Pipe fittings connect two pipes via a third threaded piece, allowing for easy disassembly and secure joining of different metals. They also protect against galvanic corrosion and are common in plumbing systems, but may be more prone to leaks than other joint methods.
A pipe fitting is a secure, semi-permanent connection between two pipes. Most pipe fittings consist of two pipes connected together via a third piece. All three are threaded to create a stable connection. While fittings look similar to couplings, they are generally easier to disassemble and allow pipes of different metals to join together securely. This joining method is common in domestic and commercial piping systems.
At first glance, a pipe fitting and a pipe fitting look very similar. Both connect two pipes together using a male and female thread system. The main difference between the systems comes from the actual joining method. Two mating tubes screw directly into each other. To disassemble pipes, each pipe that connects to the mated pipe must turn. In a complete pipe system, this would mean that the whole system has to be disassembled to remove one pipe.
With a pipe fitting, the two ends of the pipe don’t screw into each other, they each screw into a third piece. When one tube needs to be separated from the other, the fitting screws all the way onto one of the two tubes. If both ends of a hose are connected via a fitting, the hose can be removed by itself without unscrewing the other hoses in the system.
The second use for a pipe fitting is as a protection system. These fittings, often made of plastic, prevent pipes made of dissimilar metals from touching each other. When two metals touch the same conductive material, an effect called galvanic corrosion occurs. Any conductive liquid, such as water, will cause electrons to move from one material to another. This will cause one of the pipes to slowly dissolve and the other to build up material.
These pipe fittings generally create a physical separation between the two pipes. When a pipe screws into the fitting, there is a small plastic barrier that completely covers the metal. The second tube threads into the system up to the barrier and physical contact is prevented. This type of filler will not completely stop galvanic corrosion, but it will slow it down dramatically.
Pipe fittings are common in all sorts of basic plumbing situations. Homes and businesses typically use these piping systems because they are easy to maintain and repair. On the flip side, because they have more threaded parts, they are more likely to leak than standard joints. As a result, hazardous or high-pressure liquids are often moved through pipes connected by other methods.
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