Plumbing Fittings Types With Pictures

The material also plays an essential role since the wrong choice could lead to leaks or malfunctions within your system.

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By following our types of plumbing fittings guide, you should be feeling a little more confident next time you’re on the hunt for plumbing fittings.

Types of Plumbing Fittings and Their Uses

Elbow Fittings

Elbow fittings are used to change the direction of the flow in a plumbing system. Typically available in 45-degree and 90-degree angles, elbows redirect water or gas flow in piping. They are one of the most commonly used plumbing fittings, as they help avoid obstacles and adapt to space limitations.

• PVC plumbing fittings are popular for elbows, particularly in residential settings where durability and resistance to corrosion are essential.
• Copper elbow fittings are widely used in hot and cold water systems due to their high heat tolerance.

Couplings

Coupling fittings connect two straight sections of pipe, making them essential for extending pipe lengths. Compression fittings are a specific type of coupling that uses compression rings to create a tight seal, often used in places where the pipe cannot be welded or soldered.

• Copper couplings are used in hot water supply lines because of their high thermal resistance.
• SharkBite plumbing fittings are push-to-connect fittings that allow for quick, tool-free installation, ideal for both homeowners and professionals.

Tees

Tee fittings, shaped like the letter “T,” are used to join three pipes together, allowing the flow to be split into two directions. This fitting is commonly used in both water supply and drainage systems.

• PEX tee fittings are common in flexible pipe systems like radiant heating or potable water lines.
• PVC plumbing tees are widely used for irrigation systems and cold-water lines due to their resistance to chemicals.

Reducers and Bushings

Reducer fittings are used to connect pipes of different diameters. They help transition the flow from a larger pipe to a smaller one, which is crucial for managing water pressure. Bushings, similar to reducers, allow you to connect pipes of different sizes, but unlike reducers, they fit inside the larger fitting rather than outside.

• Brass reducers are commonly used in high-pressure applications or industrial settings.
• PVC reducers are used in drainage systems where chemical resistance is required.

Unions

Union fittings are designed to connect two pipes but allow for easy disconnection if needed, unlike permanent joints like couplings. These fittings are essential in systems that may require maintenance or frequent adjustments.

• Brass unions are commonly found in systems where corrosion resistance is necessary, like water heaters or pump systems.

Cross Fittings

Cross fittings connect four sections of pipe, allowing fluid or gas to flow in multiple directions. These are less common than other fittings but are essential in complex piping systems.

• PVC cross fittings are often used in irrigation or sprinkler systems where multiple lines need to be connected.

Caps and Plugs

Caps and plugs are used to close off the ends of pipes. Caps fit over the outside of the pipe, while plugs fit inside. These fittings are crucial in terminating a plumbing line and ensuring no leaks occur at the endpoint.

• Copper caps are used in water lines where high temperature resistance is required.
• PVC plugs are used in drainage systems, often in temporary setups during construction.

PVC Plumbing Fittings

PVC plumbing fittings are among the most popular choices in modern plumbing systems, known for their durability, lightweight design, and resistance to corrosion. They are commonly used in cold-water supply lines, drainage systems, and irrigation systems.

• Elbow PVC fittings help in redirecting the water flow in pipes without compromising the structure.
• Tee PVC fittings are essential in branching pipelines for distribution purposes.
• Couplings and unions in PVC are frequently used for extending pipes and offering flexibility in systems where easy disconnection may be required.

Advantages of PVC Fittings

• Cost-effective: PVC is an affordable material, making it ideal for large-scale plumbing projects.
• Corrosion-resistant: Unlike metal fittings, PVC fittings are immune to rust and corrosion, making them ideal for long-term use.
• Easy to install: These fittings are typically joined using solvent cement, which creates a strong bond without needing heat or advanced tools.

Disadvantages of PVC Fittings

• Temperature limitations: PVC fittings are not suitable for hot water lines, as they can soften and deform under high temperatures.
• UV sensitivity: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can weaken PVC, making it unsuitable for outdoor applications unless treated or buried.

Copper Fittings for Plumbing

Copper fittings are widely used in plumbing systems, especially for hot and cold water supply lines. Their high thermal conductivity, resistance to corrosion, and durability make them ideal for residential and commercial plumbing systems. Copper fittings are often used in conjunction with compression fittings or soldered joints to create leak-free connections.

Types of Copper Fittings

• Elbows: Copper elbow fittings are commonly used in hot water lines because they can withstand high temperatures without corroding.
• Couplings: Copper couplings are ideal for joining straight pipe sections and are commonly soldered for a permanent connection.
• Tee fittings: Tee copper fittings are useful for creating branch lines, splitting the water supply into different directions.

Advantages of Copper Fittings

• Heat resistance: Copper fittings are ideal for both hot and cold water lines due to their ability to withstand high temperatures.
• Long-lasting: Copper is a durable material that resists corrosion and leaks over time.
• Recyclable: Copper is environmentally friendly and can be recycled, making it a sustainable choice for plumbing systems.

