In this post we are going to explain the main PVC fittings that are used in main pipes and PVC pipe distribution networks.
On the one hand, there are PVC pressure fittings, which are those used in agricultural irrigation systems and must withstand a certain pressure in their conduction. They are dark gray.
On the other hand, there are the sanitary or evacuation PVC accessories. They are light gray in color and are used in the evacuation of wastewater for domestic use, ventilation ducts, storm and faecal downspouts, drainage of sanitary devices and electrical appliances, collectors, among others.
We can also find PVC sanitation accessories. Its characteristic color is orange or called tile color. Sanitation pipes are buried and their main function is the horizontal evacuation of rainwater and wastewater, canalization of ditches, road and path crossings.
PVC materials should not be exposed to the sun, unless they have been previously treated, since UVA rays can alter their properties, in addition to changing color.
These would be the main PVC accessories used in main pipe installations and in water distribution networks:
- elbows and curves:
Elbows and curves are accessories to join two sections of pipe, allowing a change of direction in the installation of the pipe by turning. There are different graduations depending on the angle of rotation that is needed in the system. The most frequent are 45º and 90º.
In the case of elbows, the type of union for PVC under pressure is glued, female threaded, or mixed. For evacuation, the type of union is male-female gluing, while for sanitation the union is by elastic joint.
In the case of curves, they are used in pressurized water pipes and are joined by gluing at both outlets.
- teas and crosses:
The hydraulic tee is an element that joins three sections of pipe. Generally, the three outlets have the same diameter, although there are central reduction tees, and even mixed ones, where one of their outlets is threaded to be able to vary the diameter of the central pipe section by means of a thread. There are teas in the form of "and", commonly used in sanitary or sanitation facilities.
On the other hand, the crosses are similar to the tees but allow 4 sections of pipe to be linked. The diameter of the 4 outlets is usually the same, with a glue joint.
While we can find the type of glued union, female thread and mixed union for PVC under pressure, the accessories for evacuation or sanitary are joined by means of male-female gluing and the sanitation accessories by means of an elastic joint.
- Lump:
The hub is an element that contains an external thread on both sides of the piece. In addition, it allows the diameter of the conduit to be reduced and is classified in inches. It is used in pressurized water pipes.
It is not connected directly to the pipe, but acts as a link to join two accessories with a female thread outlet. In the case of wanting to join a tube, you would need an accessory called a terminal, which we will see later.
- Sleeve:
Element with which it is possible to join two sections of pipe through a female union. The type of union that can be given is glued, female or mixed thread for PVC under pressure. They are also used in evacuation and sanitation installations, maintaining the type of union mentioned above and the characteristic color to differentiate what type of conduction they belong to.
- Link 3 pieces:
Preferred type of connection when joining accessories or elements that require maintenance or replacement, since this element facilitates disassembly without the need to move the pipe. Comparable to flanges, but they do not contain a metal part and the outer diameter is smaller. Like the sleeves, they are manufactured for glued, threaded or mixed joints. The largest diameter that is usually marketed is 110 mm or 4”. Through this link, different types of unions for PVC pressure pipe can be combined.
- Terminal:
Accessory that allows the direct union of PVC pipes with threaded unions. The connection to the pipe is by gluing and the thread can be a female thread or a male thread.
There is single or double type. The double allows to glue the tube inside or outside the terminal. They are used in PVC pressure pipes.
- Taper and reduction or enlargement bushing:
Accessory whose function is to join different diameters directly. For pressure fittings, prior to joining the cone or bushing with the larger diameter pipe, it is usually joined by means of an accessory, not directly to the tube. These accessories can be short (cap) or longer (cone), the latter being extension or reduction.
- Reduction nut and threaded reduction:
Piece formed by female thread and male thread, measured in inches, and that allow the change of diameter for the elements that join. They are used in pressure PVC pipes. These unions are used to enlarge or reduce threaded joints, both female to male and male to female.
- Flanges and flange holders:
Flanges are removable connection accessories that allow joints with other flange output materials (butterfly valves, meters...). These flanges are joined to the PVC pipe by means of flange-holder sleeves and screws. The flange-holder sleeves are the elements that allow the union of the flange with the pipe, by means of a glue joint. The flange would be fixed between the flange-holder sleeve and the flange outlet to be joined with another material.
- Spindle:
Element that joins two sections of pipe of the same diameter for joining pressure PVC pipe with agricultural PE pipe. The joints are carried out by gluing for the outlet to the PVC pipe, and by means of a compression union with a clamp for union with agricultural PE pipe. There are models of spindles with a spike outlet at the union with the agricultural polyethylene, and it is also advisable to fix it with a spike-type clamp.
- Take graft:
Accessories that allow the reduction of the diameter perpendicularly in tubes of great dimensions. They are attached to the main pipe by gluing and are mainly used in evacuation and sanitation installations.
The material or wall thickness of each accessory will depend on the pressure that the installation will withstand. You can consult our range of PVC accessories and system products drip irrigation on our web page Mundoriego. Any questions or queries, contact us.
Leave your comment