There are many different types of joints in plumbing. Each one has a specific purpose and helps to keep the piping system together. In this article, we will discuss the different types of joints and what they do. We will also provide some examples of each type of joint.
What is a pipe joint?
A pipe joint is a mechanical assembly that connects two pieces of piping together. . In plumbing, joints are used to connect pipes together so that water can flow through the system. Without pipe joints, the piping system would not be able to function properly. This is because pipe joints provide support and stability to the piping system. They also allow for movement and expansion of the piping system. Pipe joints must be able to withstand the pressure of the water flowing through the piping system. Plumbing codes will dictate the type of pipe joint that must be used for a particular piping system.
What are the types of pipe joints?
Here is a list of the most common pipe joints:
- caulked joints
- compression couplings
- gasketed joints
- screwed joints
- soldered joints
- solvent-weld joint
- heat-fusion joint
- mechanical joint
- grooved joint
- wiped joint
- burned joint
- adapters
- flanged joint
Caulked joints
A caulked joint is a joint primarily used for cast-iron pipes that have hub-and-spigot connections. This type of joint is made by packing the space between the two pipes with a putty or caulking compound. This type of joint is not as common as it used to be because of how much effort it takes to make a caulked joint. Caulked joints work for both underground and above-ground piping systems.
Compression couplings
A compression coupling is a type of joint that is used to connect two or more pieces of hubless pipe together. Compression couplings will have an inner elastomeric gasket and a metallic slive with a bolt. This bolt is used to tighten and compress the seal. Compression couplings are mainly used for above-ground piping systems.
Gasketed joints
A gasketed joint is a type of pipe joint that uses a gasket under compression to create a seal between two pieces of pipe. A gasket is a piece of elastomeric material that is placed between two surfaces to seal the joint. Gaskets can be made from a variety of materials, such as rubber, neoprene, or metal. Gasketed joints are commonly used on cast-iron soil pipes and ductile-iron sewer pipes. Gasketed joints work for both above-ground and underground piping systems.
Screwed joints
A screwed joint is a type of pipe joint that uses threads on the pipe ends to connect the two pieces of pipe together and create a seal. Male threads and female threads are used to connect the two pieces of pipe together. Male threads have cuts on the outside of the pipe while female threads have cuts on the inside of the pipe. Screwed joints are inexpensive and easy to make. American tapered pipe threads are the most common type of threads used for screwed joints.
Soldered joints
A soldered joint (sweat joint) is a type of pipe joint that uses solder to create a seal between two pieces of pipe. The solder is melted and then applied to the joint. The two pieces of pipe are then placed together and the solder is allowed to cool and harden. This creates a watertight seal. Soldered joints are used mainly for smaller-diameter pipes since it can be difficult to apply solder to larger pipes.
Solvent-weld joints
A solvent-weld joint is a type of pipe joint that uses a solvent to weld two pieces of plastic pipe together. The solvent is applied to the outside of the pipes and then the two pipes are placed together. The solvent evaporates, leaving behind a watertight seal. Solvent-weld joints are commonly used for PVC and ABS pipes.
Heat-fusion joints
A heat-fusion joint is a type of pipe joint that uses heat to weld two pieces of plastic pipe together. The heat melts the plastic, which creates a watertight seal. Heat-fusion joints can only be used on pipes specifically designed for heat fusion. This type of joint is commonly used for HDPE and PEX pipes.
Mechanical joints
A mechanical joint is a type of pipe joint that uses nuts and bolts to connect two pieces of pipe together. This type of joint is used on ductile-iron pressure pipes and sanitary drainage pipes. Mechanical joints use a compressed gasket in order to create a watertight seal. Once the gasket is placed in the joint, the two pieces of pipe are put together and then the bolts are tightened.
Grooved joints
A grooved joint is a type of pipe joint that uses a groove and coupling to connect two pieces of pipe together. There are two types of grooved joints: roll grooves and cut grooves. Roll grooves are used to create joints when the pipe wall is too thin for a groove cut.
Wiped joints
A wiped joint is a type of pipe joint that uses molten lead to create a seal between two pieces of pipe. The lead is applied to the joint and then wiped off, leaving behind a watertight seal. This type of joint is not as common in modern drainage systems since lead has been phased out due to health concerns.
Burned joints
A burned joint is a type of pipe joint that uses heat to create a seal between two pieces of pipe. Primarily used on lead pipes, burned joints are formed by fitting one end of the pipe into another. Once these pipes are fitted heat is evenly applied until the lead melts and creates a watertight seal.
Adapters
An adapter is a type of pipe joint that connects two pieces of pipe with different ends. Adapters are used to connect pipes with different diameters or different threads. Adapters come in a variety of materials, such as brass, copper, or plastic.