A union for joining copper pipe is typically made of brass, and it has slip connections so you can solder it onto the pipes. You join the union by tightening the central nut. It pulls the two halves of the fitting together and seats them into a washer, which makes the seal.
Full Answer
What is a a Union in brass pipe fittings?
A union is a component used to disconnect pipes, whenever required for the aforementioned purposes. This was the basic information that you should have about brass pipe fittings. In the upcoming post, we will discuss several benefits of these fittings in detail.
What is the difference between dielectric union and brass fittings?
Brass fittings are manufactured to IPS and NPT standards and are very well compatible with threaded adapters made from other materials. A dielectric union is a special adapter or fitting used in the piping systems of different metals to isolate the connection of the dissimilar metals.
How does a union pipe seal work?
It pulls the two halves of the fitting together and seats them into a washer, which makes the seal. When a union leaks, it's usually because the pipes that it's joining are slightly offset.
How do unions work?
Unions work like a democracy. They hold elections for officers who make decisions on behalf of members, giving workers more power on the job. A local union is a locally-based group of workers with a charter from a national or international union such as the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) or United Auto Workers (UAW).
How do you join a union?
How to unscrew a union nut?
How to reset a solder joint?
Can you straighten a solder joint?
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What does a brass union do?
Manufactured from high-quality lead-free brass and complies with NSF 61, ASTM B62 and ANSI standards. Threaded union is used to connect two threaded pipes together and allows for easy disconnection of these pipes for service, repair, maintenance or other purposes.
How do you install brass union fittings?
1:054:24Installing Union Fittings - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSlide the nut unto the tailpiece end of the Union. Make sure to do this before soldering slide theMoreSlide the nut unto the tailpiece end of the Union. Make sure to do this before soldering slide the ends of each piece of pipe into the ends of the Union fitting.
How does a union fitting work?
A pipe union consists of three parts – a nut, a female end and a male end. To make an effectively working pipe fitting, both the male and female ends are sealed together with the help of nuts. A female threaded fitting has threads on the inside, while in the male-threaded fitting, the threads are on the outside.
How do you stop a brass union from leaking?
If the union is leaking from either solder joint, disconnect the union and heat the leaking joint to melt the solder. Slip the union off, spread new flux and re-solder it. If the union is joining copper and galvanized steel pipes, it should be a dielectric union.
Do you use Teflon tape on unions?
Never need teflon on unions, the gasket does the sealing. Some people use A small amount of silicone grease but it is not necessary and could cause problems with the gasket sitting properly.
What's the difference between a union and a coupling?
The basic difference between a coupling and a union is that a coupling is for joining pipe to pipe or pipe to a swedge. A union is made for joining and disassemble of a part of a piping system (a steam trap or control valve, etc) for maintenance or replacement.
Does a union have a flow direction?
Unions, swivel joints, etc., do not have a preferred direction of flow. The common practice of using male to male or female to female union connecting subs gives certain confirmation.
Which way does a union turn?
Using a Pipe Wrench Open the jaws of a pipe wrench, and insert the union's central radial nut. Tighten the pipe wrench around the nut. Turn the wrench's handle counter-clockwise to loosen the nut from the thread on the end of the male section.
How do you start a union?
How To Start a Union At Your Workplace in 7 StepsStep 1: Talk to Your Coworkers.Step 2: Talk to a Union Organizer.Step 3: Start a Committee.Step 4: Know Your Rights.Step 5: Sign Union Support Cards.Step 6: Vote!Step 7: Negotiate Your Contract.
Do you need to put Teflon tape on brass fittings?
When threading male threads into mating female threads the use of Teflon tape on brass fittings is highly recommended as long as the fitting does not already have an O-ring or rubber gasket.
Can you over tighten brass fittings?
Hand Tight is Right Over-tightening will also warp the rubber plumbing fittings inside the pipes over time and increase the risk of leaks. Turn a plumbing fitting only until you feel it tighten, then stop. Continuing to turn past that point can lead to trouble.
How tight should brass fittings be?
In general terms you want to aim for 2 to 3 full turns after hand tight. If it still feels loose, complete another full turn. A lot of plumbers will use both teflon tape and pipe dope. Depending on the thickness of the teflon tape you will want to use 3 to 6 wraps in the direction on the threads.
Do unions have directional flow?
Unions, swivel joints, etc., do not have a preferred direction of flow. The common practice of using male to male or female to female union connecting subs gives certain confirmation.
Which way do you turn a union?
Using a Pipe Wrench Open the jaws of a pipe wrench, and insert the union's central radial nut. Tighten the pipe wrench around the nut. Turn the wrench's handle counter-clockwise to loosen the nut from the thread on the end of the male section.
How do you connect dielectric union?
