Copper pipe fittings are an essential part of most plumbing and heating applications. They are used to install various types of pipes, mainly for supplying hot and cold water to residential water supplies or as refrigerant lines in air conditioning systems. Copper pipe fittings are widely available in different sizes and styles so that the correct versions can be chosen for any application.
Why choose copper pipe fittings?
Copper pipe fittings are highly resistant to corrosion, so they are the preferred choice for household water pipelines and many other plumbing operations. According to the Health and Safety Executive, pipes and piping components are manufactured to meet national standards to ensure they are suitable for use in specific operating conditions. Components should be bought from a reputable supplier, such as https://watkinspowis.co.uk, to ensure these standards are adhered to.
Types of copper
Copper pipes are joined using flare connections, compression connections, and sweat or solder connections. The fittings used depend on the pipe, which can be manufactured from two types of copper:
– Soft copper, which is very ductile and can be bent with ease to the required path of the tubing. This is the only type suitable for flare connections and is the best choice for refrigerant lines in split-system air conditioning units and heat pumps.
– Rigid copper, which is widely used for water supply pipelines. Rigid copper pipes are usually connected with compression or sweat connectors. They cannot be bent, so elbow fittings must be used for corners and to avoid obstacles.
Categories of copper pipe fittings
– Fittings designed for making bends or turns in a pipe.
– Fittings for connecting or branching copper pipe.
– Couplings, slip couplings, pipe adapters and so on, which can be selected to suit rigid or flexible pipe.
Types of copper pipe fitting
A huge range of copper pipe fittings is available, including 45° elbows, 90° elbows, female pipe adapters, male pipe adapters, pipe caps, pipe coupling components, pipe tees, pipe unions, and reducer couplings. A good supplier will be able to advise on the right components for any application.
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