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When connecting piping from different sources, the most crucial aspect to avoid is mixing materials. This is because different materials can have varied expansion properties, chemical compatibility, and durability. When incompatible materials are connected, it can lead to leaks, failures, or even dangerous chemical reactions.
For instance, connecting plastic piping to metal piping without proper fittings or transition pieces can create weak points in the system, leading to leaks or ruptures under pressure. Moreover, certain chemicals can degrade specific materials over time, exacerbating these issues.
While other aspects like interchanging piping and couplings or using different lengths can also introduce complications, it is the mixing of materials that poses the greatest risk to the integrity and safety of the piping system. Using consistent materials throughout a piping system helps ensure reliability, maintains system performance, and minimizes maintenance issues in the long run.