Plumbing Materials – Pipes and Fittings PDF

Module 04 Plumbing Materials – Pipes and Fittings Introduction Weatherability A number of piping materials and appurtenant fittings Material property which enables it to retain its has...

Module 04 Plumbing Materials – Pipes and Fittings Introduction Weatherability A number of piping materials and appurtenant fittings Material property which enables it to retain its has been introduced into the market, providing plumbers, appearance and integrity when exposed to the effects of pipefitters, and contractors the option to choose which the sun, wind, moisture, and changes in temperature. material is best-suited for their homes, buildings and projects. The influx of imported materials places local Abrasion Resistance plumbing manufacturing industries at a disadvantage and Material property that refers to its resistance to being many of these new products exhibit superior quality in worn down by friction when rubbed against another terms of composition, workmanship as well as object. performance. Impact Resistance What is a Pipe? Fitting? Resistance of a surface/material to shock or impact applied in an instant, such as the impact of being dropped As used in plumbing, a pipe is a cylindrical conduit or on the floor. conductor usually cylindrical in cross section, of sufficient wall thickness capable of conveying or Corrosion Resistance allowing the flow of liquid, gas, steam or air through it. Property of piping materials that evaluates its durability and resistance to wearing away as a result of chemical Fitting intervention (such as rusting). Fitting, on the other hand, are standardized part or component usually pre-fabricated that is used to connect Acid Resistance/Chemical Resistance sections or segments of pipes, equipment, fixtures, trims, The degree of which a surface can resist the degrading etc. In plumbing, fittings may be categorized as: 1.) effects of acid, such as porcelain or enamel. water line fittings, and 2.) drainage fittings. Examples of fittings are: elbow, coupling, tee, street tee, sanitary tee, Thermal Conductivity bend, union, cap, plug, etc. Rate of heat transfer by conduction. Materials Properties Thermal Resistivity In the selection of materials, a number of criteria is used An index of material resistance to the transmission of prior to specifying generally based on its physical heat. properties. The following are some of the common properties of plumbing materials: Fire Resistance The capacity of a material for withstanding open flame Malleability or providing protection from fire. The property of a metal that permits mechanical deformation by extrusion, forging, rolling, etc., without Heat Resistance fracturing. Ability of a piping material to withstand the effect of heat without causing deformation to the material. Hardness The resistance of a material to deformation by Flow Characteristic compression or indentation. Material characteristic which causes resistance of liquid flow. Brittleness The property of a material which fractures under low Pressure Resistance stress without appreciable deformation. Resistance of a material to rupture caused by overpressure of air or liquid inside the pipe. Ductility Property of a material described as being capable of being stretched or deformed without fracturing. Important Notice: This module is purposely prepared by Ar. Rafael C. Alli, of the Building Technology (BT) and Building Utilities (BU) course cluster for the exclusive use of the students of the College of Architecture (CA), University of Santo Tomas (UST). Any unauthorized reproduction, use, sale or distribution of this material is strictly prohibited and any violation thereof shall be dealt with accordingly.  Fittings 1/5 72 1/6 60 1/8 45 1/12 30 1/16 22.5 Return Bend A pipe fitting or a preformed piece of tubing which provides a 180° change in direction. Elbow An elbow is a fitting having a 90° change in direction with a very short radius. It is suitable for use in water supply systems as well as vent systems. Elbows are available with end connections of all similar sizes or in various combinations of reduced pipe sizes. Straight Elbow An elbow having both ends internally threaded and of the same diameter. Examples of Drainage Fittings Codes require that any change of direction of piping in a Street or Service Elbow drainage system should have a radius of curvature large A malleable iron fitting for threaded enough to prevent solids from accumulating and to pipe, having