American cone 1 inch. What is "American" in plumbing: types and options for fittings

When carrying out any plumbing work, we are often faced with the need to connect various pipelines to each other. To perform such operations, many connecting elements have been invented, the most famous of which is the drive. However, this type of connection is far from ideal, and working with it is very laborious. It is much more convenient and faster to work with such a type of connection as an American, because it provides for almost everything to ensure the reliability and tightness of products. Therefore, let's talk about an American tap: what it is, what parts it consists of, where it is used, how it is used correctly.

Let's find out what an American in plumbing is, and on what principle it works.

An American is a connecting element designed for quick and convenient joining of pipelines from various materials with an internal or external thread. The product is structurally composed of the following components:

• quick-release hex nut with thread;
• 2 fittings, also threaded;
• rubber, polyurethane or paronite gasket (in some models, in particular, in conical ones, it may not be).

In fact, this is a coupling that has a shoulder and a union nut that abuts against this shoulder. Coupling connection of pipes American allows you to connect two pipe sections by turning just one nut. Similarly, a connection can be disassembled.

Connectors are available in stainless steel, brass alloys, cast iron, combinations of stainless steel and polypropylene. Products are able to withstand temperatures of the working environment up to +120 degrees. The allowable pressure is usually indicated on the body of the product.

The outer surface of the American has a decorative nickel coating that protects the product from corrosion and mechanical damage, and also has an aesthetic appeal. If you use too coarse tools to work with an American, then scratches may appear on the surface of the product.

Advantages

• The installation of the connection is very fast. To do this, simply tighten the union nut;
• A detachable connection with an American union nut makes it possible to dismantle it and reuse it for other sections of pipelines. In this case, it is only necessary to replace the gasket, if any;
• During installation, it is not necessary to rotate the connected pipes;
• High quality connection is provided;
• In the event of a clogged pipeline with an American connecting nut, it can be disassembled and the blockage can be eliminated in a very short time.

Application of the American

Detachable connection American is used for many types of installation work. With its help, heating systems, water supply pipelines, flow systems are mounted. The connection is actively used to connect pipes through which non-aggressive liquid substances are transported. Plumbing "American" is installed on steel, and. Recently, combination fittings with union nuts have become very popular, for the manufacture of which a combination of metal and polypropylene is used.

Speaking about the American connection - what it is, it should be noted that this type of connection is not limited to a threaded coupling. The quick-release nut may also have various faucets or air vents. And what is an American crane - what is it and where is it used? It can be any valve, for example, a ball valve. On one side it has a thread for joining with the pipeline, and on the other side there is a union nut. Such a crane can be easily embedded, and just as easily dismantled from the system.

In practice, we constantly deal with mixers that use the American principle. are connected into a single structure precisely with the help of union nuts.

What types are

There are many modifications of the product, differing in the material of manufacture, size, type of thread, type of fastening. For different options for pipelines, a specific type of American is selected.

An American type quick coupling uses 2 types of fasteners:

1. cone mount. The joints of the threaded fittings are made in the form of a cone, so their maximum tightness is ensured even in the absence of a gasket. Such joints are resistant to temperature fluctuations. They are able to provide tightness even in cases where there are small deviations of the axes of the connected pipes (no more than 5 degrees). If it is necessary to install a thermostat for a radiator, then it is advisable to give preference to the conical version. The absence of gaskets allows the product to withstand significant temperature spikes without the threat of leaks.

Tip: Despite the fact that the gasket is not used for the conical connection, it is recommended to wrap the conical surface with several layers of FUM tape. This guarantees the tightness of the joint.

2. Cylindrical (flat) mount. This is a classic American version used for most pipelines. The sealing of the joint is provided by the gasket and screed of the union nut with the pipe.

Note: Some plumbing fixtures use flat washers. Such connections are less reliable, therefore, they may leak. It is not recommended to hide such places in the walls.

An American pipe threaded connection can be of two types:

1. Direct. Used for joining straight sections of pipes.
2. Angular. When 2 pipelines converging at right angles are joined, a corner connector is used. It allows you to connect perpendicular pipes.

The correct installation of the American

American plumbing is mounted using adjustable, open-end and universal wrenches. Also, sometimes you may need a special round key, with which American women are twisted from the inside. The use of gas wrenches is not allowed. Excessive force applied to the wrench handles may deform the union nut.

About that, you can learn from a separate article on our website.

