PVC pipes and fittings have become a popular choice in the plumbing and construction industries due to their durability, affordability, and ease of installation. PVC pipes are used to transport liquids, gases, and solids from one point to another.
However, to create a complete pipeline system, various PVC pipe fittings are needed. These fittings come in different shapes and sizes, each serving a specific purpose in the pipeline system.
In this article, we will explore the names of PVC pipe fittings commonly used in plumbing and construction projects, and their functions.
Importance of pipe fittings
1. Connect pipes
Pipe fittings are used to connect different sections of pipes together, allowing for the creation of longer pipelines and more complex plumbing systems.
2. Redirect flow
Pipe fittings can be used to redirect the flow of fluid or gas through a pipeline, which is useful when changes in direction are required.
3. Control flow
Some types of pipe fittings, such as valves and regulators, can be used to control the flow of fluid or gas through a pipeline, allowing for precise control over the system.
4. Accommodate different pipe sizes
Pipe fittings can be used to connect pipes of different sizes together, which is necessary when joining different types of pipes or when replacing damaged sections of a pipeline.
5. Prevent leaks
Pipe fittings are designed to create a secure and leak-proof connection between pipes, preventing the loss of fluid or gas and minimizing the risk of damage to the pipeline or surrounding area.
6. Support pipes
Certain types of pipe fittings, such as hangers and clamps, can be used to support the weight of pipes and prevent them from sagging or becoming damaged over time.
Names of PVC Pipe fittings list
- Adapters
- Trap Adapters
- Bushings
- Caps
- Couplings
- Crosses
- Elbows
- Sweep Elbows
- Flanges
- Nipples
- Plugs
- Reducers
- Tees
- Unions
- Crosses with Side Outlets
- Double-Tapped Bushings
- Extension Couplings
- Flex Couplings
- Locknuts
- Pipe Clamps
- PVC Ball Valves
- PVC Check Valves
- PVC Gate Valves
- PVC Saddle Tees
- Reducing Bushings
- Reducing Couplings
- Saddle Tees
- Slip Couplings
- Slip Caps
- Slip Tees
- Wyes
- Double Wyes
Adapters
Adapters are plumbing fittings that allow different types of pipes, fittings, or valves to be joined together. They come in various sizes and materials such as PVC, brass, and copper.
Adapters can have male or female threads or can be designed to connect to a specific type of fitting.
Uses:
- Used to connect pipes of different diameters.
Trap Adapters
Trap adapters are a type of adapter that connects the trap of a plumbing fixture to the drain pipe. They are typically made of PVC or ABS plastic and come in different sizes to fit different trap and drain pipe sizes.
Uses:
- Used to connect PVC pipes to a sink or bathtub drain, allowing for a secure and leak-free connection.
Bushings
Bushings are plumbing fittings that are used to reduce the size of a pipe fitting. They are typically used to connect larger pipes to smaller pipes or to adapt a fitting to a smaller size.
Bushings are available in different materials, including brass, copper, and PVC.
Uses:
- Used to connect pipes of different diameters.
- They are also used to reduce the size of a pipe fitting opening.
Caps
Caps are plumbing fittings that are used to seal off the end of a pipe. They can be threaded or unthreaded and come in different sizes and materials.
Caps are commonly used to temporarily seal off a pipe during construction or repairs.
Uses:
- Used to cover the end of a pipe or fitting.
Couplings
Couplings are plumbing fittings that are used to join two pipes or fittings together. They are typically made of brass, copper, or PVC and can be threaded or unthreaded.
Couplings come in different sizes and styles, including straight couplings, reducing couplings, and slip couplings.
Uses:
- These are used to connect two pipes of the same diameter.
Crosses
Crosses are plumbing fittings that are used to join four pipes or fittings together. They are typically made of brass, copper, or PVC and can be threaded or unthreaded.
Crosses come in different sizes and styles, including equal crosses and reducing crosses.
Uses:
- Used to connect four pipes at a junction.
Elbows
Elbows are plumbing fittings that are used to change the direction of a pipe. They are typically made of brass, copper, or PVC and come in different angles, including 45 degrees and 90 degrees.
Elbows can be threaded or unthreaded and are commonly used in plumbing applications to route pipes around obstacles or corners.
Uses:
- These are used to change the direction of a pipe.
- 45-Degree Elbows: Similar to elbows, but angled at a 45-degree angle instead of a 90-degree angle.
- 90-Degree Elbows: Used to change the direction of a pipe at a right angle.
