-4°F) without bursting. PEX is likewise less than half the cost of copper and doesn't corrode when used in places where the water is acidic. But like PVC, PEX is flexible and tin can be bent over a tight radius and hands routed to fittings. It does expand more than copper so it shouldn't be stretched to reach fittings and should exist allowed to drib slightly betwixt fixings to let for contraction. On long runs, a loop of tubing can be included in a line to allow for a lot of contraction. When running tubing through holes in walls, make the holes sufficiently large and then that the tube tin slide freely every bit information technology expands and contracts and protect against abrasion from contact with rough surfaces. PEX is susceptible to UV from the sun and fluorescent lighting, and if used outdoors, information technology needs to be shielded (with insulation or otherwise) to foreclose degradation.
  This link outlines other preventative measures to stop harm to PEX tubing.
• Ductile (Malleable) Iron. Used for h2o, gas, compressed air, and every bit a rigid metal conduit (RMC) for housing cables in industrial and commercial applications, ductile iron is much stronger than copper or plastic piping just not then common in domestic installations. Ductile iron or bandage iron was often used for larger-diameter water mains before the invention of plastic.
• Lead. No longer used for plumbing because of its toxicity, lead pipe was phased out afterward WWII when copper became popular.

Annotation that local authorities who supersede lead pipes may but do and so up to the threshold of the property or the main finish valve/water meter and it is up to the property owner to change from consumers side of valve/h2o meter.

A note about plastic piping: Intendance needs to exist taken when working near plastic piping or fittings to avoid heat impairment from blow torches or other heat-producing tools. Piping should also exist routed during installation so that it isn't subjected to high temperatures from heat sources such equally flues.

Tin Iron and Copper Piping Be Mixed?

Iron and copper are different metals. Without the proper precautions the two metals in shut contact tin can act like a battery resulting in galvanic activeness which can cause corrosion. And so precautions demand to be taken to avoid this and the details are outside the scope of this guide.

PEX Pipage

1/ii inch PEX tube can be bent to a min radius of 4 inches (depending on wall thickness).

© Eugene Brennan

Steel Pipe

iii/4 inch BSP ductile iron pipe and coupler.

© Eugene Brennan

What Material and Type of Plumbing Fitting Is Right for the Job?

Fittings are made from various materials, including plastic, brass, copper, and iron. In that location is a huge variety of types with dissimilar functions, including 90° and 45° elbows, offsets, T-joints, Y-joints, cross joints, gate valves, brawl valves, not-return (check valves), reduction fittings, couplers, and flange (bulkhead) fittings for making a connectedness to oil or h2o tanks.

