Installation of Basic

4 Sanitary F ittings
and F ixtures

Introduction
You must have seen plumbing and sanitary fittings
and fixtures installed in the kitchen, bathroom or
toilets of your home, school or other buildings. Many
people confuse the words plumbing fittings and
plumbing fixtures. A plumbing fixture is a part that
is connected to a plumbing system and carries water
through a building. The most common plumbing
fixtures are bathtubs, sinks, showers, tubs, toilets
and faucets. While a fixture can be fixed into walls
or the floor, a fitting is an item that can be hung by a
hook, screw or nail.

Plumbing fittings
Various types of pipe fitting are available in plumbing
systems for different purposes and functions. A pipe
fitting is used in the plumbing system to join multiple
pipes of same size or different sizes, to regulate the flow
or to measure the flow. They are made, up of different
materials like copper, iron, brass, PVC, etc.
There are many different kinds of fittings, made
from a variety of materials. Some of the most common
types are as follows.

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 Types of fittings
1. Collar
2. Elbow
3. Gasket
4. Union
5. Reducer
6. Tee
7. Nipple
8. Trap

For a building, the plumbing system should be

designed in a way that water is distributed uniformly,
throughout the day. It should be ensured that a
combination of fittings and fixtures is selected in such
a way that uniform supply of water and discharge of
water is maintained.

Collar
While joining two pipes in the same length, collar is
used. It is fitted at the end of the pipe (Fig. 4.1).

Fig. 4.1: Collars

Elbow
It is installed at the time of joining two pipes. With the
help of an elbow, the direction of liquid is changed.
Normally a 45 degree or 90 degree elbow is used. When
the two sides of pipes differ in size, an elbow of reducing
size is used. This is called reducing type elbow or reducer
type elbow.
Elbows are categorised as follows.
Long Radius (LR) elbows
Here, the radius is 1.5 times the diameter of pipe.
Short Radius (SR) elbows
In this, the radius is 1.0 times the diameter of pipe.
45-degree elbow
This is used when the change in direction required is
45 degrees (Fig. 4.2).

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 90-degree elbow
This is used when the change in direction required is
90 degrees (Fig. 4.3).

Fig. 4.2: Bend 45 degree

Fig. 4.3: Bend 90 degree

Fig. 4.4: Y-T joint

Fig. 4.5: Double Y-T joint-1

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 Fig. 4.6: Double Y-T joint-2

Fig. 4.7: T-trap

Gasket
They are mechanical seals, generally ring-shaped and
fitted for sealing flange joints. A flange joint is a plate
or ring to form a rim at the end of a pipe when fastened
to the pipe. Gaskets are made as per by construction,
Fig. 4.8: Gasket
materials and features. Important gaskets used are non-
metallic, spiral-wound and ring-joint type (Fig. 4.8).
Union
When two ends of pipes are joined, the pipe fitting used
is called a union. A union is made of three parts, namely
a nut, a male end and a female end. The male and female
Fig. 4.9: Union ends are assembled with the support of the nuts, and
necessary pressure is applied to connect the joint. Since
the pairing ends of the union are interchangeable, the
union can be changed easily in a short time (Fig. 4.9).
Reducer
It is used to connect pipes of different diameters. A
reducer may be of various types like reducer tee, reducer
elbow and reducer socket (Fig. 4.10).

Fig. 4.10: Reducers

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 Tee
It is an important fitting with a side outlet at 900 to
the run of the pipe. Tees connect pipes of various
diameters and help in changing the direction of water
or material in a pipe. Tees are made in various sizes like
equal or unequal. The equal tee is most commonly used
(Figs. 4.11–4.13).

