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.
What are the parts of a pipe union?
Rubber etc. 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.
What is flange Union in plumbing?
Flange Union: It is a pair of flanges that holds two pipes together by screwing them on the ends of the pipes after which they are welded or bolted together. This process in plumbing is done to hold both the pipes together.
How do you connect pipes to a Plumbing Union?
Once the union is in place, you will need to connect your pipes. For a simple connection, use a pipe nipple and male threaded cap on one side and then either another female threaded cap or coupling (which are both unions). Both of these connections can be tightened clockwise until they cannot be any more.
What is the difference between a Union and coupling?
A union is used when you are trying to join two pipes together that are fixed, thus unable to be turned. 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...
What is the correct way to install a pipe union?
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 do unions work piping?
A union is a threaded fitting which allows the pipe work to be separated and reconnected without any horizontal movement in the pipe. It can be a standalone pipe fitting connecting two pieces of pipe, or an integral part of another fitting (such as a ball valve) which allows it to be separated.
How does a union connection work?
0:323:32How To Use Union Repair Fittings - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt creates a permanent connection between two pipes. These are unions this union is slip. And thisMoreIt creates a permanent connection between two pipes. These are unions this union is slip. And this one is threaded the Union allows you to make a connection that's capable of being taken apart.
How does a PVC pipe union work?
0:000:28Union for Schedule 40 PVC Pipe ("O"-Ring Type) (Slip x Slip)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe male and female Union sections cement or glue onto the smooth pipe ends. And then the Union isMoreThe male and female Union sections cement or glue onto the smooth pipe ends. And then the Union is screwed together to form the joint.
What is the difference between a union and a coupling?
Pipe unions and couplings are both types of fittings that allow you to repair breaks in plumbing lines, but there's an important difference between them: A coupling makes a permanent connection, while a union makes one that can be separated and reassembled repeatedly.
What is the reason for using a pipe union in a pipe system?
While unions are similar to couplings, they are generally easier to take apart and allow pipes of different metals to come together safely. This joining method is common in household and commercial pipe systems.
How do you stop a 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.
How tight should union fittings be?
Unions shouldn't have to be tightened more than hand tight if your o-rings are seated properly. Anything with an o-ring seals pretty well hand tight if it's working right.
How much length does a pipe union add?
The distance between the fittings and the extra reach must be included in the length. If you are using 1/2 inch pipe, add 7/16 inch per end and 1/2 inch per end.
Are PVC Unions water tight?
On their own, without any type of adhesives or lubricants, PVC fittings will fit fairly snugly. That being said, the connection between the pipe and the fitting will not be watertight.
How long do PVC unions last?
In fact, PVC pipes last approximately 100 years. Of course, there are various factors that determine just how long specific PVC pipes will survive, including what it's exposed to and how it's installed.
Which way does a PVC union go?
As for the orientation of the union, I always make sure that the nut is at the top so that when it is taken apart it doesn't fall down the pipe. Plus not having to lift the nut into place while lining up the fitting and making sure the o-ring is in place makes things a bit easier.
Which way do you turn a pipe union?
The union's central radial nut can be inserted through the jaws of a pipe wrench. The pipe wrench should be tightened around the nut. The nut on the end of the male section is loosened by turning the wrench's handle clockwise.
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.
Can you use a union on gas pipe?
Gas piping shall be sleeved and vented in accordance with the California Plumbing Code. Please contact the Building Division for more information. Unions (inline couplings) are only permitted downstream (after) appliance shut-off valves, meter locations, and immediately downstream on building shut-off valves.
How do you seal a pipe union?
Brush off existing sealing tape from the thread that the central holding nut attaches to, using the steel brush. Wrap sealing tape twice clockwise around the thread, and screw the central holding nut back onto the thread. Use the pipe wrench to tighten the central holding nut in place. Turn on the water supply.
What is pipe fitting?
Pipe fittings are components used to join pipe sections together with other fluid control products like valves and pumps to create pipelines. The common connotation for the term fittings is associated with the ones used for metal and plastic pipes which carry fluids. There are also other forms of pipe fittings that can be used to connect pipes for handrails and other architectural elements, where providing a leak-proof connection is not a requirement. Pipe fittings may be welded or threaded, mechanically joined, or chemically adhered, to name the most common mechanisms, depending on the material of the pipe.
What is concrete pipe fitting?
