This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
This Website Uses Cookies
By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Learn More
This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
Plumbing and Mechanical (pmmag) logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Plumbing and Mechanical (pmmag) logo
  • Home
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Digital Edition
    • Archives
    • Product Focus
    • Truck of the Month
    • Plumber of the Month
    • Tool Tips
    • PM Profile
    • Ad Index
    • Bookstore
  • Market Sectors
    • Plumbing News
    • Mechanical Systems
    • Radiant/Hydronics
    • Solar Thermal/Geothermal
    • Green
    • Bath & Kitchen
    • Fire Protection
    • Water Quality
    • Technology
    • Codes
    • Business Management
  • Columnists
    • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
    • Al Levi: Managing your business
    • Dan Holohan: Heating Help
    • Kenny Chapman: Blue Collar Coach
    • Adams Hudson: Marketing Strategies
    • Jim Hamilton: The Bottom Line
    • Ray Wohlfarth: The Boiler Room
    • Nicole Krawcke: Editorial Opinion
    • Julius Ballanco: Plumbing Primer
    • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
    • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
  • Blog
    • The 7-Power Contractor
    • PM On The Road
  • Radiant & Hydronics
  • Multimedia
    • PM AHR Expo 2019 Videos
    • Photo Gallery
    • PM Network Videos
    • PM YouTube Channel
    • Podcasts
    • Webinars
    • Showrooms
    • eBooks
  • Products
  • More
    • History of Plumbing
    • Industry Calendar
    • Classified Ads
    • Industry Links
    • Radiant Comfort Report
    • Green Plumbing & Heating
    • PVF Outlook
    • PB Outlook
    • Sponsor Insights
    • eNewsletters
    • Subscribe to Plumbing Group eNewsletters
    • Market Research
  • Directories
    • RCR Buyers Guide
    • B.I.G. Book
    • Rep Locator
  • Contact
    • Advertise
Home » The Pipe Joint Conundrum
Columnists

The Pipe Joint Conundrum

February 16, 2006
Julius Ballanco P.E., CPD
Reprints
2 Comments
Over the past few years, we have seen a number of new joining methods introduced. They have ranged from press-connect, to push-fit, to one-step solvent cement, to unshielded couplings.

You have read about many of these new joining methods in PM. Many of you have become quick converts. Sometimes, you have waited for others to be the initial guinea pigs.

One of the biggest concerns voiced has been, “Does the code allow these new joining methods?”

Good question!

Code approval has become a problem area. But you cannot always blame the code-writing organizations. Many times, it is the standard writing organizations that have been delaying the acceptance of new joining methods. They are the groups that need a kick in the butt.

The Code Acceptance Process

From the time a change is proposed to a plumbing code, it could take three years until you see it in print. That is just the way the timing works. A code change is submitted, it is published in a review book, there is a hearing, the results of the hearing are published, comments are submitted on the results, a second hearing reviews the code change again, and finally, if it is approved, it is printed in the next edition of the code.

However, you must realize that the plumbing code needs a standard to reference if a new joining method is going to be added to the code. That means you first must start with a standards organization. Some standards groups are good at getting out standards on new technology; others are miserable.

The purpose of the standard is to provide consensus requirements to regulate the joining method. The requirements must be nonproprietary, with enough strength to prevent inferior products from entering the market. The last thing you need is an inferior fitting that will fail in a short period of time.

For years the plumbing industry has relied on the standards to assure a high quality for its products. There are standards for solvent cementing, threading, no-hub couplings, etc.

The plastic industry has been very good about getting out standards to regulate new joining methods. For example, there is a standard for one-step solvent cement for CPVC. All of the model plumbing codes now recognize one-step solvent cement.

For PEX fittings, ASTM F877 is a generic standard that allows manufacturers to develop any new joining method for PEX tubing. The newer push-fit fittings for PEX can be evaluated to ASTM F877. You can be assured a quality fitting if the fittings meet this standard. This is something that you should be checking before using newer fittings.

One of the disaster areas for developing new fitting and joining standards has been ASME. Plumbing is just not high on the list of importance to mechanical engineers. Hence, the standards on plumbing pipe fittings and joints are treated like a bastard stepchild.

In 1999, the copper press fitting manufacturers approached ASME about developing a consensus standard for the fittings. Included with the request was a draft of the standard.