a 45° or 90° bend, with an provide good hydraulic flow characteristics. Fittings that inside thread on one end and an outside satisfy these characteristics are known as drainage– thread on the other. pattern fittings or sanitary-type fittings. Vent piping does not necessarily require drainage-pattern fittings. Wye or Wye Branch A wye is fitting used to connect a Bend or Sweep branch pipe into a straight run of piping at a 45° angle. Wyes are available with end connections that are of the same shape or with various combinations of reduced pipe sizes in any direction. Combination Wye Branch A single fitting which is a combination of a wye branch and a 1/8 bend; used in a drainage system in changing the direction such as A bend or sweep is a fitting used to change direction, from horizontal (branch) to stack, especially in a sanitary drainage system. Fittings are or from vertical (stack) to available with changes at various angles. A 1/4 bend is a horizontal (house drain/building 90° fitting; it is available as short sweep or long sweep drain). (i.e. short or long radius curvature), a 1/8 bend is a 45° fitting, and a 1/16 is a 22 1/2° fitting. Bend and its Angle Equivalent (Degrees) Bend Angle (Degrees) Remarks ¼ 45 Upright Wye Combination Tapped Tee A one-piece fitting composed of 1/8 A bell-end tee, which has a branch that bend and wye branch where the is tapped to receive a threaded pipe or branch inlet is parallel to the drum; threaded pipe fitting. used when two stacks are provided where one stack is used as a vent and the other for soil or waste or both soil and waste stack. Coupling Inverted Wye Combination A short internally-threaded section of A combined fitting composed of a 1/8 pipe, used to join two pipes. bend and wye branch, but the branch Couplings are provided with tiny inlet is provided with a spigot rather ridges on the inside surface of the than a bell. It is used in lieu of a fitting to allow pipe to seat. ventilation system, usually installed at the uppermost portion of the vent Socket stack or main vent. Has a similar application as a coupling but its ends are enlarged to Tee provide additional mechanical A fitting used in connecting a branch strength. pipe into a straight run of piping at a right angle. Where flow characteristics are important, such as Adapter in the drainage system, code requires A type of fitting used to connect pipes that a sanitary tee be used. Where flow is not a of different materials (such as consideration, standard tees are permitted. They are galvanized steel pipes to plastic or available with end connections of all similar sizes or in synthetic pipes, the galvanized pipe various combinations of reduced pipe sizes in any being threaded and the plastic pipe direction. having no threads), a type of transition fitting. Straight Tee A tee having all openings the same size. Nipple A short length of pipe with external threads at each end; Street Tee or Service Tee used to join couplings or fittings. A malleable iron fitting for threaded pipe in the form of a tee Close Nipple having an outside thread on one A type of nipple with the entire length end and an inside thread on the externally threaded. other and on the branch. Sanitary Tee Open Nipple/Shoulder Nipple A tee used as fitting for a soil pipe A type of nipple having both ends designed with a slight curve in the externally threaded and the 90° transition so as to channel flow midsection unthreaded. from a branch line toward the direction of the main flow. Cap An internally-threaded fitting used to close the end of a pipe. Sanitary Cross Tee A type of cross pipe used as fitting, designed with a slight curve in each of the 90° transitions so as to channel flow from branch lines toward the direction of the main flow. Plug Types of Pipes An externally-threaded fitting usually with a square head; used to close the end 1. Cast Iron (CI) Soil Pipe of a pipe. Cast Iron Soil Pipe, known technically as Gray Cast Iron Pipe, is a pipe fabricated from an alloy containing carbon and silicon. It is manufactured in three Bushing classifications: Service, SV Type (Standard) - used in A pipe fitting which is threaded on both general building plumbing installation, Extra Heavy, the inside and the outside so that it can be XV Type- generally used in underground plumbing used to connect two pipes (or other drainage installation, and Hubless – uses compression fittings) of different sizes. coupling joint. These pipes are usually lined with cement or coal tar enamel and is coated externally with a variety of materials to reduce corrosion by soils. Two Flange types of pipe ends are manufactured: Bell (Hub) and A fitting with a projecting collar along Spigot, and Hubless. Bell and Spigot-types are the edge; used on installations requiring available in diameters from 3 to 15 inches (75 to 400 increased area coverage for added mm). Hubless-types are available in diameters from 1 mechanical strength. 