A fitting that joins pipe or tubing together by gluing (PVC, CPVC), welding (steel), brazing or soldering (copper, brass etc. Straight thread version requires an O-ring or gasket to make the seal. Valve that uses a lever to quarter-turn a pivoting ball inside to control fluid flow. Determined by the pipe’s inner diameter (ID) to account for flow rate capacity. ASTM: American Society for Testing Materials. Tube flaring is considered to be a type of forging operation and is usually a cold-working procedure. XL – Extra Large. See. The centerpiece of a compression fitting, also referred to as a sleeve. Knowing the thread type of a pipe or fitting is important because fittings only mate with parts of the same thread type. Outer diameter of tubing. The inner diameter is also called the nominal pipe dimension to describe flow rate dimension. Cistern - A fixed container for holding water at atmospheric pressure, normally applied to the local water storage to flush a WC. A standardized thread type; female threads are on the inside diameter of the pipe. A type of valve with a needle-shaped plunger that allows precise regulation of fluid flow. The term used when a product is designed to install on board or panel, such as a pressure gauge. A garden hose connection uses a gasket. Here are plumbing and pipe fitting terms we've defined to help you become a plumbing expert. A widely used term that includes any fitting used to connect tubing or pipe. See PVDF. Compression fittings do not require a sealant. Threads on the inside diameter of a fitting or pipe. A fitting used on the end of a pipe or tube to seal. A measuring device used to determine inner and outer dimensions. ANSI: American National Standards. The term used to describe glue and solvent pipe connections, such as PVC or CPVC. by compressing a sleeve (ferrule) between a nut and the fitting body. Fitting: term used to describe any part that connects two sections of pipe. BSPP threaded fittings use a bonded seal ring gasket to make the positive seal. A thread type used primarily in China and Japan. A category of fittings that allows for easy installation onto a pipe or tube (aka push-to-connect or push-in fitting). Thread sealant is required. The process of cleaning and smoothing the end of the pipe after cutting prior to installing a fitting. A sealing material used with certain fittings and plumbing fixtures. Each standardized thread type is designed for a specific application. Non-tapered threads that retain the same diameter. A term used for a connecting a nipple fitting with no unthreaded area. XS – Extra Small Threads that become narrow as they extend. Plastic tube also requires a tube insert (tube support) to prevent the pliable/flexible tube from collapsing when the compression nut and ferrule is tightened. Standardized thread type. PTFE tape (aka plumber's tape) is a type of pipe sealant wrapped in a clockwise direction on NPT and BSPT pipe threads. An elbow fitting with male threads on one end and female on the other. Flow Rate: how much water flows through a plumbing system; measured in either gallons per minute (GPM) or per hour (GPH). The 90-degree outlet is called the branch. PTFE tape (aka plumber's tape) is a type of pipe. A small door installed on a wall to provide access to a plumbing valve or connection. Low-density white Teflon tape is used on water lines. Refers to polyethylene tubing that has been cross-linked for additional structural strength to create pipe used mostly in household plumbing as an alternative to copper, PVC, and CPVC. CTS). A thread type used primarily in China and Japan. Degradation. An electronically activated, automatic valve that controls water flow by opening or closing. It is a bit softer and more flexible than HDPE (high density polyethylene). A common material used in plumbing pipe and fittings that comes in various wall thickness for various water, oil, and gas applications including potable water, waste pipe, and vent pipe. Barbs hold the tubing from coming off. A term used to describe a filter or filter housing placed in household plumbing. Plastic tube also requires a tube insert (tube support) to prevent the pliable/flexible tube from collapsing when the compression nut and ferrule is tightened. CTS). When using Teflon Tape, typically only 2 turns is needed. Pipe Dope (pipe-joint compound) may also be used on metal fittings and. A fitting used to close an open female fitting.