There are many plumbing terms used by professional plumbers that may be foreign to homeowners. As a homeowner considering renovation work, it is helpful to understand these terms to know what is involved in the plumbing process of your renovation project. If you are planning on installing plastic pipes, the following information might help you have a better understanding of these plumbing terms.
Plastic Pipe
If you're planning a home renovation project, here are some of the most common plumbing terms you'll need to know when working with plastic pipes.
- ABS Pipes: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a type of plastic that's commonly used for residential plumbing—particularly drain, waste, and vent (DWV) piping systems. ABS pipes are lightweight, flexible, and resistant to corrosion and buildup. You may see them in colors such as black or white.
- PVC Pipes: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is another common type of plastic used for DWV piping systems. PVC is stronger than ABS, making it ideal for long-term use under pressure. It's also more resistant to heat than ABS pipes are.
- High-Density Polyurethane: High-density polyurethane is denser than other polyurethane pipes, and therefore, it has certain advantages. Most importantly, high-density polyurethane pipes are less likely to break or crack when used in areas where the temperature fluctuates greatly. Plus, this type of polyurethane pipe does not expand as much as others when the temperature rises, which can prevent leaks from occurring in your plumbing system.
These are some of the different types of plastic pipes that might be used in your renovations and sold under different brand names.
Pipe Adapters
Pipe adapters connect one type of pipe to another. For example, copper and plastic pipes can be connected with threaded adapters. You can also use a push-fit adapter to connect plastic pipes without having to glue or thread them. Pipe adapters are often used during renovations because they allow you to connect existing plumbing with new lines.
Tees, Elbows, and Other Fittings
Tees, elbows, couplers, and other fittings are used to create connections that don't require an adapter. For example, if you're running two lines of pipe in separate directions from the same point, you'll use a tee fitting so that each line has its own continuous section of pipe.
Cinch Clamps
Cinch clamps are used in plastic plumbing systems. These clamps are usually made from stainless steel or carbon steel, but there can be other materials used as well. The clamps have teeth on them that help hold the pipe in place. The teeth dig into the plastic pipe and prevent it from slipping out of place. They also have a flared end that helps keep the pipe from leaking at the connection point.
Pipe Crimp Rings
Crimp rings are quick and easy to install, but they also require special tools. Generally speaking, these rings are more expensive than other plumbing methods, but they're also much faster to install. This makes them ideal for large projects that need to be completed in a shorter period of time.
Contact a plumbing service to discuss options for plastic pipes in your renovation project.
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