Pipe fittings are crucial components for every plumbing system. They join pipes at different points to create efficient pipe mapping. Pipe fittings are made of various sizes, shapes, and materials to suit different pipe and tube requirements. In general, they are attachments at the end of pipes that allow the change of direction, control over the flow, and adjustment of the diameter of the pipe.
Pipe fittings can be confusing for those new to the plumbing world. We will help you familiarize yourself with the 10 common types of pipe fittings that you can find at PlumbingSell.
Table of Contents
Adapter Fittings
Adapter fittings are widely used pipe fittings for connecting two types of pipes together. They are often used when two pipes of different standards or sizes must be connected together. There are two types of adapter fittings: male and female adapters. These are referred to by how their threading and interior are designed to connect to pipes or other fittings. Male adapters have an external threaded end that fits into another fitting. In contrast, female adapters have internal threads that receive the male end.
Adapter fittings are mainly used for PVC, copper, and steel pipes, and their sizes range from 1/8 “ to 2”. The adapter material is also various. As for other components of the plumbing system, the selection of the adapter is also based on multiple aspects, such as type of fluid, temperature, and compatibility.
Tee Fittings
Tee fittings are one of the most widely used types of pipe fittings. They got the name from the T-shaped components with one inlet and two outlets at 90-degree angles. This kind of fitting is used to either combine or split fluid flow in the piping systems. There are two main types of tee pipe fittings: equal (straight) tee and unequal tee. The equal tees have the same diameter for all openings and are used to join the same-sized pipes. On the controversy, unequal tees are made with different diameters to join different sizes.
Tee fittings are the most common type of pipe fitting because they are easy to manufacture and versatile. They are normally made of PVC, brass, or copper. They can be used for a wide range of applications, from diverting and merging to redirecting flow in your application.
Elbow Fittings
Elbow fittings have only one inlet and outlet. They are used to change a flow’s direction in a piping system, typically at angles of 90°, 60 °, 45°, and 22.5°. They are essential in any applications where pipes need to be navigated around obstacles or fit into specific spaces. Multiple elbow fittings could be joined to direct fluid supply for a turn.
In addition to the various angled elbow options, there are two other types: short-radius elbow and long-radius elbow. The short-radius elbow has a tighter bend radius and is often used in tight spaces but could cause potential pressure loss. The long-radius elbow has a larger bend radius, which makes it ideal for smoother flow, reduced friction, and systems with high flow rates.
In short, elbow fittings change the direction of flow between two pipes while maintaining efficient and safe operation. Choosing the right angle, material, and connection type of the elbow fittings helps ensure proper functionality and durability.
Coupling Fittings
Coupling fittings, also known as pipe couplers, are used to connect two pieces of pipe together from outside the pipe. They are ideal for preventing leakage in pipes and are most suitable in areas where you won’t need to access them after the piping systems are done. This is because they are usually installed as permanent connections between pipes that are either the same size or different sizes.
The types of couplings vary in size and usage method. The two most common types used in plumbing are compression coupling and slip coupling. Compression couplings prevent leakage between two pipes with seals on both sides. On the other hand, slip couplings are designed to slide along the pipe to fix the broken sections of a long damaged pipe without dismantling the entire system. Slip couplings are easier to install.
Union Fittings
Similar to coupling fittings, union fittings connect two pipes. They are typically used for pipes made with different materials and are not permanent. They are designed for easy disconnection and reconnection with a nut or threaded ring in the middle, making them ideal for systems requiring regular maintenance.
Union couplings contain a male end, a female end, and a nut in the middle for tightening a tight seal. The pipes on both ends can be easily disconnected by loosening the nut. They are an excellent alternative to coupling fittings for areas that require regular maintenance.
Flange Fittings
Flange fittings are types of pipe fittings used to connect pipes, valves, pumps, and other equipment to form a piping system. They create a strong, leak-proof connection using bolts and gaskets to secure two flanges together. This makes them ideal for systems that require frequent assembly, disassembly, or maintenance.
Flange fittings are primarily used in industrial applications where high- and low-pressure fluid systems are required. The common materials used for flange fittings are metals like carbon steel, cast iron, aluminum, etc.
Caps and Plugs Fittings
Caps and plugs are the other two most commonly used types of end connections. They are a special pipe fitting category designed to terminate the line. Cap fittings are designed to fit over the outside of the pipe or attach, while plug fittings are designed to fit inside. The main difference between caps and plugs is that a plug has threading, while a cap does not. Caps fittings are the best choice for stopping low-pressure fluid, while plugs are for high-pressure fluid.
Both cap and plug fittings are available in various materials and sizes. Removing plugs could require special equipment for installation. Depending on the material of the pipe or attachment, caps need to be soldered or glued into place.
Reducer Fittings
Reducer fittings are a type of connection for two pipes of different diameters in piping systems, mainly for decreasing the diameter from one pipe to another. They help ensure a smooth transition in flow by minimizing turbulence and pressure loss.
There are two types of reducer fittings, concentric and eccentric. The concentric reducer is a cone-shaped design with both ends aligned along the centerline. This kind of reducer is capable of maintaining a uniform flow and is commonly used in vertical applications. On the other hand, the eccentric reducer has one flat side and one side sags below the edge of the pipe. This is to prevent air pockets and is widely used in horizontal piping systems.
Reducer fittings reduce the flow rate between a large pipe and a smaller pipe more smoothly than reducing couplings. Both types of reducer fittings are available in various materials, such as copper, PVC, and others.
Conclusion
Pipe fittings are essential components for connecting pipes and modifying the direction or volume of fluid flow in plumbing applications. There is a wide selection of types of fittings based on the different functions, materials, and sizes. The broad selection helps to ensure the specific needs of the fittings are fulfilled, but it has also made it critical to identify the right one for the particular application. Whether you need an elbow fitting or a cap or are new to the types of pipe fittings, we are here to help; feel free to contact us for any assistance you need!
