Types of pipes used in drainage system

We use various types and different sizes of drainage pipes in the different locations for various
purpose in residential building’s drainage system. Sometimes size/diameter of pipe is not shown
in the drawing. In that situation we use typical size of pipe for a particular purpose. Because size
of pipe doesn’t vary much in residential building. Types and size of drainage pipes is also a
much asked question in job interviews.

 what are the different types of pipes used in the drainage system of residential building.

 what sizes of drainage pipes are used in residential building’s drainage system?

We use following types of drainage pipes in residential building –

 Waste pipe/Waste stack,

 Soil pipe/Soil stack,

 Rain Water Pipe, and

 Vent pipe.
The descriptions of each type of drainage pipe below will give you a complete view of drainage
system of a residential building –

Waste pipe: This is a 4 inches dia pipe go vertically along building height. Waste water from
bath-tub, basin, shower, kitchen etc. go through this pipe. Waste pipe is also called waste stake.

Different size of waste water pipe at different place –

Floor trap to waste stack – 4 inches.
Basin to floor trap – 1.25 inch.
Shower/bath tub to floor trap – 1.5 inches.
Kitchen sink to floor trap – 2 inches.

Soil pipe/Soil stack: Dirt from water-closet is discharged through this type of pipe. Size of soil
pipe is 4 inches. It is placed parallel with waste stack.
Size of connecting pipe between W/C and soil stack is 4 inches.

Rain water pipe: In short, it’s expressed by RWP. It is also a vertical pipe go along building
height. Rain water from roof and other open places go through it.
For removing rain water from veranda we use 2 inches dia pipe and connect it with RWP.

Vent pipe: Vent pipe is used to remove bad air from soil stack and waste stack. Typically 2
inches dia pipe is used for this purpose. Vent pipe is the short form of ventilation pipe.
Other than these pipes, there are also some other pipes of 6 inches dia we use below ground
level. Those are main drainage line. These main drainage line collect dirty liquids from soil stack
and waste stack separately and discharge to desired destination. Such as, collected liquid from
soil stack discharges to septic tank and from waste stack to municipality drain.
6 TYPES OF PIPES MOST COMMONLY
USED IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
In any building construction piping systems are designed to serve the following primary
purposes.

 To supply water everywhere in the building

 For the disposal of rain water above the ground
 To dispose water from water closets and washbasin etc
 To drain soil & waste water to septic tanks or town sewers.

The principal types of pipes that are available in the market to serve the above mentioned
purposes are as follow.

1. Cast iron pipes and fitting

2. Plastic or PVC pipes
3. Galvanized steel (GI) pipes
4. Stoneware pipes
5. Asbestos Cement (AC) pipes
6. Concrete pipes

1. Cast Iron Pipes

Cast iron pipes and fitting are primarily used for designing of soil and rain water disposal
systems. These pipes are made by the sand cast process or by spinning.

Sand cast pipes are made by pouring molten cast iron into vertically mounted sand moulds. They
are available in 1.5, 1.8 & 2 metre length and 5 & 6 mm thickness.

Spun pipes are made by pouring molten grey cast iron into a revolving water cooled mould,
producing a seamless pipe in length upto 3 metre with thickness less than sand cast pipes.

2. Plastic or PVC pipes

There are 3 common types of plastic pipes are available in market, as given below.

1. Unplasticized PVC (UPVC) or rigid pipes for use with cold water
2. Plasticized PVC pipes which are plasticized with addition of rubber. It has lower strength
and lower working temperature than UPVC pipes.
3. Chlorinated PVC (CPVC) pipes which can withstand higher temperatures upto 1200
(used to carry hot water)
For pipes used in soil and waste water discharge systems, the thickness of the wall will be larger
than that of used for roof drainage.

Rigid PVC pipes are used for distribution of water with temperature below 450C.

At higher temperature, the strength of the pipes decreases. Similarly ultraviolet radiation from
sunlight as well as frequent changes in temperature reduces the life of PVC pipes.

These pipes are costlier than AC pipes but cheaper than GI pipes.

