1.
4 PLUMBING
MATERIALS AND
FITTINGS
Engineering Utilities Engr. Sherwin M. Paala 2020
Each plumbing network is designed, constructed and installed as per the requirement stated in the
project specifications.
In this section we are going to discuss and identify the various materials and fittings used in a plumbing
network and determine its application in various fields.
1.4.1 Pipes
A pipe is a tubular section or a hollow cylinder of specific size and lenght used mainly to convey
substances that can flow such as water, liquid checmicals, drain or sewage water, gasses, slurries,
powders and masses of small solids.
1.4.1.1 Types of Pipes
Cast Iron pipes
Cast iron pipe is pipe made predominantly from
gray cast iron It was historically used as a pressure
pipe for transmission of water, gas and sewage,
and as a water drainage pipe during the 17th, 18th,
19th and 20th centuries
Ductile Iron pipes
Ductile iron pipe is pipe made of ductile
cast iron commonly used for potable
water transmission and distribution
Engineering Utilities Engr. Sherwin M. Paala 2020
PVC Pipes
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes are non-toxic and are most
commonly used for drain, vent, and waste lines, cold and
hot potable waterlines, and for sewage applications. Their
thickness and configurations vary depending on the
application where it will be used. PVC pipes are light and
easy to work with and install.
There are two types of PVC pipes, the Unplasticized
Polyvinyl Chloride (UPVC) and Chlorinated Polyvinyl
Chloride (CPVC).
The main difference between UPVC and CPVC is that
UPVC is made without adding plasticizers whereas CPVC
is made by adding plasticizers and undergoing the process
of chlorination.
UPVC is not used for drinking water transmission.
CPVC is suitable and is used for drinking water
transmission.
Asbestos Cement Pipe
This type of pipes are not so much in use
today
Coper pipes and tubing
This type of pipe is most commonly used in hot
and cold water distribution systems as well as
regularly used in HVAC systems for refrigerant
lines. Copper pipes have good durability, long
lasting and corrosion resistant.
Engineering Utilities Engr. Sherwin M. Paala 2020
Galvanized pipes
A zinc coated steel or iron pipe specifically made to
resist corrosion.
Galvanized pipe is considered a safe transport for
drinking water and is being noted in larger
commercial application for water distribution.
PEX pipes
Cross-linked polyethylene, commonly
abbreviated PEX, XPE or XLPE, is a form of
polyethylene with cross-links. It is used
predominantly in building services pipework
systems, hydronic radiant heating and cooling
systems, domestic water piping, and insulation for
high tension (high voltage) electrical cables. It is
also used for natural gas and offshore oil
applications, chemical transportation, and
transportation of sewage and slurries. PEX is an
alternative to polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) or copper
tubing for use as residential water pipes
HDPE Pipes
Made from the thermoplastic HDPE (high-
density polyethylene), HDPE pipe is a type of
flexible plastic pipe used for fluid and gas
transfer and is often used to replace ageing
concrete or steel mains pipelines. Its high level
of impermeability and strong molecular bond
make it suitable for high pressure pipelines.
HDPE pipe is used across the globe for
applications such as water mains, gas mains,[1]
[self-published source?] sewer mains, slurry
transfer lines, rural irrigation, fire system
supply lines, electrical and communications
conduit, and stormwater and drainage pipes.
Engineering Utilities Engr. Sherwin M. Paala 2020
Stainless Steel pipes
Stainless steel pipes are typically used in areas
subject to corrosion and near coastal areas. It is one
of the most durable types of plumbing pipe
materials. This type of pipe is available in both
flexible and rigid varieties. If they will be attached
to other types of pipes, special couplings will be
needed.
1.4.2 Plumbing Valves
A valve is a type of fitting that allows for regulation, control, and direction of fluids passing through a
pipe. Valves are commonly used to direct flow, shut off water access, prevent backflow, and adjust
water pressure within a system
1.4.2.1 Types of valves
Ball valve
Ball valves control water flow by using a rotational
ball located in the center of the valve. This ball has a
hollow core through its center that controls the flow
of water. When the ball’s hollow core is parallel to the
water inlet, fluids are allowed to flow through the
valve and exit out into the pipes. When the hole is
rotated perpendicular to the pipe, the passageway is
blocked and water cannot pass through the valve. The
ball is rotated by a handle located on top of the valve.
Giving the handle a 1/4 turn is enough to seal off the
flow of fluid. When the handle is parallel to the valve
and pipe, so is the hollow core of the ball.