When carrying out installation work, it will help you choose the right dimensions of the pipeline.

Other types of connection of plastic and metal pipes.

Consider how the American is installed on the pipe.

An American with an internal thread is installed on two sections of the existing pipeline. If there is no thread on the pipe, then it is cut by means of a die. A sealant is wound on the thread of one section. It can be FUM tape, flax fibers or other materials. After that, one part of the American is wound onto the pipe using a key. Then a sealant is applied to the second threaded section, after which the second American fitting with a nut is screwed onto it. After that, the two sections of the pipeline will be connected to each other by tightening the union nut of the fitting.

Tip: If tow or linen is used as a sealant, then a special sealant paste is applied over the fibers. In extreme cases, you can use engine oil.

The installation of an American with an external thread is carried out in almost the same way. The difference is that the sealant is screwed onto the thread of the American woman herself.

As you can see, the use of American type connecting elements can significantly speed up and simplify the process of installation and possible dismantling of pipelines and other plumbing fixtures.

In plumbing work, it is often necessary to join various pipes together. To accomplish this, many fittings have been invented, the most famous of which is the squeegee. But this connecting element has significant drawbacks and high labor intensity in the performance of work. The “American” will be a more convenient and faster connection element, since its qualities will fully ensure a reliable tight connection.

What is an "American" in plumbing: design and characteristics

"American" in plumbing, the correct name of which is a union nut, is a connection element for various pipelines with internal and external threads. With the help of such an element, pipe joining is quick and convenient. Structurally, the "American" has the following elements:

Quick release hex nut with thread;

Two fittings, also threaded;

Paronite, rubber or polyurethane gasket (some models, such as cone, are not equipped with it).

To put it simply, the “American” is a coupling with a shoulder and a union nut that abuts against the shoulder. Thus, the plumbing "American" provides a coupling connection of pipes by rotating one nut. In a similar way, the connection is disassembled.

"American" in plumbing is designed for operating temperatures up to +120 degrees Celsius, and the maximum pressure is usually indicated on the body.

The surface of the "American" is covered with nickel, which prevents corrosion and damage, and also improves the appearance of the product. If you work with this fitting carelessly and with a rough tool, then its surface may become scratched.

Why do we need an "American" in plumbing: the main areas of application

Since the "American" is a fairly versatile fitting that has a number of undeniable advantages, it is not by chance that its use in plumbing has become the most widespread in plumbing installation work. The versatility of the "American" is manifested in its unequal modifications for different cases, and in the fact that it is used as part of some complex plumbing devices: taps, switching units, measuring instruments, etc.

In household plumbing, "American" is used on water meters, which are found in almost every apartment. Thanks to this device, when replacing or checking the meter, there are no problems with pipes - only union nuts are unscrewed.

"American" is perfect for working with batteries, valves and all kinds of filters. The use of this fitting in plumbing will shorten the duration of the repair, which is important for both craftsmen and residents.

Since the "American" allows you to create connections that are distinguished by excellent sealing, it is used in high pressure and temperature pipelines. But this connection element was most widely used during the installation of plastic, polypropylene and metal-plastic pipes. At the same time, any type of pipe can be connected: plastic and plastic, plastic and metal, metal and metal - there is a fitting for each pair. Most of all in the "American" plumbers appreciate the ability to connect metal-plastic pipes without any preparation: when the pipe is inserted into the union nut and tightened, the counterpart is compressed by a conical ring.

For the installation of the "American" use open-end and box wrenches. Since the surface of this fitting is covered with nickel, it is better not to use pipe wrenches or use a protective wooden (or plastic) gasket to protect this layer from scratches.

"American": the benefits of the connection

Compactness, which the clutch with a clutch cannot boast of.

Versatility. Using different types, it is possible to mount connections with internal and external threads, as well as elbow and straight connections for pipes of different diameters.

Installation speed. In fact, the connection is made by tightening the nut.

Possibility of reuse. "American" in plumbing can be dismantled and re-installed on another section of the pipeline. In this case, only the gasket changes (if any).

Ease of installation in hard-to-reach places.

High degree of reliability and sealing.

The ability to quickly eliminate the blockage in the pipe.

When using a conical connection using an "American" on a pair of metal pipes, the use of a gasket is not required. In this way, the service life of the pipes is increased.

What are the types of "American women" (plumbing)

"Americans" in plumbing are represented on the market by a fairly extensive range. They differ from each other in material, size, type of thread and fastening. For each type of pipeline, its own specific "American" is suitable.