3. Galvanized Steel (GI) Pipes

GI pipes are made from steel pipes. The galvanizing process deposits a thin coating of zinc
which protects it from corrosion.

They are available in light, medium and heavy grades depending on the thickness of the metal.
For a 15 mm GI pipe, the thicknesses are 2.0, 2.65 & 3.25 for the light, medium and heavy
grades, respectively. Generally the medium grade pipes are used for internal plumbing in
building.

These pipes corrode easily if it carries brackish water or concealed in lime concrete and
brickwork or buried under the ground.

These pipes are costlier than PVC pipes.

4. Stoneware Pipes
These pipes are available in the form of internal diameters 10 mm to 600 mm with thickness
varying from 12 mm to 43 mm.

A good stoneware pipe should give a sharp clear tone when struck with a light hammer.

These pipes are extensively used as underground drainage pipes in low cost construction
buildings. Usually these pipes are laid on an even bed of concrete and further treated as specified
for laying in different types of soils. However laying of these pipes requires experienced
workmen and good supervisor. Therefore PVC pipes are being preferred to these pipes in many
places.

These pipes are cheap.

5. Asbestos Cement (AC) Pipes

These pipes are used for drainage of rainwater from roofs, soil and waste and also for ventilation.
They come in two profiles – one with beading around socket (WB) and the other without beading
around socket (WOB). The latter type is more common than the former.
The pipes come in lengths of 3 meters.

The principal defects of these pipes are that they are heavy and they break easily.

These pipes are cheaper than PVC pipes.

6. Concrete Pipes
Unreinforced pipes of small diameters as well as reinforced and prestressed concrete pipes of
large diameters are available for water supply and other uses.

Small unreinforced concrete pipes are very much used for drainage of rain water.

Large diameter pipes are generally used for major water supply works.
Types of Plumbing and Drainage Systems in
Buildings
Plumbing system is used for water supply in building .It supplies water to kitchen toilet outlets
via distribution system of pipes. Drainage system is used to get rid of human wastes through
well-arranged network of drainage pipes.

For distribution system pipes generally used are GI, copper, HDPE, CPVC, mostly now a days
CPVC plastic pipes are used as they don’t get rusted, light weight, easy installation and
maintenance and economic.

Types of Plumbing Systems in Buildings

Plumbing system in buildings consists of underground tank which is supplied water via
municipal or water department supply lines, from there with the help of pumps and piping
distribution system water is supplied to overhead tank and thereby due to gravity water reaches
to home outlets.
The overhead tank can however be eliminated if water is supplied directly from underground
tank to kitchen and toilet outlets, there comes the need of pumps which can give uninterrupted
supply of water with required pressure to outlets so that when one opens the tap he gets
continuous supply of water. Such pumps are called hydro-pneumatic system.

Such pumps consists of small steel tank with water on one side and air on another separated by a
rubber membrane .As the pump starts it supplies water to the wet side thus causing rubber
membrane to expand and air compresses on other side thus causing extra pressure on wet side
which is connected to water supply line. So as one opens the tap , gets the required quantity of
water. This causes the pressure to drop and the pump is automatically switched on again thereby
maintaining the pressure of water and at same time supplying the water to outlets .

The advantage of such plumbing system in buildings is that requirement of overhead tanks is
eliminated. Secondly these pumps are designed to get the required equal pressure to all floors,
unlike in traditional way water flows from underground tanks to overhead tanks and the upper
floors gets water with less pressure and lower& ground floor gets high pressure due to gravity
and more height.

This gives energy conservation also because it eliminates the need of supply of water ten or
twenty floors to overhead tank and then supply by gravity to all floors.

Continuous power supply backed up with generator is required to operate this system efficiently,
else if no power no supply of water.

Pumps are of two types:

 Submersible pumps, and

 Open type Pumps

Submersible pumps are used inside the water and require very less maintenance. Both types can
be used for traditional as well as hydro-pneumatic system.
 Submersible Pump System

Types of Drainage Systems in Buildings

Drainage system is of two types:

1. Waste water is from showers, basins, kitchen sinks, washing machines, and the like. This is
also called grey water. Normally a minimum of 75 mm dia. pipes are used for drainage of waste
water.