• Brass Threaded and Pinch Fittings have 2 or more than ports or entry points for connexion to pipes or fixtures. They may be compression-just, compression-and-screwed, or screwed-merely. The compression port is used for connecting a pipage, and the screwed port (if included) connects to a fixture or device such every bit a radiator, WC, furnace, spigot, pressure judge, or water tank. The screwed section of the fitting may have male or female person threads. Fittings with compression ports only are used to bring together two or more pipes together and are simple to use by the boilerplate DIYer one time pipes are prepared correctly, and the fitting is assembled properly. Brass threaded and pinch fittings make use of a copper or contumely olive ring (as well known equally a "ferrule" or compression band) which is slid onto the terminate of the pipe before insertion. This is then bent and squeezed tightly against the tapered surface of the fitting as a nut on the pipe is tightened. This seals the plumbing equipment and prevents water from leaking out.
• Compression fittings can exist used for connecting plastic or copper pipe and, although easy to use, are relatively bulky and more expensive than other joining methods. Another disadvantage is that a pipe can peradventure turn within the fitting (due east.m., a coiled copper pipe behind an water ice-making refrigerator can turn as the refrigerator is pushed in and out repeatedly), and over time, this tin cause leaks. Compression fittings tin can be easily disassembled. Plumbers often use PTFE tape or jointing compound (which is similar soft putty) on compression fittings to be totally sure they don't leak. However, manufacturers don't recommend this because they reckon it can prevent the olive from sealing properly. Contumely fittings are not recommended for employ hush-hush.
• Capillary Fittings are made from copper and crave a soldered articulation to connect pipes together. The pipes-to-be-joined are inserted into the fitting, which is heated. Solder fills the small gap between pipe and plumbing equipment, sealing and making a strong joint which is resistant to pulling and rotation of the pipes. This blazon of fitting either comes with a ring of solder included (Yorkshire fitting) or solder wire must be melted and fed into the articulation every bit it is heated. Capillary fittings are slim and neat, inexpensive, and form a strong articulation between pipes. They are probably the most reliable too for use in walls, under floors and other inaccessible locations as the articulation is more secure and less likely that pipes volition separate or O-rings deteriorate, resulting in leaks. Withal, they are more difficult to use, and since the plumbing fixtures must be heated using a blowtorch, there is e'er the danger of fire. Also, preparation of pipes and plumbing equipment is essential, and these must exist cleaned with wire wool so that solder flows and coats all the surfaces being joined.
• Ductile (Malleable) Atomic number 26 Screwed Fittings can be used with h2o and compressed air and are relatively inexpensive. These fittings are often encountered on the inlet/outlets of fundamental heating boilers/furnaces, on pumps, and on-air compressors. Considering atomic number 26 is less expensive and stronger than brass, iron fittings are advantageous, peculiarly when large sizes are required.
  Galvanized versions of these fittings are available which are resistant to external corrosion.
• Plastic and Copper Alloy Push (Stab-In) Fittings are available for joining plastic and copper pipe. To use them, you simply accept to foursquare-cut the end of a piping and push information technology into the fitting; an internal O-ring compresses tightly against the pipe when inserted. The fittings also incorporate some form of collet/toothed ring system which digs into the pipage and prevents it from being pulled out again. They are very easy and convenient to use, especially in tight spaces, enabling pipes to exist jointed quickly. Disassembly is by hand or by using a special key. In either example, the teeth retract, allowing the pipage to be removed. Fittings which can be disassembled by hand, without a primal, sometimes accept a twist-lock feature. This locks the collet, preventing the inadvertent release of a pipe from a fitting if something accidentally pushes against the collet. Sharkbite and Speedfit are two well-known brands of this blazon of fitting. A major advantage of push fittings is that the fitting tin be rotated on the pipe afterward installation.

Push fittings tin be used with copper, CPVC, and PEX tube, only aren't suitable for PVC. Encounter Connecting PEX to PVC for more details.

Read More than From Dengarden

For large projects, the cost of push or compression fittings on PEX can mount upward. A cheaper alternative is crimp fittings, which are slimmer merely must be installed using special tools. Encounter How to Install PEX Tubing—Making a Crimp Connectedness.

Examples of Plumbing Fittings

Clockwise from top left: pinch elbow, iron reduction bushing with BSP threads, copper capillary elbow, and compression elbow with 1/2 inch threaded BSP port.

© Eugene Brennan

Male and female person threads.

© Eugene Brennan

What Is a Union Plumbing equipment and How Do I Use It?

A union plumbing fixtures enables two parts of the fitting to be fastened to each other without having to turn the whole plumbing equipment or attached pipes.

• These are often encountered on the plumbing to radiators or on the stop of gas or h2o hoses.
• A nut on one part of the fitting is tightened, pulling the two halves of the fitting together.
• A curved or cone-shaped profile on one part presses into a similar-shaped socket on the other one-half to make a watertight seal.
• The two halves are hands separated by undoing the nut, e.g., when removing a hose from an outside tap or replacing a radiator.

Wall plate and spigot, bib, or outside tap. The wall plate has 1/2 inch female BSP threads for connection to the spigot and a compression input port for attaching to copper or plastic piping. A 3/four inch BSP spousal relationship is included for attaching to a hose.

© Eugene Brennan

This 1/ii inch, malleable-iron, 90° elbow, used on the output of an air compressor, has female person BSP threads.