Types of fasteners connection "American"

Tapered

The conical connection of the fittings provides maximum tightness without the need for a gasket. Also, such joints are immune to temperature fluctuations in the pipe. Another plus of such a connection is the preservation of tightness when the axes of the pipes deviate, if the angle does not exceed 5 degrees. The conical connection is best suited for installing a thermostat on a heating radiator. Since the taper joint does not contain a gasket, the regulator will be more resistant to leakage during temperature changes.

Cylindrical (flat)

This is the most common type of "American" in plumbing. This type is used in most pipelines. In the specified connection, the tightness is ensured by the union nut that creates the screed and the gasket.

Sometimes flat washers are found on some plumbing fixtures. In this case, the connection will be less reliable, there is a possibility of its depressurization. Therefore, it is better to mount the connection with flat washers in an accessible place, not to remove it into the walls.

There are also two types of threaded connection "American"

direct. Suitable for mounting straight pipes

Angular. It is used when joining two pipes at a right angle. Connects perpendicular pipes.

Depending on the size there are "American" 1 inch, ½ inch and ¾ inch.

Features of an American crane

Ball valve with proper workmanship is the most popular and best type of valves. There are many such taps on the sanitary ware market: special taps, with threads inside and outside both on one and both sides, decorative taps, an American ball valve, etc.

Despite the fact that the “American” faucet is not uncommon, it does not find wide application in plumbing work. This comes from ignorance of all the advantages of this type of faucet, the main of which is the ability to install plumbing without the use of a plumbing fixture, which includes a long thread, a coupling, a lock nut and a reciprocal thread. Thus, using the “American” crane, we, only by rotating the wrench, get the docking of two self-centering parts. Everything is simple.

Also, the “American” ball valve is used when installing heating radiators. The radiator, docked on both sides through an “American” crane, can be easily removed. It is also very easy to manually adjust the flow of coolant on it, and therefore regulate the heating of the radiator itself.

Attention deserves the corner crane-"American". It has been on sale more and more lately. Such a device easily replaces in some cases an excessive number of connections.

The “American” crane, like other cranes, has two types of handles - a lever and a butterfly. The butterfly is installed on small cross-section cranes, where it does not require much effort to turn. The lever, on the contrary, is mounted on a crane with a large section, where it is necessary to apply more force to turn.

What materials is the "American" made of?

Americans are made from the following materials:

• Brass ("American" from this material is chosen by specialists, since brass keeps the temperature of the coolant up to 120 degrees; in brass "American" some parts can be made of nickel or chromium);

  Stainless steel grades ISI304, AISI316, AISI321 (marking contains information about the size in inches, steel grade and conditional pressure);

  Combined, using propylene parts.

Also in plumbing there are "American women", differing in diameter and performance in general. They are used in systems with hot and cold water supply. Corner "American" in plumbing is necessary for the installation of various elements in hard-to-reach places.

Of the above materials, "American" stainless steel has the highest strength. However, most plumbers choose "American" chrome, as this material provides more practicality and quality. Also, elements made of this metal do not require gaskets to ensure tightness.

How is the "American" installed

In plumbing, the “American” connection (threaded) is mounted extremely simply. "American" will allow you to install or replace a plumbing element, even for a novice plumber or a simple layman.

The most suitable place for pipe installation is one where there is access for any person carrying out this work. In this case, the direction of the coolant does not matter.

Installation of "American" (plumbing) in the highway will not cause much trouble. Imagine that you need to join steel pipes.

The connection using the "American" takes place in the following order.

It is necessary to prepare the ends of the pipes - cut at least 7 turns of thread.

Select connection with fittings with female thread.

Screw a fitting with an external thread onto one of the pipes, the threads of which are lined with flax, tow or energy flex.

Put the union nut on the collared fitting, then screw it onto another pipe with applied winding.

Connect the union nut to the thread of the mating fitting.

After these steps, the structure will be assembled. Compared with the coupling connection, the installation of the "American" in plumbing consisted only in twisting the parts. The rest of the highway remained motionless.

An "American" with an external thread is mounted according to the same algorithm, with the exception that the winding is applied to the "American" thread.

What is the key for the "American"

You can mount the "American" in plumbing without losing quality and convenience with different tools. But it cannot be said that there are no restrictions in their choice. The most suitable and often used for mounting the "American" is an adjustable wrench.

