While not flashy or exciting, pipe fittings are crucial to the success of plumbing systems. This is because they allow pipes to connect to form a cohesive setup. Without fittings, pipes would be unable to form a seal with each other, and liquids would not be able to flow to your faucets and fixtures. Thousands of combinations of pipe sizes, materials, and thread types demand a need for thousands of types of pipe fittings. In this article, you can learn about the most popular types of pipe fittings used in household plumbing systems, the materials used to make them, and tips on how to select the right fitting for your system.
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What is a pipe fitting?
Pipe fittings are used to join plumbing components to allow for many types of configurations. They are used to either extend or change the direction of flow in a plumbing system. Pipe fittings are available in many different sizes and materials, allowing compatibility with many different types and sizes of pipe. Within a plumbing system, a pipe fitting can change the direction of the flow of liquid, extend the length of a pipe run, or change the flow rate of liquids or gases. The material, size, and type of fitting a system requires is determined by the pipe size, pipe material, the liquids used in the system, and the pressures within and outside of the system.
Types of pipe fittings
Many types of pipe fittings are used in plumbing systems, but some are used more often than others. We include some of the most popular types of fittings below. For an all-encompassing look at pipe fitting types and terms, refer to our pipe fitting glossary.
What materials are used for pipe fittings?
Pipe fittings, just like pipes, are made from a wide array of materials. The materials used in a fitting must be compatible with the material of the pipes it is connecting. As a result, fittings are made from many of the same materials as pipes. Some of the most common materials used for pipe fittings include PVC, CPVC, copper, steel, brass, ABS, HDPE, and polypropylene. When selecting the material for your pipe fitting, ensure it can handle the temperatures, liquids or gases, and pressures within your system.
How to choose the right pipe fitting
When choosing a pipe fitting for your application, you must focus on three details of your pipes: their materials, sizes, and fitting standards.
Material
The material of your pipe fitting must be compatible with the material of your pipes. As a general rule, the same material should be used for both the pipe fitting and the pipe it is connected to. This ensures that both components are well suited for the application they are used for. In cases where pipes of different materials must be connected, transition fittings are used. These fittings contain one material on one end and a different material on the other. This allows for pipes of different materials to integrate seamlessly as long as the materials are compatible with the application they are used for.
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Sizes
The size of fittings is an obviously important factor in selecting the correct fittings for your system. Without precise sizing, there will be no seal, and the system will not function properly. If you need to connect two pipes or fittings of different sizes or standards, there is an adapter fitting that will suit your needs. Read below to learn more about how pipe fittings are measured.
Learn more: How to determine pipe thread type and size
Fitting standards
Pipe fitting standards are determined by a governing body to determine how pipes and fittings join together. Some of the most common pipe standards include NPT, NPTF, BSPT, BSPP, SAE, UN, and UNF. Because these standards are determined by governing bodies, they differ based on location. For example, NPT (National Pipe Thread) is the most popular US standard for tapered thread fittings. BSP (British Standard Pipe), on the other hand, is the popular standard in Great Britain, Australia, and the commonwealth countries.
The standard of fitting you need is determined by the standard of your pipes. When connecting pipes of two different standards, use an adapter fitting that is suited to your pipes&#; respective sizes and standards.
Learn more: Common pipe thread types
If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.