Plumbing Fittings

You know, a leaking pipe doesn’t always mean you need to panic and call a plumber right away. With some basic tools and a bit of knowledge, most homeowners can tackle those pesky little leaks pretty quickly and safely. So, if you're up for it, here’s a straightforward guide to handling the most common pipe leaks in your home—without the wait (or the bill) for a pro.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water
First things first—before you get your hands dirty, find that shutoff valve and turn off the water. If you’re having trouble locating it, just shut off the main water line to the house. Better safe than sorry, right?

Step 2: Identify the Type of Leak
Now, take a good look at the leak. Is it a tiny pinhole? A loose joint? Or maybe a crack in the pipe? Figuring out what kind of leak you’re dealing with is key to deciding how to fix it.

Step 3: Use a Pipe Repair Clamp for Fast Temporary Fixes
If you need a quick fix, grab a pipe repair clamp. Seriously, these things are lifesavers! You can stop the leak

Ever hear the term capillary fitting and wonder if it had something to do with blood vessels? Don’t worry—it’s strictly plumbing. But it does involve a tight connection. Let’s talk about copper capillary fittings and why they’ve stood the test of time.

 
What Are Copper Capillary Fittings?
Copper capillary fittings are soldered pipe connectors that rely on a process called capillary action. That’s when molten solder flows into the narrow gap between the fitting and the pipe by surface tension.

Here’s how it works:

Heat the joint
Apply solder to the edge
The solder is drawn into the joint, creating a sealed connection
It’s a strong, watertight bond—no screws, clamps, or compression needed.

What Makes a Fitting “Capillary”?
The design is what makes these fittings so effective:

The fitting has an internal socket slightly larger than the pipe
When heated, this tight gap allows solder to flow in naturally
The result is a clean, compact, and permanent joint
Capillary fittings are also called

Copper fittings are typically made from a type of copper alloy, which means they’re almost entirely copper with small amounts of other elements mixed in.

Why? Because pure copper is too soft to handle the pressure of your plumbing system.

 
What Are Copper Fittings Made Of?

Most plumbing copper fittings are made from deoxidized high phosphorus copper C12200. That’s about 99.9 percent copper with just a touch of phosphorus. This improves weldability and corrosion resistance.

Strong enough to withstand water pressure
Flexible enough to shape and join easily
Resistant to corrosion and scaling
You might also hear about:

Type L or M copper used in pipes Type L is thicker
Wrought copper used in elbows, tees, and couplings
So no, you’re not getting 24 karat jewelry level purity, but you are getting fittings built to last decades.

 
Why Not Use 100 Percent Pure Copper?
Pure copper is soft. Really soft. That makes it great for sculptures and wires but not so great for fittings under pressure.

Adding

Hi there, it’s me - Plumb! Yup, the friendly plumbing mascot from Plumbfounded. I know pipes and fittings might sound a little... well, boring. But trust me, choosing the right plumbing fittings is kinda like choosing the best sidekick for your superhero adventures. So grab your wrench and let’s dive into the world of PVC, copper, PEX, and more!

 
What Are Plumbing Fittings (and Why Should You Care)?
Plumbing fittings are the connectors that join your pipes together, help water flow in the right direction, and keep leaks from ruining your day. Think elbows, tees, couplings, valves—you name it. Choosing the right fitting depends on where it’s going, what it’s carrying (water, gas, air), and your budget.

So... which plumbing fittings are best? Well, it depends! (Don’t worry, Plumb’s gonna break it down for ya.)

 
The Best Types of Plumbing Fittings for Beginners
1. PVC Fittings (aka plastic but powerful)
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is lightweight, affordable, and easy to work with—making it