First step: Wrap several layers of pipe sealing tape over the threads of the steel pipe. Install the threaded end of dielectric union body to the steel pipe. Turn the union clockwise and tighten with a pipe wrench. Second step: Slide the union nut over the end of copper pipe with open threaded end facing out.
How do you use brass pipe fittings?
0:552:02Brass tap fittings hose connections - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSimply put the end cap onto the hose feed. Around the serrated teeth. And then just lock it togetherMoreSimply put the end cap onto the hose feed. Around the serrated teeth. And then just lock it together. So that's a very strong and very permanent connection.
Leaking unions. How to fix? — Heating Help: The Wall
I know it has been beat to death on the past but I'm wondering if there are any new ideas on sealing unions? More specifically copper unions. I have 4) 1" copper unions on my plate heat exchanger and testing 2 of the 4 they both leaked.
Leaking Unions - Fine Homebuilding
I just repiped my garage, and used 8 unions - 5 were 3/4" and 3 were 1/2". I used the yellow Rector thread sealent, and only one leaked. The leaking one was a very slow drip, and was fixed by tightening it a little more.
leaking dielectric union — Heating Help: The Wall
leaking dielectric union We have several dielectric unions in our hot water/glycol heating system. They are soldered to 2" copper pipe on the side that has the gasket/large nut and threaded on the other.Over the past 18 months since it was installed, I have been able to tighten one or another when they start to drip a little.
How do you join a union?
You join the union by tightening the central nut. It pulls the two halves of the fitting together and seats them into a washer, which makes the seal. When a union leaks, it's usually because the pipes that it's joining are slightly offset.
How to unscrew a union nut?
Unscrew the central nut of the union with a pipe wrench by turning it counterclockwise. If the nut is hard to turn, you may have to hold the fitting steady by gripping one of connecting ends with adjustable pliers.
How to reset a solder joint?
Heat the joint you are going to reset with a torch while you hold the union with adjustable pliers. Slip off the union as soon as the solder melts. Let the pipe and union cool for 20 minutes.
Can you straighten a solder joint?
Because there is more play in solder joints, you may be able to straighten the union by re-soldering one of the joints.
What are brass fittings?
Brass pipe fittings make use of a number of components. What are these components? Read on to know: 1 Coupling: Couplings are the components that are used to connect two pipes. You can get these components in different lengths and sizes. 2 Nipple: Nipple is basically a stub of a pipe. It is used to connect two fittings and is most commonly used for plumbing solutions. This component is made from copper or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride. 3 Tee: Tee is yet another vital pipe fitting component, which is used to deliver a steady flow of any liquid. 4 Reducer: When you want to connect two pipes having dissimilar widths. In that case, a reducer is used. 5 Elbow: This component has a shape of a human elbow. It is used to change the direction of a pipe by 45° or 90°. 6 Cross: As the name suggests, this component has a cross shapes, with four branches in opposite directions. One out of the four crosses is used as an inlet, whereas the remaining three branches are used as outlets. 7 Union: During maintenance, fixture, or replacement, the pipes are required to be disconnected. There is a component for this purpose, too. A union is a component used to disconnect pipes, whenever required for the aforementioned purposes.
What is union in plumbing?
There is a component for this purpose, too. A union is a component used to disconnect pipes, whenever required for the aforementioned purposes. This was the basic information that you should have about brass pipe fittings.
What are pipe fittings made of?
These fittings are manufactured from a variety of materials, such as brass, stainless steel, aluminum, steel, alloy steel, plastic, etc.
What are the components that connect two pipes?
What are these components? Read on to know: Coupling: Couplings are the components that are used to connect two pipes. You can get these components in different lengths and sizes. Nipple: Nipple is basically a stub of a pipe. It is used to connect two fittings and is most commonly used for plumbing solutions.
How many branches are in the opposite direction of the cross?
Cross: As the name suggests, this component has a cross shapes, with four branches in opposite directions. One out of the four crosses is used as an inlet, whereas the remaining three branches are used as outlets.
What is Brass Fitting?
Both unions and brass are approved for use throughout water distribution and piping systems, but brass is used where poor water quality is present and galvanized materials have high chances of getting corroded. Brass is a malleable alloy of copper and zinc that has been in use for centuries. Brass fittings are manufactured to IPS and NPT standards and are very well compatible with threaded adapters made from other materials.
What is threaded brass?
Threaded brass is widely used for fittings for copper pipe and brass connectors of any kinds are used in the repair industry. They are also used with copper, PEX, and PE and are compatible with each pipe or tubing. Although, a bit expensive, brass does provide a high-quality installation.
What happens when two metals come in contact?
When two dissimilar metals come in contact with each other, an electrolytic reaction begins, wherein water acts as the electrolyte. As a result the metals begin to corrode. This is called galvanic corrosion. To prevent this from happening, dielectric unions are used to connect the dissimilar metal pipes. Brass is widely used for fittings for copper pipe and is mainly used where poor water quality is present and galvanized materials have high chances of getting corroded. Although, resistant to rust, brass is vulnerable to acidic water.