Sweep Elbows
Sweep elbows are a type of elbow that has a gradual curve instead of a sharp angle. They are typically used in plumbing applications where the flow of fluids needs to be smooth and unobstructed, such as in sewer and drainage systems.
Sweep elbows are available in different sizes and materials, including PVC and cast iron.
Uses:
- Similar to elbows, but with a larger radius that allows for a smoother transition between pipes, reducing the risk of clogging or turbulence.
Flanges
Flanges are plumbing fittings that are used to connect pipes, valves, or other fittings. They are typically made of steel, stainless steel, or cast iron and come in different sizes and styles.
Flanges are commonly used in high-pressure or high-temperature applications, and they provide a secure and leak-proof connection.
Uses:
- Used to connect pipes and valves to a structure, such as a wall or a floor.
Nipples
Nipples are plumbing fittings that are used to connect two fittings or pipes. They are typically short, threaded sections of pipe that come in different lengths and sizes.
Nipples are commonly used in plumbing applications to extend a fitting or connect two pipes.
Uses:
- Short pieces of pipe are used to connect two fittings.
Plugs
Plugs are plumbing fittings that are used to close off the end of a pipe or fitting. They can be threaded or unthreaded and come in different sizes and materials.
Plugs are commonly used in plumbing applications to seal off a pipe during repairs or to close off an unused pipe.
Uses:
- These are used to close off the end of a pipe or fitting.
Reducers
Reducers are plumbing fittings that are used to connect pipes of different sizes. They are typically cone-shaped and come in different sizes and materials.
Reducers are commonly used in plumbing applications to connect larger pipes to smaller pipes or vice versa.
Uses:
- Used to connect pipes of different diameters.
Tees
Tees are plumbing fittings that are used to connect three pipes or fittings. They are typically T-shaped and come in different sizes and materials.
Tees can be threaded or unthreaded and are commonly used in plumbing applications to route pipes in different directions.
Uses:
- Used to connect three pipes at a junction.
Unions
Unions are plumbing fittings that are used to connect two pipes or fittings in a way that allows them to be easily disconnected. They typically consist of two threaded halves that are joined together with a nut.
Unions come in different sizes and materials and are commonly used in plumbing applications where easy access is needed for repairs or maintenance.
Uses:
- Used to connect two pipes that can be disconnected easily.
- Union Elbows: Similar to unions, but with the added feature of an elbow joint that allows for a change in direction.
Crosses with Side Outlets
Crosses with side outlets are plumbing fittings that are similar to crosses but have additional outlets on the side.
They are typically used in plumbing applications where multiple pipes need to be connected at different angles or directions.
Uses:
- Similar to crosses, but with additional outlets on the side to allow for connections to other pipes or fittings.
Double-Tapped Bushings
Double-tapped bushings are plumbing fittings that are used to reduce the size of a pipe fitting while also providing a threaded outlet. They consist of a threaded section in the middle and two unthreaded sections on either end.
Double-tapped bushings come in different sizes and materials and are commonly used in plumbing applications to connect different types of pipes or fittings.
Uses:
- Similar to bushings, but with two female threads to allow for the connection of two male pipes.
Extension Couplings
Extension couplings are plumbing fittings that are used to extend the length of a pipe or fitting. They are typically made of PVC or ABS plastic and come in different sizes and styles, including slip-joint and compression fittings.
Extension couplings are commonly used in plumbing applications to connect pipes that are slightly misaligned or to extend the length of a pipe.
Uses:
- Used to extend the length of a pipe or fitting.
Flex Couplings
Flex couplings are plumbing fittings that are used to connect two pipes or fittings in a way that allows for movement or flexibility. They are typically made of rubber or PVC and come in different sizes and styles.
Flex couplings are commonly used in plumbing applications where movement or vibration is expected, such as in HVAC systems or industrial applications.
Uses:
- Used to connect pipes that may be misaligned or offset.
Locknuts
Locknuts are plumbing fittings that are used to secure a threaded fitting or valve in place. They are typically made of metal or plastic and come in different sizes and styles.
Locknuts are commonly used in plumbing applications to prevent a fitting or valve from becoming loose or leaking.
Uses:
- Used to secure a fitting to a surface, such as a wall or a floor.
Pipe Clamps
Pipe clamps are plumbing fittings that are used to secure a pipe or fitting in place. They are typically made of metal or plastic and come in different sizes and styles.
Pipe clamps are commonly used in plumbing applications to prevent pipes from moving or vibrating, or to secure a pipe to a surface.
Uses:
- Used to secure a pipe or fitting to a surface, such as a wall or ceiling.
