RELIABILT Pipe & Fittings
RELIABILT PVC, CPVC, and PEX pipe fittings for residential plumbing repairs and projects.
RELIABILT pipe fittings cover PVC (drain/waste/vent), CPVC (hot/cold water supply), and PEX (flexible water supply) in standard residential sizes. Priced from $1 to $12 per fitting. Includes couplings, elbows (90 and 45 degree), tees, adapters, unions, and reducers. All fittings meet ASTM standards for residential plumbing. This is commodity-grade hardware identical in function to name-brand alternatives.
PVC vs CPVC vs PEX
| Type | Use | Joining Method |
|---|---|---|
| PVC | Drain, waste, vent (DWV) pipes. Not for hot water supply. | Solvent cement (glue) |
| CPVC | Hot and cold water supply lines. Rigid. | Solvent cement (different from PVC cement) |
| PEX | Hot and cold water supply. Flexible, easy to route. | Crimp rings, push-fit, or expansion fittings |
How to Choose Pipe Fittings
Identify your pipe type first: PVC (white, used for drain/waste/vent), CPVC (off-white or yellow, used for hot and cold water supply), and PEX (flexible red or blue tubing, used for water supply). Each type uses different fittings and joining methods. Never mix fitting types or cements.
Size: Pipe fittings are sized by the inner diameter of the pipe. Common residential sizes are 1/2" and 3/4" for supply lines, and 1-1/2", 2", 3", and 4" for drain lines. Measure the outside diameter of your existing pipe and use a sizing chart, or bring a cut sample to the store.
Fitting types: Elbows change direction (90-degree for sharp turns, 45-degree for gradual turns). Tees create branches. Couplings join two straight lengths. Reducers transition between sizes. Adapters connect different pipe types (e.g., PVC to threaded metal). Buy 2-3 extra fittings per project for mistakes.
PEX advantage: PEX fittings with push-fit (SharkBite-style) connectors require no special tools and are ideal for DIY repairs. Crimp and expansion PEX fittings require specialized tools but cost less per fitting. For a one-time repair, push-fit is fastest. For a whole-house repipe, crimp or expansion is more economical.
Transition fittings: When connecting different pipe materials (copper to PEX, PVC to threaded metal), use a transition fitting designed for that specific combination. Do not improvise connections between incompatible materials. Dielectric unions prevent galvanic corrosion when connecting copper to galvanized steel.
Buy extra: Pipe fittings are inexpensive. Buy 2-3 extra of each fitting type when starting a project. A ruined fitting during assembly means a second trip to the store. Extra fittings can be returned or kept for future repairs. Pair fittings with new shut-off valves and supply lines when upgrading plumbing.
Issues and Fixes
| PVC joint leaking | A leaking PVC solvent-cement joint cannot be tightened or re-glued. Cut out the failed joint, add a coupling on each side, and re-cement with fresh PVC primer and cement. Ensure both surfaces are clean and dry before cementing. Hold the joint for 30 seconds after assembly. |
| Wrong cement used | PVC cement and CPVC cement are not interchangeable. Using PVC cement on CPVC can cause joint failure. If you discover the wrong cement was used, cut out the joint and redo it with the correct cement. CPVC cement is typically orange or yellow; PVC cement is clear or gray. |
| Push-fit connector leaking | Push-fit (SharkBite-style) fittings require the pipe end to be cut square and deburred. A pipe cut at an angle or with burrs will not seal. Remove the fitting using the release tool, recut the pipe end square, deburr, mark the insertion depth, and reinsert. |
| Threaded fitting seeping | Wrap male threads with 3-5 layers of Teflon tape in the direction of thread tightening (clockwise when looking at the pipe end). Apply pipe joint compound over the tape for added sealing on larger fittings. See plumbing parts for sealant supplies. |
| PVC fitting not seating fully | If a PVC fitting does not push fully onto the pipe, the pipe end may not be deburred, or the pipe may be the wrong size. Check that both the pipe and fitting are the same schedule (Schedule 40 is standard residential). Apply primer to both surfaces, then cement, and push the fitting on with a quarter-turn twist within 15 seconds of applying cement. |
The most common DIY pipe fitting mistake is using the wrong cement or skipping the primer step. PVC primer softens the plastic surface to create a chemical bond. Without primer, the joint is significantly weaker and prone to failure under pressure.
Long-Term Care
Inspection: Check visible pipe fittings annually for signs of leaking (mineral deposits, discoloration, moisture). Pay special attention to fittings under sinks, in crawl spaces, and near water heaters. Early detection of a dripping fitting prevents water damage.
CPVC caution: CPVC becomes brittle with age and UV exposure. Handle old CPVC fittings carefully during adjacent work. A sharp impact or overtightening can crack a decades-old CPVC fitting. When working near old CPVC, have replacement fittings on hand.
PEX lifespan: PEX tubing and fittings have a rated lifespan of 40-50 years. Crimp connections are the most proven long-term. Push-fit connections are newer and expected to last the same, but have less field data at the 30+ year mark.
Cement shelf life: PVC and CPVC solvent cement thickens and becomes unusable after 1-2 years once opened. If the cement is thick, stringy, or difficult to apply evenly, replace it with a fresh can. Using old cement produces weak joints that can fail under pressure. Always use the matching primer for each cement type.
Replacement timeline: PVC drain fittings last 50+ years. CPVC supply fittings last 20-40 years (brittleness is the limiting factor). PEX fittings last 40-50 years. Brass threaded fittings last 40-70 years depending on water chemistry. Replace any fitting showing corrosion, cracking, or active leaking. Pair with new shut-off valves when doing pipe work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect PEX directly to an existing copper pipe?
Yes. Use a push-fit (SharkBite-style) transition fitting or a brass PEX-to-copper adapter. Push-fit fittings work on both copper and PEX without soldering. This is the easiest way to transition from copper to PEX during a partial repipe or repair.
Is PVC glue permanent?
Yes. PVC solvent cement chemically welds the plastic together. The joint cannot be undone. To remove a cemented PVC fitting, you must cut the pipe and install a new fitting with couplings. Allow cement to cure for the time specified on the can (typically 15 minutes for handling, 24 hours for full pressure) before running water.
Do I need a plumber for PEX repairs?
Basic PEX repairs with push-fit fittings are well within DIY capability. You need a pipe cutter, a deburr tool, and the push-fit fitting. No soldering, no cement, no special tools. For whole-house repipes or work that requires a permit, hiring a licensed plumber is recommended. Check local codes, as some jurisdictions require permits for any plumbing work.
For complete plumbing repairs, you may also need repair parts (wax rings, flappers) and new valves. See the full RELIABILT plumbing guide.