What is PVC Fittings? | What is PVC Connection? | The Definitive Guide

PVC Fittings and PVC Connection Guide – 

Generally, I get many questions related to PVC, and most of them are about fittings and connections. These questions often include pipe sizes & fittings and also dimensions. Asking questions about these topics is okay because they are confusing. But, then, there are questions about fittings themselves and what they’re meant for.

General pipe fittings knowledge can be overwhelming for someone new in the PVC industry. The purpose of publishing this article is to expand your understanding of PVC. Every information sourced in this article comes from extensive research and analysis. The guide will include all significant PVC fittings and how and why to use them with complete precision.

What is Pipe Fitting Sizes – 

There is a standard metric called Pipe scheduling, which is a nominal system for pipe sizing. That means all parts with the same size in their name will be compatible with each other, all 1″ fittings will be compatible with 1″ pipe. That sounds easy, right, but here’s the confusing part: the PVC pipe’s outer diameter (OD) is greater than the size in its name. Meaning, 1″ PVC pipe will have an OD that is more than 1, and 1″ PVC fitting will have an even greater OD than the pipe.

The most vital thing when working with PVC sizes and fittings is the nominal size. A 1″ fitting pipe will fit on a 1″ pipe, doesn’t matter if the other one is schedule 40 or 80. while a 1″ socket fitting has an opening broader than 1″ across. It will fit easily on a 1″ pipe as the OD of that pipe is also more than 1.”

However, similar rules will become useless when you have to fit a PVC pipe with a non-PVC pipe. In a scenario like that, the OD of the pipe will become more important than the nominal size. As long as the OD pipe is similar to the ID (Inner Diameter) of the fitting it’s getting into; both will be compatible. But, a 1″ fitting will not be compatible with a 1″ steel pipe because they have similar nominal sizes.

You can take a look at the PVC pipe fittings chart below for the general properties and attributes:

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PVC End Types and Adhesives – 

Without any adhesives, PVC pipes and fittings will fit together in a tight or close-fitting manner. However, they wouldn’t be watertight. So if fluids are supposed to pass from your pipe, you need to ensure that there are no leaks. To do that, there are various ways, and which method you’re going to use depends on what you are connecting.

I’m sure everyone has seen a PVC pipe at least once in their lifetimes. PVC pipe itself doesn’t have any intertwined or threaded ends. That’s the prime reason why most PVC pipes have slip ends. The term “Slip” in PVC doesn’t mean that the fitting will be slippery. Instead, it means that the fitting will slip right over the pipe. When in slip fitting, the connection might seem tight and hard; however, to transport any liquid it needs to be sealed. PVC cement seals the pipe through a chemical reaction, forming a chemical bond between the plastic of one part to another.

For a perfect seal on slip fitting, you will require both PVC cement and PVC primer. They have their jobs defined; the primer softens the inside part of the fittings, readying it to bond, while the cement keeps the two pieces bonded together tight.

Interwinwided fitting needs to seal in a different way. The prime reason motivating people to use intertwined or threaded parts is that they move around quickly when necessary. Importantly, PVC cement joins pipes together, so if it is used on intertwined joints, it will make a seal and turn the threads useless. A great way to seal intertwined points and keep them working perfectly is to use PTFE thread tape.

All you have to do is wrap the tape around the male thread a few times to maintain the connection sealed and lubricated. Later, when you have to come back for maintenance, the fittings will still be able to unscrew.

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Regular Fittings VS Furniture Grade Fittings – 

A general question for people even working in the PVC connection industry is the difference between regular fittings and furniture grade fittings is? The answer is relatively simple; A general furniture grade fitting PVC would not have any manufacturer printing or bar codes. They are clean and slick, found mostly in white or black color. That makes them a perfect fit for applications where the pipe will be visible, whether used for furniture or not. However, when choosing furniture grade PVC, you might have to compromise in the durability department.

The sizes are the same as regular fittings; for instance, a 1″ furniture grade fitting and a 1″ regular fitting will both fit on a 1″ pipe.

PVC Fittings And PVC Connection Types: Explanation & Applications – 

PVC fittings, aka PVC connectors, bring everything together, as the name suggests they connect the pipe together. Below is the list of the most common PVC fitting items available. Each entrance contains an illustration of the fitting as well as possible applications for it. Note that each fitting has innumerable iterations and uses. Therefore, always keep in mind while processing material from your supplier.

Couplings and Unions:

Coupling, Source-Indiamart.com

Couplings are the most inexpensive and straightforward type of PVC fitting. The coupling design is in a straight line that connects or “couples” one part to another, often permanently. They can join pipe to pipe and pipe to fitting. Some of them come with the feature of reducing, so you can join a large pipe to a small pipe and vice versa. PVC Couplings types are available in slip and female threaded ends, depending on your requirement.

Union,Source-Indiamart.com

Coming to Unions, like couplings, they connect things, but it isn’t a permanent solution and can be separated or taken apart. Unions are often utilized for building temporary structures where there is no need for sealants or gluing, such as tent structures which can be taken apart once the need is over.

They are equipped with a ring in the center that divides the ends from each other, allowing smooth disconnection and maintenance.

Elbows:

Elbows, Source - amazon.com

PVC elbows are utilized when you want your piping system to make a turn or get around something in the way. The elbow will help you bend the pipe to make it happen. These elbows are readily available in 90 degrees angles and 45 degrees angles, so your pipeline can be turned any way you want. Slide elbows are also mainstream which can be spotted at corners in projects such as tents, displays, boxes, canopies. They have three ends instead of two. Most elbows have slip socket ends, but threaded variations can also be available.

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Tees:

Tees, Source - Bunnings.com

PVC tees allow a pipeline to divide into two separate lines with a 90-degree connection. It does that because of its three ends, two in a straight line and one on the side. Tees are also useful for connecting two lines into one pipeline into one mainline. Therefore, they are also sometimes utilized in PVC structures.

Tees are incredibly adaptable and versatile fittings, making them one of the most utilized fittings in the PVC industry. Tees are mostly found in slip socket ends, but ones with three ends are also available.

Crosses:

Crosses are a less common fitting type used for joining four pipe sections. They have four slip connections (S x S x S x S) that meet at 90-degree angles, forming a “plus” shape. Mostly utilized for diving fluid flow into different directions, crosses can also be helpful when building a framework out of PVC pipe. Crosses can add a significant level of structural integrity into a framework.

Adapters (Male and Female):

Source - ebay.com

Adapters, also known as reducing couplings, are an incredibly handy fitting. The purpose of these fittings is to change the end type of the pipe, allowing it to join with pipes and fittings of many sizes. They have slip socket or threaded ends to join with countless varieties of pipes. Adapters can be male and female threaded as well as socket and spigots.

Bushings:

Bushings, Source - Calam.net

Bushings are very similar to adapters, but it used for connecting pipes of different diameters by reducing the fitting. Bushings are also generally threaded, separating them from other fittings. This makes tweaking with different kinds of connections and maintenance easier. Bushings are commonly found in landscaping, agriculture, and aquaculture applications as it is better at handelling water than metal fittings that many corrode.

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Nipples:

Nipple, Source - Indiamart.com

While this is rare, but, once in a blue moon, you will face a situation where there is a need to connect two female ends in a PVC connection. The only fitting that an do the job is the nipple. A nipple is a fitting with two male threaded ends. They are made from Schedule 80 PVC because a fitting like that needs to be solid. However, they are still suitable for Schedule 40 parts

Caps and Plugs:

Caps have only one task on their hands; stopping the flow. They are joined at the end of a pipeline that doesn’t need to be connected to another pipe. They can stop a pipeline that you plan on expanding or stretching later or give you easy access to the pipeline when required. They also give a pleasant look to the piping done in building projects. Caps go outside the pipe so can only have either a female threaded or socket end.

Plugs are similar to caps, the only difference in their working is that they stop the flow in the fitting, not in the pipe. Meaning, plugs are put inside the fitting. As it goes at the side of the fitting, it will either have a male threaded or a spigot end.

Flanges:

Flanges, Source - Vindex.com.au

Flanges are unique fittings used for attaching accessories and other constituents of pipe. They can also be used to enhance the durability of a pipe. You will find the most common type of flang on the base of your toilet. Flanges resemble discs, create a hard seal by joining two surfaces together with clamps, edges, bolts, or compressive force. However, bolts are the most common method for joining two surfaces together.

PVC flanges are found with slip or threaded ends. They are usually made from Schedule 80 PVC because of the strength required.

FAQs – 

1. How is PVC connected?

Ans. PVC pipes and fittings are connected together by cement. However, cement forms an incredibly strong bond, and liquid PVC cement will melt the surface layer of the plastics, gluing them together in a process known as solvent welding. Done properly, solvent welded pipes can be more durable than solid pipes.

2. Which is the best glue for PVC?

Ans. The best adhesives for bonding PVC are Cyanoacrylates UV curable adhesives because it is important for one of the substrates to transmit UV light.

3. How long is a PVC pipe?

Ans. A standard PVC pipe is 10 feet to 20 feet long.

4. Is PVC piping better than copper?

Ans. Contrary to copper pipes, PVC pipes can resist corrosion as it is a plastic, and as it is thicker than a copper pipe, it can also withstand a good amount pressure and impact. In addition, PVC pipes are better placed in high-traffic areas as it’s not a good heat conductor like copper.

5. How much weight can PVC pipe hold?

Ans. Most PVC pipes will be able to hold at least 28 pounds of weight before they start bending. However, sometimes longer PVC pipes begin to bend under their weight. A prime rule of thumb is never to use PVC pipes to hold larger quantities of weight, especially if you don’t want them to become stiff.

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Final Thoughts –

That’s all I wanted to say about PVC connection and fittings. These fittings are extremely important for pipeline management and knowing the application of these connectors can prove to be highly efficient for anybody or any company producing PVC services.

Thanks for reading. Share the piece if you thought it was helpful and also leave a comment with your opinions about the piece.

Have a wonderful day.