2. Soil water or sewage is from WCs and urinals. This is also called black water. Minimum of
100 mm diameter pipes are used for waste water. When run horizontally, soil water pipes should
be run at a steeper slope, such as 1:40, as they have solids. These can be of cast iron or of PVC.
A grease trap should be used when draining waste from kitchens, grease should not be allowed to
enter the normal drainage system. A grease trap is nothing but a small inspection chamber. The
grease floats, and should be removed manually on a daily basis. The inlets and outlets into this
chamber should be designed in a way that minimizes disturbance of the floating grease layer.

Stone ware (ceramic) pipes are used when soil and waste water is to be transported in external
soil. An inspection chamber is used to clean blockage in the line and change direction of pipes.
Inspection chamber is a short version of manholes which are used on the streets.
If municipal government drainage is not available on a small project, or exterior of city, provide
a septic tank and a soak pit. A septic tank is a rectangular underground tank with compartments.
It is always full of sewage that can be removed manually. The less water put into a septic tank,
the better it will function. The effluent that flows out of this, which is about 70% purified, is then
put into a soak pit. A soak pit is a cylindrical tank with porous brick walls surrounded by a layer
of gravel.

A soak pit should not be placed near any occupied structure, water body, or water supply pipe. It
also cannot be used where the water table is high, as groundwater will then enter and flood the
pit through the poro us walls.
 An overall view of complete sewage treatment of a complete city

A sewage treatment plant is recommended for the disposal of large amounts of sewage. This is a
plant that will process sewage and produce sludge and (relatively) clean water from it. This water
may then be used for landscaping, or even perhaps for HVAC cooling towers – not for drinking
or washing.
How to Determine Suitable Pipe Sizes for
Water Distribution in Buildings?
Factors Affecting and Procedure for Selection of Pipe Sizes for Buildings

Pipes for water distribution in a building are available in various sizes. Determination of suitable
pipe sizes for various purposes in a building based on various factors such as cost, pressure etc.
are discussed.

Table of Contents

Following points regarding pipe sizes in buildings are discussed:

 What are the factors that influence the selection of water distribution pipe size in buildings?
 Procedures used for the determination pipe sizes for water distribution in buildings

Fig.1: Different Pipe Sizes to Distribute Water in Buildings

Factors Influencing Selection of Water Distribution Pipe

Size in Buildings
 Cost effectiveness
 Pressure at the source of water supply
 Required pressure at each outlet fixture (examples of outlet fixture are bathtubs, channel
drains, bidets, drinking fountains, kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, showers and others)
  The loss of pressure of outlets placed above water source. Loss of pressure is commonly caused
by friction of water. The friction is occurred due to flow of water in pipes, water flow meter, and
backflow preventer.
 Restriction on water flow velocity to avoid noises and pipe erosion.
 Extra capacity of possible expansion in the future. Generally, the additional capacity if around 10
percent.
 Economic considerations govern the selection process to a great extent. But other factors
explained above may enforce the use specific pipe size other than the most economical ones.

Procedures for Determination of Pipe Sizes for Water

Distribution in Buildings
 Draw all suggested horizontal mains, risers and branch lines with necessary information includes
types and number of fixtures and flow that is needed.
 Calculate fixtures demand weight employing Table 1 and Table 2.
 Specify water demand in gallon per millimeter using Figure 2 and Figure 3 and total number of
fixture units.
 Estimate equivalent length of the pipe for each stack in the system. This step should start from
the street main.
 Determine average minimum pressure in the street main. This can be obtained from Water
Company or by test.
 Specify minimum pressure required for the highest fixture
 Calculate the loss of pressure in the pipes using the computed equivalent length of the pipe.
 Finally, select the size of the pipe using Figure 4.

