Plastic revolutionized the manufacture of items once produced only in metal, and the plastic fittings business is no exception. Each plastic fitting offers lightweight and easy installation. They’re non-conductive in electrical fields and feature heat-resistant properties.

Plastic fittings maintain their special features courtesy of the various plastic materials used in manufacturing, like PVC, CPVC, polypropylene and nylon. Plumbing, construction, industry and homeowners use plastic pipe fittings among other types. When viewing websites, buy plastic fittings with the following in mind:

1. Some websites list applications for particular plastic fittings to help you match the right material for your specific application.

2. Save time by knowing the dimensions of the fitting needed, because most websites maintain extensive inventory specifications.

3. Quickly locate a plastic fitting by category or photo; then search within particular kinds of products to find size and material options.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get plastic compression fittings for ease of use

Plastic provides resistance to corrosion and scale buildup. These fittings connect one or two pipes to a valve or fixture.

I recommend: Choose union, bulkhead, tees, connectors and elbow plastic compression fittings at Fast Fittings, Inc. Order your plastic compression fittings from a nice selection at Plastic Depot.

Find plastic hose fittings for lightweight and easy assembly

These fittings provide fast connects and disconnects from hoses.

I recommend: Select plastic hose barbs that include 1/16 and 1/8 inch quick-disconnect miniature plastic fittings at Cole-Parmer Instrument Co. Go to Lasco Fittings, Inc. and choose residential/commercial socket and swivel hose adapter fittings by the carton or pallet; click “Click here for current prices.” Select swivel plastic air fittings with prices at Power Aire, Inc.

Buy plastic pipe fittings for plumbing and industrial requirements

Buy industrial plastic fittings with common types made of nylon, PVC and CPVC.

I recommend: Go to MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. to order end connectors, tank adapters and reducer bushings to name a few, with prices. Get male, female and union elbows at P.E.P.; order from number at the bottom of page for company discounts. Get hard-to-find CPVC fittings that include couplings, drop ear, 90- and 45-degree street elbows, bushings and more at PlumbingSupply.com. Go to United States Plastic Corp. for a wide selection of PVC pipe fittings.

Work directly with a plastic fittings manufacturer for parts and solutions

Choose popular fittings covering a nice application range from these companies. Premium grade barbs range up to 125 PSI without clamps in nylon and polypropylene.

I recommend: Click “PFA, Fine Thread Flare Fittings” or “PFA, Two-Ferrule Fittings” at Swagelok Co. To buy plastic fittings from Midland Metal Mfg. Co., first select a category that includes plastic hose, compression, plastic pipe and push-in, then call the order desk number at the catalog bottom to process. Select premium grade barbed connectors, tees, elbows and “Y” plastic fittings at Ark-Plas Products, Inc.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  CPVC plastic fittings and pipes maintain the characteristics of PVC but with added functionality. CPVC requires special solvent cement designed for this material when assembling. Check local building codes for approval in hot and cold water applications.