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 a a Union used for in plumbing?
A union is used for easy removal of pumps and other serviceable equipment that would otherwise not be easily unthreaded. It is also used to attach pipes in which neither pipe can not be rotated about its axis (perhaps because it is assembled to other plumbing, etc). The following image is the best section view of a union I could find.
What are PVC unions and why use them?
What are PVC Unions and Why Use them over Similar Types of Pipe Fittings? PVC unions and PVC pipe union connectors are pipe fittings designed to connect two pipes together without the use of a sealant or traditional glued coupling.
What is the difference between a pipe union and 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 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 does a PVC pipe union 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
How far do pipe threads engage?
Engagement when tight in inches (T) equals 1/2 inch. Thread length will equal 1/2 inch plus approximately two additional imperfect threads.
How many threads should you cut on a 1/2 steel pipe?
G2414. 8.2 (403.8. 2) Number of ThreadsIRON PIPE SIZE (inches)APPROXIMATE LENGTH OF THREADED PORTION (inches)APPROXIMATE NO. OF THREADS TO BE CUT1/23/4103/43/41017/81011/41111 more row
How long should pipe threads be?
Commonly used sizes are 1⁄8, 1⁄4, 3⁄8, 1⁄2, 3⁄4, 1, 1+1⁄4, 1+1⁄2, 2, 2+1⁄2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 inch, as pipe and fittings by most U.S. suppliers. Sizes smaller than 1⁄8 inch are occasionally used for compressed air, while sizes larger than 6 inches are often joined by other methods.
Are PVC unions reliable?
Plastic piping and threaded fittings are extremely reliable at providing a leak free service. Issues with stress cracking of PVC threaded fittings can be easily avoided by adhering to proper installation guidelines.
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.
How much pressure can a PVC union take?
Temperature and Pressure Ratings of PVCNominal Pipe Size (Inches)Sch 40 Max. Pipe Working Pressure PSISch 80 Max. Pipe Working Pressure PSI1"4503781-1/4"3703121-1/2"3302822"28024316 more rows
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.
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 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 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 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 metals are used in pipe unions?
The most common metals used are stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, cast iron, and bronze. The choice of metal depends on the condition of the area and the required durability and stability of the pipe union.
Why use PVC pipe unions?
PVC pipes and PVC pipe unions are preferred by construction companies because they are: • Easy to use, increasing your company’s productivity.
How do PVC unions work?
PVC unions connect two pipes by threading together and do not require the traditional glued sealant coupling method to prevent leakage where the two pipes are joined together.
What are PVC Unions and Why Use them over Similar Types of Pipe Fittings?
PVC unions and PVC pipe union connectors are pipe fittings designed to connect two pipes together without the use of a sealant or traditional glued coupling.
What is PVC used for?
PVC pipes are used in a number of settings for everything from general plumbing and piping to landscaping work and swimming pool related applications.
What is PVC union threading?
PVC Unions Threading. PVC unions can be used in most instances where two pipes need to be connected. However, there are certain specific settings where construction companies and plumbers prefer to use them.
Can pool chemicals corrode pipes?
Pool chemicals contain compounds that can corrode other types of pipes and pipe fittings. Only specially designed PVC union connectors designed for swimming pools can stand up to these corrosive conditions without becoming corroded and developing leaks.
Does PVC conduct electricity?
PVC piping is lightweight, easy to install, highly durable and does not conduct electricity. Other pipe materials, like copper and stainless steel, are much heavier and more difficult to work with, and because they conduct electricity metal piping may not be advisable in many outdoor applications.