Note:

 Unit sizes provided in the table 1 and table 2 is in mm, but the size of pipes in the chart is in
inch. 1 inch= 25.4mm, 1 ft. = 304.8mm, 1 gallon/m=3.785L/m.
 Water velocity should not be greater than 2.438m/s at valve seat to prevent noise and erosion.
So, Pipe area should be at least equal to water flow rate divided by eight.
 Sizes for fixture supply pipes provided in table 1 and table 2 are minimums.

Table-1: Fixture Units, Trap and Connection Sizes for Plumbing Fixtures for Domestic Waters
Types of fixture Domestic water

Fixture-unit value as load Minimum size of

factors connections, mm

Private Public Hot water Cold water

Bathtub (with or without 2 4 12.7 12.7

overhead shower

Bidet
Combination sink and tray 3 – 12.7 12.7

Combination unit and tray 4

with food disposal unit

Dental unit 1 9.525

Dental lavatory 1 2 12.7 12.7

Dish water, domestic 2

Drinking fountain 1 2 9.525

Floor drains 1

Kitchen sink 2 4 12.7 12.7

Kitchen sink, domestic, with 3

food waste grinder

Lavatory 1 19.05 9.525

Lavatory 2 12.7 12.7

Lavatory, barber, beauty 2

parlor

Lavatory, surgeon’s 2

Laundry tray (1 or 2 2 4 12.7 12.7

compartments)

Shower, per head 2 4 12.7 12.7

Sinks Surgeon’s 3 12.7 12.7

Sinks Flushing rim (with 2 19.05 19.05

valve)

Sinks Service (trap standard) 3 12.7 12.7

Sinks Service (P trap) 2 4 12.7 12.7

Sinks Pot, scullery, 4

Urinal, pedestal, siphon jet, 10 25.4

blowout

Urinal, wall lip 5 12.7

Urinal stall 5 50.8 19.05

Urinal with flush tank 3

Wash sink (circular or 2 12.7 12.7

multiple) each set of faucets

Water closet, tank-operated 3 5 19.05

Water closet, valve-operated 6 10 25.4

Table-2: Fixture Units, Trap and Connection Sizes for Plumbing Fixtures for Drainage
Types of fixture Drainage

Fixture-unit value Minimum

as load factors size of trap,
mm

Bathtub (with or without 2 38.1

overhead shower

Bidet

Combination sink and tray 2

Combination unit and tray 3

with food disposal unit

Dental unit 1 31.75

Dental lavatory 2

Dish water, domestic 2 38.1

Drinking fountain 1 31.75

Floor drains 2 50.8

Kitchen sink 2 or 3 38.1

Kitchen sink, domestic, with 2

food waste grinder

Lavatory 1 31.75

Lavatory 2 38.1

Lavatory, barber, beauty 2

parlor

Lavatory, surgeon’s 2

Laundry tray (1 or 2 2
compartments)

Shower, per head 2 50.8

Sinks Surgeon’s 3 38.1

Sinks Flushing rim (with 6 76.2

valve)

Sinks Service (trap standard) 3

Sinks Service (P trap) 3 50.8

Sinks Pot, scullery, 3 38.1

Urinal, pedestal, siphon jet, 6 76.2

blowout

Urinal, wall lip 2 38.1

Urinal stall 2 50.8

Urinal with flush tank 2 38.1

Wash sink (circular or 3

multiple) each set of faucets

Water closet, tank-operated 4 76.2

Water closet, valve-operated 6

Fig.2: Domestic Water Demand Curve Specify Rate of Flow Using the Number of Fixture
Units Served
 Fig.3: Domestic Water Curve, Enlarged Portion for Low Water Demand

Fig.4: Determination of flow in copper tubing and other pipes that will be smoothed after
service of 15 to 20 years
Different Types of Plumbing Pipes used in
Building Construction
Different types of plumbing pipes are used in building construction works for various purposes
such as water supply, drainage, waste disposal made of different materials.

In every building, sufficient quantity of water should be available at required locations to meet
various needs of occupants. So, water needs must be properly computed before the construction
of structure. The transmission water is carried through pipes within the structure above or below
the ground. At the same we must compute the proper drainage facilities to drain the wastewater
through pipes.