Fig. 4.11: Single tee socket

Fig. 4.12: Single tee socket

Fig. 4.13: Double tee socket

Nipple
It is a piece of pipe having thread at both sides, and
could be used for short extension of plumbing lines. It
can also be used for connecting two fittings within small
distance (Fig. 4.14). Fig. 4.14: Nipple

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 Bottle trap Trap
It is a fitting in a P-, U-, S- or J-shaped type (Fig. 4.15).
Traps are fitted near a plumbing fixture. The trap bend is
P-trap fitted to prevent sewer gases from entering the building.
If the gases are inserted back into home, then it could
S-trap
lead to people inhaling foul smell, which could cause
Fig. 4.15: Trap
illnesses. It could even explode.

Cross
When four pipes are joined, a cross is formed. It is
also called a cross branch line or a four-way fitting
(Fig. 4.16). This fitting has three outlets and one inlet.
Fig. 4.16: Cross Cross fittings may deteriorate when temperatures
change, because cross fitting is made at the centre of
the four connection points.

Offset
When an assembly of fittings on a pipeline makes one
section of pipe out of line and parallel to a second
section, then it is known as an offset (Fig. 4.17).
Fig. 4.17: Offset Common sanitary fittings and fixtures
Bathtub
Installed in a bathroom, it is made of vitreous
material, enamelled iron, plastic, marble, etc.
Its length varies from 1.7 m to 1.85 m, the
width is 70 cm × 75 cm and the depth varies
from 43 cm to 45 cm to the outlet end. Cold
and hot water taps are provided for filling the
tank, and an overflow pipe is provided for excess
water drainage. A waste coupling with a waste seal
Fig. 4.18: Bathtub trap is provided at the drain with a rubber plug as in
the washbasin.

Washbasin
It is provided for washing hands, face, etc. These are
generally made of vitreous china, burnt fireclay, ceramic,
enamel over steel, marble, glass, etc. Washbasins are
available in different shapes, sizes and colours.
Fig. 4.19: Washbasin

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 Water closet Notes
It is provided to receive human excreta directly from
the user. It is connected through a suitable trap to the
soil pipe and finally to a municipal sewer or septic tank.
The excreta is flushed with the help of water from the
cistern tank. There are two types of water closets.
1. Indian type
2. European type

Fig. 4.20: Water closet

Faucet
It is a device that controls the flow of liquid, especially
water, from a pipe. It is also called a water tap. It is
available in a bathroom, kitchen or sink, as per use.

Fig. 4.21: Faucet Fig. 4.22: Sink

Sink
It is a rectangular, shallow, waterproof tank made of
concrete, vitreous china, fireclay, or stainless steel.
It is used for cleaning utensils, clothes, etc. The flow of
a sink is provided with a hole for fixing a waste coupling
and a waste pipe.

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 Flushing cistern
It is a small tank holding water for flushing urinals and
water closets. It is made of cast iron, glazed earthenware,
glazed vitreous, or any other material. Depending upon
its size, a cistern can hold the following quantities of
water—5 litres, 10 litres and 15 litres. A 10-litre cistern
is the most common.
Geyser
Fig. 4.23: Flushing cistern It is used for heating water. It is available in different
capacities, upto 25 litres, as per requirement.

Installation
It refers to the act of placing or fixing in position a
50 Litres plumbing fixture such as a washbasin, a water closet,
etc. Installation is an important step in fixing the
components of a system as per the design. During the
installation of plumbing system in a building, home or
a housing colony, planning is done as per the standard
procedure of designing. A good installation system
Water inlet Water outlet prevents water leakage, allows optimum installation of
Fig. 4.24: Geyser the money spent and enhances the life of the plumbing
fixtures. Instructions for installation are given either by
the manufacturer on one’s own or the specifications in
the construction map.
If the standard procedure is followed during the
installation of plumbing system, it allows for smooth
and efficient functioning of the system.