© Eugene Brennan

Standard Sizes of Fittings, Pipe Sizes, and Threads in the United states, UK, and Ireland

• U.S.A. Fittings follow the National Piping Thread Taper (NPT) standard defined in ANSI/ASME B1.20.one. Usually used sizes are 3/eight, 1/2, 3/4, and 1 inch. This dimension refers not to the diameter of the threads, but to the internal diameter of the fe pipe used with the fittings (specifically, schedule 40 pipe). Copper and plastic tubing follow the Copper Tube Size (CTS) standard with the outside diameter being one/8 inch greater than the Nominal Pipe Size (NPS). For case, a 1/2 inch tube has an OD of 1/two + 1/8 = 5/8 inch. Fittings tin can also accept a parallel thread (also abbreviated NPS). Whereas NPT fittings may non need a sealant in order to be air- or water-tight, NPS fittings must be sealed with PTFE tape or dope. National Pipe Thread Tapered Fuel (NPTF) fittings are used for applications that cannot use PTFE record or other sealant due to loftier temperatures or pressure or because of the nature of the fluid transported by the pipe (e.g. gasoline or hydraulic oil). The difference standard NT and NPTF is in the smaller and bigger diameters of the threads and their roots and crests, a joint relying on the taper of the thread to course a seal as male person and female person components are forced into each other on tightening.
• U.K. The thread used for fittings is BSP (which stands for British Standard Pipe Thread, defined in BS EN 10226-1 and BS EN ISO 0228-1). The most common sizes encountered in the dwelling house are 3/8, 1/ii, 3/4, and 1 inch. These sizes originally referred to the inner diameter of a steel pipe for which the plumbing equipment was intended. Copper and plastic tube used with these fittings has been metric since 1971. The most mutual sizes are 10, xv, 22, and 28 mm for domestic applications. The size refers to the outside diameter of the tube.
• Ireland. Threads on fittings are BSP. Tube sizes are imperial and commonly quoted by referring to the BSP thread size of the corresponding plumbing fixtures, e.one thousand., i/two, 3/4, or one inch. The exterior diameter of plumbing tube is slightly less than the corresponding British versions, which can pb to bug with leaks if fittings and tube are mixed-and-matched (see tabular array beneath).

FIP and MIP (female iron pipe and male atomic number 26 pipage) are terms sometimes used to refer to the shape of the threads on a fitting. For more info and sizes, see

• Gizmology's Notes on Pipe .
• Wikipedia's pages well-nigh copper tubing, British standard pipe thread sizes, or national pipe thread sizes.

NPT Pipe, Thread and Tube Sizes

NPT thread and nominal pipage sizes

© Eugene Brennan

BSP Pipe, Thread and Tube Sizes

BSP thread and trade piping sizes

© Eugene Brennan

How to Cut Copper or Plastic Pipage

Copper or plastic tube can be cut with a hacksaw. However, if yous utilise a piping-cut tool information technology gives a cleaner, squarer cutting without burrs. The tool in the video below can be used to cut copper tube. It can cut plastic tube also with a little chip of effort, however, plastic pipe-cut shears practice a better job. Tighten information technology gradually after each couple of turns. If you tighten it too quickly, it can deform the end of the tube. If you use a hacksaw on copper pipe, file off any burrs after.

Cut tube with a pipe cutter.

© Eugene Brennan

Existing plumbing may need to be cut with a hacksaw if there isn't plenty clearance to use a pipage cutter.

© Eugene Brennan

Utilise a file or de-burring tool to remove any sharp edges if yous cut pipe with a hacksaw.

© Eugene Brennan

How to Bend Copper Pipe

You lot can't just grasp the 2 ends and curve because the pipe will kink in the centre. There are several techniques for bending copper pipe:

• Use Sand to Prevent Kinking. This is an former technique. The pipe is tightly packed with fine, dry sand and tightly plugged at the end with a kitchen towel or a rag. The piping is and so bent to the desired shape.
• Use a Bending Spring. This method is only suitable for bending reasonably long lengths of pipe and so that the length of the pipe can be used for leverage during the process. The spring is slid into the pipe and so that it extends beyond the curve indicate. If necessary, a cord can exist tied to its end so that it can be retrieved. The pipe is then bent over the knee (simply nether your kneecap).
• Utilize a Pipage Bough. This tool has long levers to aid bending and enables i or more bends to be made in pipe. It also has several dies or guides to allow various diameters of pipage to exist bent.

