Buildings across the globe require plumbing systems with efficient paths for fluids that won’t leak. Pipe plugs are important parts of plumbing systems, and you’ll need the right fit for the best-quality function. Read on to learn how to find the right pipe plugs for your plumbing that won’t cause any drainage problems.

The Purpose of Pipe Plugs

Pipes have open ends that aren’t always necessary for plumbing systems. Sealing these open ends is the purpose of pipe plugs. Without them, the fluid draining through the pipes would escape, leading to ineffective plumbing. The pipe plugs seal the openings and create more pressure in the pipe since the fluid will only have one direction to go.

Numerous plumbing systems in buildings use pipe plugs to configure their plumbing and prevent leakage that would otherwise waste resources such as water as it travels along the pipe. Plumbing will require multiple openings leading to and from multiple locations. When some of these locations aren’t in use, the pipe plug will seal the openings until they are needed again.

Types of Pipe Plugs

Pipe plugs come in various shapes, and finding the correct pipe is important. While most pipes are round, square-shaped pipes and round pipes with unique openings require different types of plugs. Understand the shape of the plug you need to make the best choice for your plumbing system and seal the opening tightly.

Square-Shaped

Square-shaped plugs will fit into round pipes, despite them having a threaded end on one side and a square-shaped nut on the other. You’ll need a wrench to remove and tighten this plug, which makes it an effective option for sealing the pipe’s opening.

Hex-Shaped

Hex-shaped plugs have threaded ends, like the square-shaped plug, that screws into the end of a threaded pipe. The hexagonal part of one end makes tightening and loosening easier. Hexagons are good shapes for most engineering applications since most wrenches will attach to one of the sides for an easier twist. These plugs are more convenient than square-shaped ones and will benefit the plumbing with tighter seals.

Six Lobe

You’ll notice a six-lobe pipe plug has a star-shaped divot with six points. They are the right shape for Phillips head screwdrivers and have the benefit of easier tightening and loosening. However, the screwdriver may deform the divot and make future use difficult if the material of the plug isn’t durable. These plugs are useful in multiple applications for plugging, but caution is important when tightening the plug.

Slotted

Like the six-lobe pipe plug, the slotted plug uses a screwdriver to attach to the threaded pipe end. You’ll need a flathead screwdriver to apply this plug, and the slotted divot makes it easier to manage than the six-lobe plug. The threading of this pipe plug creates an effective seal for your plumbing, and you’ll have an easier time removing it when you no longer need it.

Important Measurements To Take

The pipe measurements will affect your decision of which pipe plug is the right fit for your plumbing. The pipes you plan to plug will have various measurements, as they connect to different pipes with different dimensions.

Attachments such as pipe plugs will fit into pipe ends of different threading sizes, and the other parts of the pipe will affect the threading size. Double-check your measurements to avoid wasting money on plugs you don’t need. Additionally, ensure they don’t come loose or become stuck because they’re too large.

Pipe Length

The length of the pipe will depend on how far you need to run the plumbing. Taller buildings have longer pipes to reach down into the city’s sewage system. The length of these pipes varies, as they connect to different areas of the building and eventually lead underground. The building schematics show the length of the pipes. From the lengths, you may find the necessary threading size to fit the pipe ends.

Pipe and Plug Width

Measure the width of the pipe and plug to ensure the plug will fit. The threading is smaller and has a width similar to or different than the shaped end. After determining the width of a pipe’s interior, it will be easier to find the right plug with the correct width that will fit with the threading. The width of the interior may be difficult to ascertain, which is why double-checking is essential.

Pipe and Plug Diameter

The diameter of the pipe and plug will have varying lengths, but the primary focus will be on the pipes. Wrap measuring tape around the pipe to find the circumference. You’ll need to get as close to an exact number as possible, and ensure you measure twice.

Divide the circumference by pi and round to the nearest whole number since most pipe plugs use whole numbers. The plug will cover the whole pipe, including the edges. It’s possible to measure the outermost part of the plug so you’ll have a better measurement for choosing the right pipe plugs for plumbing.

Consider the Material

Materials are important in plumbing; you want to use the best supplies to seal the pipe ends and ensure your plumbing is secure. The plugs will normally be plastic, depending on the plastic plug manufacturer.

Silicone is a good material to handle hot or cold fluid for long periods. It is durable and retains its shape for years, making it effective for plugging pipes and preventing anything from coming out of the opening.

Other pipe plugs use metal as a more fortified plug. However, the metal has a chance of corroding because of exposure to moisture. If the pipe transfers an acidic material that may break down the metal, small metal scraps may enter the fluid and contaminate it.

Use plastic pipe plugs to ensure your pipes remain clean and the plugging lasts longer. Longevity is an important part of any plumbing system, and the correct material will matter for every part, including the plug.

Consider Maintenance

Maintenance is an important part of a pipe plug’s usage. If a pipe plug deteriorates and leaks, you’ll need to replace it soon in order to avoid maintenance costs for your plumbing system. Keep the pipe plugs clean with detergent and water, and avoid strong cleaning products that contain acid to prevent the material from breaking down. Let the plug completely dry before placing it back into the pipe.

Multiple plugs will make cleaning them easier. When you need to clean one plug but still prevent leaking, use the other plug to seal the opening while you clean the one you just removed.

Using pipe plugs will require careful selection. Choose the right plugs for your plumbing and create a secure system that will last for years and won’t cost you maintenance charges.