Pipe Fitting Buying Guide | Lowe's

Types of Piping Systems

Most homes built since the mid-s have plastic pipes and fittings, which are rated by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Plastic pipes can be used for pressurized applications, such as potable (drinking) water systems, hot- and cold-water distribution, and irrigation systems. They can also be used for nonpressurized applications (gravity flow), such as sewage, drainage and storm drain systems. Homes built prior to used galvanized steel or cast-iron pipes for drain/waste/vent (DWV) systems. DWV systems remove wastewater and prevent the flow of sewer gases into homes. The most common types of plumbing pipes used in homes today are copper and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), both of which are strong, long lasting and easy to install. Other choices include chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) and PEX pipe.

JIANZHI are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

Copper Pipes vs. CPVC Pipes

Whether copper or CPVC piping should be used to deliver a home’s drinking water will vary from home to home. Here are some pointers to help you determine the best choice:

• Water Types: In many areas, particularly those without municipal water sources, the acidity of the home’s water may be a factor in choosing the right types of plumbing pipes. Highly acidic water can break down copper pipes over time and cause green staining in fixtures. Although passive water filters can deal with acidity, they must be recharged every year or so. Because of this, owners sometimes opt for acid-indifferent CPVC piping.
• Installation Time: CPVC must not be pressured for 24 hours after installation to allow the pipe adhesive to set properly. Copper can be used within minutes of installation.

PEX Pipes

PEX pipes differ from traditional rigid pipes in one obvious way: They’re flexible. This makes it easier to snake them to different areas of a home. Using PEX piping may require running more pipe, but it also involves fewer fittings. PEX crimp tools offer a simple way to make these flexible fittings more secure and watertight.

Here are a few other advantages of PEX:

• It’s quieter than rigid piping.
• It has a smooth interior that resists scale buildup and corrosion, which can affect pipe flow over time.
• It’s freeze-break resistant, although not freeze-proof. PEX tools, such as specialty expansion kits, will enhance this benefit by absorbing dimensional changes caused by thermal expansions/contractions.
• PEX systems have appealing installation costs compared to rigid materials.
• PEX piping is often used in green buildings, installed either as a remote manifold or plumbing system.

PEX pipe and crimp fittings, with all their benefits, do have a drawback: Because UV exposure causes a reaction with polyethylene, it isn’t suitable for outdoor use. The maximum level of UV exposure is typically no more than 60 days, but this varies by manufacturer. Using PEX for underground water supplies isn’t ideal, even if UV exposure is decreased.

Have PEX specialty tools on hand to ensure you can make full use of PEX piping advantages.

Materials for DWV Pipes

• Cast-iron pipe and fittings (black)
• PVC Schedule 40 (SCH 40) DWV pipe and fittings (white; used in irrigation, underground sprinkler systems, swimming pools, outdoor applications and cold-water supply lines)
• Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) DWV pipe and fittings (black, common in the western US)

Materials for Pressurized Systems

• PVC Schedule 40 (SCH 40) pipe and fittings (white; straight, angular turns; designed for potable water under pressure into buildings)
• Copper tube size (CTS) chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipe and fittings (cream or tan, used for hot or cold water, sized similarly to copper pipe sizes)
• PVC Schedule 80 (SCH 80) pipe and fittings (dark gray, withstand higher pressure, designed for the distribution of pressurized liquids)

PVC SCH 40 DWV Pipe and PVC DWV Fittings for Nonpressurized Applications

PVC DWV fittings can be installed with foam core pipe or dual-marked solid wall pipe. ASTM F 891-rated foam core pipe is lighter and less expensive. Solid wall PVC pipe is often rated for both pressurized (ASTM D ) and nonpressurized (ASTM D ) applications (often referred to as dual marked). When solid wall or foam core pipe is used with PVC DWV fittings, the resulting system isn’t pressure rated.

Description

• White, rigid pipe and fittings
• Joined with solvent cement, conforming to applicable ASTM standards
• Have a gradual, sanitary turn

Application

• Draining household sanitary waste (kitchen, bathroom) and groundwater
• Not for pressurized applications or compressed air/gases
  

Joining Method

• Solvent cements must meet ASTM D standard
• Primer is required
• May be joined with a slip-joint compression fitting (a trap adapter)
• Threading PVC 40 pipe isn’t recommended
• Male iron pipe (MIP) and female iron pipe (FIP) size adapters are available

PVC SCH 40 Pipe and Fittings for Pressurized Applications

Description

• White, rigid pipe and fittings
• Joined with solvent cement, conforming to ASTM D standard
• Straight, angular turns
• Not for gradual sanitary turns for pressure systems

Application

• Distributing potable water under pressure into a building (not to be used inside)
• Irrigation and sprinkler systems
• Draining condensate waste from heating and air conditioning systems
• Not for compressed air or gases

Joining Method

• Solvent cements must meet ASTM D standard
• Primer required
• May be flanged with SCH 80 flanges
• Threading PVC 40 pipe isn’t recommended
• MIP and FIP adapters are available

PVC SCH 80 Pipe and Fittings for Pressurized Applications

Description

• Dark gray, rigid pipe and fittings
• Joined with solvent cement conforming to ASTM D standard
• Straight, angular turns must be used

Application

• Distributing pressurized liquids
• Can be used in industrial applications
• Not for use with compressed air or gases

Joining Method

• Solvent cements must meet ASTM D
• Primer should be iron pipe size (IPS) P-70 or Oatey Industrial Grade
• May be flanged with SCH 80 flanges
• Threading PVC 80 pipe can be done
• MIP and FIP adapters are available

ABS Foam Core SCH 40 DWV Pipe and ABS DWV Fittings for Nonpressurized Applications

Description

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Can black iron pipe fittings be used outdoors?.

