You’re not alone if you’ve heard of slip coupling but need to know what it is. A slip coupling is a plumbing fitting that is used to connect two pipes together without having to cut or solder the pipes. This can be especially useful for people looking for an easy way to repair their plumbing system without completely replacing their pipes. Let’s take a closer look at slip couplings and how they can be used.
Slip Couplings Types
Several types of slip couplings are available on the market today, including flexible couplings, expansion couplings, compression couplings, and push-fit couplings. Flexible couplings are designed to absorb movement while remaining watertight, usually made from rubber with stainless steel clamps or bands. Expansion couplings allow slight increases in pipe size due to thermal expansion; they are typically made of brass or copper and feature concentric rings that expand when heated. Compression couplings use compression fittings and seals to create a tight connection; these fittings can be used with any piping material. Finally, push-fit couplings are designed for quick installation and feature an elastomeric seal that expands when pushed onto the pipe.
Slip Coupling Uses
Slip couplings can be used in any application where there is movement in the piping system, such as hot water tanks or underfloor heating systems. They also come in handy when pipes need to be replaced but cannot easily be disconnected from existing fittings. Also, slip couplings work great for accidental damage or corrosion repairs. They do not require soldering or welding – insert the new pipe into the existing fitting and tighten it down with a wrench!
Slip Coupling Dimension
| NOMINAL PIPE SIZE | OUTER DIAMETER | SOCKET BORE DIAMETER | BORE DIAMETER OF FITTINGS | BORE DIAMETER OF FITTINGS | BORE DIAMETER OF FITTINGS | WALL THICKNESS # 3000 |
WALL THICKNESS # 3000 |
WALL THICKNESS # 6000 |
WALL THICKNESS # 6000 |
WALL THICKNESS # 9000 |
WALL THICKNESS # 9000 |
FULL COUPLING | FULL COUPLING | HALF COUPLING | HALF COUPLING |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inch. | A | B | C – 3000 | C – 6000 | C – 9000 | D | D | D | D | D | D | L1 | L2 | L1 | L2 |
| Maximum Minimum |
Maximum Minimum |
Maximum Minimum |
Maximum Minimum |
Average | Minimum | Average | Minimum | Average | Minimum | ||||||
| 1/8 | B+D | 11.2 10.8 |
7.6 6.1 |
4.8 3.2 |
3.18 | 3.18 | 3.96 | 3.43 | 9.5 | 6.5 | 9.5 | 16.0 | |||
| 1/4 | B+D | 14.6 14.2 |
10.0 8.5 |
7.1 5.6 |
3.78 | 3.30 | 4.6 | 4.01 | 9.5 | 6.5 | 9.5 | 16.0 | |||
| 3/8 | B+D | 18.0 17.6 |
13.3 11.8 |
9.9 8.4 |
4.01 | 3.50 | 5.03 | 4.37 | 9.5 | 6.5 | 9.5 | 17.5 | |||
| 1/2 | B+D | 22.2 21.8 |
16.6 15.0 |
12.5 11.0 |
7.2 5.6 |
4.67 | 4.09 | 5.97 | 5.18 | 9.35 | 8.18 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 22.5 |
| 3/4 | B+D | 27.6 27.2 |
21.7 20.2 |
16.3 14.8 |
11.8 10.3 |
4.90 | 4.27 | 6.96 | 6.04 | 9.78 | 8.56 | 12.5 | 9.5 | 12.5 | 24.0 |
| 1 | B+D | 34.3 33.9 |
27.4 25.9 |
21.5 19.9 |
16.0 14.4 |
5.69 | 4.98 | 7.92 | 6.93 | 11.38 | 9.96 | 12.5 | 12.5 | 12.5 | 28.5 |
| 1 1/4 | B+D | 43.1 42.7 |
35.8 34.3 |
30.2 28.7 |
23.5 22.0 |
6.07 | 5.28 | 7.92 | 6.93 | 12.14 | 10.62 | 12.5 | 12.5 | 12.5 | 30.0 |
| 1 1/2 | B+D | 49.2 48.8 |
41.6 40.1 |
34.7 33.2 |
28.7 27.2 |
6.35 | 5.54 | 8.92 | 7.8 | 12.7 | 11.12 | 12.5 | 12.5 | 12.5 | 32.0 |
| 2 | B+D | 61.7 61.2 |
53.3 51.7 |
43.6 42.1 |
38.9 37.4 |
6.93 | 6.04 | 10.92 | 9.5 | 13.84 | 12.12 | 16.0 | 19.0 | 16.0 | 41.0 |
| 2 1/2 | B+D | 74.4 73.9 |
64.2 61.2 |
8.76 | 7.67 | 16.0 | 19.0 | 16.0 | 43.0 | ||||||
| 3 | B+D | 90.3 89.8 |
79.4 76.4 |
9.52 | 8.30 | 16.0 | 19.0 | 16.0 | 44.5 | ||||||
| 4 | B+D | 103.8 100.7 |
103.8 100.7 |
10.69 | 9.35 | 16.0 | 19.0 | 16.0 | 48.0 | ||||||
| All Dimensions are in mm | |||||||||||||||
Conclusion
Slip coupling provides an easy solution for connecting two pipes without soldering or welding them together. Several types of slip coupling are available on the market today depending on your needs – flexible, expansion, compression, and push-fit – each designed specifically for different applications ranging from repairs to new installations. No matter what your plumbing project entails, chances are there’s a slip coupling-out there that will get the job done right! With its ease of use and wide range of applicability, it’s no wonder why so many people rely on this reliable plumbing fitting every day!
A passionate metal industry expert and blogger. With over 5 years of experience in the field, Palak brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her writing. Whether discussing the latest trends in the metal industry or sharing tips, she is dedicated to helping others succeed in the metal industry.