For the installation of this fitting in plumbing, the use of gas wrenches should be avoided in every possible way.

Recently, a universal tool has appeared that is most suitable for installing pipes in plumbing, including for the "American". This wrench is used for a wide variety of jobs, which clearly proves its convenience and practicality.

The most common sizes of "American" in plumbing are ¾ inch and ½ inch. This generally does not mean that you will not need other types of this fitting. In this case, you must purchase a wrench of a suitable size or use an adjustable wrench. The main thing is not to use a gas key under any circumstances.

If you know how to work with metal and have the necessary tools, then you yourself can make a cone wrench of the desired size. The taper is needed to get into the recesses.

The shape of the key will be L-shaped, the handle is about 150 mm long. The key sizes for the "American" in plumbing ½ inch will be 12x12 mm and 10x10 mm. As a rule, such keys are made from profile fittings.

A good alternative when working with a plumber with an "American" ½ inch will be pliers, which, as a rule, everyone has. They will perfectly replace a set of keys.

"American" in plumbing: price and where to buy

The price of "American women" is not exorbitant, so everyone can afford to purchase them for their plumbing needs. The use of these fittings in water supply systems of both residential and industrial buildings also indicates their availability.

The company "SantekhStandard" has been successfully operating in the plumbing market in Russia since 2004. The profile of work is large-scale wholesale deliveries of engineering systems for heating and water supply under our own brands AQUAPIPE, AQUALINK, AQUALINE.

The company's products are manufactured using high-tech equipment and meet high international quality standards. The production has a system of input control of raw materials and components, as well as a quality control system at all production stages. Thus, the product fully complies with the declared characteristics.

The company "SantekhStandart" presented in its catalog "American" and "American" taps for the following brands.

AQUAPIPE. Propylene fittings from this manufacturer are manufactured using modern production equipment from raw materials Borealis (Germany), which guarantees their highest quality. Unlike other well-known brands, AQUAPIPE has a wide range of "American" (sanitary ware) made of polypropylene, as well as other polypropylene products, the range of which is regularly updated with new models.

AQUALINK. Threaded fittings of this manufacturer are represented by a large number of models of different types and sizes. The body of these fittings is made of brass brand CW617N, which is a complete analogue of domestic brass LS59 GOST 15527-2004. In the manufacture of the case, the method of hot pressing is used, which reduces the internal stress of the metal, thereby significantly increasing the strength and quality of the product.

LEXLINE. Under this brand, brass threaded fittings and pipe fittings for plumbing of the highest quality are produced. Production is located in Ukraine. The variety of these products is also great: fittings for gas and water pipes (including with a seal), suitable for plumbing, heating and gas pipeline systems in which there is a non-aggressive medium - water, steam, air, combustible gas. The connecting parts are made of brass brand LS-59-1 GOST 17711.

All questions regarding the connection using the "American", you will be answered by phone:

Correct high-quality pipe connection is a guarantee of trouble-free operation of the pipeline system. It is at the junction of pipes that accidents most often occur. When replacing parts of pipelines, it often becomes necessary to connect pipes made of different materials. In these cases, the use of an American can guarantee the tightness of the joint.

This connection is universal and reliable, it is successfully used even in cases where the axes of the pipes relative to each other have a slight deviation.

For the construction of networks, pipes made of cast iron, ceramics, asbestos cement, plastic, and steel are used. The performance characteristics of the materials are different, respectively, the methods of their connection also differ.

The correct choice of the docking method makes it possible to avoid emergency situations during the operation of the pipeline.

The technology for performing the work is chosen based on the material for the manufacture of the pipe and other elements of the system - angles, bends, couplings, etc.

Monolithic one-piece connections are distinguished by structural strength and the complexity of dismantling.

If, when replacing a pipeline, it is required, for example, to make an insert from a polyethylene pipe into a cast-iron drainage system, couplings and adapters help to solve this problem, they can also be used to join pipes of different diameters.

One of the options for a detachable connection, which is quickly disassembled and assembled, serves to connect pipes of different diameters or different materials, an American is considered.

What is an American

An American is called a connection element, which is a detachable nut equipped with a thread for joining two pipes. The American design includes two fittings, a gasket, and a union nut.

In other words, an American can be called a threaded coupling, although today there are many types of products.

Any faucet is considered American if it has a threaded thread on one side and a union nut on the other.

