Maya Ellison
Converting copper plumbing to plastic is a common challenge, especially in industrial plants. This conversion is often necessary during infrastructure expansion or when dealing with corrosive fluids. Plastic pipes, such as PVC or CPVC, offer corrosion resistance, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, while copper pipes provide durability and excellent heat transfer properties. Connecting plastic pipes to copper can be done through various methods, including compression fittings, push-to-connect fittings, and transition couplings. Compression fittings involve using a threaded nut, a compression ring, and an insert adapter to create a secure connection. Push-to-connect fittings require no special tools and offer a quick and convenient installation process. Transition couplings utilize rubber gaskets and stainless-steel clamps to bridge the gap between different materials. It is important to understand the unique qualities of each material to find the most efficient connection method.
Characteristics and Values Table for Converting Copper Plumbing to Plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Copper, PVC, CPVC |
| Use Cases | Cold water can be run through PVC, hot water requires CPVC |
| Connection Methods | Compression fittings, push-to-connect fittings, transition couplings, compression adapters, threaded male and female adapters |
| Benefits of Plastic Pipe | Corrosion resistance, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, improved longevity, reduced maintenance costs |
| Benefits of Copper Pipe | Durability, excellent heat transfer, long-term reliability |
| Considerations | Different pipe sizes, types of glue and connectors, permits and compliance with local codes |
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What You'll Learn
Understand the materials
Plastic pipe, such as PVC or CPVC, offers corrosion resistance, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. PVC is suitable for cold water, while CPVC is suitable for both cold and hot water systems. On the other hand, copper pipe provides durability, excellent heat transfer properties, and long-term reliability. Copper is soft and fragile and may rust inside over time.
Connecting plastic pipe to copper is a common challenge, especially in industrial plants. This may be required during infrastructure expansion, such as adding new equipment or extending the fluid distribution network. It is also necessary when working with corrosive or aggressive fluids, as plastic pipes are often preferred in such environments due to their resistance to chemical attack.
Understanding the unique qualities of each material is essential in finding the most efficient connection method. For example, when choosing fittings or adapters, one must consider the different measurements used for pipes (I.D., O.D., nominal). Compression fittings, push-to-connect fittings, and transition couplings are commonly used to connect plastic pipes to copper.
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Compression fittings
When using compression fittings to join copper and plastic pipes, you need to put in a liner to keep the end of the pipe perfectly round. This liner also protects the end of the pipe – when you put a push-fit fitting in, there’s an O-ring in there, and if you don’t have the liner on, the square edge on the end of the plastic can damage the O-ring and cause a leak. Once you’ve inserted the liner, the nut goes over the end of the pipe, followed by the copper olive and then the fitting itself. Hand-tighten this and then tighten with a spanner until it’s crimped on so that the olive compresses onto the pipe.
To use a compression fitting, first, place a pipe insert into the end of the pipe to be joined. Pipe inserts, typically made from plastic or steel, reinforce pipes and keep them in a fully circular shape, making connection easier. It should be noted that this only applies to plastic pipes as copper or steel pipes are much stronger. Then, screw the fitting’s tapered insert onto the end of the other length of pipe. Slide the compression fitting olive (brass ring) over the first length of pipe, and then lay the nut over that. Using a spanner, tighten the nut over the threaded head of the fitting, while holding the fitting with a pair of plumber’s grips. This pressure created by the tightening motion will press down on the olive, causing it to grip the pipe tightly. However, be careful not to exert too much pressure as this could damage the fitting or thread, making the device harder to remove or reposition.
If a compression fitting is leaking, in the first instance, try to tighten the fitting using a pair of adjustable pipe tools. These should be positioned in the opposite direction to the tightening motion. If the leak persists, disassemble the fitting and apply sealant to the olive. Alternatively, remove the olive altogether and replace it.
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Push-to-connect fittings
To join a push fit connector to a copper pipe, you must first ensure that the pipe has a clean and smooth edge. A pipe slice or pipe cutters are ideal for this, but a hacksaw can also be used. If the pipe edge is ragged, it should be deburred with an emery cloth or metal file. This step is important as a rough edge can damage the O-ring inside the push fit connector, causing leaks.
Once the pipe edge is smooth, the next step is to insert the pipe into the push fit connector. No additional tools or equipment are required to create a robust and watertight seal.
It is important to note that when joining plastic push fit connectors to copper pipes, extra care must be taken because copper is a softer material and can easily become misshapen or dented.
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Transition couplings
One example of a transition coupling is the SharkBite PVC Pipe Transition Coupling, which can be used to transition from Schedule 40, 80, or 120 PVC pipe to PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT, or HDPE pipe without the need for special tools or glue.
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Connecting PVC to copper
Generally, this can be done using threaded male and female adapters as male/female iron pipe threading is the same between different pipe types. A good rule of thumb is to never have your softer material be the female side. So, for connecting PVC to copper, you could use a PVC male adapter and a copper female. Having a threaded shut-off valve of some kind at this transition is also common.
There are also mechanical fittings to adapt from PVC to copper, like sharkbites, but they tend to be more expensive than PVC fittings.
If you are running hot water, you will need to use CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) instead of PVC. CPVC is suitable for both hot and cold water systems.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic pipes offer corrosion resistance, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. They are also preferred in corrosive environments as they are resistant to chemical attacks.
There are three methods to connect copper plumbing to plastic: compression fittings, push-to-connect fittings, and transition couplings. Compression fittings are a popular choice and consist of a threaded nut, a compression ring, and an insert adapter. Push-to-connect fittings require no special tools or soldering and use a simple push-and-lock mechanism. Transition couplings use a rubber gasket and stainless-steel clamps to ensure a tight and secure connection.
PVC and CPVC are the two main types of plastic pipes available. CPVC is better suited for hot water systems, while PVC is suitable for cold water only.
First, brush primer inside the plastic pipe and the plastic end of the connector, and apply pipe cement. Connect the two pieces and give it a slight turn, holding them in place for at least 30 seconds to set. Then, unscrew the compression nut from the copper side of the fitting and remove the compression ring. Put the nut and ring onto the end of the copper pipe, push the end of the pipe into the fitting, and screw the compression nut on, tightening it with pliers.
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