What is the difference between brass and elastomeric rubber?
An elastomeric rubber gasket seals the connection between the two metals, preventing any water leakage of sort . Brass, on the other hand, is a malleable alloy of copper and zinc that has been in use for centuries. Brass fittings are also commonly used as an alternative to dielectric unions for water distribution systems. ...
Why use dielectric unions?
Dielectric unions are commonly used around commercial and residential water distribution systems to avoid electrolysis and deterioration in the piping systems. Moreover, a plastic composite material behind the union’s clamping collar breaks any electrical continuity between the two systems, limiting galvanic corrosion.
What is piping work?
Piping work often entails joining one piece of metal into another. This is possible, but only with the right kind of tools or the connectors, or fittings, or unions, as they say. Knowing your tools and how to use them can exact the difference between a job done right and the one that leads to leakage.
Is brass a good material for copper pipe?
Brass is widely used for fittings for copper pipe and is mainly used where poor water quality is present and galvanized materials have high chances of getting corroded. Although, resistant to rust, brass is vulnerable to acidic water.
What are the applications of pipe unions?
Applications of pipe unions: Pipe unions are used in various municipal and industrial applications like as follows: Fire protection. Process piping system. Water and wastewater etc. Advantages of pipe union: There are various advantages of pipe unions like: To provide a leak-proof disconnection point in any piping system.
What is a pipe union?
Pipe Union is a type of fitting equipment designed in such a way to unite two pipes which can be detached without causing any deformation to the pipes. Any kind of small diameter piping connections requiring a positive seal and easy assembly as well as disassembly are made with the help of pipe union. In other words, the pipe unions can disjoint ...
What are the two types of pipe unions?
Types of pipe unions: There are two basic types of pipe unions: Ground Joint Union : A ground joint union comprises of an angle that is cut into the union to make the two sections meet. It increases the surface area at the joint allowing seating properly.
Why are nuts used in a joint?
With the joining of the female and male ends, the nuts are used to provide the necessary pressure to seal the joint.
What happens when you pull stress on a pipe?
When severe pulling stress is applied onto the pipe union from the outside, the locking screw breaks and removes the two parts of the union, which in turn separates together with the pipes to which they are attached. Under normal conditions elastically stressed sealing objects ensure maintenance of watertightness between the union parts.
How to loosen a union?
Loosen the union by spinning the nut in the middle holding the two ends together.
What is the difference between a coupling and a union?
But there is a difference between a coupling and a union in terms of black and galvanized pipe. A coupling is a solid fitting with female threads on the inside of both ends. It is used for joining two lengths of pipe together that are not locked in place and can be turned. A union is used when you are trying to join two pipes together ...
How is a union similar to a coupling?
A union is very similar to a coupling, except that it can be unscrewed into two separate pieces and then screwed back together when both separate ends are attached to the two pipe ends that need to be joined.
Can you use a coupling to repair a black pipe?
If dealing with black pipe, make sure to check all your connects to ensure that there are no leaks. Using a coupling or a union to repair plumbing is fairly simple. But there is a difference between a coupling and a union in terms of black and galvanized pipe.
What is a labor union?
A labor or trade union is an organization of workers dedicated to protecting members' interests and improving wages, hours and working conditions for all. No matter what you do for a living, there's a union with members who do the same thing. Unions represent:
How much does a union cost?
As with many other organizations, union costs are paid by member dues that typically cost about $50 a month. Most unions have paid staff to manage their operations. While some staff may be paid by union dues, members also often volunteer.
What is union plus?
Union Plus benefits and discounts are for union members and Working America members. Benefits include everything from financial services and legal services to discounts on AT&T wireless, travel, car rentals, flowers, entertainment and more.
Does union plus pay go into development?
NOTE: No union dues money goes into the development or operation of any Union Plus program.
Is it legal for an employer to prevent employees from unionizing?
It is legal for employers to try to persuade employees not to unionize. However, it is illegal for an employer to prevent employees from unionizing through threats, violence and other coercive action.
How do you join a union?
You join the union by tightening the central nut. It pulls the two halves of the fitting together and seats them into a washer, which makes the seal. When a union leaks, it's usually because the pipes that it's joining are slightly offset.
How to unscrew a union nut?
Unscrew the central nut of the union with a pipe wrench by turning it counterclockwise. If the nut is hard to turn, you may have to hold the fitting steady by gripping one of connecting ends with adjustable pliers.
How to reset a solder joint?
Heat the joint you are going to reset with a torch while you hold the union with adjustable pliers. Slip off the union as soon as the solder melts. Let the pipe and union cool for 20 minutes.
Can you straighten a solder joint?
Because there is more play in solder joints, you may be able to straighten the union by re-soldering one of the joints.
