General Plumbing Parts and Tools

Joining different sizes with bushings, reducers and saddles

Plumbing sizes are nominal, so read them as names. A 4 inch PVC drain pipe measures about 4.5 inches across outside, and fittings are sized to match that name, not the tape measure. A hex bushing, such as 6 by 3 inches, screws into a large female opening and reduces it to a smaller thread, while a reducing coupling joins two pipes of different sizes. Check the thread standard and the materials on both parts.

A tap saddle clamps around an existing pipe so a branch can be added without cutting the line. It is sized to the pipe's outside diameter, such as 4.5 inches for a 4 inch plastic drain pipe, and cast iron has a slightly different outside diameter at the same nominal size, so match the saddle to your pipe material.

Heated hoses, vises and drain openers

A heated water hose has a built-in heating element for cold weather, so read its wattage, its length and the temperature it is rated for, such as minus 45 degrees F, and check that the inside diameter, for example 5/8 inch, suits your fixtures. It needs a powered outlet, and the plug end and any control box should be kept dry and off the ground. Look for a drinking-water-safe description if it will feed a tap.

A pipe vise holds pipe steady for cutting and threading. Jaw width, such as 6-1/2 inches, and the pipe capacity are different figures, and a swivel base lets you turn the work to a comfortable angle. Drain openers for larger lines are sized to the pipe, such as 4 to 6 inches, and plungers should seal over the whole drain opening.

Questions about General Plumbing Parts and Tools

Why does a 4 inch pipe not measure 4 inches?

Pipe sizes are nominal names that stem from older standards. For plastic drain pipe the outside diameter is larger than the name, about 4.5 inches for 4 inch pipe, and the inside diameter depends on the wall thickness. Fittings are made to fit the nominal size, so buy by that name.

What is the difference between a bushing and a coupling?

A coupling joins two pipes end to end, with sockets or threads on both sides. A bushing is a short reducer that screws into a fitting to shrink its opening to a smaller thread. A reducing coupling joins pipes of different sizes without going into another fitting.

Can a heated water hose stay plugged in all winter?

Heated hoses are made for freezing weather and many have a thermostat that switches the element on when it is cold, but follow the maker's instructions. Keep connections dry, avoid covering the hose with anything that traps heat, and use an outlet suitable for outdoor use.