There are plenty of great reasons to opt for quality copper pipes and copper pipe fittings. This material provides excellent resistance to corrosion and also offers superb natural hygiene benefits, making it an ideal choice for pipes used to convey water for drinking or bathing.
You can discover more about the benefits of copper here. Or consult an expert such as https://watkinspowis.co.uk/products/copper-pipe-fittings-and-press-systems/ to find out if copper pipe fittings will be a good choice for you. Read on to discover six popular copper pipe fittings and their uses.
1- Compression Fittings
This type of fitting sees the copper pipe connected to pipes of other materials, such as PVC or stainless steel. It uses a ferrule under pressure to achieve a secure join.
2- Push Fit Fittings
The easiest way to connect copper pipes, push fit fittings can even be done by amateur plumbers. Simply push the ends together to create a join. This also means that it’s easy to replace parts should the time come.
3- Flared Fittings
Typically used for gas pipe systems, or other environments where high pressure is needed, flared fittings make a flared end to the pipe which is screwed firmly into place. This forms a very tight seal that can withstand the demands of such environments.
4- Solder Fittings
A popular way to join copper pipe fittings, solder fittings are connected by applying heat to solder material at the join. This creates a durable and strong connection.
5- Sweat Fittings
Like solder fittings, this type of fitting uses heat to achieve a join, but here no additional solder material or application of an open flame is required. This makes them a safe choice for environments such as hospitals and nursing homes where open flames cannot be used due to the presence of oxygen tanks.
6- Elbow Fittings
This kind of copper pipe fitting is used when the direction of water flow needs to be changed, and so this fitting features a distinctive curved shape. These fittings can be installed with existing plumbing systems.