Joining[edit]

Main article: Piping and plumbing fittings

Pipes are commonly joined by welding, using threaded pipe and fittings; sealing the connection
with a pipe thread compound, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Thread seal tape, oakum, or PTFE
string, or by using a mechanical coupling. Process piping is usually joined by welding using a TIG
or MIG process. The most common process pipe joint is the butt weld. The ends of pipe to be
welded must have a certain weld preparation called an End Weld Prep (EWP) which is typically
at an angle of 37.5 degrees to accommodate the filler weld metal. The most common pipe thread
in North America is the National Pipe Thread (NPT) or the Dryseal (NPTF) version. Other pipe
threads include the British standard pipe thread (BSPT), the garden hose thread (GHT), and
the fire hose coupling (NST).
Copper pipes are typically joined by soldering, brazing, compression fittings, flaring,
or crimping. Plastic pipes may be joined by solvent welding, heat fusion, or elastomeric sealing.
If frequent disconnection will be required, gasketed pipe flanges or union fittings provide better
reliability than threads. Some thin-walled pipes of ductile material, such as the smaller copper or
flexible plastic water pipes found in homes for ice makers and humidifiers, for example, may be
joined with compression fittings.

A HDPE ring main that has been joined with an Electrofusion Tee.

Underground pipe typically uses a "push-on" gasket style of pipe that compresses a gasket into a
space formed between the two adjoining pieces. Push-on joints are available on most types of
pipe. A pipe joint lubricant must be used in the assembly of the pipe. Under buried conditions,
gasket-joint pipes allow for lateral movement due to soil shifting as well as expansion/contraction
due to temperature differentials.[11] Plastic MDPE and HDPE gas and water pipes are also often
joined with Electrofusion fittings.
Large above ground pipe typically uses a flanged joint, which is generally available in ductile iron
pipe and some others. It is a gasket style where the flanges of the adjoining pipes are bolted
together, compressing the gasket into a space between the pipe.
Mechanical grooved couplings or Victaulic joints are also frequently used for frequent
disassembly and assembly. Developed in the 1920s, these mechanical grooved couplings can
operate up to 120 pounds per square inch (830 kPa) working pressures and available in
materials to match the pipe grade. Another type of mechanical coupling is a flareless tube fitting
(Major brands include Swagelok, Ham-Let, Parker); this type of compression fitting is typically
used on small tubing under 2 inches (51 mm) in diameter.
When pipes join in chambers where other components are needed for the management of the
network (such as valves or gauges), dismantling joints are generally used, in order to make
mounting/dismounting easier.

Fittings and valves[edit]

Copper pipe fittings

Fittings are also used to split or join a number of pipes together, and for other purposes. A broad
variety of standardized pipe fittings are available; they are generally broken down into either a
tee, an elbow, a branch, a reducer/enlarger, or a wye. Valves control fluid flow and regulate
pressure. The piping and plumbing fittings and valves articles discuss them further.