The American is a universal and indispensable device that is used in domestic and industrial construction of pipelines of various configurations. Almost all craftsmen have to face the need to create a quick-connect connection on the highway to replace its section, insert an insert or clean it. Thanks to this useful invention, plumbers have at their disposal a variety of Americans for plumbing, allowing them to work quickly and efficiently.

The “American” connection owes its name to the country where the technology of threaded connection of materials of different sections and compositions was developed. US GOST American thread standard does not match the standards in force in Europe and Asia. But, quite often there is a need to create a single system of pipes and plumbing devices of various origins. In order to adapt their products to the standards of importing countries, American designers came up with a technology for fast and reliable joining of plastic, copper and steel pipes.

American couplings are used to perform the following tasks:

• inserts into the system of tees, taps and other devices;
• replacement of the damaged section of the highway;
• installation without the use of electric and gas welding.

To understand what an American is, it is necessary to consider the design features of this category of fittings, to study their properties, advantages and scope.

What are the types of fittings

The assembly of pipelines for water supply, heating and gas supply involves the presence of many branches, branches and intermediate devices. At the same time, it is necessary to provide connection options for a heated towel rail, toilet tank, radiators and many other devices.

The detachable pipe connection must be tight, strong and durable.

Particular attention is paid to the aesthetic side of the issue. To achieve these goals are used.

Gusset

It is used at the joints of pipeline sections at a certain angle. If earlier adapters were welded into the system, now this need has disappeared. Corner American women have different diameters and degrees of bending. Products are available in 45º, 60º, 90º and 135º bent angles.

The main advantage of such fittings is that the transition from one direction to another is carried out smoothly. Connection with a cap nut provides a tight fit of the joints, optimal pressure on the rubber gaskets. At any time, it is possible to remove the fitting for revision or cleaning of the line.

Coupling

Combined detachable coupling is used to connect straight sections of the highway. American inch thread allows for non-ferrous and ferrous metal.

Despite the seemingly simple device, these fittings are able to ensure the tightness of the joints throughout the entire period of operation of the system. The undoubted advantage of using the coupling is the possibility of its unwinding and removal. The product is reusable, can be used repeatedly without loss of quality characteristics.

Cranes

Experts recommend using a sealing tape when installing an American straight brass coupling to prevent even the slightest possibility of leakage. Cone fittings are usually installed in heating and hot water systems, as these products are resistant to high temperatures.

Flat fittings use a swivel nut on the flange and a flat gasket to ensure a tight seal. It is easy to mount cylindrical inserts; gas wrenches can be used for this. The disadvantage is that the gasket shrinks over time, changes shape and begins to let water through.

It is not recommended to hide such varieties of American women in walls or under decoration. A leak will definitely occur, it's a matter of time.

With threaded fitting

Such a device with an external thread allows you to join polypropylene pipes without the use of welding. In some cases, the distance between the wall and the junction is so small that the issue can only be resolved by installing an American with a threaded fitting. For work it is necessary to use special tools, with a fixed application of effort.

With internal thread

When working with pipelines made of steel and brass, durable and reliable fittings with internal threads are used. The use of plastic in such joints is not recommended.

Previously, the tubes are carved under the American.

For this, there is no need to dismantle or cut off part of the system. After that, no matter how many inches of internal thread, the union nut is screwed onto the pipeline.

materials

American fittings are made from materials that have different strength, resistance to temperature changes and corrosion. Each pipeline has its own characteristics, under which its own version of connections and inserts is selected.

Steel (stainless)

Stainless steel products are characterized by high strength, ease of use and long service life. They do not change their appearance throughout the service.

The cost of steel socket welding fittings is in the middle range, which makes them popular among amateurs and professionals.

Galvanized

They belong to the budget category of goods of this class. The availability of products attracts craftsmen when carrying out large-scale construction work. However, the service life of galvanized fittings is limited. Within a few years, their geometry is broken due to corrosion, destroying black iron. Zinc itself departs from the body of the product in a maximum of a year, exposing unsightly rust.

brass

An overview of the types of couplings for polypropylene pipes allows us to conclude that brass American women meet all the requirements regarding reliability and safety.

The alloy is strong, elastic, resistant to heat and chemically active liquids. The disadvantage is the high cost and discoloration of brass during operation. The appearance of products is improved by chrome plating or powder coating.

