Plumbing fittings or adapters are used in plumbing systems to attach straight lengths of tube or pipe to other straight sections of tube or pipe, for various purposes like regulating the water pressure, controlling temperature of water, or even for changing the capacity of a water pipe. There are different types of fittings available for different plumbing systems. Some of the most common and popular ones are the tee, lock ring, end pipe, and rubber valve. The following discussion discusses the basics of these fittings, the advantages of using them, and their disadvantages.
Tee: This type of fitting consists of three to four braided wires attached to a flexible metallic outer surface. One end of each of the wires is attached to a pipe or the pipe wall, while the other ends are attached to flexible metal rods that can bend at will. These flexible rods are attached at one outlet of the tee, while the other two outlets are positioned inside a hole in the pipe wall. The remaining portion of the flexible metal rod serves as the locking device. The locking device prevents the outlet from bending or moving outward when pressure on the other two pipes are applied.
Tee fitting consists of different varieties such as closed loop, open loop, threaded pipe caps, and caps that have been manufactured specifically for different plumbing tasks. Closed loop fittings are commonly used to create 3-way valve or control valves that allow a constant and controlled amount of gas flow in one direction. The open loop version functions similarly but is made up of a threaded ring attached at one end and an inner ring that have a tapered end. Threaded pipe caps are also widely used in plumbing projects.
All these fittings are available in varying specifications to address specific application needs. For example, there are brass and stainless steel versions of both tee and valve caps. Other fittings are available in standard sizes and can be purchased directly from the manufacturers. If you need custom-made fittings, you can request for a quote via email or through an online form. There are also many online plumbing shops where you can purchase fittings at competitive rates.
A variety of fittings are available at discounted prices if you purchase them in bulk. These include brass water feeder valves, cold water taps, kitchen faucet heaters, hot water cylinder caps, oil fillable water cylinders, and gas regulators. Brass fittings are durable and do not corrode unlike stainless steel fittings. They also resist rust and corrosion, so they can be left outside for prolonged periods of time. In addition, they are easy to install and maintain. To make sure that your fitting lasts for long, buy them from an authorized dealer.
Other popular materials for plumbing fixtures are rubber and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC fittings are often used in high volume industrial settings because they are easy to handle and install. PVC tees have a similar aesthetic appeal as other types of tees and are often used to create a uniform, professional look. Some PVC fixtures even come equipped with UV inhibitors so that they don't become discolored over time.