Working on both new and older pipe and valve systems requires many supplies and tools. Things like pipe threaders, cutters, vises, wrenches and other tools are required to manipulate and install new piping. Additional supplies for pipe and valve fittings include pipe threading compound and cutting oil, depending on the type of pipe you're working with.

Pipe fitting suppliers often sell supplies for pipe and valve fittings in addition to the pipes and valves themselves. The tools needed for working with valves and fittings can be purchased at most local hardware stores or online tool outlets.

1. Know what type of pipe you'll be working with. Depending on the pipe type, you may need additional or different tools.

2. When replacing the seal on a pipe and valve, always replace any plumber's tape with the new seal.

3. Plumber's tape is sometimes color coded to identify the type of pipelines, from gas to oxygen or water pipes.

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Get a pipe cutter to cut your pipe and valves

A rotary pipe cutter works best for steel pipe fitting and installation. A rotary pipe cutter allows you to rotate the pipe, which makes a square, even cut. This is extremely important for pipes you plan to attach a fitting or valve. Uneven cutting can result in leaks and improper joints. Rotary cutters work best on copper and steel pipe. In some cases, you may be able to use a power hacksaw to cut pipe.

I recommend: Buy a pipe cutter from Home Depot, or read more about steel piping use and installation at the American Iron and Steel Institute.

Purchase a threading tool to help attach your pipe valve and fittings

Some pipe fitting manufacturers sell pre-measured and threaded piping, but sometimes you may have to thread your own pipe. You can do this using a threader tool that clamps onto the end of a pipe and rotates, carving in the circular threads. This process is generally used only on steel pipe, and can be used to connect two pieces or a fitting onto a pipe.

I recommend: Find a pipe threader at Drill Spot, or purchase one from Toolfetch.

Use pipe thread or plumber's tape to secure your pipe fittings and valves

Plumber's tape is used to seal pipe joints and pipe valves and fittings. Pipe thread can be used for this as well. Teflon tape, pipe thread or threading compound is usually applied on the male ends of each piece at the connection between two pipe pieces to prevent leaks and keep a tighter seal. Because the tape is soft it easily fills up any air spaces between connected pipe pieces and fittings or valves.

I recommend: Use this chart from PlumbingSupply.com to help determine your pipe thread sizes, or read more about valve and fitting replacement with pipe thread at HammerZone.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Flexible copper piping and pipe valves are often easier to work with an install than traditional copper and steel piping. Copper piping requires less experience and tooling to install fittings and valves. If your project allows it, consider using flexible copper piping.

Pipe valves and fittings come in a myriad of shapes and sizes. They are made of various materials, including brass, stainless steel, plastic and aluminum.

Fittings and valves must be exactly sized in order to connect pipes of many different lengths and sizes and facilitate the flow of solid materials or fluids. Using a pipe fitting even a fraction of an inch too big or small can lead to performance problems, leaks and extra time spent correcting the problem.

When considering pipe fittings and valves for your next project, keep these variables in mind:

1. Pipe thread size required for pipe fittings and valves.

2. Temperature and pressure conditions the pipe valves may be exposed to.

3. Materials compatibility of fittings and valves.

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Choose the proper pipe fittings and valves for your projects

End-users in the valves and fittings industry know that using the correct parts is critical to timely project completion and effective operations. A leaky valve or improperly sized pipe fitting will cost you in time, money and hassles.

I recommend: Fast Fittings has an excellent listing of pipe fittings and valve fittings of all types and materials. If you need something that is not listed on their website, Fast Fittings invites you to send them a request. They will locate the part you require and get an answer to you as quickly as possible. Plumbing Fittings Direct breaks fittings down into categories including copper fittings, brass fittings, valves, PVC fittings, black fittings and galvanized fittings.

Find pipe fitting manufacturers

Rather than searching for pipe fitting manufacturers by individual companies, save time by visiting a web-based directory of pipe fittings manufacturers.

I recommend: ThomasNet enables searches by product or service, brand, state or specific company name. The All Products Online Corporation breaks down pipe and valve fitting information by specific type of pipe fitting or valve. Worldwide manufacturers are included in their directory, and their available products are summarized.

Compare pipe fitting suppliers

Pipe fittings supplier directories are the best way to see a variety of suppliers, from local to national. Websites that let you search for specific pipe valves are big time savers. You get a lot of information all in one place, which almost always includes a link to the suppliers.

