Many people don’t realize how valuable educating themselves about their homes is. Most homeowners prefer to leave knowledge to the experts. While it’s important to know your limitations and get professional help when needed, it can be helpful to have some home repair knowledge in case of an emergency. Plus, you’ll learn how to communicate better with experts who come to repair your home. We are here to teach you about 8 common plumbing parts. That way, you’ll be able to perform minor repairs and replacements while laying a foundation for further plumbing knowledge.
1. Adaptors
Adaptors attach pipes that don’t have matching ends or are made of different materials. If you need to make two different pipes fit together, now you know the solution is simpler than hiring a plumber to install new ones! Adaptors can also be used to extend plumbing runs—groups of plumbing lines that move gas or fluid from one destination to another. When it comes to large-scale projects, it’s best to call a plumber.
2. Bushings
Bushings are similar to adaptors. They connect pipes that are two different sizes. If you have a big pipe and a little pipe you want to connect, you’d simply use a bushing.
3. Caps and Plugs
You place caps over a pipe end to seal it off. Caps can be attached caps glue or solder. Plugs are also used to seal off pipes, but they are usually less permanent than caps. They fit inside of pipes rather than being glued or soldered so that they can be easily removed.
4. Elbows
No, we’re not talking about the bend midway down your arm. Elbows are fittings commonly used in plumbing. You use them to change the angle at which water flows through your pipes. They help the water switch directions by connecting two pipes in a new pattern. These plumbing fixtures look like a big piece of elbow macaroni, hence the name!
5. Flanges
Flanges are another type of pipe connector. They can also be used to connect valves and pumps as well. You can bolt flanges together with a gasket to create joints, which helps keep pipes together despite high pressure. This makes flanges ideal for commercial applications.
6. Couplings
Couplings have several uses. You can extend a pipe run or end one with a coupling. Or you can use couplings to connect two pipes together, much like adaptors and bushings. Finally, you can install them to prevent pipe leaks. These little guys are versatile, aren’t they?
7. Tees
Tees are essentially extended couplings. You can use tees to create branches in your piping system, as they have three openings that allow multiple pipes to fit into them. They come in many sizes and materials.
8. Crosses
Crosses look like big Xs. They have four openings, and they look like two tees welded together. They are used to connect multiple pipes that go in different directions. Instead of using crosses, you could use more than one coupling.
A Word Of Caution
You now know 8 common plumbings parts, and that’s wonderful! Any knowledge you can equip yourself with is helpful as a homeowner. But we do have a word of caution for the overzealous DIYers out there. Basic knowledge of plumbings parts does not equip you to do extensive work in your home. Plumbing is not something you want to mess up, lest you end up with contaminated drinking water, a busted pipe, or some other disaster. You can do small repairs yourself, such as tightening a leaky faucet or changing a fitting. But the minute you feel unsure about your project, stop and call an expert.
Rely on ASAP Plumbing Experts!
The team at ASAP Plumbings Experts has the industry knowledge and experience to complete any project you need to be done. We are efficient professionals that take pride in high-quality work and customer satisfaction. We guarantee you’ll be pleased with our services! Contact our team today for plumbing assistance!