Advantages:
1. Simple and versatile 2. Strong and efficient
3. Affordable
Disadvantage
1. Unfit for throttling as the seat will erode and fail
2. Prone for clogging
Engineering Utilities Engr. Sherwin M. Paala 2020
Gate Valve
A gate valve is another popularly used shut-off valve.
Gate valves are equipped with a wedge-shaped metal
gate that can be lowered to halt water flow and raised to
allow flow to continue. When the gate is fully drawn up
into the valve, it retracts entirely, allowing the water to
flow through without any reduction in pressure. Gate
valves are controlled by a wheel-shaped knob on top of
the valve. Twisting the knob gradually lowers the gate
into the valve. One of the benefits of gate valves is this
gradual restriction of flow, preventing water hammer.
Water hammer is the result of water being forced to
suddenly change direction or stop, causing a resounding
banging noise within the pipe. When rushing water is
met with an abrupt shut-off valve, water hammering
frequently occurs. Since the gate incrementally opens
and closes, water pressure is progressively reduced,
avoiding these pressure waves.
Like ball valves, gate valves should only be used to open
or close the flow of fluids. Using them to throttle
pressure will result in damage to the gate and will reduce
the efficiency of the valve over time. Gate valves are best
used in straight lines of flow, with minimal restrictions
and diversions, like larger water supply lines.
Engineering Utilities Engr. Sherwin M. Paala 2020
Advantages of gate valves:
•Low resistance:The design of a gate valve is simple, allowing water to pass straight through.
Since the gate retracts entirely into the body of the valve, the flow of the fluids is in no way
impeded by the design of the valve.
•Prevents water hammer:Since gate valves open and close slowly, water pressure is allowed to
modify as the flow is either being restricted or released. This avoids the banging sound of water
hammer and protects your pipes.
Disadvantages of gate valves:
•Wear and tear:Gate valves are prone to damage. The seat of the valve can become scratched,
weakening the valve’s seal. If used to throttle fluids, the gate will become worn and the valve’s
efficiency will become significantly reduced.
•Slow operation:Manually raising and lowering the gate is time-consuming. Where ball valves
operate with the swift turn of a handle, gate valves must be hand-operated to open and close.
Especially in emergency situations, this extra time can be costly.
Globe Valve
Globe valves are used to open, close, and regulate the flow of
fluids. Unlike ball valves and gate valves, globe valves are
designed to modulate and throttle water flow. The spherical
valve of the body (hence the name “globe”) houses a
stationary ring seat. When the handwheel knob is turned, a
revolving disc-shaped device is released from the ring seat
and spins upward, opening up a Z-shaped passage and
allowing water flow from one chamber into another. The
handle can be opened all the way up, sealed closed, or
partially opened to allow for throttled flow and reduced water
pressure. In this capacity, they function similar to a kitchen
faucet or outdoor hose bib.
Globe valves can be used for isolation, like a ball valve or a
gate valve. However, globe valves demonstrate a greater
pressure drop than traditional shut-off valves. The curved Z-
shaped interior of the valve is more flow restrictive than the
designs of ball valves and gate valves, so they are best when
handling fluids or steams at lower pressures. But, since globe
valves close and open relatively slowly, they can be used to
avoid water hammer. They also are not prone to leaking when
handling low pressures.
Engineering Utilities Engr. Sherwin M. Paala 2020
Advantages of a globe valve:
1. Reliable throttle: Unlike ball valves and gate
valves, globe valves are designed to throttle
fluids passing through it. In applications where
flow needs constant regulation, globe valves are
widely used. In addition to its throttling
capabilities, globe valves can be used for shut-
off and isolation.
Disadvantages of a globe valve:
High pressure drop: Globe valves have higher
pressure drops in comparison to other valves.
This is because when fluids must change
direction when passing through a globe valve,
resulting in greater resistance against the flow.
Flow restriction: The unique curvature design
of the globe valve makes it effective for shut-off
and throttling capacity, but consequentially, the Parts of globe valve
flow will be regulated even when the valve is
fully opened.
Butterfly valve
A butterfly valve is another shut-off valve commonly used
both to isolate and regulate water flow. At the center of a
butterfly valve is a rotating disc. Like ball valves, this
movable element is controlled by the quarter-turn of a
handle. When the handle is turned, this disc flares open,
allowing fluid to pass through the pipe. When the disc is
closed, it prohibits the movement of any fluids. Butterfly
valves, along with ball valves and plug valves, fall into the
“rotary motion” family of valves. This is because they
control flow by utilizing a revolving mechanism that
initiates the closure of flow.
A butterfly valve can be manually operated and can be
also controlled automatically by electronic controls.
