Installing Pe Fittings: A Guide to Different Methods

There are many types of plastic pipes available nowadays for securing pipelines for domestic, industrial and commercial buildings and for lasting efficiency and leakproof connections, it is important to choose fittings of the same material as the pipe or a compatible material and method. When it comes to Polyethylene or PE pipes, there are a number of PE fittings available which can be used to join the pipes using different methods, with electrofusion and heat fusion being the most common ones. Let us understand them in brief:

1. Butt welding: Generally, PE fittings are joined through the method of heat fusion, one of which is the butt welding method. In this method, the two PE pipe ends are heated to the desired temperature and are then put together with the action of force. This type of joint can also be used for pipes with different wall thickness.

2. Saddle fusion: Another heat fusion method for joining PE pipes is saddle or conventional fusion. In this method, a saddle fusion machine is required which connects the two pipes. The pipes to be connected and the saddle fitting are both heated and fused together to form a secure connection.

3. Socket fusion: The socket fusion method for joining PE pipes is also a heat fusion method. In this, both the internal and the external surface of the PE pipe are heated and the pipe to be inserted is fixed and kept in place until the joint cools and the pipes are joined together.

4. Electrofusion: In the electrofusion method for joining PE fittings and pipes, the fittings have a built in electric heating element, which is used to weld the two ends together and secure a connection. Since this method does not require any specialized equipment, it is preferred by contractors.

5. Mechanical couplings: PE pipes may also be connected using push-fit systems which are mechanical couplings installed with fittings that have seal rings at the ends to secure the connections. However, these fittings may not be very ideal for high pressure installations and an alternative may be needed.

Choose the best quality PE pipes and fittings for your requirements from Wavin, a global leader in the manufacture and supply of plastic pipes and fittings. Wavin’s PE fittings are ideal for use in different environments and can withstand the harshest service conditions for soil and waste disposal with highest efficiency.