Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are FORMUFIT PVC Fittings?

FORMUFIT PVC Fittings are structural PVC fittings that work with any standard off-the-shelf PVC pipe.  PVC fittings, also known as connectors, ells and tees and crosses, are more familiar to most people in plumbing applications, but we’ve assembled a collection of PVC fittings that are specifically designed to be used just to build stuff. The difference with our fittings is that they allow inventors, designers, makers and the DIY enthusiast to create innovative structural applications from, simple, inexpensive PVC pipe available in the plumbing departments of most home centers and hardware stores.  Our PVC fittings come in a range of sizes and types, which can be used in an enormous array of applications to build just about anything you can think of.

What can I make with FORMUFIT PVC Fittings, Pipe and Accessories?

Anything you can possibly think of.  You can create anything from dog agility equipment to artwork, from PVC furniture to carts and holiday displays.  One can think of FORMUFIT products as the peices for a giant Tinkertoy set, just for kids and adults alike. Both consumers and businesses alike can benefit from our products.  You can get some ideas in our FREE PVC Plans section.

What is the difference between all of the different sizes of pipe and fittings?

PVC pipe comes in a variety of sizes.   FORMUFIT PVC Products were created so that individuals can produce any application or structure needed using whatever pipe is available to them or that their needs require.  Some pipe is stronger and more rigid (1-1/4” and up) and ideal for structures that bear weight, while some pipe is more agile and flexible (1” and below), which is ideal for creating curved surfaces and smaller applications.  In essence, the pipe actually is chosen based on the design and need.  Check out our easy to use PVC Size Guide to determine the best PVC pipe size for you.

What is the best way to determine if I need a particular type or size of fitting?

Drawing out your design and planning first are the great methods to determine your need.  Another method is to download our PVC fitting and pipe components for Google SketchUp or our PVC fitting and pipe shapes for Microsoft Visio in our Downloads section.  Using these programs (Google SketchUp is FREE), you can build, and even test out your design, before you place your order.

Additionally, you can download and print our PVC Size Guide to see actual pipe sizes and attributes to see which size PVC pipe is for you.

Do I need to use FORMUFIT PVC Pipe with FORMUFIT PVC Fittings?

Nope.  You can use standard plumbing-grade PVC pipe from your local hardware store or home center, however, plumbing-grade PVC does have drawbacks compared to FORMUFIT PVC pipe, such as limited life in sunlight, yellowing, manufacturers ink and stampings, brittleness and matte appearance.  We do offer a few ideas on how to 'beautify' plumbing-grade PVC pipe in our Tips section, specifically under Cleaning PVC Pipe and Painting PVC Pipe.

Can I use CPVC with your smaller diameter fittings?

No.  Our fittings will only work with standard PVC pipe available in the plumbing section of your hardware store.  CPVC has different outside diameters that are not compatible with standard PVC sizes. You can identify CPVC by its tan or light-brown color, whereas standard PVC is white in color.

Can I used Copper Tube Size (CTS) PVC pipe with your 3/4" fittings?

No.  Copper tube size is designed to accomodate copper to PVC connections only, and is has a different inside and outside diameter than normal 3/4" PVC.  Only standard Schedule 40, 80 or 120 PVC pipe can be used with our External Fittings, and only Schedule 40 PVC pipe can be used with our internal fittings.

Can I use Thinwall PVC pipe with your PVC fittings?

Yes, but only for our external fittings. While the outside diameter will match, the inside diameter of Thinwall PVC does not have the correct diameter to accomodate our internal fittings.  Our internal fittings will only fit inside Schedule 40 PVC Pipe.

How to I know what size pipe matches up with the right size fitting?

PVC pipe sizes can be very confusing.  This is because the actual named measurements of the pipe width barely resemble the true measurements.  To determine the size of fitting you need, for your size of pipe, download our PVC Size Guide or refer to our PVC 101 Tutorial, located in our Tips section.

What is the difference between your fittings and the ones I can get in the plumbing department at the hardware store?

When you put them side-by-side, the difference is quite clear.  Despite the appearance, our fittings have the following benefits over plumbing-grade PVC fittings:

• Glossy, clean white UV-resistant exterior.
• No stampings, raised lettering or barcodes, all our products are a completely solid color.
• Completely non-toxic and contain no heavy metals (such as lead), noxious dioxins, phalates or other dangerous plasticizers. 
• Tapered, clean edges for increased appearance.
• Interior detent consistent across all of our fittings.Multiple configurations (3-Way, 4-Way, 5-Way) not found in plumbing-grade fittings.
• Special accessories made specifically for PVC structure applications.

How do I clean PVC pipe and remove the manufacturers ink and markings?

Acetone is the best solution for removing factory ink and barcodes from PVC pipe.  Refer to our Cleaning PVC Pipe instructions in our Tips section.

Can I paint PVC pipe?

Despite the common myth that PVC cannot be painted, you can absolutely paint PVC pipe. This is especially important if using your application outdoors, where sunlight can break down standard plumbing-grade PVC pipe.  Currently, Krylon Fusion is the latest and greatest paint out there for plastic products, and that includes PVC. Check out our Painting PVC Pipe instructions in our Tips section.

Can I use your fittings for plumbing installation or repair?

Out fittings will fit, and in theory, meet the pressure ratings which are the same as plumbing grade PVC, however, none of our products have been ‘NSF Rated’ for plumbing applications. Our fittings are specifically designed for structural purposes and other applications, but are not recommend for plumbing or sewage use.

Is there a minimum order size I need to place with FORMUFIT?

No.  Absolutely not. We order direct from the manufacturer and can ship as few or as many fittings, pipe or accessories as you like.  Our flexible shipping structure allows you to order only the fittings you need at a low cost.  We are the only PVC provider online to offer the use of the USPS First Class mail to allow small inexpensive shipments (under 13 oz.) to be sent for under $3 anywhere in the US.

What is the best way to contact FORMUFIT if I have a question about my order or a product?

The best method to contact us is via email.  Additionally, we are extremely integrated into social networking and other internet applications, such as Facebook and Twitter, which allow us to answer your questions, no matter where you are.  We apologize, however, due to our constant state of business, we dont currently offer phone support.

Why dont you offer phone support?

We chose not to offer phone support at FORMUFIT, due to a number of reasons:

1. The support requests we get generally require us to provide technical details on PVC sizes and measurements, which are easier to resolve via email or instant message as we have a number of documents to support technical information.
2. Order status updates and tracking information usually requires us to provide an extensively long number to our customers, which is difficult to provide over the phone.  A quick email usually resolves this within minutes.
3. If you have questions regarding our products and services, and you cant quite grasp the concept via email you can submit a question to us with your contact information and we will be glad to give you a call to discuss.
4. Our e-mail is staffed 24 hours a day, whereas phone support could only be staffed for about 8 hours a day, with limited coverage due to overlapping time zones.

Have other questions? Contact us at info@formufit.com