Different Types of Pipe Fitting Components

1. Different Types of Pipe Fitting Components What are the different types of pipe fitting components? What are the different types of pipe fittings used for? Adapter An adapter is any fitting used to join two very different parts. The joined parts may be of different materials, pressure ratings or dimensions. Elbow An elbow is used to change the direction of the fluid flow. It connects any two pipes with one at an angle to another. Most elbows are at a 45 or 90 degree angle, but a few are at 22.5 degrees. A 90 degree elbow can be called an L, a quarter bend or 90 ell pipe fitting. An elbow could include a reduction in diameter; that’s known as a reducing elbow. Elbows are among the most commonly used CPVC pipe fittings. Coupling A coupling connects any two pipes without changing the angle. A reducing coupling will connect a larger and narrower pipe, though these can also be called adapters. Slip couplings are those deliberately slipped onto pipe to stop a small leak or that has been cut. Unions Unions may connect two pipes like a coupling, but it differs in the fact that it is made to allow you to disconnect the pipes. The union can generally be unscrewed to remove a section of pipe, often to let a plumber clear a blockage. Rotary unions let someone rotate one of the joined parts without leaking. This is separate from a valve that is used to disconnect parts of the plumbing system. Nipple A nipple is a small piping stub. It is generally male-threaded, screwed into two other fittings to connect them. They’re often used in plumbing and in hoses. This is different from a cap; that connects to what is otherwise an open end of pipe. Caps A cap is a round, rectangular or U shaped piece of material that is used to “cap” or cover the end of what is otherwise an open piece of pipe. It may be welded, glued or screwed onto the pipe. It can be used to give someone access to the length of pipe or a literal stopping place. In the second situation, the cap may be removed and additional piping added at another date. A cap is not a plug. The plug will fit inside the pipes or pipe fitting.

2. Reducer A reducer reduces the pipe size from a larger diameter to a smaller one. This may be done to connect with smaller diameter pipe because that’s what is available or to maintain water pressure as the flow of water moves further from the source. They can also be used as diffusers or nozzles. A Tee A Tee forms a “T”. A tee is formed one long piece of pipe has a third perpendicular branch on it. It may combine or divide the fluid flow. The three connections could have equal or unequal branch sizes. A diverter tee is used to send heated water to a radiator or heat exchanger; the diverter side could be shut down without affecting the flow through the rest of the pipe. Cross A cross is a four way fitting. It could have one outlet and three inlets or three outlets and one inlet. Crosses are commonly used in sprinkler systems. Tees are generally preferred for sending water to sinks and toilets, since it isn’t as stressed by temperature changes as a cross.