Pipefitter Training: Pipe Materials And Installation Methods Used By Pipefitters

A pipe is a tube-like structure that transports fluids or gasses from one point to another. During pipefitter training pipefitters, trained in installing, repairing, and maintaining pipefitting systems, use various pipe materials and installation methods depending on the project’s requirements. In this article, let’s discuss the types of pipe materials and installation methods trained pipefitters of pipefitter training use.

Pipe Materials

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Pipes

These pipes are made of plastic and are used mainly for drainage and venting systems. They are lightweight, easy to install, and affordable. PVC pipes are also corrosion-resistant, making them an excellent choice in harsh environments in pipe fitter training institute. However, they are unsuitable for hot water systems.

CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) Pipes

PVC and CPVC pipes are similar, but CPVC pipes are manufactured of a specific form of plastic that is heat-resistant. As a result, they are widely used in residential and commercial applications, primarily for hot and cold water systems in vocational colleges.

PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) Pipes

PEX pipes are pipefitting materials, simple to install, and primarily utilized for water supply systems. They are an excellent option for cold locations since they resist chemicals, UV radiation, and freeze damage. Compression, crimping, and push-fit are further techniques for joining PEX pipes.

Copper Pipes

Pipefitters learn to work with copper pipes at pipe fitter training institute. Pipefitting systems frequently employ copper pipes because of their longevity and resistance to rust and corrosion. They are perfect for pipefitting applications in home and business settings since they are simple to connect and manipulate. There are two varieties of copper pipes: rigid copper and soft copper. In contrast to soft copper pipes, used in low-pressure applications like refrigerant lines, wooden copper pipes are utilized when subjected to high pressure or stress, such as underground water lines.

Galvanized Steel Pipes

Galvanized steel pipes are made of steel coated with a layer of zinc to protect from rust and corrosion in pipefitter training. They are used mainly for water supply systems but can also be used for gas lines. Galvanized steel pipes are durable and robust but are prone to corrosion and rust over time, which can cause blockages and leaks.

Cast Iron Pipes

Cast iron pipes are used for drainage systems because of their strength and resilience. They are an excellent option for immense structures and commercial applications since they can withstand high pressures and are corrosion-resistant. However, they are less common than other pipe materials since they are bulky, costly, and challenging to install.

Installation Methods

The kind of pipe material, the location, and the intended usage all affect the pipefitting pipe installation technique. Here are a few of the installation techniques that skilled pipe fitters of pipe fitter training course most frequently employ: 

Soldering

Pipefitter at vocational colleges for pipefitting learn soldering. Copper pipes are connected using the soldering technique. It entails adding soldering paste to the junction after heating the pipes using a torch. The paste fuses and melts the two lines, forging a solid, long-lasting connection.

Compression Fitting

Pipes of various materials or diameters can be joined using compression fittings. They apply pressure on a ferrule or gasket against the line to form a watertight seal. Compression fittings may be used in residential and commercial pipefitting systems and are simple to install.

Threaded Fitting

Galvanized pipes are connected with threaded fittings. They function by tightly sealing the pipes together while threading them together. In a pipe fitter training course needing high pressure, threaded fittings are frequently utilized in water supply lines and other purposes.

Welding

A technique from the best trade schools for pipefitting for joining pipes composed of materials like steel or cast iron is welding. It entails torching the lines and using a welding rod to fuse them. In heavy-duty pipefitting applications, welding is a frequent permanent pipe-joining technique.

Gluing

PVC pipes are joined together using glue. Pipefitting systems entail smearing PVC cement over the connection and squeezing the pipes together. The cement’s strong and long-lasting bonding properties make it the best choice for wastewater and drain lines.

Conclusion

In conclusion, trained pipefitters from the best trade schools for pipefitting use various pipe materials and installation methods to ensure pipefitting systems are correctly installed and function efficiently. Copper, PVC, PEX, galvanized, and cast iron pipes are commonly used in pipefitting systems. In addition, soldering, compression fitting, threaded fitting, welding, and gluing are the most widespread methods trained pipefitters use.