PIPE FITTINGS
Are components used to connect sections of pipe, often at an angle or change in direction,
allowing for the proper flow of water in the piping system.
It can be said that the water-supply fittings like elbow, tee, socket, reducer, etc., are
fitted to change the direction of flow, distribute the water supply from the main pipe
to other pipes of equal size or lower size, etc.
Figure: Pipe fittings.
TYPE OF FITTINGS
There are various types of pipe fittings
1. Collar
2. Elbow
3. Gasket
4. Union
5. Reducer
6. Tee
7. Nipple
8. Trap
1. Collar
While joining two pipes in the same length, collar is used. Collar is fitted in
the end of pipe figure below.
2. 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° or 90° 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 categorized as follows—
a) Long Radius (LR) Elbows
Here, the radius is 1.5 times the diameter of pipe.
b) Short Radius (LR) Elbows
In this, the radius is 1.0 times the diameter of pipe.
c) 90° Elbow
This is used when the change in direction required is 90° (Fig b).
d) 45° Elbow
This is used when the change in direction required is 45° (Fig a).
Fig a
Fig b
3. Gasket
They are mechanical seals, generally ring-shaped type 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, materials and features. Important gaskets used are
non- metallic, spiral-wound and ring-joint type figure below
4. Union
When two ends of pipes are joined, the pipe fitting used is called union. A union
is made of three parts namely a nut, a male end and a female end. The male and
female ends are assembled with the support of the nuts, and necessary pressure
is made to connect the joint. Since the pairing ends of the union are
interchangeable, the union can be changed easily in a short time.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Cross
When four pipes are joined, a cross is formed. It is also called a cross branch line or a four-way
fitting. This fitting has three outlets and one inlet. Cross fittings may deteriorate when
temperatures change, because cross fitting is made at the center of the four connection points.
9. 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.