Concrete pipe fittings are available in a variety of styles suitable to their application in large civil projects such as storm-water control. Aside from the typical wye connections, specialized fittings include utility hole portals and various styles of vaults. Typical connections use shouldered ends on the fittings which mate with counterparts on the receiving pipes. A rubber gasket provides for a leakproof joint.
What is a hubless pipe?
Fittings for cast iron pipe fall under hubless and bell-and-spigot styles. Hubless designs rely on elastomeric couplers that are secured to the outer diameters of the pipe or fitting by clamps, usually a stainless steel band clamp that compresses the elastomeric material and forms a seal. These hubless or no hub designs are sometimes referred to as rubber pipe couplings or rubber plumbing couplings and are especially popular for transitioning from one material to another—from copper to cast iron, for instance. Bell-and-spigot, or sometimes, hub-and-spigot, fittings are joined today primarily with elastomeric gaskets that fit inside the bell and accommodate the insertion of the plain pipe end or fitting. Older systems before the 1950s were caulked using a combination of molten lead and a fibrous material such as oakum. Cast iron pipe is sometimes joined with bolted flanges, or in some cases, mechanical compression connections. Flanged joints employed in underground applications can subject the pipe to settlement stresses unless the pipe is adequately supported.
What is threaded flange?
The threaded flange is suitable only for low- to medium-pressure applications.
What is aluminum pipe used for?
Aluminum pipe is also a popular choice for use in creating handrails, and a host of fittings for structural applications are available, both weldable and slip on/clamp-on varieties.
What is a bell and spigot?
Bell-and-spigot, or sometimes, hub-and-spigot, fittings are joined today primarily with elastomeric gaskets that fit inside the bell and accommodate the insertion of the plain pipe end or fitting. Older systems before the 1950s were caulked using a combination of molten lead and a fibrous material such as oakum.
What are the different ways flanges seal faces?
Flanges can incorporate several different methods to seal adjoining faces, including O-rings, seal rings, and gaskets. Seal rings provide an especially tight joint and for the same bolt stress applied to a flat-face gasket, can resist a higher pressure.
Why use pipe unions?
They can be used when it comes to inserting regulating and metering devices regardless of the plumbing application. Great for managing water usage efficiency, for example. Perhaps the most important aspect of pipe unions is that they are versatile enough to join different sizes.
What is the difference between a pipe union and a pipe coupling?
What is the difference between a pipe union and coupling? It all comes down to the method of sealing. A union makes use of a seal ring between a pair of joints. The coupling, meanwhile , has either a socket or thread used to create that connection.
What is a Pipe Coupling?
A pipe coupling is essentially a short tube, also known as an outer joint. The coupling connects two pieces of piping together, retaining the integrity of both pipes. The good news is that pipe couplings can be used to join pipes that are either equal or different in size.
How long do pipe couplings last?
Given how easily they can mount and dismount, one may assume that they wear down more quickly. But when properly installed, pipe couplings can last years with little to no issue. Compare no hub couplings to flexible couplings.
What are pipe unions made of?
It depends on the situation and use of the pipe unions. The most common metals used are stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, cast iron, and bronze. ...
What is the good thing about a split pipe?
The good thing about these connections is that they allow these pipes to detach for future repair or replacement . Should one side of the pipe go bad, it can be split from the connection without causing a deformation in the pipes.
Why do flexible couplings rotate?
A flexible coupling, meanwhile, connects two shafts that are end-to-end in the same line. The reason is to transmit torque from one shaft to the other, which causes them to rotate in unison. The other is to compensate for the little bit of random movement and misalignment that can occur between the two shafts.
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.
How to loosen a union?
Loosen the union by spinning the nut in the middle holding the two ends together.
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 union fitting?
Union fittings allow two pipes to be connected in a manner that can be quickly disassembled for maintenance or replacement. Two sides of the pipe are set into union fittings, which are then joined together to finish the connection. Unlike copper pipes, which require soldering, galvanized steel pipe is connected using pipe threads ...
How to tighten a galvanized steel pipe?
Place the end of the pipe into the bottom of the galvanized steel union fitting and turn the fitting clockwise until tight. Finish tightening the connection with the pipe wrench.
What is dielectric union?
Dielectric unions can also be used to connect galvanized steel to copper pipes. These unions contain a non-conductive barrier that separates the copper from the steel, but holds together the same way.
