1. Common Piping Materials
Pipes are the backbone of plumbing, with each material offering specific benefits for durability, temperature, and pressure.
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Primarily used for cold water supply and drain-waste-vent (DWV) systems. It is durable and cost-effective but cannot handle temperatures exceeding 140°F (60°C).
• CPVC (Chlorinated PVC): Similar to PVC but treated with chlorine for higher temperature resistance (up to 200°F), making it suitable for hot water distribution.
• Galvanized Steel & Cast Iron: Mostly found in older homes; they are extremely durable but prone to rust over time.
2. Essential Fittings & Connectors
Fittings are used to join pipes, change directions, or bridge different pipe sizes.
• Elbows: Used to change the direction of the pipeline (typically 45° or 90°).
• Tees & Crosses: Allow for multiple branch connections to a single line.
• Couplings & Unions: Connect two pipes of the same size; unions allow for easy disconnection for future maintenance.
• Valves: Critical for controlling flow, including Ball Valves for quick shut-offs and Gate Valves for gradual control.