I recommend: GlobalSpec quickly produces a list of pipe fitting suppliers when you enter either the specific product name or a product category. You'll also find parts standards, material properties, and application notes here. At S & J Products you can enter preliminary information to be classified as a wholesaler. S & J Products will use a discount multiplier to determine your cost for products. You can use this multiplier for all items purchased online or at their store.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Find a pipe and valves supplier you can develop a comfortable relationship with. You may be able to get a discount on shipping or delivery. The company may also offer discounts on volume purchases.

Knowing how to install and replace valves and fittings can save you a tremendous amount of time, energy and money. You can save on repair costs, and you can save your business from unwanted liquid or gas leaks that can cost your business thousands of dollars.

Pipe and valve fittings education and training can come in many forms. You can pick up a book, you can download an ebook, you can read articles online, watch a streaming video tutorial, take a class and more. Whatever means you choose to improve your knowledge of valve fittings, take that information and apply it to your business. Ask if your pipe and valves are doing the job that they are supposed to if and if overall performance has been maximized.

To make the most of your pipe and valve fittings education and training resources:

1. Start with a general knowledge of fittings and valves.

2. Jump into tutorial information on the pipe valve.

3. Proceed to more comprehensive information on fittings and valves.

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Begin with background information on pipe fittings and valves

Having general knowledge about pipe fittings and valves will help you gain a better understanding of why the pieces work together the way that they do. It will also help you ask better questions when you go to talk to pipe fitting suppliers or pipe fitting manufacturers for parts.

I recommend: Start with background information on pipe fittings from wiseGEEK. Familiarize yourself with pipe fitting materials and types by studying the information from The Pipe Fittings.

Jump into information resources on valves and fittings

Seek out tutorial resources on pipe valves and their installation or repair.

I recommend: Take advantage of the information from SweetHaven Publishing Services on using fittings on pipe runs. The information shared not only offers directions, but also offers diagrams as well. DoItYourself.com offers directions on how to install a shut off valve to a hot or cold water supply.

Consider more comprehensive guides to valves and fittings

You might want to delve into more in depth resources on the topic of valves and fittings. These might include more detailed manuals or more comprehensive looks at various valves or fittings.

I recommend: Consider purchasing the ebook Army FM 3-34_471 (Field Manual) Plumbing, Pipe Fitting and Sewerage for your next plumbing and piping project. IMPO by Advantage Business Media's A Guide to Tube and Pipe Fittings: Ten Types Examined also offers a comprehensive look at how valve and fittings can impact cost savings on a business.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't only look for read only valves and fittings resources. Seek out video resources as well. Learn from experts by watching them do it, not just from reading a manual and trying to visualize what the steps look like in your head.

Pipe and valve fittings are crucial when setting up anything from sewer systems to air conditioning. It is very important to know whether or not you need PVC piping or carbon steel for your industry. You should also know how to use plumber's tape to make a simple pipe and valve fitting repair. Piping often includes materials that could be potentially dangerous due to heat or pressure. This is just one of the many reasons that it is essential to know pipe and valve fittings key terms to make the right pipe and valve choices.

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Polyvinyl chloride

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe is durable piping made from a combination of plastic and vinyl materials. PVC pipe lasts a long time and can be used in a variety of applications including sewer and water systems. It doesn't rust or wear easily, making it a common piping choice.

I recommend: Alsco describes different uses for PVC piping.

Carbon steel

Carbon steel piping is heat resistant, making it ideal for fencing, framing and low-pressure liquids. Carbon steel can withstand heat up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Carbon steel piping comes in many different sizes to adapt to any project.

I recommend: Metals Depot explains the benefits of using carbon steel piping.

Butterfly valves

Butterfly valves are made of a metal disc that is attached to a rod. Using a quarter-turn, the butterfly valve can block any opening when closed. The most common use of a butterfly valve is in the carburettor of a car.

I recommend: The Valve Directory details the specifications of a butterfly valve.

Pipe threaders

Pipe threaders are machines that score unique threads into pipe fittings. These machines allow the same types of pipes to match up with one another and still have a unique thread pattern.

I recommend: Contractors Tool Supply outlines a type of pipe threader.

Plumber's tape

Plumber's tape is used to complete the seal on some pipes to prevent leaking or loose fittings. Plumber's tape can also be used to make small piping repairs.

I recommend: Acme Parts describes how to use plumber's tape effectively.

Check valves

Check valves are used for pressure relief in either water or air applications. They come in a variety of sizes and pressure gauges. Combined with other fittings and parts, check valves can be customized to adapt to many applications.

I recommend: Smart Products details the many uses for check valves.