There are many different types of plumbing fittings that plumbers need to know about. Being familiar with the different fittings will make things easier for you when you begin to work as a plumber. The fittings are designed to easily connect sections of pipe or tubing. They can also be used to control fluid flow, when necessary. When you're undertaking a plumbing course, you'll learn about how the different fittings are used and how to find the right ones for the job you're performing. They are made from a variety of materials that offer distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Plumbing fittings use a variety of different materials, and the type used often depends on local regulations. For example, in areas that experience a lot of earthquakes, more durable materials must be used to avoid problems associated with water or gas leaks. Polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC, is a very common material, especially for plumbing in homes. Copper and steel are also commonly used, although they are somewhat more expensive. Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, known as CPVC, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, called ABS, are durable alternatives to PVC. The material that needs to be used depends mostly on the type of job it is used for.

One thing that many plumbing students are interested to find out about is the fact that there are several ways to attach plumbing fittings. Threaded pipe allows the fittings to be easily screwed into place. Soldering is a fairly efficient way to connect fittings to pipe, especially at construction sites. A similar technique called brazing is used when higher temperatures are necessary. Welding is used mostly in high-performance situations, with construction on nuclear reactors being an example. Several other fittings are designed to be attached using crimping or compression.

There are several common plumbing fittings that almost everyone is familiar with. When you take a course to become a plumber, you'll be able to work with these fittings and familiarize yourself with their use. Couplings are used for connecting pipes, and similar fittings may be known as unions, adapters or reducers. Elbows are commonly used to change the direction that water flows in, and are often found on water softening systems. Tees are used when it's necessary to split the water flow into two different directions. Plugs and caps are used to close up pipes that have an open end, which is essential when a gas appliance is no longer in use.

Becoming familiar with the various plumbing fittings is a good way to get more out of your studies. During a plumbing course, you'll be able to work with these fittings hands-on. This is good practice for your future career. Once you've becoming familiar with how the fittings work, you'll be better-prepared to perform even the more complex projects. It may seem like there is a lot of new information to learn. However, most students are able to learn about plumbing fairly quickly. The right type of plumbing course will certainly help you start your career off right.