Chloe Zhang
Plastic plumbing fittings are an alternative to metal, ceramic, and concrete pipes, which were historically used in residential plumbing. Plastic pipes are easier to install, flexible, low-cost, and highly resistant to corrosion. The most common type of plastic plumbing pipe is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), but other types include cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) and polyethylene (PE). Plastic pipes can be joined using compression fittings, which create a secure, leak-free connection. When tightening plastic plumbing fittings, it is important to not over-tighten the fittings to prevent leaks and damage to the pipes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Plumbing Fittings | Durable, corrosion-resistant, cost-effective, and easy to install |
| Types | PVC, CPVC, PEX, PE, and ABS |
| Installation Process | Measure and mark pipes accurately, prepare the fitting properly, and install it correctly |
| Compression Fitting Installation | Insert the tubing into the fitting body, ensure proper alignment, hand-tighten the nut, and then use a wrench for a final tighten |
| Threaded Fitting Installation | Finger-tighten, then add no more than 1/2 to 3/4 turns with a wrench, avoid over-tightening |
| Sealants | Use certified pipe sealants that are safe for plastic, such as Fluoramics Formula-8 and Lox-8 Thread Sealant |
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What You'll Learn
How to tighten plastic plumbing fittings
Firstly, it is important to understand how different threaded PVC plastic plumbing fittings work. Plastic plumbing fittings consist of two parts: a male end and a female end. The male end of the fitting is threaded on the outside, and the threads are tapered, meaning they increase in size as they go down the fitting. The female end is the opposite, with threads on the inside that taper to become smaller. This tapered design allows plastic plumbing fittings to achieve a tight seal.
Before you begin, make sure to prepare the pipes and fittings properly to avoid damaging them. Wipe down your threads to ensure they are free of debris, then apply a PVC thread sealant. Choose a sealant that is specially formulated for use with PVC and other plastics. Using the wrong sealant may damage the PVC and cause the seal to fail.
Once the sealant is applied, insert the male end into the female fitting. Tighten the connection by hand slowly until the fitting will not turn any more. At this point, you can use a wrench to complete one or two more turns. Turn the fitting to the right to tighten, and to the left to loosen.
It is important to tighten plastic plumbing fittings correctly. If they are not tightened enough, they may leak. However, over-tightening can cause the fitting to break, which can also lead to leakages. Using plumber's tape can help to prevent over-tightening, protect against leaks, and ensure a good seal.
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The pros and cons of plastic pipes
Plastic pipes are now a common feature in plumbing systems, both commercially and residentially. They are made of materials such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC), Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX), Polybutylene (PB), or High-Density Polybutylene (HDBP).
Pros of Plastic Pipes
Plastic pipes are known for being economical, durable, and resistant to corrosion. They are also lightweight, flexible, and easy to install, requiring minimal skills and equipment. They are also resistant to chemicals, which is especially useful if your water is slightly acidic, as this can wear down metal pipes over time. Plastic pipes are also good for maintaining water pressure and reducing knocking sounds in pipes.
Cons of Plastic Pipes
Plastic pipes can be brittle and prone to breakage, especially in cold temperatures. They are also bulkier than metal pipes and cannot be used in tight spaces. Plastic pipes are not suitable for high-temperature applications as they can warp when exposed to high heat. They also lack the antimicrobial effects of copper, which some homeowners consider a health risk.
In addition, plastic pipes may sag or shift out of place without proper support, and the use of PVC pipes for hot water applications can lead to breakdown over time. It is important to note that improper connections and overloaded pipe strapping can also cause issues with plastic pipes.
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The different types of plastic pipes
Plastic is a popular piping material nowadays because it does not rust, warp, or become brittle. Plastic pipes are also resistant to tree roots breaking through them. There are several types of plastic pipes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
One of the most well-known types of plastic pipes is PVC (polyvinyl chloride). PVC is a softer plastic, making it flexible and easy to use. It is also soundproof, so you won't hear the sound of water flowing inside your home. PVC is made from materials that are approved by the FDA and NSF, making it safe for drinking water. PVC pipes are affordable and durable, with a lifespan of up to 70 years. They are also recyclable at the end of their lifespan.
Another type of plastic pipe is ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). ABS is similar to PVC but with some key differences. ABS pipes contain BPA, a chemical that makes the pipes strong but has raised concerns about its safety for people and animals. ABS pipes are softer than PVC but more durable, making them suitable for underground use and in sewer systems. ABS pipes are resistant to extreme weather conditions and UV light exposure.
