Copper pipes retain their popularity for a variety of reasons, notably their durability, corrosion resistance, recyclability, and ability to withstand high temperatures. Many domestic and commercial plumbing systems still rely on copper piping. So what happens when you need to change the piping in some way? This is where copper pipe fittings can be very useful.
What are copper pipe fittings?
Copper pipe fittings are specially designed components that can be used within copper piping systems. Their purpose is to terminate, redirect or join copper pipes.
Some require soldering, whilst others do not. These fittings can be used in water supply or drainage applications.
There are a number of specialist suppliers of copper pipe fittings (both traditional and modern), many of whom have useful online resources, such as the examples seen here: https://watkinspowis.co.uk/products/copper-pipe-fittings-and-press-systems/.
There are a wide variety of different copper pipe fittings available including compression fittings, end-feed fittings, solder ring fittings, and push and press-fit fittings.
Compression Fittings
These are used to connect two pipes to each other or to connect a pipe to a valve or fixture. They are easy to install, can be re-used and do not require soldering. Examples include compression elbow fittings, compression tee fittings, and compression union and coupling fittings. They can be standard, flared, or threaded.
End-Feed Fittings
End-feed fittings require soldering and are used to join copper pipes. They are able to create strong joints that can deal with high pressure and are leak proof. Coupler fittings can join two pipes of the same diameter, whilst reducer fittings can join two pipes of different sizes.
Solder Ring Fittings
Solder ring fittings share some similarities with end-feed fittings but they come with a special ring of solder that is built in. This enables a permanent seal. These are made in a variety of configurations including straight couplers, tees, reducers, stop-ends, and elbows.
Push and Press-Fit Fittings
Push-fit fittings and press-fit fittings are more recent innovations and are able to provide reliable connections without the need for specialist tools or heat. They can be used in domestic or commercial systems.
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