Engineering Utilities Engr. Sherwin M. Paala 2020
The figure shows the parts of a butterfly valve
Advantages of a butterfly valve:
Ease of operation: Butterfly valves take up far less space than most valves, especially valves designed
for industrial use. Their straightforward design is compact, easily installed, and smoothly operated.
Their convenience and simplicity make them popular industrial choices.
Low cost: Butterfly valves are generally far cheaper than other valves that serve similar functions (like
gate valves). Butterfly valves are easier to manufacture and require less material to construct, making
them some of the most cost-efficient valves on the market.
Disadvantages of a butterfly valve:
Pressure drop: The design of butterfly valves does limit their range of application. Pressure drop is
unavoidable because the central disc always remains in the flow line of the valve. To modify the
pressure difference, a bypass valve may need to be installed to divert some of the flow and preserve
water pressure.
Engineering Utilities Engr. Sherwin M. Paala 2020
Needle valve
Needle valves allow for precise control of water flow
by the raising and lowering of a threaded, conical
spindle. The sharp tip of this spindle seals perfectly
within a valve seat at the bottom of the valve. Needle
valves are controlled by a rotating stem. As the stem
is turned, the spindle slowly swivels out of its valve
seat and water is incrementally allowed through the
narrow passage within the valve. Needle valves are
used for isolation, regulation, and throttle of liquids
and gases.
Advantages of a needle valve:
Absolute precision: The needle valve’s claim to fame is
its remarkably precise control over flow rates. No other
valve is designed to so minutely control the amount of
fluid allowed to pass through the valve. When precision
and meticulous flow rate control are demanded, a needle
valve is an obvious choice.
Efficiency and adaptability: A needle valve is able to
adapt to almost any low flow application and provide you
with precisely the flow rate desired. Since they control
flow so exactly, they can prevent the generation of waste.
This versatility and efficiency makes needle valves popular
across a wide range of industries, from biofuels and
pharmaceuticals to wastewater treatment and food
processing.
Disadvantages of a needle valve:
Low flow: The passageway for fluids and gas within the
needle valve is very limited, which can be further reduced
depending on the position of the internal flow-regulating
needle. By design, needle valves can only be used in low Parts of needle valve
flow applications.
No visual cues: It can be difficult to assess visually to
what extent a needle valve is open or closed. Since every
turn of the stem raises the internal spindle incrementally,
simply looking at the valve offers no illumination on how
open the valve is. As with all things regarding a needle
valve, careful precision is paramount.
Engineering Utilities Engr. Sherwin M. Paala 2020
Check valves
Check valves comes in diferent shapes and design in various applications, however, the principle of
operation is the same.
A check valve ensures that water is only permitted to flow in one direction. Check valves are a form of
backflow prevention. They prevent contaminated water and sewage from drain lines from flowing
back into plumbing and polluting clean water. Check valves regulate water flow exclusively in a single
direction. Regardless of any drop in pressure or reversal of flow, check valves ensure water is only
granted access to a singular direction of flow (one direction only).
Advantages of a check valve:
Backflow prevention:Check valves are excellent protection against waste re-entering water lines and
contaminating potable water supplies. Check valves ensure water flow remains in a single direction,
without sacrificing line pressure. Much like needle valves, the biggest draw is a check valve is the
function it was designed for.
Automatic operation:Check valves do not require any manual assistance to function. They are fully
automatic and do not need the aid of electricity. That means, if your power goes out and your back-up
sump pump kicks on, the check valve will be able to prevent backflow without any physical
involvement from you.
Disadvantages of a check valve:
Requires steady flow:A check valve is not effective with irregular or pulsating flows. The constant
opening and closing of the disc will batter the movable elements of the valve, leading to diminished
efficiency and will culminate in the valve failing.
Engineering Utilities Engr. Sherwin M. Paala 2020
1.4.3 Fittings in plumbing system
Figure 1.4.3.1 Different fittings use for plastic pipes
Engineering Utilities Engr, Sherwin M. Paala 2020
Figure 1.4.3.1 Fittings used for plastic pipes
Figure 1.4.3.2 Fittings for steel pipes
Engineering Utilities Engr. Sherwin M. Paala 2020
socket coupling
bushing reducer Sanitary Tee
coupling reducer end cap
Tee reducer
elbow reducer male adapter
Tee reducer Sanitary Elbow, 45
female adapter
Sanitary elbow, 90
elbow , 45 degree
union patente socket
U- Trap
elbow, 90 degree
union
Clean out
threaded elbow
Tee
male plug
female plug Tee
1.4.3.3 Different kinds of fittings for blue pipes and sanitary network
Engineering Utilities Engr. Sherwin M. Paala 2020
1.4.3.3 Different kinds of fittings for blue pipes and sanitary network
