Pipes and Fittings

There are various kinds of plumbing pipes and fittings you can choose for your plumbing requirements in New Zealand. All of these have specific roles to play in completing the plumbing system of your home and it's vital to know what you need and how much. Metal pipes and fittings are suited to applications where strength, temperature resistance and connection requirements need to be assessed together.

Plumbing fittings are essential to connect all your pipes and other plumbing parts together to form a system. The main types of plumbing fittings include elbows, tees, reducers, unions, couplings, and more.

End connections are attached to the flange. The most common types of end connections include flanged, threaded, but welds, and socket welds.

Pipes are the parts of your plumbing system that connect the different components together and transport water and other liquids throughout the home. Pipes are made from a variety of materials including copper, galvanised steel, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). The same material and connection questions apply to industrial hose and pipe fittings, where pressure ratings and the joining method need to suit the system. Gutter pipes and fittings need to suit the roof drainage layout and the volume of runoff they carry.

Many people in New Zealand harbour the false impression that if they invest in high-quality plumbing fixtures, like water pumps, they can cut down on the fittings and even the pipes needed. This can lead to a catastrophic situation since the plumbing fittings help keep everything together. If they aren’t high-quality, they can compromise your entire plumbing system so it’s vital to check for the best quality fittings, like those featured on ArchiPro.

There are various factors to consider when choosing the right pipes and fittings for your home or business in New Zealand. One of the major factors is the material used. While you may feel that it's just water and you can opt for plastic fixtures, you should consider the temperature of the liquid and also the possibility of hot oil or other liquids you may want to dispose of using the plumbing system. It's also essential to take into consideration the ease of maintenance so you won't have to spend hours or huge amounts of money to keep the system functioning efficiently. Plumbing can be complex so if in doubt be sure to consult a professional plumber for advice. For garden irrigation pipes and fittings, consider pressure, exposure to sunlight and the connection method when selecting materials. For swimming pool pipes and fittings, material choice depends on the pool system and the water treatment used.