Copper

Copper Americans are produced in limited quantities due to low demand and high cost. Fittings made of this metal are in demand only when they are attached to products made of a similar material. Copper is difficult to care for as it darkens and develops a greenish patina.

The metal is subject to electrolytic corrosion, which is impossible to fight.

Plastic

In its pure form, American women are not made only from polypropylene. This plastic does not have sufficient strength to connect pipes and plumbing fixtures. A polymer is used as a base into which metal threaded inserts are fused. As a rule, plastic American women are used in systems where high temperature and pressure are present.

Average price per fitting

The table below shows current offers for today.

Advantages and disadvantages

Having considered the features of American plumbing, answering the question of what it is, you can dwell on the advantages and disadvantages of these devices.

Let's take a look at their benefits first:

1. reliability and strength of docking, absolute tightness of the connection;
2. simplicity and high speed of installation, involving the tightening of one or two nuts;
3. collapsible connection, which can be easily removed and put back;
4. the possibility of joining pipes from materials of different structure;
5. a wide range of products of different configurations with seals included;
6. long service life of the structure assembled using an American.

There are no technical shortcomings in the fittings of this category. The high cost confuses low-income craftsmen, but it is justified by the high quality of the product. As for changing the color of products made of non-ferrous and ferrous metal, they are installed in technological channels, covered with panels and boxes.

Keys for Americans

• wrench;
• open-end wrench;
• cap key;
• dies for threading;
• internal keys with 6, 12 and 34 edges;
• expansion round wrench.

It is better to buy tools in a set that is cheaper and helps to solve any issues with installing an American.

How to install

Depending on what material you have to work with, various methods of fitting fittings are selected.

At the joints of metal pipes

Steel lines are used to transport hot liquids under high pressure. Threaded connections are used to connect their sections.

First you need to take a die of the desired size and make 7 turns of thread at each joint. After that, the fitting is inserted between the joints, and the union nuts are screwed onto the threads until the required degree of gasket pressure is reached.

In the joints of plastic

Threads are not made on polypropylene pipes, since they are not intended for this. Adapters with metal fragments pressed into them with internal or external threads are welded or glued to the ends of the pipes (depending on the working conditions). And American women are already screwing on these elements.

Plumbing assembly is considered to be of high quality if all connections are sufficiently tight. In practice, this is achieved through the use of various fittings, nuts, gaskets and other connecting elements used in plumbing work. Such elements are quite suitable for effective use, but at the same time, there is a much better solution in the form of a universal nut, known as the "American".

Let's figure out what "American" is and why it has gained such great popularity.

The American plug connection is a kind of nut that finds its application when it becomes necessary to connect two pipes. Previously, spurs were used for this, which are still found today, since their cost is significantly lower compared to the connection of the type in question.

The use of "American women" in plumbing makes it possible to simplify the process of connecting two fixed pipes as much as possible. For example, you need to connect a faucet and soldered wiring. Both in the first and in the second case, the pipes cannot be twisted, and, possibly, the thread is located close to the wall, which excludes the use of the same corner. It is in such situations that the "American" comes to the rescue, providing a connection due to the rotation of the nut, which is part of its design:

• two fittings;
• pad;
• hex nut.

Pipe connection options

The connection of the "American" type is provided due to a certain variability of the connection to the pipe, which involves the use of:

Types of threaded connections

The thread of the "American" can be conical or cylindrical. A similar variability is present in the case of fittings, the connecting surfaces of which differ in the mentioned shapes.

As for the conical seal, it has a certain set of advantages:

• ensuring the tightness of the connection without any gaskets, FUM tape, flax fiber, etc.;
• resistance to various kinds of influences, for example, temperature extremes, which is achieved due to the homogeneity of the material in terms of its chemical composition and physical characteristics;
• preservation of tightness with deviations of the axes of the connected parts up to 5 degrees.

The mentioned advantages in relation to the conical elements of the "American" are achieved due to the high precision of their manufacture, which can be neglected to a certain extent when it comes to flat seals. Here, the use of a gasket in the form of a ring is sufficient to achieve the required tightness even when the surface of the connecting elements is not distinguished by high-precision processing.

In the production of "American women" steel of various grades is used. Although AISI steel under the numerical designations 304, 316 and 321 is more popular. Steel marking also includes an indication of nominal pressure (PSI) and size in inches.

Gusset

For the convenience of organizing turns, an "American" is produced, providing a corner connection. Usually this is in demand when there is no possibility of arranging piping. At the same time, it is possible to save money, since in this case one less connection is established.