PVC Ball Valves
PVC ball valves are plumbing fittings that are used to control the flow of fluid in a PVC pipe system. They consist of a ball inside a valve body that can be rotated to open or close the valve.
PVC ball valves come in different sizes and styles, including threaded or slip fittings, and are commonly used in plumbing applications where precise flow control is needed.
Uses:
- These are used to control the flow of fluid through a pipe.
PVC Check Valves
PVC check valves are plumbing fittings that are used to prevent backflow in a PVC pipe system. They allow fluid to flow in one direction only and close automatically when the flow reverses.
PVC check valves come in different sizes and styles, including swing and spring check valves, and are commonly used in plumbing applications to prevent contamination or flooding.
Uses:
- Used to allow fluid to flow in one direction only, preventing backflow.
PVC Gate Valves
PVC gate valves are plumbing fittings that are used to control the flow of fluid in a PVC pipe system. They consist of a gate that slides inside the valve body to open or close the valve.
PVC gate valves come in different sizes and styles, including threaded or slip fittings, and are commonly used in plumbing applications where a reliable flow control is needed.
Uses:
- Used to control the flow of fluid through a pipe using a gate that is raised or lowered to allow or restrict flow.
PVC Saddle Tees
PVC saddle tees are plumbing fittings that are used to tap into an existing PVC pipe and create a new branch line.
They consist of a tee fitting that is mounted on a saddle that is attached to the existing pipe. PVC saddle tees come in different sizes and styles and are commonly used in plumbing applications to add a new pipe or fit an existing system.
Uses:
- Used to create a connection to an existing pipe without having to cut into it.
Reducing Bushings
Reducing bushings are plumbing fittings that are used to connect pipes or fittings of different sizes. They are typically made of metal, plastic, or brass and come in different sizes and styles.
Reducing bushings are commonly used in plumbing applications to connect larger pipes to smaller pipes or fittings or vice versa.
Uses:
- Used to connect pipes of different diameters, but with the added feature of reducing the size of the fitting opening.
Reducing Couplings
Reducing couplings are plumbing fittings that are used to connect pipes or fittings of different sizes. They are typically made of metal, plastic, or brass and come in different sizes and styles.
Reducing couplings are commonly used in plumbing applications to connect larger pipes to smaller pipes or fittings or vice versa.
Uses:
- Similar to reducing bushings, but in the form of a coupling that can connect pipes of different diameters.
Saddle Tees
Saddle tees are plumbing fittings that are used to tap into an existing pipe and create a new branch line. They consist of a tee fitting that is mounted on a saddle that is attached to the existing pipe.
Saddle tees come in different sizes and styles and are commonly used in plumbing applications to add a new pipe or fit an existing system.
Uses:
- Used to create a connection to an existing pipe without having to cut into it, but with the added feature of a tee outlet.
Slip Couplings
Slip couplings are plumbing fittings that are used to connect two pipes in a way that allows for movement or flexibility. They are typically made of PVC or ABS plastic and come in different sizes and styles.
Slip couplings are commonly used in plumbing applications where movement or vibration is expected, such as in HVAC systems or industrial applications.
Uses:
- Used to connect two pipes of the same diameter without the need for any additional tools or hardware.
Slip Caps
Slip caps are plumbing fittings that are used to close off the end of a PVC or ABS pipe. They are typically made of plastic and come in different sizes and styles.
Slip caps are commonly used in plumbing applications to seal off a pipe during repairs or to close off an unused pipe.
Uses:
- Used to cover the end of a pipe without the need for any additional tools or hardware.
Slip Tees
Slip tees are plumbing fittings that are used to connect three pipes or fittings. They are typically made of PVC or ABS plastic and come in different sizes and styles.
Slip tees can be used in plumbing applications to route pipes in different directions.
Uses:
- Used to create a connection between two pipes of the same diameter, but with the added feature of a tee outlet.
Wyes
Wyes are plumbing fittings that are used to connect three pipes or fittings. They are typically Y-shaped and come in different sizes and materials.
Wyes are commonly used in plumbing applications to route pipes in different directions.
Uses:
- Similar to tees, but with a branch angled at 45 degrees, allowing for a smoother flow of fluid.
Double Wyes
Double wyes are plumbing fittings that are similar to wyes but have additional outlets.
They are typically used in plumbing applications where multiple pipes need to be connected at different angles or directions. Double wyes come in different sizes and materials.
Uses:
- Similar to wyes, but with two branches angled at 45 degrees each, allowing for even smoother flow.
