Image by Bob5D via Flickr
When working with pipes, there eventually will come a time when we need to make repairs or routing modifications. For a majority of homeowners, they need easy access to user-friendly tools and supplies when undergoing their piping projects. Fortunately, with the progress of technology comes available the necessary tools and equipment to make complex modifications and repairs a walk in the park. Depending on what type of pipe material you use (i.e. PVC or PE), the various fittings available for purchase will either limit your chances for conducting self repairs, or even greatly improve it. For example, if we use a pipe grade material that can crack or break within harsh impact, conducting repairs might require the entire unit at length to be replaced. On the other hand, if we are to use a plastic or rubberlike pipe material or fitting, only part of the damaged section can be dealt with quite quickly within a matter of minutes. This ability is complements of the pipe welding technology known as “electrofusion”.
Electrofusion
In a nutshell, electrofusion allows you to weld pipes together without much struggle. If you are aiming to improve a current piping system or repair one, using an electrofusion fitting system will help you a lot. If you happen to use PE based pipes, then all the better. Electrofusion works simply by heating two ends of an elastic pipe material together. The process is done with only limited tools. If you want to know what they look like, check out some videos online or pay a visit to your electrofusion fittings suppliers to experience this piece of marvel first hand.
You basically trim two ends of the pipes to be fitted so that they fit in the electrofusion welder. Once connected and the ends cleaned, they are fitted in the opposite ends and the coils inside the electrofusion welder heat up the pipes inside the unit (normally with an automatic digital setting). After a while, the pipe materials will melt, and hence a natural weld is created evenly and joins the two ends of the pipe if not perfectly. It is then left to cool for a moment and the weld is then completed. Welding two ends of an elastic pipe together by using electrofusion requires patience and some practice. It is recommended that if it is the first time using electrofusion fittings, practice is required to get it done right.
Tips when buying electrofusion fittings
When selecting an electrofusion fittings supplier, there are a number of things to look out for. If it is the first time you are buying these fittings, some of the considerations are:
- Do you have the supported pipe types (PE, PEX, HDPE, etc.)?
- Is the product durable and able to sustain impact?
- Is it made of low quality materials?
- Does it have a clear user manual for first timers?
- Is there a heat/temperature adjuster?
- Does the product/shop provide a warranty?
- Can you get discounts on large order purchases?
- Are there various models available for purchase?
- Does it have an automatic failsafe system (heat control, etc.)?
- Can they be reused?
- How often will you use them?
- How many do you need?
- Do you really need one (if only for small-scale repairs)?
Conclusion
Electrofusion is a true marvel when it comes to conducting pipe repairs. Their ease of use and general user-friendly functionality really help pipe workers generate repairs and modifications quickly. Pair them with flexible pipe materials such as PE based pipes and you should be able to work without any difficulties. Make sure your pipe supplier store has the parts that you need in stock and look out for some great deals available nearby. Lastly, it is also recommended that before you make a serious purchase that you buy a low grade electrofusion kit for practice purposes since they take a bit of practice to get the hang of.
