- When it comes to plastic piping, Is ½-inch CPVC and ½-inch PVC the same size?
No. CPVC is measured by O.D., which makes its sizing similar to hard copper. PVC is measured by I.D., which makes its sizing similar to iron...
- What can I use to join plastic (CPVC) to copper?
The easiest thing is to use a push...
- I need to retrofit some plumbing lines. What are the advantages of choosing plastic (CPVC) pipe over copper?
First, its traditionally about half the price of copper. Second, its not affected by the pH conditions of water or soil. Copper can fail if...
- How close to the copper fitting do you need to hold the flame to get bring it up to soldering temperature?
The inner blue cone within the flame is the hottest part of the flame and should always touch the copper. When the copper starts to turn iridescent...
- I’ve heard I need to open a shut-off valve (either a ball or a gate valve) before soldering it to a copper pipe. Why?
By opening the valve it prevents the washer inside the valve from getting damaged by excessive heat when...
- If I’m soldering a copper pipe fitting onto an existing water line, do I have to remove all the water from the pipe first?
Yes. You must first remove all existing water in the line before soldering. Water cools the pipe, which doesnt allow it to heat up to the proper...
- When sweating copper, should I use propane gas in the blue cylinder or and propylene gas in the yellow cylinder?
Either one will work. The difference is that propylene in the yellow cylinder burns hotter. It has a flame temperature of 3,600 degrees F opposed to...
- Is ½” CPVC and ½” PVC the same size?
No. CPVC is measured by O.D., which makes its sizing similar to hard copper. PVC is measured by I.D., which makes its sizing similar to iron...
- How do you measure black pipe?
Using I.D. inside...
- How do you measure galvanized pipe?
You measure it by the I.D. inside...
- Do you measure the diameter of hard copper and the same as soft copper?
No, you measure hard coppers with I.D. inside diameter. You measure soft coppers by their O.D. outside...
- Can I attach metal fittings and plastic fittings?
Yes, there are transition fittings that make this...
- What does O.D. and I.D. mean?
This refers to the diameter of a pipe. Some pipes are measured base on their outside diameter, or O.D. Others are measured by their interior...
- What is the proper way to join galvanized to copper pipe?
You should use a dielectric union. This will prevent electrolysis from occurring, which deteriorates the copper...
- What is a compression fitting?
This type of fitting squeezes a brass or plastic ring around copper or plastic...
- Can I solder soft copper?
...
- What is a flare fitting?
A connector is slipped over the end of a copper tube, which is then flared out using a special tool. The fitting can then be screwed into another...
- How should I cut plastic pipe?
Any fine tooth saw will work, but make sure you remove any...
- What is the difference between soft copper tubing and hard copper tubing?
Hard copper is rigid line used throughout the house. Soft copper is used where flexibility is needed, such as faucet supply...
- What is the difference between PVC and CPVC plastic pipe?
CPVC can be used on hot and cold lines, while PVC is for cold water only. PVC is usually used as a...
- Can the fittings be removed after they have been glued?
No. They are permanently joined and cannot be taken...
- What do the letters “K,” “L” and “M” on copper tubing mean?
Type K is the heaviest. Type L is medium weight and used most often for waterlines in homes. Type M is thinner and is used underground or for light...
- What is a supply valve?
This is valve is under the sink or beside the toilet and shuts off the water to the faucet or...
- I have a problem with the plumbing in my house making groaning and honking sounds. What causes this?
It could be that you have lost your air cushion. To get it back, turn the water supply off at the main valve. Turn on all the faucets around...
- Can the plastic pipe fittings be removed after they have been glued?
No, they are permanently joined and cannot be taken...
- How do I join PVC fittings to PVC pipe?
Use a solvent welding glue, which softens the pipe and fittings so they can melt...
- I want to transition from 3/4" copper pipe to 1/2" copper pipe. How do I do that?
You need a reducer coupling or elbow if there is a change in direction to join the two pieces...
- There is dripping along some of my pipes. Does this indicate a leak?
Not necessarily. Warm, moist air condenses when it strikes cold pipes. To prevent this condensation, wrap the pipes in...