Pipe benders—suitable for 15 and 22 mm copper tube—available from the UK tool distributor, Draper Ltd.

Paradigm by permission Draper Tools Ltd

Use a bending spring and curve pipe just under your knee cap.

© Eugene Brennan

How to Use a Compression Fitting

1. Measure the tubing to exist cut and mark with a felt-tipped mark. If a fitting needs to be inserted into existing tubing (east.g., a T-joint for a branch off), a section of tubing must be removed. Sometimes, marks are provided on the outside of the fitting that bespeak the location of the shoulder within the fitting which the tubing butts up against when inserted. This aids in working out how much of the tubing needs to exist removed. This needs to be reasonably accurate if copper tubing is beingness used as it tin be hard to pull the ii ends of the tubing apart to insert the fitting if a too-brusk section is removed, or difficult to pull the two sections of tubing together again if too much tubing is cut out. Temporarily remove any clips holding the tubing so that the sections can be moved apart easier
2. Cut the tubing to exist joined to the correct length. Ideally, use a pipe cutter which gives a square, smoothen edge. Alternatively, use a junior hacksaw. Try to cut the tubing square and with a smooth file, remove the rough burr from the border. Don't employ sandpaper or a file on the actual surface of the pipage to prevent leaks between the olive and pipe.
3. Slide the compression nut over the terminate of the tubing followed by the olive ring
4. If plastic pipe is existence used, push an insert into the end of the pipage. This prevents the pipe from existence crushed by the olive as the compression nut is tightened
5. Button the tubing as far every bit it will become into the plumbing fixtures
6. Tighten the compression nut past paw
7. Mark the nut with a felt-tipped mark, so y'all know how much you've turned it while tightening with a tool
8. You demand ii tools: one to hold the plumbing equipment and the other to tighten the compression nut. You can use open-concluded wrenches, vice grips, or water-pump pliers. Make sure the tools are properly sized and grip tightly and then that they don't slip off while tightening. In general, pinch nuts should exist tightened one half to ane whole plow after y'all've tightened past hand. If possible, you can tighten by half a turn, then plow on the water supply and wait for a few minutes see if the joint "weeps." If this is the case, try tightening further. It's important to not over tighten every bit this can deform the olive, preventing it from sealing properly and causing a leak. Knowing how much to tighten a nut is learned by experience, and equally a rule of pollex, once the nut suddenly becomes difficult to turn, it is tight plenty.

• Piping Wrench, besides known equally a "Stilson" (brand name)
• Water pump pliers. Unlike a pliers, these accept jaws which are angled to the handles so that the jaws can be tightened on a nut and turned while the handles are angled away from e.g. a wall.
• Spanners (Wrenches). Various sized are bachelor, specifically for the nuts used on plumbing fittings.

Water pump pliers. Prototype courtesy Draper Tools.

Pipage wrench. Prototype courtesy Draper Tools.

Typical compression fitting. This T-fitting allows a branch to exist made in a pipe.

© Eugene Brennan

Use an insert for plastic tubing.

© Eugene Brennan

Fit the compression nut onto the tube....

© Eugene Brennan

....followed by the olive band.

© Eugene Brennan

Push button the tube fully into the plumbing fixtures.

© Eugene Brennan

Tighten the pinch nut past hand.

© Eugene Brennan

Mark the nut with a felt-tipped marker.

© Eugene Brennan

In general, basics should be tightened one total turn later they've been mitt tightened, but check with the manufacturer. You can utilize a wrench, Stilsons, or water pump pliers. Hold the fitting besides to prevent it from turning.

