What Is The Difference Between Plug And Cap In Plumbing?

What is a plug? A plug is a male-threaded fitting that seals the end of a pipe when screwed into a female threaded fitting, commonly used as a gas line cap or water pipe cap. A pipe end cap is a female-threaded fitting used to close off pipelines, preventing dirt, moisture, and contaminants during storage and transportation.

1. What Is A Pipe Cap?gas line cap

A pipe cap (also called a plumbing cap) is a type of pipe fitting that covers the end of a pipe to close the pipeline, preventing leaks and contamination. Its function is similar to a pipe plug but is designed for female-threaded or welded connections.

  • Pipe cap materials: Carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, PVC, plastic, and other materials.

  • Pipe cap connection methods: threaded connection, socket weld, butt Weld, etc.

  • Pipe cap shapes: round head caps, hex head caps, etc.

  • Pipe cap manufacturing standards: ASME B16.11, ASME B16.9, etc.

  • Pipe cap manufacturing process: forging and casting (Forging refers to the use of steel ingots or round bars for heating and forging forming, and then processing threads on a lathe; Casting refers to the melting of steel ingots and pouring them into a fixed pipe hoop model, and then cooling them).

  • Pipe cap applications: Pipe caps, such as PVC caps and stainless steel end caps, protect ends from dust and moisture, ensuring leak-free connections. Gas line caps and pipe plugs are used in hydraulic and pneumatic pipelines, water pump lines, and plumbing systems to prevent contamination and air blocks.

pipe cap vs plugpipe cap vs plug

2. What Is A Pipe Plug?pipe plug

What is a plug? A pipe plug is a male-threaded pipe fitting, also a threaded plug, used to block the internal threads of a pipe. Common types include hex head, square head, and round head plugs. Like pipe caps, pipe plugs allow systems to be fully pressurized.

  • Pipe plug materials: carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, plastic, etc.

  • Pipe plug shapes: hex head plug, square head plug, etc.

  • Pipe plug connection methods: The threaded plug must use the threaded connection.

  • Pipe plug manufacturing standards: ASME B1.20.1, ASME B16.11, etc.

  • Pipe plug manufacturing process: forging and casting (Forging refers to the use of steel ingots or round bars for heating and forging forming, and then processing threads on a lathe; Casting refers to the melting of steel ingots and pouring them into a fixed pipe hoop model, and then cooling them).

  • Pipe plug applications: Pipe plugs are used in the closing of the ends of various hydraulic or pneumatic pipes or tubes. Pipe plugs are the type of pipe fittings used in the plumbing apparatus of both industrial and domestic water supply lines, machinery, and so on. They are also for the removal of air blocks on water pump lines.

pipe cap vs plugpipe cap vs plug

3. Pipe Cap VS Plug

Both plumbing caps and pipe plugs protect pipelines from dust, moisture, and contaminants during storage and transportation. Pipe caps connect to external threads, while pipe plugs screw into internal threads. Always tighten carefully to avoid thread damage.

The difference between a pipe cap and a pipe plug is that the pipe cap is an internally threaded pipe fitting and is connected to the externally threaded pipe end, while the pipe plug is an externally threaded pipe fitting that is connected to the internally threaded pipe end.

4. Where To Buy/Purchase Stainless Steel Pipe Caps And Pipe Plugs In China?

SANVO is a manufacturer, factory, and exporter of quality stainless steel threaded pipe fittings, gas line caps, and cap plugs. We also supply threaded pipe fittings, including elbows, tees, nipples, and pipe unions. All products meet ASME and DIN standards with guaranteed quality. 

SANVO Advantage:

  • Stainless steel pipe cap and pipe plug factory, primary source, non-trading company;

  • Best price and guaranteed quality, and ensure timely delivery;

  • Samples can be mailed to customers for free, customer satisfaction is our ultimate goal;

  • Can be customized according to drawings, samples, and the customer's special needs.

I think you can buy stainless steel pipe caps and pipe plugs from SANVO. We can meet your size standards and special needs. If you have any needs, please contact us immediately for free samples or quotations, and we look forward to your messages.

 

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