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes are a newer type of plastic plumbing pipe. PEX pipes are highly flexible, allowing for easier installation and the ability to bend up to 90-degree angles. They are also heat-resistant and less likely to burst during freezing temperatures. However, PEX pipes are not as recyclable as other types of plastic pipes.
Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) pipes have been used in North America for over 60 years and have proven their reliability and safety. They meet all relevant ASTM, NSF, and state requirements for plumbing systems. CPVC has a different chemical composition than polyolefin plastics, making it immune to chlorine-induced degradation.
Other types of plastic pipes include LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene), polypropylene, and PE-RT (Polyethylene of Raised Temperature Resistance). Each of these pipes has unique characteristics and applications in plumbing systems.
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How to install compression fittings
Compression fittings are a safe and common way to connect copper pipes without the use of heat. They are easily accessible over the internet, but it is important to ensure that the seller is credible. Before you begin the installation process, determine whether the compression fitting is suitable for your application. Compression fittings are beneficial in most areas, even confined spaces, but they do not offer mechanical support, so they should not be used to lengthen pipes.
To install a compression fitting, first cut and clean the pipe. Then, assemble the compression fitting by sliding on the nut and olive at both ends. Next, insert the pipe into the other piece, and tighten the compression nut. Begin by tightening with your fingers, and finish with a tool, such as pliers or a spanner, to ensure maximum security. Generally, a nut will need one whole turn after hand-tightening, but be careful not to over-tighten, as this can distort the olive or fitting and make it difficult to fix leaks.
To achieve a proper seal, it is essential to inspect the threads of both the male and female components, ensuring they are free of contaminants, nicks, and burrs. Apply a small amount of liquid sealant or Teflon seal tape (1.5-2 turns), leaving the first couple of threads uncovered to assist in the start of proper threading. Pipeslices are another excellent tool for creating a watertight seal.
Once you have finished the installation, check for leaks by turning on your fluid supply. Compression fittings work well if the pipe is clean and cut properly, but they will need to be replaced from time to time.
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Dos and don'ts of assembling plastic fittings
Plastic piping with threaded fittings usually provides reliable, leak-free service. However, a small percentage of them may leak or break due to improper assembly of threaded joints or the use of an incorrect thread sealant. Here are some dos and don'ts to follow when assembling plastic fittings to prevent leaks and damage:
Dos
- When assembling fittings involving plastic and metal, ensure the male fitting is plastic, and the female fitting is metal. This setup allows for proper joining without risking damage or leakage.
- Inspect the threads of both the male and female components before assembly, ensuring they are free of contaminants, nicks, and burrs.
- When using threaded plastic fittings, select a sealant designed for plastic fittings.
- When using a threaded male plastic fitting, ensure that each successive thread is slightly larger in diameter than the previous one.
- For threaded female plastic fittings, ensure that each successive thread is slightly smaller in diameter than the previous one. This is known as "taper".
- The proper way to assemble a threaded plastic joint is to finger-tighten and then add no more than one to two turns.
Don'ts
- Do not mix Schedule 40 threaded fittings with Schedule 80 pipe and fittings. Using just one Schedule 40 PVC fitting lowers the entire PSI of the pipeline, and exceeding this PSI can lead to pipeline failure.
- Avoid using thread seal tape with plastic male threads, as it can increase pipe diameter, prevent proper meshing of pipe threads, and add strain and tensile stress.
- Do not over-tighten the fittings to prevent leaks. Over-tightening can cause excessive strain and lead to stress cracks and leaks, especially in plastics like PVC that are prone to stretching.
- Never loosen a tightened fitting, as this can compromise the seal and lead to leakage.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic plumbing fittings include trap fittings, flange fittings, and cap fittings. Trap fittings are the horizontal dips or bends in pipes found under sinks, flange fittings create a tight seal with bolts or clamps, and cap fittings go over a pipe to stop the flow of water or gas.
To tighten plastic plumbing fittings, use two pairs of locking pliers. One pair will turn the compression nut while the other holds the pipe. Avoid over-tightening to prevent leaks and damage.
Plastic plumbing fittings may be more prone to leaks or damage if over-tightened. Using PVC pipe for hot water applications can also lead to breakdown over time. Mixing metal fittings with plastic threaded ports can cause stress cracks and leaks.
Plastic plumbing fittings are easier to install than metal and are corrosion-resistant. They are also flexible, low cost, and can maintain water pressure.
Common types of pipe fittings include bends, tees, reducing adapters, couplers, and unions. Bends change the direction of the pipe, tees add a branch line, reducing adapters join pipes of different diameters, couplers join two lengths of pipe, and unions are a type of coupler that can be taken apart.