© Eugene Brennan

How to Use Push Fittings

These type of fittings vary somewhat, but in general, this is the process for using them:

1. Mensurate, mark and cut the pipage. In general, you should avoid using a hacksaw every bit a foursquare cut on the finish of the pipe is improve. Use a proper pipe cutter suitable for copper or plastic pipe. File off whatever burrs on the finish of copper pipe or use a deburring tool. Ensure there are no scratches on plastic pipe.
2. For plastic pipage, push button an insert fully into the end of the pipe. Sharkbite fittings have an internal stiffener, and then this is unnecessary.
3. Apply a felt tipped marker to marker the insertion depth on the pipe. The Sharbite deburring tool as well acts every bit a guide for measuring insertion depth.
4. Slide the pipe into the fitting until it reaches the marking you drew on it previously
5. Some fittings crave you lot to pull back on the pipe to ensure the teeth on the collet insert in the fitting have gripped the pipe and information technology is secure.
6. Fittings may have a twist lock characteristic which prevents inadvertent release of the pipe if the collet is accidentally pushed dorsum against the fitting. If this is the instance, twist the screw cap on the plumbing fixtures about half a turn. This further compresses the O-ring in the fitting and locks the teeth.
7. Some fittings tin can be disassembled when new past turning the twist lock counter-clockwise, pushing the collet back against the plumbing fixtures trunk and pulling on the pipage. This retracts the collet teeth so that the pipage can exist removed. Sharkbite fittings require the utilize of a tong to retract the collet.

The video below shows how to apply Sharkbite twist lock fittings. These are the simplest to apply for connecting both copper and plastic pipage.

Sharkbite push-fit ane/2" elbow.

Courtesy of Sharkbite.

How to Use Sharkbite Brass Push Fittings

If you need to connect a new appliance to an existing PEX tube, you'll need a T-plumbing fixtures like this Sharkbite one bachelor on Amazon.

Sharkbite push fit T-plumbing fixtures

Courtesy of Sharkbite

How to Utilize a Capillary Fitting With Copper Pipe

Capillary fittings require some skill in order to be assembled properly; however, they are the cheapest, neatest and strongest solution for joining copper pipe.
Copper pipage and capillary fittings are "sweated" together. This involves heating the pipe and plumbing equipment so that solder melts and holds the articulation together.

1. Marker and cutting the pipe using a hacksaw or pipage cutter. Remove any burrs with a file.
2. Clean the within of the fitting and exterior of the piping with wire wool until both are shiny.
3. Apply flux to the inside of the fitting and exterior of the pipage.
4. Insert the get-go pipe into the plumbing equipment until it goes no further. Insert remaining pipes into the fitting. (All pipes should be soldered together rather than one at a time).
5. If a Yorkshire fitting is being used (which has an integral band of solder in each port), heat all around the plumbing equipment until a shiny ring of solder appears at the edge of the entry port on the fitting. Solder-free fittings should be heated, and solder wire applied to the border of the entry port so that it flows into the gap betwixt the fitting and pipage. (make sure information technology is lead-free solder if the water is for drink (drinking) use). Avoid overheating. If the flux starts to char, y'all're over doing it!
6. Wipe off excess flux afterwards completing the joint. Some fluxes are acidic and can eventually eat through copper.

Capillary fittings which are joined to copper tube by soldering.

Torsten Bätge, CC BY SA 3.0 Unported via Wikimedia Commons.

Capillary fitting. Notice the integral ring of solder.

© Eugene Brennan

Clean the tube and inside of the fitting with wire wool and coat with flux.

© Eugene Brennan

Estrus the fitting with a blowtorch until a ring of solder appears. Fittings without an integral ring of solder must be "fed" with solder wire.

© Eugene Brennan

How to Employ Screwed Plumbing Fittings

Steel pipe with a screwed end, normally has a tapered male thread which mates with a female thread on the other fitting. PTFE plumbing record or other proprietary thread sealing cord wrapped effectually the threads increases lubrication and enables the male thread to be screwed in tighter to produce a watertight seal. The secondary benefit of the tape is to make full the gap between the female person and male thread, helping to seal the articulation. The tapered threads of contumely fittings and bibcocks are also sealed with PTFE tape. PTFE record is also used with contumely fittings.