1/2 to 10 inches (38 to 250 mm). Only an external compression coupling is required to join Hubless pipes while Bell and Spigot-types can be joined through Union or Union Patente caulking. A pipe fitting used to connect the ends of two pipes; neither of which can be Varieties of Cast Iron Pipe turned. Consists of three pieces: the two end pieces (internally-threaded), 1. Standard Pipe (Std) Pipe which are tightened around the pipe Pipe having a bell or hub on one end and a spigot on ends to be joined), and a center piece, the other; uses caulking as connection or jointing which draws the two end pieces together as it is rotated, method. effecting a seal. 2. Single Hub (SH) Pipe Reducer One end of this pipe has a bell or hub and a plain end A pipe fitting with inside threads, larger on the other; plain end can be joined with another plain at one end than at the other. end pipe using compression coupling joint. 3. Double Hub (DH) Pipe Both ends have bells or hubs; may be cut into two resulting in two single hub pipes of different lengths. 4. Hubless (H) Pipe Increaser Both ends are plain; uses mechanical compression A tapered coupling used for joining a coupling joint pipe to another of larger size. Cast Iron Fittings 1. 1/4 Bend Adaptor A fitting used to connect different types of pipes together; also a 2. 1/4 Bend, Short Sweep (SS) fitting that connects threaded pipes with non-threaded pipes, e.g. a male adaptor, a female adaptor. 3. 1/4 Bend, Long Sweep (LS) 9. 1/16 Bend 4. 1/4 Bend, Long Low Hub (LLH) 10. Single and Double Wye Branches 5. 1/5 Bend 11. Single and Double Wye Combination 6. 1/6 Bend 12. Single and Double Upright Wye Branches 13. Single and Double Inverted Wye Branches 7. 1/8 Bend 14. Single and Double Sanitary Branches 8. 1/8 Bend Offset 15. Reducer 16. Increaser 22. Cleanout Ferrule 23. Long Tee Wye 17. Tapped Tee 24. Running Trap 18. Cross Tee (Tapped) 2. Acid-Resistant (AR) Cast Iron Pipe Acid-Resistant (AR) Cast Iron Pipe, commonly called High-Silicon Iron Pipe, is a gray cast iron alloy containing between 14.5 – 15% silicon and small amounts of manganese, sulfur, and carbon. It is 19. Inverted Wye manufactured in the same dimension as cast iron pipe but only in the extra-heavy weight range. It is available with two pipe ends: Bell (Hub) and Spigot or Hubless. Caulking is used in the Hub and Spigot configuration. Compression Couplings are used in Hubless Pipes. Acid Resistant Cast Iron Pipes are used for drainage of corrosive liquids and in exposed or underground applications where they may be subject to physical damage. 20. Cleanout Tee Branch 3. Galvanized Steel (GS) Pipes and Fittings Galvanized Steel Pipes are made of mild steel drawn through a die and welded. To accomplish galvanization, the steel is treated in a bath of zinc to resist the effects of acid. Acids which are harmful to cast iron will also destroy galvanized iron. This is especially true if the pipe is not thoroughly galvanized. Galvanized Steel Pipe is 21. 1/2 S or P Trap manufactured with a wide array of alloys. It is available either plain (black) or galvanized (zinc-coated). The wall thicknesses range from Schedule 10 (lightest) to Schedule 80 (heaviest). The relationship between schedule and wall thicknesses depends on the pipe diameter. Galvanized Steel Pipes can be obtained with threaded (for screwed fittings), plain and beveled ends (for welding). Steel Pipes are used for Vent Systems, for Gravity Drainage Systems (where human waste is not discharged), for indirect waste lines and for Water magnesium inoculation, resulting in a material Supply Systems (pressurized or non-pressurized). possessing high strength without changing its basic Advantages of using Steel Pipes include its availability properties. As a result, ductile iron pipes have largely in long lengths, availability in varying thicknesses to replaced iron water mains that were once common in the meet almost any design condition, and high internal and past. Good corrosion resistance makes this type of pipe external strength. It has good flow characteristics, good especially suited for underground installations. fire resistance, and a low initial cost. A disadvantage is The pressure rating of ductile iron pipe of a nominal its low corrosion resistance, which necessitates internal diameter between 3 and 24 inches (7.6 and 61 cm) is 350 and external corrosion protection such as the process of psi (2413 kPa). This type of pipe can be joined using galvanization. mechanical couplings, gasketed joints, or flange joints. Types of Galvanized Steel Pipes 6. Plastic or Synthetic Pipe 1. Welded Pipe (Butt Welded and Continuous Welded Pipe) Plastic or Synthetic Pipe is fabricated in a great variety Made by drawing flat strips of steel through dies of compositions, many of which are suitable for to form round shapes, before welding an electric drainage and vents, as well as water supply systems – butt down the seam. both hot and cold applications. The applicable code is Manufactured in 20-foot lengths. usually the most important factor in determining the use and selection of plastic pipes for such purposes. 2. Seamless Pipe Made by piercing red-hot solid cylindrical billets Plastic pipe is manufactured in of steel with a series of mandrels while passing two general types: Thermoset the steel through rollers. (TS) and Thermoplastic (TP). Thermoset piping (Epoxy and Threaded Galvanized Steel Pipes Applications Phenolic) is not affected by the heat and will remain 1. For water supply piping – galvanized Malleable permanently rigid. It is more Iron Fittings resistant to solvents than 2. For Vent Pipe – Standard Cast Iron Threaded thermoplastics. Thermoplastic Fittings piping softens when subjected to heat and re-hardens 3. For Sanitary and Storm Drainage Piping – Cast upon removal of heat. This process of heating and re- Iron Recessed Fittings hardening affects the strength of the pipe. Therefore, the selection of plastic pipe must be closely coordinated with Wall Thicknesses the plastic hangers and pipe support system. 1. Standard Wall 2. Extra-Strong Wall Types of Plastic or Synthetic Pipe 3. Double Extra-Strong Wall 1. Rigid Type 4. Galvanized Wrought Iron Pipe 1.1. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Galvanized Wrought Iron Pipe is better A rigid, strong, fitted for plumbing and economical installation than steel pipe. This pipe pipe. It is constructed of possesses wrought iron, dipped in excellent molten zinc, and may be identified by its dull, greyish chemical color. Tests have indicated that this type of pipe resists resistance, good crush resistance and acid wastes more than steel does, which is an important impact strength, is fire resistant (self- factor to take into consideration when specifying extinguishing), is functional up to 120°F plumbing materials. in pressure systems and 180°F in non- pressure systems, such as Drain, Waste, 5. Ductile Iron (DI) Pipe and Vent (DWV) applications; used in pressure supply and drainage systems to Ductile Iron (DI) Pipe is carry water for uses such as golf course cast iron wherein the carbon sprinklers, agricultural irrigation, has been reformed by underground gas distribution systems,  industrial and chemical piping, corrosive 1.6. Polyvinylidine Fluoride (PVDF) Kem- fume ducting, and crude oil transportation. Temp Strong, tough, and abrasive-resistant 1.2. Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride fluorocarbon material, with excellent ( chemical resistance to most acids, bases, C and organic solvents, and is ideally suited P for handling wet or dry chloride, bromine, V and other halogens; can be used in C temperatures of up to 280°F (220°C). ) A kind of plastic pipe with excellent 1.7. Polyacetal (ACETAL) chemical, crush, and fire resistance, high Excellent resistance to paraffins and impact and tensile strength, and is also solvents, high resistance to surge fatigue, non-toxic. CPVC can be utilized in hot non-toxic, and approved for use with and cold water applications. Functions at potable water. ACETAL is used for 180° F in pressure systems and at higher process systems, solvent handling, temperatures in low and non-pressure agricultural chemicals, crude oil, and systems. CPVC requires a special kind of natural gas distribution systems. solvent cement used for other types of Polyacetal is also used in manufacturing plastic welding. It is also used in hot and faucet bonnet and valve stems. cold water supply systems and hot and cold chemical distribution systems. 2. Flexible Type 1.3. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene 2.1. Polyethylene (PE) (ABS) Possesses good chemical resistance and Excellent chemical excellent impact strength, especially at low and crush temperatures, and maintains rigidity at high resistance, has temperatures. Maximum functional impact strength and temperature is 180°F for non-pressure flexibility, and good systems. Also used in the production of low temperature LEGO’s iconic children’s building bricks. performance. Functions in temperatures from –65° to 1.4. Rubber Modified Styrene (SR) 120°F in low pressure applications, and up Possesses good crush resistance, fair to 200°F in non-pressure applications. PE is impact strength, and moderate chemical used in low-pressure water systems, such as resistance. SR is lightweight but brittle at golf course sprinklers, used to carry low temperatures. Functions at a maximum corrosive liquids and gasses, as temperature of 160° F. SR is used in underground conduits and gas pipe reliners, drainage and sewage systems, in industrial and chemical laboratory underground downspout drains, drainage systems and underground gas underground electrical conduits, septic piping. Perforated PE is used as a tank absorption fields, and foundation corrugated drainage pipe for foundation drains. drainage. 1.5. Polypropylene (PP) or PP-R 2.2. Polybutylene (PB) Possesses excellent Only flexible plastic tubing suitable for use chemical resistance, with hot and cold water pressure systems. resistant to sulfur- PB possesses excellent chemical bearing compounds, resistance to acids and alkali but is not lightweight, good suited for fuel oil, gasoline, or kerosene tensile strength, and distribution systems. saltwater resistant. Stronger and more rigid than polyethylene Polybutylene can be joined with heat with a higher functioning temperature of fusion, flare, or compression fittings. 190°F, Polypropylene is popular as a However, it is not solvent-weldable. material for tubular products such as P- Several plastic fitting designs are available traps due to its high chemical resistance. for use with PB.  2. Type L (blue): lighter than K – used often in Polybutylene has excellent strength residential water lines. K and L are characteristics. Manufacturers of PB claim manufactured in hard (rigid 20’ lengths) and that should water freeze inside, the tubing soft (60,’ 100’, and 200’; the latter in smaller will not burst. However, some fittings used sizes). Available in both rigid and flexible forms with PB will break under ice expansion. in 1/4" to 1” diameters. PB is rated to 3. Type M (red): hard (20’ lengths and under). function at Recommended for light domestic water lines, 180° up to however it is not permitted under some city 100 psi; codes. higher temperatures 4. Type DWV (Drain, waste, and Vent) can be (yellow): Rigid only and comes in lengths of tolerated with 20’. A seamless tube made from almost pure relatively copper (99.9%) and is available only in drawn, small reduction in pressure. soft form, with plain ends. Joints can either be soldered or brazed. This type of tubing is 7. Copper Tube available in diameters from 2 to 6 inches (50 to 150 mm). Its advantages include its light Copper tubes are used in water weight, ease of assembly, and smooth interior. supply systems – hot and cold Disadvantages faced by this type of pipe include and sanitary (drainage, waste, corrosive attacks from ordinary sewage, poor and vent) systems. It is a fire resistance, and the necessity for dielectric seamless tube made from connections to eliminate galvanic corrosion. almost pure copper (99.9%) and is available only in drawn soft form with plain ends. 5. Type ACR (Air-conditioning and Joints for this kind of pipe can either be soldered or Refrigeration): 50’ coils and rigid 20’ lengths. bronzed. Soldering provides adequate strength and is Most refrigeration copper has moisture removed also less costly than brazing. It is primarily used in and ends sealed for better performance of residential buildings for waste lines and in larger refrigerants. Flexible brass or soft aluminum buildings for local branch lines where human waste is pipe seems to be efficient for gas transmission not discharged. Advantages include its light weight, ease to household heating and appliances. of assembly, and smooth interior. Disadvantages include corrosive attacks from ordinary sewage, poor 8. Brass Pipe fire resistance, and the necessity for dielectric connections to negate galvanic corrosion where the Brass is manufactured from