The Quick Guide To The Types of PVC Couplings

PVC couplings are an essential component of any piping system, offering an inexpensive and straightforward solution for connecting pipes, adjusting tubing thickness, and repairing broken or leaking pipes. With a wide range of applications across industries such as water supply, water treatment, petroleum, gas, chemical, environmental protection, and pharmaceuticals, PVC couplings are known for their quality and corrosion-resistant properties.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types of PVC couplings to help you find the best one for your specific needs.

Full Couplings

Full couplings are used to connect small bore pipes and can be threaded or socket ends types. They provide a secure and reliable connection between two pipes or a pipe and a swage or nipple. A socket weld full coupling is ideal for joining small-bore plain end pipes with a socket weld requirement, while a threaded full coupling is used for small bore pipes with threaded ends. Adapters are usually referred to when the two ends of the coupling are different.

Half Couplings

Half couplings are half the size of full couplings and have a socket or thread end on only one side. They are commonly used for small-bore branching from a vessel or large-bore pipe. Similar to full couplings, half couplings can be threaded or socket-type. A socket weld half coupling can be directly welded to a large bore pipe to create a branch connection, while a threaded half coupling has one thread end and another end that should be a butt welding end.

Reducing Coupling

Reducing couplings, also known as reducers, have ends that use the same connection method but are of different sizes. They are used to connect pipes of dissimilar diameters and feature two different sizes of threads on each side. Reducing couplings are commonly used to extend existing pipes, join small process feeder lines into large supply circuits, install small diameter fittings, or repair broken pipes. They come in simple, stepped-down profiles and can be screwed in the same way as standard pipe joints.

Compression Coupling

Compression couplings, or tees, are specialized fittings designed for joining existing PVC pipes or tubes. They consist of three parts: the compression nut, the compression ring, and the compression seat. These couplings prevent leakage using gaskets or rubber seals on both sides or by applying glue. They connect two perfectly aligned pipes, with a slotted tapered sleeve placed over the junction and two flanges drawn over the sleeve to center the pipes and provide sufficient contact pressure. Compression couplings are primarily used for underground connections and are suitable for potable drinking water in cold water applications.

Slip Coupling / Repair Coupling

Slip couplings, also known as repair couplings, offer a convenient solution for repairing burst pipes or leaks. They allow up to two inches of PVC pipe to be removed and repaired using a single fitting. Slip couplings are deliberately made without any internal stop, allowing them to be easily slipped into tight locations or used for the repair of pipes with small leaks due to corrosion or freezing. These couplings contain two pipes arranged one into another, with the inner pipe able to slide up to various lengths. Slip couplings do the job of two couplings and an extra pipe, making them ideal for fixing long-length damaged pipes.

PVC Repair Couplings Vs Couplings

PVC repair couplings differ from regular couplings in several ways. While regular couplings can join pipes of various materials, including PVC, metal, and plastic, using smooth connections that slide over the pipes, PVC repair couplings are specifically designed for joining PVC pipes and offer threaded connections that can be screwed onto pipes. PVC repair couplings are an easy and quick way to repair plumbing leaks, while regular couplings are more versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications. Additionally, PVC repair couplings are generally more affordable than regular couplings, but they may be less commonly available and offer limited sizes and shapes.

Internal Couplings

Internal couplings connect inside PVC pipes and provide a smooth appearance.

External Couplings

External couplings connect over PVC pipes and leave a visible connection.

Permanent Couplings

Permanent couplings are used for joining steel or copper tubing or adhesives and provide excellent rigidity, stability, and sealing properties. These couplings typically utilize soldering or brazing for steel or copper pipes and deliver a secure connection without any potential piping improvements in mind.

Removable Couplings

Removable pipe couplings are designed with a threaded design that allows them to be screwed onto pipes for easy assembly and disassembly. They are sealed and set with hemp or sealing tape, providing a secure connection that can be easily removed when needed. The simplest and smallest of removable couplings is a wide base pipe segment slightly larger than the pipes to be joined and cut by an internal thread.

In conclusion, PVC couplings are a versatile and cost-effective solution for connecting, adjusting, and repairing pipes in various industries. Understanding the different types of PVC couplings will help you choose the most suitable one for your specific needs. Whether you require a full coupling, half coupling, reducing coupling, compression coupling, or slip coupling/repair coupling, PVC couplings offer reliable and efficient performance.

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FAQs about PVC Coupling Types

• What is the difference between a pipe coupling and a pipe union?

There is a fundamental difference between a coupling and a union. A coupling is used to join or connect pipes, while a union is specifically designed for the assembly and disassembly of parts in a piping system during maintenance or replacement.

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