You can too smear pipe dope (jointing compound) over the record on the joint to improve sealing in case the tape catches on the threads and rolls effectually as the fitting is being screwed into identify. Traditionally hemp and jointing compound (Dominate White, Plumbers Mait) were used for sealing joints. For some applications, if temperature is excessive, PTFE tape may be unsuitable, and jointing compound tin be used.
Sometimes both male person and female threads are parallel in which case they are supposed to be sealed using a fiber washer or O-ring which is compressed by a flange on the fitting. This is often the case with a spigot (outside tap) or a hot water tank. A tapered fitting would possibly upshot in the plumbing fixtures tightening of a sudden with the spigot at the incorrect angle. A washer however allows more leeway as regards tightening the fitting to the correct angle

1. Hold the fitting or pipe and starting at the inner cease of the threads, wrap PTFE record tightly and evenly clockwise in a helical fashion (looking from the finish of thread that volition exist screwed in) until all but the concluding thread is covered. Leaving the end thread bare makes it easier to go the thread started during assembling of joints.
2. Continue to wind the thread clockwise and downwards to where you lot started. Overlap half the width of the tap equally you current of air
3. Air current a 3rd layer onto the plumbing fixtures
4. Spiral the male thread into the female fitting
   

At that place is a sure degree of trial and error when winding tape onto fittings. If they are made to a tight tolerance, simply a few layers of tape may be needed. Sometimes if fittings are a loose fit, extra tape may exist needed (4, v or vi turns).

This pinch T-fitting has a one/2 inch female screw thread. The lower epitome shows a 1/ii inch to i/four inch reduction bushing which could be used for connecting a pressure gauge.

© Eugene Brennan

Wind the tape clockwise, neatly and tightly effectually the threads. Iii layers should suffice. Overlap half the width of the thread equally you wind.

© Eugene Brennan

Screw the bushing into the plumbing equipment and tighten with a wrench.

© Eugene Brennan

Wrapping Thread Seal Tape

Disclaimer

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author's noesis. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes just and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

Questions & Answers

Question: Can Pex or PVC pipe be chased into a wall? I'm guessing maybe something similar pipage insulation might be prudent to permit for expansion and contraction as well as protecting the pipe itself from the mortar?

Answer: I don't see why not as long as information technology's well insulated. PEX is also resistant to bursting even if information technology freezes. Metallic record is supposed to exist wrapped around the plastic pipe so that a metal detector can be used to locate it if any fixings need to be inserted in the wall in the future. It'd also be prudent non to take whatsoever joints in walls just in case they leak. I'm not a plumber, then peradventure attempt posting on this forum to double check (or an alternative forum if you're in the US or other country that may accept unlike regulations):

https://www.ukplumbersforums.co.uk/

Question: I am attaching a contumely fitting to the threads of blackness piping in a natural gas application in order to get to the flex line to the appliance. Or is it better to use the stainless steel, or whatever cloth it is that comes with the gas connection kits? This is an outdoor application, and then I thought brass would concord upwards longer, but I'grand not sure about the dissimilar metals factor?

Answer: In that location could exist an issue with dissimilar metals and Galvanic corrosion. Indoors since h2o isn't going to get into threads in a gas connection, information technology's not an issue, but outdoors it may be a different story.

I'chiliad not a qualified gas plumber/fitter, so I'thousand not going to advise you.

You could post on ane of the several plumbers forums and they might be able to propose you, only volition probably refer y'all to a professional.

Question: Can I connect a ane/2 T piping to the master three/4 water copper pipe, 1 end of the T goes to the washer, the other end goes to bath faucet?

Reply: Peradventure, you'll demand either a T if it's available with a 3/4" outlet port and one/two" ports on the ii ends of the T. Alternatively a 3/4" T could be used with inserts in the other ii three/4" ports to drop them to 1/2" (this is for brass fittings). The inserts are just brass rings that reduce the inlet to i/2". I'm not a plumber so I'm non going to give communication and there may possibly be regulations virtually how this is washed and other complications. Maybe post the question on a plumbers forum.

Question: I recently had our kitchen faucet inverse and now we get a terrible chemical sense of taste simply from that faucet, could there be something wrong with the faucet?

Answer: Accept you lot spoken to the manufacturer/retailer? Sometimes plastic (which would be used in seals) has a aroma or produces a taste from residues left over from the manufacturing process (due east.g. the distinctive smell of PVC or gustation from water left for a menstruum in a plastic bottle). Effort running the faucet for several minutes and see if it improves the situation.