Disadvantages of Copper Fittings

• Cost: Copper fittings tend to be more expensive than PVC or PEX fittings.
• Installation complexity: Copper fittings require soldering, which can make installation more complex and time-consuming.

PEX Plumbing Fittings

PEX plumbing fittings are designed for use with flexible PEX pipes, which have become a popular alternative to rigid piping in modern plumbing systems. These fittings are used in residential plumbing, radiant heating systems, and water supply lines.

Types of PEX Fittings

• Crimp fittings: These fittings are used with a crimping tool to secure the PEX pipe onto the fitting, providing a watertight seal.
• Push-fit fittings: SharkBite fittings are a type of push-fit fitting that allows for quick installation without the need for special tools.
• Tee fittings: PEX tee fittings are used to create branch lines, distributing water in different directions within the system.

Advantages of PEX Fittings

• Flexibility: PEX plumbing fittings are used with flexible pipes that can bend around corners, reducing the need for multiple fittings and joints.
• Ease of installation: PEX fittings are easier to install than copper or PVC, requiring fewer tools and less technical expertise.
• Cost-effective: PEX piping and fittings are generally more affordable than copper, making them ideal for budget-conscious projects.

Disadvantages of PEX Fittings

• Limited UV resistance: PEX fittings and pipes are not suitable for outdoor use, as prolonged exposure to UV light can degrade the material.
• Temperature sensitivity: PEX fittings may not be as durable in extreme temperatures, making them less suitable for some industrial applications.

Brass Plumbing Fittings

Brass plumbing fittings are used in a variety of applications, from water supply lines to gas pipes, due to their excellent durability and corrosion resistance. Brass fittings are commonly found in both residential and industrial plumbing systems, offering reliable and long-lasting connections.

Types of Brass Fittings

• Adapters: Brass adapters are used to change the type of connection from one material to another, such as from copper to PEX.
• Elbows: Brass elbows are used in both water and gas systems to redirect flow in piping systems.
• Unions: Brass unions allow for easy disconnection and maintenance of water lines without damaging the pipe.

Advantages of Brass Fittings

• Durability: Brass fittings are highly durable, resistant to corrosion, and long-lasting.
• Heat tolerance: Brass can handle high temperatures, making it ideal for hot water lines.
• Corrosion-resistant: Brass fittings can withstand harsh environments, including contact with water and gas, without corroding.

Disadvantages of Brass Fittings

• Cost: Like copper, brass fittings can be more expensive than PVC or PEX alternatives.
• Weight: Brass fittings are heavier than plastic fittings, which can make them more difficult to handle during installation.

Compression Fittings in Plumbing

Compression fittings are widely used in plumbing systems to create a watertight seal without the need for soldering. These fittings use a compression ring and nut to secure the pipe to the fitting, creating a tight and leak-proof connection.

Common Uses of Compression Fittings

• Water supply lines: Compression fittings are commonly used to connect copper or plastic pipes to faucets, toilets, and other fixtures.
• Gas lines: Some types of compression fittings are designed for use in gas supply lines, providing a secure and leak-free connection.

Advantages of Compression Fittings

• No soldering required: Compression fittings provide a strong seal without the need for heat or special tools.
• Reusable: These fittings can be easily removed and reinstalled if adjustments are necessary.

Disadvantages of Compression Fittings

• Not suitable for all applications: Compression fittings are not recommended for use in high-pressure or high-temperature systems, where soldered connections are more reliable.

Different Plumbing Fittings

Adapter

When the  pipes are not having special ends or plain ends then adaptors make them threaded either male or female whichever is needed with male having threads on the outside and the female on the inside. Adopters are generally used for copper and PVC pipes.

Male adapters contain male threads and female adapters contains female threads. One end of adapter is plain which is glued or welded or soldered to the plain pipe end.

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Nipple

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A pipe nipple is one of the most popular types of fittings; it’s also very important. It connects pipes to appliances such as water heaters, and connects two straight pipe runs.

The nipple fitting has two male ends.

There are five types of pipe nipples, including:

• Weld nipple: Used to connect tube fittings. They’re strong and can be used under extreme pressure surges, vibrations, and changes.
• Hexagon nipple: This has two threaded ends and a hexagonal center. Available in a variety of materials, lengths, and threads.
• Swage nipple: Used to get fluids through one pipe size to a different size.
• Barrel nipple: Short tubular nipple with an external taper thread at each end, and is un-threaded in between.
• Close nipple: Threaded throughout both ends. Also referred to as a “running nipple.”

Before buying a pipe nipple, it’s important to consider material, thickness, and diameter to make sure you get the correct fitting.

Union

Union is a type of fitting, which functions as similar to coupling.  Unions consists nut, male and female ended threads. So, this is also useful for maintaining purpose of pipe.

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Union fittings are made up of three parts: a nut, a female end, and a male end. They’re designed to connect two pipes with the possibility of being detached without damage or deformation to the pipes. They’re conveniently used in maintenance or cases of planned replacements in the future. One of the many advantages with union fittings is that they’re easy to install.

Coupling

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Couplings are very similar to unions. However, these can’t be detached without damage to the pipes.