Important points before installation

Read the plumbing drawing

Study the drawing of the bathroom, washroom, kitchen
or other places where installation is to be done. The
drawing will help the Plumber General to understand
various aspects of plumbing fittings, fixtures, distance
and height to be maintained during installation.
Install the basic sanitary fixture
Fittings (faucets and valves) are used more often than
any other part of the plumbing system. The best modern
fittings selected should use chrome-plated brass as it

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 bears the effect of water quality and has a high durability. Notes
They can be cleaned easily with soap and warm water.
Protection against backflow
The supply lines and fittings for every plumbing
fixture should be installed in such a way that there
is no backflow. There may be a backflow due to
improper design.
Access for cleaning
Plumbing fixtures should be installed in such a way
that they can have easy access for cleaning, for both
the fixture and the area around the fixture.
Check for alignment and setting
The fixtures must be set level in proper alignment
with the adjacent walls. As per the Indian Plumbing
Association Code, a water closet, lavatory or bidet
should not be set closer than 15 inches (381 mm)
from its centre to any sidewall, partition, vanity or
other obstruction, or closer than 30 inches (762 mm)
centre-to-centre between toilets or adjacent fixtures.
An 18-inch (457 mm) distance must be in front of the
water closet or bidet to any wall, fixture or door. Water
closet compartments should not be less than 30 inches
(762 mm) wide and 60 inches (1524 mm) deep. There
must be at least 18 inches (457 mm) clearance in front
of a lavatory to any wall, fixture or door. A urinal shall
not be set closer than 15 inches (381 mm) from the
centre of the urinal to any sidewall, partition, vanity or
other obstruction, or closer than 30 inches (762 mm)
centre-to-centre between urinals.
Make floor and wall drainage connections
Connections between the drain and floor outlet plumbing
fixtures must be made with a floor flange. The flange shall
be attached to the drain and anchored to the structure.
Connections between the drain and wall-hung water
closets should be made with an approved extension
nipple or horn adapter. The water closet must be bolted
to the hanger with corrosion-resistant bolts or screws.
Joints should be sealed with an approved elastomeric
gasket or setting compound.

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 Notes Check for floor flanges
Floor flanges for water closets or similar fixtures shall
not be less than 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) thick for brass, 1/4
inch (6.4 mm) thick for plastic, and not less than a 2-inch
(51 mm) caulking depth for cast-iron or galvanised
malleable iron. Floor flanges of hard lead shall weigh
not less than 0.7 kg and shall be composed of lead alloy
with not less than 7.75 percent antimony (a chemical
element which is a brittle, silvery-white metalloid)
by weight. Closet screws and bolts shall be of brass.
Flanges shall be secured to the building structure with
corrosion-resistant screws or bolts.
Secure floor outlet fixtures
Floor outlet fixtures must be secured to the floor or
floor flanges by screws or bolts of corrosion-resistant
material.
Secure wall-hung water closet bowls
Wall-hung water closet bowls should be supported
by a concealed metal carrier that is attached to
building the structural members so that strain is not
transmitted to the closet connector or any other part
of the plumbing system.
Make water-tight joints
All the joints of fixtures close to the wall or floor must
be sealed to prevent water from entering or passing
through.
Plumbing in mental health centres
In mental health centres, pipes or traps should not be
exposed, and fixtures must be bolted through walls.
Design of overflows
Where any fixture is provided with an overflow, the
waste should be designed and installed in such a way
that standing water in the fixture will not rise in the
overflow when the stopper is closed, and no water will
remain in the overflow when the fixture is empty.
Connection of overflows
The overflow from any fixture should be discharged into
the drainage system on the inlet or fixture side of the
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 trap. The only exception exists in case of the overflow
from a flush tank serving a water closet or urinal, which
should be discharged into the fixture served.
Access to concealed connections
Fixtures with concealed slip-joint connections should
be provided with an access panel or utility space at
least 12 inches (305 mm) in its smallest dimension or
other approved arrangement so as to provide access
to the slip connections for inspection and repair.
Where such access cannot be provided, access doors
shall not be required, provided that all joints are
soldered, solvent cemented or screwed so as to form a
solid connection.