• Black, rigid pipe and fittings
• Joined with solvent cement conforming to ASTM D standard
• Fittings have a gradual sanitary turn

Application

• Draining household sanitary waste (kitchen, bathroom) and groundwater
• Not for use with pressurized applications or compressed air/gases

Joining Method

• Solvent cements must meet ASTM D standard
• Primer isn’t recommended
• May be joined with a slip-joint compression fitting (a trap adapter)
• Threading ABS-40 foam core pipe isn’t recommended
• MIP and FIP adapters are available

CTS CPVC Pipe and Fittings for Pressurized Hot- and Cold-Water Applications

Description

• Cream or tan, rigid pipe (with a gold stripe) and fittings
• Joined with solvent cement conforming to ASTM F 493 standard

Applications

• Distributing hot and cold potable water under pressure
• Not for use with compressed air or gases
  

Joining Method

• Solvent cements must meet ASTM F 493 standard
• Yellow FlowGuard Gold cements may be used without primer, where approved by code
• Compression fittings with a brass ferrule may be used
• Threading the pipe isn’t recommended; use CTS CPVC male adapters in cold-water applications only; use CTS CPVC brass-threaded transition fittings for hot-water applications

Don’t use compression fittings with brass ferrules to connect to CTS CPVC pipe or fittings where water temperatures exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Choosing Correct Pipe Sizes

Plumbing beginners often purchase pipes that are too small. To avoid this mistake, it’s helpful to understand the difference between actual measurements and nominal measurements. The word “nominal” roughly means “in name only.” For example, if you need a pipe that has an actual diameter of 1/2 inch, the one you purchase may not be labeled as a 1/2-inch pipe.

Next, identify what kind of plumbing pipe you’re using. Copper, plastic/steel and cast-iron pipes all require different sizing conversions. Knowing your piping material will help you convert your pipe’s nominal measurement to its actual measurement.

Nominal copper pipe sizes are 1/8 inch less than the outer-diameter measurement. Cast-iron pipes’ nominal sizes are around 1/3 inch less than their outer-diameter measurement. Plastic and steel pipes’ nominal sizes use the same conversion and are around 1/3 inch less than their outer-diameter measurement.

Related Tags:

Black pipe fittings, made from black steel, connect black pipes in various systems. These components get their name from the dark, matte finish that results from not applying additional coatings like zinc or paint. Known for durability and high-pressure handling, they are used in gas, oil, and some water systems.

Common Uses of Black Pipe Fittings

Black pipe fittings are popular due to their strength and reliability. Here are the primary applications:

• Natural Gas and Propane Systems: They transport natural gas or propane safely because they handle high pressure and heat well.
• Fire Sprinkler Systems: Despite lacking corrosion resistance, these fittings manage high-pressure water flow effectively in dry systems.
• Oil and Petroleum Lines: Their robustness makes them suitable for transporting oil and petroleum products in industrial settings.
• HVAC Systems: Used for gas distribution to heaters and boilers in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
• DIY and Industrial Projects: Loved for DIY projects like furniture and shelving thanks to their industrial look.

How Do Black Pipe Fittings Compare to Galvanized Fittings?

When comparing black pipe fittings with galvanized tee fittings, differences arise:

• Corrosion Resistance: Galvanized fittings resist rust better due to zinc coating, making them ideal for outdoor use.
• Cost: Black pipe fittings are more economical, perfect for indoor projects where corrosion isn’t a concern.
• Applications: Black pipe fittings suit gas and oil lines, whereas galvanized fittings are preferred for water systems to avoid rust.

Choosing between black pipe tee fittings and galvanized tee fittings depends on your project’s needs. For indoor gas line installations, black pipe tee fittings are excellent; for outdoor plumbing, consider galvanized ones.

Benefits of Black Pipe Fittings

Black pipe fittings offer several advantages:

• They handle high pressures and tough conditions effortlessly.
• From gas lines to creative projects, they provide versatility.
• More affordable compared to alternatives like galvanized fittings.
• Their industrial aesthetic appeals to DIY enthusiasts.

Popular Black Pipe Fittings: The Black Pipe Tee Fittings

Among black pipe fittings, black pipe tee fittings stand out. These T-shaped connectors allow three-way connections, essential for branching lines in gas or water systems. They ensure secure fits while maintaining system integrity, whether for natural gas lines or DIY endeavors.

Black pipe fittings, including black pipe tee fittings, are crucial for various applications from gas and oil systems to DIY projects. Their durability, affordability, and versatility make them a top choice in residential and industrial settings. While galvanized tee fittings may be better for outdoor or water-related applications, black pipe fittings remain superior for indoor use and high-pressure systems. Consider your project requirements carefully and choose black pipe fittings for a reliable and cost-effective solution.

The company is the world’s best Best Uses for Galvanized Pipe Fittings in Plumbing and Construction supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.