Coupling

A coupling is a fitting that provides a connection between pipes or makes it possible to organize a transition from a pipe of one diameter to a pipe of another diameter. The “American” is identical in functionality to a standard coupling, one part of which is screwed, soldered or welded to the pipe, and the other provides for the installation of a collapsible connection.

Crane "American"

Ball valves are the most popular elements of shut-off valves, of course, provided that they are manufactured in accordance with the required level of quality. There is a huge mass of these products, among which there are taps oriented, for example, to some special use or performing decorative functions. At the same time, there is also an “American”, supplemented by a ball valve.

Many people know that this type of crane exists, but only a few have used it in practice. This state of affairs is due to simple ignorance of all the advantages of this product. Meanwhile, with its help, you can replace such an element of plumbing as a squeegee - a part for connecting two pipes, where a long thread is applied on one side, and a short one on the other, which is complemented by a coupling and a lock nut. In the proposed version, everything is much simpler, since it provides for the contraction of the crane and the element in the form of the “American” itself due to the slight use of the wrench. These two parts are self-centering, which facilitates the process of their installation.

Often, the "American" faucet is used when installing heating radiators, which leads to some positive aspects. The connection of these connecting elements makes it easy to dismantle the radiator, and the presence of a tap makes it possible to regulate the water supply, which allows you to influence the temperature in the room.

Like all types of ball valves, the "American" is equipped with two types of handles, where one should be understood as a butterfly, and under the other - a lever. In the first case, these are cranes with a small section, characterized by the absence of the need to apply too much force to turn, and in the second case, cranes with a large section, the operation of which is associated with the application of a greater force.

Assembly

The “Americana” union nut is tightened with a standard open-end wrench or a union version of this type of tool is used. Some try to use a gas wrench, which is not recommended as it may damage the nickel plating. If there is a decorative coating on the nut, rubber or plastic gaskets should be used, and plywood can also be used.

The installation of "American women" on metal-plastic pipes involves the use of a special tool in the form of an internal key. It is necessary for tightening the press fitting during installation. Typically, such a key is in the form of a cylinder, complemented by two recesses that are necessary for the hooks, but a hexagonal version is also available.

Instead of an internal key, an improvised tool, such as pliers, is often used, which increases the likelihood of damaging the product in question. When one-time work of this plan is supposed, that is, it is necessary to install only one connection of the "American" type, then this approach is justified to a certain extent, but in the case of installing several pipes, you should still take care of buying a special tool.

If you have the skills to work with metal, then you can easily make your own cone wrench of the required size. Tapering is necessary to ensure that it enters the existing recesses. Profile fittings can be used as a material for making a key.

For the "American", the diameters of the internal and external threads of which are defined as 1/2, a key is required in accordance with such dimensions as 12 by 12 mm and 10 by 10 mm. The shape of the key should resemble the letter "G", having a handle length of 150 mm.

Materials for the manufacture of "American"

The production process of "American women" is based on the following types of materials:

• cast iron;
• nickel;
• chromium;
• brass, chosen due to the fact that this material is able to withstand high coolant temperatures up to 120 ° C;
• stainless steel (ISI304, AISI316, AISI321) ;
• combined, including propylene.

Of the above materials, stainless steel is worth mentioning again, as it provides the ability to produce the most durable "American". Although consumers of these products often prefer copies made of chrome, as this material combines quality and practicality. It also does not require the installation of a gasket for "American" chrome to ensure the tightness of the connection.

If pure steel is used for the production of the type of product in question without special treatment, then after a few years such a product will begin to collapse. Galvanized can withstand about 10 years, and stainless - about 20 years.

Conical or flat?

Conical "American", supplemented with a rubber seal, provide tightness due to internal pressure, in this case, the union nut can even be tightened by hand. As for flat sealing options, it will be necessary to provide the necessary contact pressure.

Mandatory tightness of the connection can be provided by both a conical "American" and a flat one. At the same time, flat ones make it easy to change gaskets, which are not in short supply. And for conical ones, special gaskets are needed, which differ in a non-standard size. In turn, conical ones without gaskets should not be chosen, since in order to create a tight connection, it is necessary to tighten the nut very tightly, which is unacceptable if the pipes, for example, are plastic.

Conclusion

As you can see, an American in plumbing is already an indispensable part. That is why it is so widespread.