Installation of a wall hung fixture

Step 1. Install the mounting board between the studs

at the proper height, using the same method as for a
wall-hung flush tank. Mounting board

Step 2. Attach a hanger

bracket on the finished Mounting board Hanger
Level
wall using the proper
length of wood screws at Lavatory (on hanger)
the recommended height.
The metal bracket must be
Hanger
level.

Step 3. Place the lavatory

on the bracket and push
Water supply
down. Make sure the
lavatory is level. Shutoff valve

Joining of pipes Fig. 4.25: Wall-hung lavatory installation

Proper solvent cementing techniques are fundamental

to the successful installation of pipes. Such techniques
provide the basis for strong and durable solvent cement
joints.

Solvent cementing
Also known as solvent welding, solvent cementing
is a chemical process that uses a primer, or the
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 Notes cement itself, to soften the surface of a plastic pipe
and fittings in order to weld, or fuse them together.
When applied, the solvents soften and dissolve the
top layer of the pipe and fitting material, loosening
its molecular structure. A taper in the fitting socket
creates an interference fit that ensures contact
between the pipe and fitting. This allows the material
to fuse to itself when the two pieces are connected.
Solvent cementing is a fast, easy and highly reliable
process that produces a joint, stronger than either
the pipe or fitting alone.

Fig. 4.26: Solvent cementing is the most popular kind of Chlorinated

Polyyvinyl Chloride joining method

PVC glue is used as a solvent cement. It is an adhesive

that is used to create an airtight seal that holds the PVC
pipe and connection fittings together. Considering that
the majority of piping installation failures are the result
of improper cementing techniques, an understanding of
the proper techniques required for joining, saves both
time and money.

Procedure for solvent cementing

1. Inspect the pipe and fittings for overall appearance
and compatibility. Obvious defects such as
cracks, burrs and incompatible materials must
be addressed as required. The joining surfaces
must be clean and dry. In addition, the cement
for the type and size of pipe and fittings should
be determined. Also, remember both temperature
and humidity may be issues to consider. Another
detail that is often overlooked is the need to have
the correct size applicator for the size of pipe. The
size of the applicator should be about half the size

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 of the pipe diameter in order to ensure proper and
timely solvent cement coverage.
2. Cut the pipe with a cutter or saw in square to
provide optimal bonding area. See Fig. 4.26.
3. De-burr the pipe with a chamfering tool or file to
ensure proper contact between pipe and fitting.
Remove all burrs from both the inside and outside
of the pipe with a knife, file or reamer. Burrs can
scrape channels into pre-softened surfaces or
create hang-ups inside surface walls. Remove
dirt, grease and moisture. A thorough wipe with a
clean dry rag is usually sufficient.
4. Apply a heavy, even coat of CPVC primer (if
necessary) to the fitting. Use the right applicator
for the size of pipe or fittings being joined. The
applicator size should be equal to 1/2 the pipe
diameter. It is important that a satisfactory size
applicator be used to help ensure that sufficient
layers of cement are applied.
5. Apply a heavy, even coat of primer (if
necessary) to the pipe end. The purpose
of a primer is to pierce through and soften
the surfaces so they can fuse together.
The proper use of a primer and checking
its softening effect provides assurance
that the surfaces are prepared for fusion
in a wide variety of conditions. Check the
piercing or softening on a piece of scrap
before you start the installation or if the
weather changes during the day. Using a
knife or other sharp object, drag the edge
over the coated surface.
Proper piercing has been made if you
can scratch or scrape a few thousandths
of the primed surfaces away. Because
weather conditions do affect priming and
cementing action, repeated applications to
either or both surfaces may be necessary. Fig. 4.27: Joining of elbow after
application of solvent
In cold weather, more time is required.