Here it is 2006, and ASME still has not completed the standard. Not only that, the main committee overseeing development just rejected the proposed standard. After six years of work, they just don't like the standard. The problem is that it is not a high-tech-type standard for nuclear power plants; it's only plumbing.

The copper push-fit fitting standard is being developed by the same ASME committee. It cannot be considered until the press-connect fitting standard is completed.

ASME needs to correct its ways. The treatment of these two standards has been despicable. This has caused some jurisdictions to restrict the acceptance of press-connection or push-fit fittings. If you have encountered this, it is because of ASME, not the manufacturers.

However, realize that the press-connect and push-fit fitting manufacturers have addressed the code acceptance of the fittings correctly. All of the plumbing codes permit copper tubing to be joined by mechanical fittings. We use mechanical fittings all the time; for example, under the sink on the connection to the angle stop.

To regulate the fittings, they developed a PS standard at IAPMO. The difference between PS standards and ASTM or ASME standards is that PS standards are not national consensus standards. They are developed through a slightly different process. That is why the manufacturers continue to pursue the standards at ASME.

What To Look For

As a plumbing contractor, you probably ask, “What should I look for in any new joining system?” I would recommend that you always insist on a third-party listing of any new joining method. The third-party listing guarantees that you have a quality joining system. This is the mechanism that the plumbing industry has set up to provide a level of assurance.

If you are wondering, before the first press-connect fitting was sold in the United States, they were listed by two listing agencies. The same is true for the copper push-fit fittings.

As for plastic pipe and fittings, they have been the most vigilant about having listings. All plastic pipe and fittings go through a third-party listing before being introduced to the market. If they don't have such a listing, it is probably a fly-by-night operation. Stay clear of unlisted joining methods.

So the next time someone comes into your office promoting the newest and greatest joining method, just ask one simple question: Is the joining method listed? And if it is, have them give you a copy of that listing. That is for your protection.

Of course, if the joining method is so great, I am sure the manufacturer will provide you with a great warranty. That is also something to keep in your files. Funny thing is, the plumbing code could care less about a warranty. Maybe they should start to pay attention. After all, we don't get a warranty from the plumbing code.

pm-subscribe

Recent Articles by Julius Ballanco

Julius Ballanco: Modern bathrooms

Julius Ballanco: Drinking foundtain or bottle filler

Proposed Illinois plumbing code mandates 160° F water

Julius Ballanco: Legionella and the Plumbing Code

Julius Ballanco: Is the product listed?

Ballancojuliusvwhite_200

Julius Ballanco, P.E., CPD, F-ASPE, is president of J.B. Engineering and Code Consulting, P.C. in Munster, Ind. He can be reached at by email at jbengineer@aol.com.

Related Articles

The Weakest Joint

The Drainage Piping Dilemma<br>Julius Ballanco, PE

Newest Joining Method For Any Piping System

Soldering vs. brazing when piping is involved

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Subscribe For Free!
  • Print & Digital Edition Subscriptions
  • eNewsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Popular Stories

Space-saving

Preventing scale damage in tankless water heaters

The Glitch.jpg

The Glitch and Fix: Keep the cost down

Pre-fabricated snow melting

Radiant: More than just a luxury home building option

Siggy_single coil

Single coil solution

exhaust line

Dave Yates: Dominoes

PM-Rectorseal-Quiz-360x184


PM-COTY 2019

Events

December 30, 2030

Webinar Sponsorship Information

For webinar sponsorship information, visit www.bnpevents.com/webinars or email webinars@bnpmedia.com.

View All Submit An Event

Products

2020 National Plumbing & HVAC Estimator

2020 National Plumbing & HVAC Estimator

See More Products

PM_Top20Products360

Plumbing and Mechanical

Plumbing & Mechanical December 2019

2019 December

Check out the December 2019 edition of Plumbing & Mechanical: 2020 B.I.G. Book, John Siegenthaler on geothermal water-to-water heat pump system design and installation, maximizing efficiency on small-diameter piping projects and much more!
View More Create Account
  • Resources
    • Reprints
    • List Rental
    • Contact Us
    • AEC Store
    • Blogs
    • Radiant & Hydronics
    • Industry Links
    • Market Research
    • Custom Content & Marketing Services
    • Privacy Policy
  • Want More
    • Connect
    • Survey And Sample
  • Plumbing Group
    • PM Engineer
    • Supply House Times
  • Advertise
    • Advertise
    • Plan for 2020!

Copyright ©2019. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing