Dos And Don’ts to Follow When Securing Threaded Plumbing Pipe Connectors

To secure the connections between plastic pipes, there are different types of pipe fittings and connectors are used. Depending on the purpose, different types of fittings are installed with the pipes to secure a pipe network and ensure seamless functionality. For plastic pipes, the fittings are often mechanical and do not need welding or electrofusion. These mechanical fittings are of different types, and among these are the threaded fittings. Proper installation of threaded pipe connectors is necessary to secure the connection and prevent breakages and leaks in the system. Here are some dos and don’ts to follow when installing threaded pipe fittings:

1. DON’T over-tighten the screws. This can cause the fittings to crack under pressure. Instead, after securing the finger turns, make no more than two additional turns to fix the plumbing pipe connectors. Over tightening the connector can cause it to split, which in turn will lead to leakages in the system.

2. DO secure the threaded pipe connectors with the appropriate sealant for these types of fittings. Check the manufacturer instructions for the fittings to choose the correct sealant. Some fittings manufacturers also provide the sealants with the connectors for proper installations.

3. DON’T install the wrong Schedule of fittings with the pipes. Schedule 80 fittings are stronger and often used for industrial or commercial level installations, and they are not appropriate for Schedule 40 pipes. Do not assume that stronger Schedule 80 fittings can be used in all connections.

4. DO choose the fittings of the appropriate material. Do not use metal fittings with plastic pipes and vie versa. The design of these two pipe materials is different and the fittings too need to be of the same material for securing the connections.

5. DO NOT use tape for securing the connections of the fittings with the pipes. Teflon paste or tape is used only for metal pipes and not for plastic pipes as in the latter case, the tape can increase the stress and put pressure on the system.

To choose the appropriate fittings for plastic pipes of different types, explore the comprehensive range of fittings on offer from Wavin. Known for its wide range of plastic pipes in different thermoplastic materials, Wavin also offers the corresponding fittings to secure the pipe networls for water supply and management with sustainable methods.