Question: What is used to connect a v/16 inch rubber tube through a pigsty on a one-inch copper pipe? The system I take that the safety tube is inserted with a piece of ane-inch PVC tube half manner and the PVC tube is and then inserted into the copper pipe through the pigsty. The 1 that came loose can be easily pulled out. I practice not come across anything on the PVC tube, glue or cement. Other fittings cannot be pulled out easily. Can you tell me how this is done so that the plumbing will not leak?

Reply: If the arrangement isn't under pressure, peradventure some class of grommet system could be used to adjust the hole in the copper and then the safety tube would feed through the grommet. This system is sometimes used for fuel lines exiting tanks on east.g. string trimmers.

Question: I accidentally drilled a hole in the water feeding piping. This pipe is totally cemented into the wall. Is in that location a quicker solution likewise chopping the wall open, angle the pipage a bit and putting in a articulation, be information technology soldering or compressing? What is the best solution?

Reply: Hi, at that place'due south a couple of suggestions here:

You'll probably take to clear a space around the flare-up to insert a department of new pipage or a repair coupler.

http://www.diydoctor.org.u.k./projects/repairing_a_b...

Ii-piece clamps with a rubber beat are as well available for emergency repairs simply are only a temporary measure until you fix the pipe properly.

https://www.diy.com/ideas-advice/how-to-deal-with-...

© 2022 Eugene Brennan

Eugene Brennan (author) from Ireland on May 02, 2019:

Thanks for the correction Erik.

Leave a comment if you run across any other errors.

Erik on May 02, 2019:

NPTF is non npt Fine. NPT Fine does non be as denomination.

NPTF stands for National Pipe Taper FUEL. (see Ansi B1.twenty.3).

The sealing requirement of tapered fittings used where fuel is involved are stricter than plumbing, so while the thread is the aforementioned of an NPT the difference comes in the smaller and bigger diameters of the threads and their roots and crests. They are both tapered thread designed to give a seal biy jamming a male person in a female person fitting but the NPTF have less risk of leak (no pipe dope or teflon tape is allowed)

Lloyd on Feb 25, 2019:

I have a iii inch copper that I need to terminate up a hole almost ii inches what can I apply

Stephen on July 31, 2018:

The moving picture of the "Outside faucet or hose bibb" is actually called a boiler drain. If you put that on the exterior of your dwelling house, it would burst first fourth dimension information technology freezes. The exterior faucets have stems that seat far enough into the foundation/crawlspace so that even if they e'er do freeze, the main plumbing is not afflicted by information technology.

Eugene Brennan (author) from Ireland on June 03, 2018:

Hullo Robert. Information technology sounds like the system used on my hedge cutter. The fuel lines are rubber and simply exit the tank through a hole. The hole is smaller than the prophylactic tube and so the plastic of the tank around the perimeter of the hole digs into the tube, sealing it and stopping the tube from pulling out. Because your pipes are copper, the safety tube probably doesn't pass straight through the hole because the sharp edge would probably cut into it, so I'k guessing that'due south the idea of the PVC which is harder.

I don't know whether this is a standard fashion of doing things or merely a made up arrangement. Presumably if it'south standard, new PVC tubing of the correct diameter is available,

Robert Huang on June 03, 2018:

I have a radiant heating system. The water is distributed to a zone with ane inch copper pipage and it is farther distributed with 5/xvi inch rubber tubing. The tubes are inserted to the copper pipe through a hole in the copper pipe. Ane of the tube came loose and information technology is easily pull out. The tube is inserted to a small piece of pvc tube and the pvc tube is then inserted tthrough the hole to the copper piping. I do not see any thing on the pvc tube or any gum or cement on it. Can you tell me how information technology is tightly fitted to the copper pipe? The other rubber tubbing cannot be pull out easily. Thanks a million.

Eugene Brennan (author) from Ireland on June 02, 2018:

Thanks for the appreciation Kristen!

I'yard glad information technology was of help to you.