an material connects to iron piping. Copper tubes are sized alloy containing 85% copper according to their inside diameter rather than their and 15% zinc. For drainage outside diameter as copper tubes have thin walls and systems, tubing with plain ends vary slightly depending on wall thickness. As a rule, the is used. Joints can either be outside dimension is always 1/8 inch bigger than the screwed or soldered. Brass pipe given size. Copper tubes are manufactured in rigid is generally used in local branch lines and in alternation (hard-temper) and are available in lengths by the foot in to match existing work. The advantages and straight lengths, and in flexible (soft-temper) in lengths disadvantages of brass pipe are the same as those for ranging from 30 to 60 feet in coil form. Hard-temper copper tubing, except that brass can be used as a drain copper tubes are generally used in exposed areas and pipe under pressure. resist dents caused by improper handling during installation. Soft-temper copper tubes are used where 9. Lead Pipe flexibility is a consideration. Lead pipe is made from Types of Copper Tubes and their Applications 99.7% pig lead; various alloys are available for 1. Type K (green): heaviest – used in municipal special applications. Lead and residential installation. Available in both pipes are used for rigid and flexible forms with diameters of 1/4", connections to floor-mounted water closets, for 3/8”, 3/4”, 1/2”, and 1”. radioactive wastes, and for special laboratory corrosive wastes. It is rarely used in modern drainage systems. Medical findings have long indicated that this 13. Block Tin sort of material should be avoided when possible due to its detrimental effects on human health. Block Tin is seldom used for water supply because of its cost 10. Vitrified Clay Pipe and also because of the Vitrified Clay Pipes and difficulties encountered in Fittings are used in making joints when this material underground public is used. Since the metal is sewers, house sewers, and extremely soft, there is a real house drains. They are danger that an inexperienced commonly used for storm plumber or pipefitter may permit the heat from the iron and sanitary sewer to destroy sections of the pipe. installations. The pipe is made of clay to which water has been added and cast into 14. Aluminum Pipe lengths of 2 feet 6 inches. It is provided with a bell and spigot end so it can be joined. After the pipe has been This material has appeared in removed from the mold, it is then treated with glaze and the market in quantities only fired in large kilns under temperatures of 2500°F to make sufficient to augment, in some it impervious to moisture. sections, the limited supply of galvanized iron and copper 11. Asbestos Cement Pipe pipe. Two reasons why aluminum pipe is not extensively used lie in its high cost Asbestos Cement Pipe is and low resistance to chemical corrosion. manufactured in sizes ranging from 3 to 36 15. Magnesium Pipe inches in diameter for pressures of 50 to 200 Though magnesium is pounds. It is composed of comparatively a newly- cement and asbestos discovered element, the fact fibers and formed under high pressure into a dense, that it can be claimed for sea tough material of good strength and durability. This water at a low cost tends to material offers excellent resistance to destructive promote its use. The elements, and its smooth inner surface promotes ease of magnesium tube or anode, used in most water heaters flow. It is not subject to electrolytic action or to counteracts electrolytic action and thus prevents tuberculation (internal corrosion that increases friction precipitation of lime upon the inner walls of the tank. and impedes flow). However, this material is avoided in most plumbing applications due to the threats to human health asbestos poses. End 12. Concrete Pipe Concrete pipes are mostly used for storm drainage applications but are sometimes used for water supply and sewage system installation. Concrete, as the name indicates, is the main component of these pipes, which are composed of a mixture of cement, fine aggregates, and water. After mixing these components together, the cement hydrates and eventually dries out into a stonelike material. Concrete pipes may be classified as Reinforced Concrete Pipe and Non- reinforced Concrete Pipe. Reinforced concrete pipes have large pipe diameters. Usually those with diameters more than 300 mm are reinforced. Those with smaller diameters are usually non-reinforced.