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 Notes 6. Apply a heavy, even coat of CPVC cement (if
necessary) to the fitting. Then apply to the pipe-
end. Stir the cement or shake can before using.
Using the proper size applicator for the pipe size,
aggressively work a full even layer of cement onto
the pipe-end equal to the depth of the fitting
socket. Do not brush it out to a thin paint type
layer, as this will dry within a few seconds.
7. Insert the pipe into the fitting socket, rotating ¼
to ½ turn. Hold the pipe for 10 seconds, allowing
the joint to set. A merit of using plastic pipes
is that if you make a mistake, you can cut the
section out and re-do it.
8. The joining is finished. The cure (drying) time
depends on pipe size, temperature and relative
humidity. If local codes permit, successful joints
can be made without a primer using cement
alone, but extra care must be taken during the
installation. It is important that a good interference
fit exists between the pipe and fittings. It is for this
reason that we recommend that joints being made
without a primer be limited to systems 2" and
smaller for pressure applications (water systems
only) or 6" and smaller for drain waste vent (DWV)
or non-pressure applications. Extra care must
also be taken in applying the cement to make
sure proper piercing (insertion) and softening of
the pipe and fitting surfaces is achieved.
9. Joint strength develops as the cement dries. In
the tight part of the joint, the surfaces will tend
to fuse together; in the loose part, the cement
will bond to both surfaces. These areas must
be softened and pierced through. Piercing and
softening can be achieved by the cement itself,
by using a suitable primer or by the use of both
primer and cement. For certain materials and in
certain situations, it is necessary to use a primer.
A suitable primer will usually slip into and soften
the surfaces more quickly than cement alone.

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 Notes

Activity 1
Visit a local sanitary shop and identify various types of plumbing
fixture.
Material required
1. Pen
2. Pencil
3. File
Procedure
1. Visit a sanitary store.
2. Identify various plumbing fixtures available there and
make a list.
3. Ask for the price and technical details (size, capacity,
make) of the fixtures and note down in your file.
4. Collect pamphlets of the same, if available.
Activity 2
Practise joining pipes using plumbing tools.
Material required
1. Joints
2. Pipe
3. Tools—hacksaw, cutter, brush, clamp
4. Adhesive
Procedure
1. Collect the pipe joints, pipes and tools—hacksaw, cutter,
brush and clamp.
2. Identify the parts to be joined.
3. Collect the joints.
4. Join the pipe with help of a pipe jointing adhesive.
Activity 3
Identify the various fixtures and fittings used in the bathroom
and toilet.
Material required
1. Pen
2. Pencil
3. File
Procedure
1. Go to your bathroom and toilet.
2. Identify the fixtures and fittings used there.
3. Make a list of these in your practical file.

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 Notes Check Your Progress
A. Answer the following questions
1. Explain the different fittings and its uses in the
plumbing system.
2. Enlist the different fixtures and its uses in the plumbing
system.
3. Write the important steps for the installation of plumbing
fixtures.
4. Explain the procedure of pipe joining.

B. Fill in the blanks

1. Water closet, lavatory or bidet shall not be set closer

than____________ inches.
2. Closet screws and bolts shall be of made of ____________.
3. ____________should be accomplished by using a file or a
chamfering tool.
4. The supply lines and fittings for every plumbing fixture
shall be installed so as to prevent____________.

C. Multiple choice questions

1. A good installation system

(a) prevents water leakage
(b) allows the optimum utilisation of the money spent
(c) enhances the life of the plumbing fixtures
(d) All of the above
2. The length of a bathtub varies from ____________.
(a) 1.7 m to 1.85 m
(b) 1.0 m to 1.15 m
(c) 1.2 m to 2.0 m
(d) 1.5 m to 1.8 m
3. The full form of CPVC is
(a) Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride
(b) Chlorinated Pipevinyl Chloride
(c) Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chlorine
(d) Chemical Polyvinyl Chloride
4. Geyser is used for
(a) heating the water
(b) cooling the water
(c) storing the water
(d) None of these

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