Copper Pipe Fittings

A Layman's Guide To Copper Pipe Fittings

If you are not a regular do-it-yourself type, the plumbing section in a hardware store just looks like a lot of tubes and pipes to you, but all those pipes and tubes are vital to properly functioning plumbing to keep water flowing without leaks.  The following basic guide will help you learn more about these pipes and tubes so that the next time you walk through the plumbing section, you might just be tempted to test your newly found knowledge about copper pipe fittings.

Here are the basic copper fittings you will find in the plumbing section of your local hardware store:

• Elbow fitting 45, 90 and 180 degree - Pipes with a 45, 90 or 180 degree bend.
• Female fitting- These are fittings with the threads on the inside.  Uses:  To connect smaller to larger pipes or same size pipes mostly measured in millimeters like 10mm or 15mm.
• Male fitting- These have the threading on the outside.  Uses:  The same as female fittings.
• Ball valve - These are used when a tight shut off is needed.
• Tee - These are used to connect three or four pipes together.
• Reducing tee - Used to fit smaller to larger pipes for more than one pipe.
• Cap - Used to shut off a pipe that is not going to be used.

The above copper pipe fittings are just an overview of a few different types.  There are other types used for various used from residential to commercial for plumbing, irrigation or refrigeration purposes.  Next we will cover the kinds and manufacturers that make them.

Some copper fittings must be soldered, so you will need to either know a bit about soldering or be willing to learn.  Today, there are also solderless style copper fittings that are faster and easier to install.  As you can see, you will need to educate yourself if you plan to take on a plumbing project.  You will want to learn about compression fittings, push to connect fittings and other kinds before you begin any plumbing project.  Who makes copper pipe fittings?

• Mueller - The largest manufacturer of copper tubing and fittings in various sizes including 1/2 inch, 3 inch and even 8 inch.
• Elkhart - Manufactures solder joint copper fittings
• Nibco - Four generations of leadership in this industry and are family owned and operated
• SharkBite - Very popular brand

• NVent - Victaulic PermaLynx -Push to connect fittings

You can see why it is important to be willing to educate yourself before taking on any kind of plumbing job.  If you are not do-it-yourself oriented, you should hire a professional to do any plubming work for you concerning copper pipe fittings.