Couplings can be used to connect two pipes of the same size and diameter. They’re also commonly used to change pipe sizes; a bell reducer is a common coupling used to do this since it connects a big pipe to a smaller one.

Cross

Cross type fittings contains 4 opening in 4 directions. These are connected when there are 4 pipes are meeting at a point. These fittings generate more amount of stress on pipe as the temperature changes, because they are located at the center of four connection points. Cross fittings are generally used for fire sprinkler systems.

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Tees

Tee type fitting is a component of plumbing system which is in T-shape. It is having one inlet and two outlets, outlets are arranged at 90^o to the main line connection (inlet). It can also be used to combine the flow from two inlets to one outlet. They are also available in different materials and different sizes. If the 3 sides of T-fitting are similar in size then it is called as Equal tee otherwise it is called as Unequal tee.

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Male Threaded Tee

 Elbows

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Elbow fittings are curved and are mainly used to change flow directions. Elbows are generally available with an angle of 22.5^o, 45^o and 90^o. If pipes are of same diameter then normal elbows are used otherwise reducer elbows are used. Elbows are made of different materials. These are generally coming with female threads and we can fix them by butt or socket welding also.

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Plug

Plug is a component of plumbing component which is generally used to close pipe opening during inspections and repairs. Plug are generally contains male threads  and are usually threaded to allow the plug to be removed for future use of the pipe.

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Cap

Cap is a type of pipe fitting which function is same as plug but the only difference is plug contain male threads and cap contain female threads which is screws on the male thread of pipe. These are available in different materials like rubber, copper, steel, plastic etc.

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Valve

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A valve is used to regulate or stop the flow of gas or liquid. Valves are generally categorized by application, such as:

• Isolation: Used to disconnect a part of a piping system temporarily. Usually left fully open or closed, and can be in place for years before replacement.
• Throttling: Used to control the pressure of a fluid. Designed to withstand wear and stress; however, they might eventually give in. Usually installed along with an isolation valve in case of malfunction.
• Non-return: Also called check valves, these allow a free flow of fluids in one direction, but prevents reverse flow. Often used in sewage and drainage systems.

Reducer

Reducer is a pipe fitting component which reduces the flow size from larger to smaller by reducing size of pipe. Usually there are two types of reducers are available. One is concentric reducer which is like cone shaped with gradual decreasing around the pipe but in this case accumulation of air may possible and it results in cavitation. Other one is eccentric reducer which is having one edge parallel to connecting pipe due to which air accumulation is not possible.

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 Clean-Outs

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A clean-out fitting features removable parts that allow access to drains without the need to undo plumbing fixtures. Clean-outs will enable an auger (a type of drill) to enter and clean a clogged drain.

Its crucial clean-outs are placed in accessible locations since an auger isn’t the longest tool. Larger plumbing systems feature several clean-outs that will be placed at regular intervals.

Clean-outs are mostly made out of PVC.

 Diverter Tee

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This type of tee is mainly used in pressurized hydronic heating systems. It diverts portions of the flow from the primary line into a side branch that’s connected to a heat exchanger.

It’s designed to allow a regular flow through the main line, even if the branch is shut off.

Installing a diverter tee can be a challenge. It features directional marking that must be followed. If it’s installed backward, it won’t function properly.

Barb

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Barb fittings are generally male at one end and have a tapered and ridged cone at the other. They’re designed to grip the inside of a tube and seal the connection.

As the barb fitting is inserted, the hose or tube will first expand and then relax. When the tube or hose relaxes and goes back to its original size, the connection is sealed and becomes difficult to undo. Barbed fittings are generally used in gas, air, and fluid control applications in low pressure.

For water connections, plastic barbs are used for cold water. Brass barbs are used to carry hot water.

FAQs

What are the most common types of plumbing fittings?
Elbows, tees, couplings, reducers, unions, and caps are some of the most common plumbing fittings used in residential and commercial plumbing systems.

What is the difference between PEX and copper fittings?
PEX fittings are used with flexible PEX pipes, while copper fittings are rigid and used in high-temperature applications. PEX fittings are easier to install, while copper fittings require soldering.

What are compression fittings used for?
Compression fittings are used to connect pipes without soldering. They are commonly used in water supply lines and gas lines for easy, leak-proof connections.

Are brass fittings better than PVC?
Brass fittings are more durable and resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for long-term applications in both water and gas systems. PVC fittings are more affordable and easier to install but may not last as long in certain environments.

How do I choose the right plumbing fittings?
Choosing the right plumbing fittings depends on the material of the pipe, the specific use case (e.g., water supply, drainage, gas), and whether flexibility or rigidity is required. Consider the environment (indoor vs. outdoor), temperature, and pressure requirements before selecting a fitting.

Conclusion
Understanding the various plumbing fitting types and their uses is crucial for any plumbing project, whether it’s a small home repair or a large-scale commercial installation. From PVC and PEX to copper and brass, each fitting material has unique advantages suited to different applications. Selecting the right fittings ensures a secure, efficient, and long-lasting plumbing system that meets all safety and performance standards.