Kristen on June 02, 2018:

Slap-up article. I try to exist independent plus I detest to pay a repairman $$$ for something that really isn't difficult or fourth dimension consuming. I recently changed my kitchen faucet by myself. IT simply took me 3 days and lots of googling!

I am now trying to replace outdoor faucets and pipes. And so thankful I institute your article. Very informative and in layman'south terms. Thank you.

steve on April 24, 2018:

Thank Yous! helped me out a lot!

Nic Rollins on March 22, 2018:

Thanks for your very clear and piece of cake to follow article. You have answered some of my very bones questions.

Eugene Brennan (writer) from Republic of ireland on January 31, 2018:

Hi Gene,

I'm not a plumber so I can't advise nevertheless my own washer outlet feeds into a 40 mm standpipe and I've never had an effect. According to plumbing code, bleed pipe has to be sloped a minimum of 1/4 inch per foot. For shorter runs, the gradient needs to be greater since the waste pipe has less length to "shop" the water and must discharge it quicker every bit it fills. Also traps must exist 2" for washers (Usa lawmaking).

Have a wait at these links:

https://books.google.com/books?id=OMVc-nTpqwAC&amp...

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/plumb-standpipe-64746...

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/washing-motorcar-need-...

Gene on January 31, 2018:

I am running a two inch stand pipe downwardly to a ii inch to1 1/2 past the cement floor. The one one/2 inch line does get dorsum to a 2 inch line nether the floor. This should bleed well or not?

Hastadur Pun on Baronial 31, 2017:

Very useful article

Eugene Brennan (author) from Ireland on August 05, 2017:

Hi Richard,

This may be of use to yous:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_pipe_thread

I did a Google image search using these terms, information technology might help you detect what you need:

npt pipe fitings iii/16 elbow compression to female

Richard Murphy on August 05, 2017:

Are steel tube fittings and copper tube fittings the same thread, NPT? I am trying to find a Fitting to connect a Steel Heat Riser Tube to my Autolite 4100 Carburetor'due south Choke. The Compression Nut measures .1875" = 3/16" x 24 and this Nut fits on the Cast Fitting on my Carb'south Choke. BUT this cast plumbing equipment points toward the Firewall at a 45 degree downward bending. I need information technology to point toward the right/passenger side bike well. A xc degree street elbow with the 3/sixteen" (with a Female NPT is what +

++++I Retrieve is what I need.the Compression Nut, Olive Band and Steel Tube are .1875" = iii/sixteen".) I can find a 90 Elbow that is 3/16" Compression on one end but CANNOT observe a 3/sixteen" FPT for the Choke end. I Recall the cast fitting on the Asphyxiate is NPT and I need a Female on the Choke stop. OR perhaps 2 fittings that would accomplish the same thing. Tin can you lot confirm that Steel Tubing and Copper Tubing fittings both take NPTs? Might you know of a source for this (plainly) oddball plumbing fixtures?

I have spent yesterday and today searching the web with no results. Murphy'southward Law = and I am Potato! Thanks, Murf

Eugene Brennan (author) from Ireland on September xviii, 2016:

Loctite 55 piping sealing cord is supposed to exist good for sealing and locking a tap in place. Information technology allows a 45 caste realignment which isn't possible with PTFE tape. An culling is to use hemp and jointing compound. Some other suggestion I've come up across is to form a taper on the threads when winding PTFE tape. This is and then that instead of having parallel threads, you now have a taper which volition wedge tightly equally you lot tighten.

It'southward actually meliorate to feed the supply line into tap from higher up because in freezing conditions, the close off valve indoors can be turned off, and the tap turned on to bleed the line and tap body. If the feed is from below, everthing volition stay filled up and freeze.

Woking Mike on September 18, 2016:

With regard to your film of the brass tap and the wallplate; information technology would be helpful to explain how to bargain with the fact that when y'all screw the tap onto the wallplate information technology finally tightens with the tap at a random bending. With the 15mm pipe coming upwardly into the compression articulation, how practise yous make the tap tighten when it is pointing downwards.

murphyindes1973.blogspot.com

Source: https://dengarden.com/home-improvement/Types-of-Plumbing-Fittings-Joining-PVC-and-Copper-Pipe

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