Table of Contents

What is Plumbing System?

The Plumbing system comprises the whole system of pipe fittings and appliances used for water
supply and drainage. In this supply and drainage system different pipes are used for different
purposes which are explained below.

1. Supply or service pipes

2. Drain pipes or waste disposal pipes

Supply Pipes or Service Pipes

The pipes which are leading from the distribution main of water supply to the plumbing system
of house are known as service pipes. These service pipes are made from different materials as
classified below.

 Copper pipes
 Galvanized iron pipes
 Polythene pipes
 Lead pipes

Copper Pipes

When ground water is highly corrosive to metals then copper pipes are used. Copper have high
corrosive resistance when compared to other pipe metals and they also have considerable
strength, reasonable ductility. They are available in long lengths in the market. They can bare
high pressure so; these pipes are also used for industrial purposes for heavy flows.

There are two types of copper pipes are available namely HEAVY GAUGE and LIGHT
GAUGE pipes. Heavy gauge pipes are used where pressure is very high, like as the leading pipe
from distribution main, for large flows etc. light gauge pipes are used when the pressure does not
exceed 0.15N/mm2 that is for internal domestic pipes.

Galvanized Iron Pipes

When compared to copper pipes, G.I pipes or steel pipes are very economical. But they corrode
easily in soft and acid waters. In the other case galvanized iron pipes are much stronger than
copper pipes so, we can use this pipes in places where chance of corrosion is less or in hard
water areas. Hammering is needed to remove the scales formed by hard water.
Polythene Pipes

Polythene pipes or plastic pipes are used for cold water services. Nowadays, plastic pipes
dominate the others by some advantages as follow

a. Do not corrode

b. Cheap in cost

c. Less weight

d. Ease of installation

e. Do not require threading

f. Resistant to bacterial scale

So, these are mostly used in the world but they are limited to cold water supplies. They do not
sustain high temperature.

Lead Pipes

Lead pipe has high corrosion resistance, flexibility and hydraulic coefficient of flow. But lead
content in water may leads to poisoning effects which are harmful for people. So, it is not
preferred.
Drain Pipes or Waste Disposal Pipes
Generally, in a house waste water is produced from different places like kitchen, bathrooms, etc.
these whole waste is does not carried by single pipe instead of different pipes are arranged to
dispose the waste. The types of waste water pipes are described below.

 Soil pipe
 Waste water pipe
 Rain water pipe
 Vent pipe
 Anti-siphon age pipe

Soil Pipe

A pipe which carries human excreta from water closet to septic tank is called soil pipe. It is not
connected to any other pipes except vent pipe. Soil pipe should have 100mm diameter.
Wastewater Pipe

A pipe which carries only liquid waste from kitchens, wash basins etc. is called waste pipe. It
does not carry human excreta. Horizontal waste water pipes are having 30 to 50mm diameter and
vertical wastewater pipes have 75mm diameter.

Rainwater Pipe

A pipe which carries rainwater from roofs during rains is called rain water pipe. By providing
this type of pipe we can prevent the accumulation of water on roof top. The water collected is
useful for gardening or farming. 75mm diameter pipe is preferable for rain water disposal.
Vent Pipe

A pipe which is provide for the ventilation purpose to facilitate the exit of foul gases into
atmosphere. It is opened at top and bottom. It is provided at least 1m higher than roof level.
Generally, 50mm diameter pipes are provided as vent pipes.

Anti-Siphonage Pipe

A pipe which is installed for the purpose of preserving the water seal of traps in drainage system
is called anti siphonage pipe. So, this is very helpful to seal the back flow of drainage. Anti-
siphon age pipe connected to soil pipe should have 50mm diameter, connected to waste water
pipe should have 40mm diameter.
Drainage Pipes Based on Material of Manufacturing
Pipes used in drainage system are made of different materials. Which are as follows

1. Concrete pipes
2. Cast iron pipes
3. Stone ware pipes
4. PVC pipes
5. Asbestos cement pipes

Concrete Pipes

For heavy drainage water disposal, concrete pipes of large diameters are used. Smaller diameter
pipes are used for small flows. These are made of concrete only; no reinforcement is provided.
These are pre casted pipes.
Cast Iron Pipes

These are made by pouring molten iron into sand molds. These are used for rain water disposal,
waste water disposal etc. they are available only in shorter lengths.

