Pipe Fitting Tips For Beginners

Pipe fitting requires a high level of precision, but it also takes a great deal of patience and skill. Even a minor error can cause big problems later on down the line. If you plan to handle a fitting task on your own, you must be prepared for the job if you want quality results. Discover some tips that can set you on the right path forward. 

Practice

A baseball player doesn't go from the minor leagues to the big leagues without practice. You should adopt the same mindset when it comes to your pipe fitting efforts. Take some time to practice before you begin the process and maybe do a few mock fittings before you get started. 

The trial fitting may seem cost-effective, but the cost and time you spend on this step come along with a much lower commitment than if the fitting fails and you have a leak on your hands. Additionally, if you don't feel confident in your skills, don't be afraid to contact a professional. 

Double-Check Measurements

A large part of efficiently executing a pipe fitting is ensuring your measurements are accurate. You don't want to get to the end of the process to discover that the angle of the pipe is off by even a few degrees because this mistake will put you right back at step one. 

When the fitting is not properly aligned, the connection likely won't fit, and even if you're able to make it fit, there is a significant chance a leak will develop later on due to the inaccuracy. After you have collected your measurements, step away, and then return and re-perform the measurements to ensure they are accurate. 

Find the Right Balance

There is a balance when pipe fitting. You can find yourself on the wrong side of the scale if you screw your joints together too tightly. All fittings have a rubber seal inside them. When you over-tighten the connection, you put holes inside the seal. 

Even a small hole leaves enough room for water to leak through. In addition to damaging the rubber seal, over-tightening will strip the threads on the fitting. Once the threads are stripped, the fitting is no longer useful and must be replaced. Tighten the fittings just enough so that the connection is secure, but not overly tight. If you can't undo the connection, it's too tight.

The most important thing you can do is take your time and use quality supplies. Find a retailer that has the pipe fitting supplies you need to get the job done accurately. 

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