Copper Pipe Fittings

Copper fittings are used in both hot and cold water lines in plumbing systems when making connections to copper pipe. There are two basic types of copper pipe or tubing: rigid and flexible. Copper fittings can be used with both types of copper pipe. Rigid pipe is generally installed in new homes and provides a neater installation option. Flexible copper pipe is best for repair work since it can be run around obstacles without connections or cuts. SupplyHouse.com has the copper pipe fittings needed to make the best connection for your systems.

Types of Copper Fittings
There are many different types of copper fittings, each serving a particular function.

Copper 45 & Copper 90 Degree Elbows are used to change the direction of the flow of water 45 or 90 degrees. These fittings are connected directly to a copper pipe.

Copper 45 Street & Copper 90 Street Elbows are also used to change the direction of the flow of water 45 or 90 degrees. Unlike a standard elbow, a street elbow is connected to a copper fitting.

Couplings are used to connect two pieces of copper pipe together.

Caps are used to cover the outside end of a copper pipe.

Tee Fittings are used to either combine or split fluid flow. They are also used to connect pipes of different diameters or for changing the direction of pipe runs.

Unions are similar to couplings and are used to connect two pieces of pipe together. However, a union is designed to allow quick and convenient disconnection of pipes for maintenance or fixture replacement.

Types of Connections
Sweat Connections
Most copper pipe is joined by sweat connections. These connections require pipe, fittings, flux, solder, and a blow torch. After the pipe and fittings are cleaned, flux is applied to the fitting to prevent the copper from oxidizing and to ensure a strong bond between the copper and solder. The blow torch is then used to heat the joint until the flux bubbles, which is when the solder is fed in. As the solder melts, it is drawn to the joint, and creates a liquid- and gas-tight connection upon cooling.

Male and Female Connections
Male and female fittings can be used to make pipe connections. Male fittings are generally the same size as the pipe, while female fittings are larger and can slide over pipe or male fittings. To make this type of connection, both a male and female fitting of the same size are needed.

National Pipe Thread (NPT)
Pipe threads are used as another common connection for rigid pipe. The male end has threads on the outside, which screw into the female fitting and its threads on the inside. To make this type of airtight connection, pipe and/or fittings, thread sealant, and a wrench are needed. The threads and connection become tighter the further they are screwed together, requiring a wrench to ensure a tight seal.

NPT fittings can be denoted as such, or as MNPT for male fittings or FNPT for female. NPT is also the same regardless of the pipe material, allowing for connections between two different types of pipe to be made. A variety of pipes have adapters for NPT including copper, brass, black iron, PVC stainless steel, and PEX. Be cautious to not join two dissimilar metals together.

Copper Press Connections
An alternative to sweat connections is Viega copper press connections. This uses specialty fittings and tools while avoiding the use of an open flame to make airtight connections. Copper press connections also save time and labor for users. Zoomlock is a press connection used for refrigeration lines and have different jaws than the regular plumbing press fittings.