Latest Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Air Gap product and when should it be used?
An Air Gap product is designed to be installed in to the countertop in some municipalities when a dishwasher is being installed. The hose from the dishwasher will connect to the inlet side of the air gap, then a separate hose will be installed between the outlet side of the air gap and the disposal or dishwasher tail piece. Check with your local building officials before installing your dishwasher because air gaps are not required in ever municipality.
Are S-Traps approved for installation on projects that require a plumbing permit and or inspection?
No. The S-Trap is not approved for any installations that require a plumbing permits and or inspections.
Are Form-N-Fit Plastic Tubular products approved for installation on projects that require a plumbing permit and or inspection?
No. The Form-N-Fit is not approved for any installations that require a plumbing permits and or inspections.
How is the dishwasher drain hose connected to the kitchen drain?
If you have a disposal installed in your kitchen sink, the dishwasher drain can be connected to the ¾” drain port designed into every residential disposal. If a disposal is not available for a drain connection, Oatey offers several styles of dishwasher branch tail pieces for this application. You can find these available tail pieces in category 15 in the Oatey catalog or on our website.
Can the plastic tubular products be assembled with solvent cements instead of slip nuts/washers?
No. The polypropylene materials cannot be assembled with solvent cements, they have to be assembled with the slip nuts/washers.
Are there tubular traps that can connect to a 2? iron pipe male thread?
Yes. The N.Y. Code and L.A. Code traps are designed to work for this application.
How is the size of the tubular product determined for each application?
The most common tubular product sizes are 1¼” and 1½”. These sizes are available in brass and plastic tubular products. The trap adapter connection to the branch drain in the wall will determine the largest size of tubular product which can be connected with a slip nut and washer. This point of connection can also be reduced for 1¼” tubular assemblies, with a reducing washer and slip nut. Bathroom sink installations are normally completed with 1¼” tubular products, but 1½” tubular products will also work. Kitchen sink installations can only be completed with 1½” tubular products.
Do the brass tubular products come in different thicknesses?
Yes. Our brass tubular products are offered in three different thicknesses (gauges).
17 gauge is the thickest, and is often referred to as commercial grade
20 gauge is our mid-range thickness
22 gauge is our thinnest, and is sometimes referred to as “budget grade”
Can pipe support products help stop the banging sounds in water lines when the washing machine is operating and or the toilets flush?
Yes. Banging sounds are generated when a quick closing valve shuts off, this creates water
hammer. Washing machines, ice makers, single lever faucets and toilet fill valves are all considered to be quick closing. Water hammer will expose any loose pipes throughout the home and create banging sounds. If you locate the loose pipe(s) and secure them with the appropriate strap or hanger, you will be able to reduce or stop the banging sounds.
Are there any pipe support products that will insulate water lines passing through HVAC supply or return ducts?
No. The installation of water lines in/or through HVAC supply or return ducts is not approved in the majority of municipalities. Before attempting this application, we recommend that you reach out to your local code enforcement officials for their approval.
Are there any pipe support products that will support pipes hanging below the joist?
The Copper and Steel Pipe Hooks, Copper Plated Milford Hangers and CTS J-Hooks are all capable supporting pipes that hang down below the Joist or finished surfaces.
What pipe support product should be used for water lines passing through wood?
Insulating Pipe Clamps