Stoneware Pipes

These are manufactured in ceramic industries by burning soft soil in high temperature. These are
used for carrying drainage in underground. For installation of stoneware pipe skilled workers are
required.
PVC Pipes

These are used for both supply system and drainage system. These are very economical and easy
to maintain. Soil pipes, kitchen waste pipes are generally PVC pipes.

Asbestos Cement Pipes

These pipes are very cheap compared to all but they can break easily. They are provided as vent
pipes, soil pipes, rain water pipes etc.
Different Types of Pipe Joints in Plumbing
Types of pipe joints are major components of plumbing system provided to connect multiple
pipes. Pipe joint provided should withstand pressure of each pipe.

There are several ways to join pipes, but selection of pipe joint depend upon the pipe size, pipe
material and flow pressure etc.

Table of Contents

Types of Pipe Joints in Plumbing

Different types of pipe joints used in plumbing system are as follows.

 Threaded joint
 Brazed joint
 Soldered joint
 Welded joint (butt welded, socket welded)
 Flanged joint
 Compression joint
 Grooved joint

Threaded Joint in Pipe

Threaded joint means, pipes are connected by screwing with the help of threads provided for
each pipe. One pipe having internal threads and the other one having threads externally. Cast
iron pipes, copper pipes, PVC and G.I pipes are available with threads.

Threaded joints are available from 6mm diameter to 300mm diameter pipes. They are preferable
for low temperature areas and low pressure flows. In the areas of high temperature, the joints
may expands and leaked due to thermal expansion. Installation of threaded joint is easy but good
maintenance required.
Brazed Joint in Pipe

Brazing is the process of jointing pipes using molten filler material at above 840oC. Brazing is
generally used for joining copper pipes or copper alloy pipes. The filler material majorly consist
tin which has great affinity towards copper. But because of its weak property tin is added to other
materials like nickel, bismuth, silver and copper.

The melting point of parent metal should be higher than filler metal. Mechanical strength of
brazed joint is low compared to other joints. This type of joint is suitable in moderate range of
temperature areas.
Soldered Joint in Pipe

Soldering is also similar to brazing but the only difference is in case of soldering the filler metal
melts at below 840oC. Soldering also used to joint copper and copper alloy pipes. Before
proceeding to soldering flux called paste is applied to pipes and fittings to prevent them from
oxidation from flame. Here also we require skilled workers for installation.

Soldered joints are suitable for low temperature areas. These are having low mechanical strength
as brazed joints.

Butt Welded Joint in Pipe

When the pipes are of same diameter butt welding is to done to join the pipes. It is the most
common type of welding. Skilled workers are required to install the joint. These joints are
generally used for large commercials and industrial piping systems.

Butt weld provides good strength for the joint and it can resist high pressure because of smooth
and continuous surface inside the joint. Butt weld joints are expensive, to make it economical
sometimes internal weld backing rings are used, which joins the pipe with less amount of filler
material. But these rings may fail under heavy stress and cracks are developed.

The joints are fixed and do not opened for maintenance purposes. External smoothing of welded
portion will give good appearance to the piping system.
Socket Welded Joint in Pipe

Socket welded joints are used wherever there is a high chance of leakage in joints. Pipes are
connected as putting one into other as shown below and welded around the joint. Pipes having
different diameters are suitable for this type of joint.

If pipes having similar diameter, then required fittings are used. Welding cost is generally lower
than butt welding. Fatigue resistance is lower for socket welded joints when compared to butt
weld joints. However, socket welded joint give good results when compared with other
mechanical joints.

Flanged Joint in Pipe

Flanged joints are used for high pressure flows and for large diameter pipes. In general they are
used for plain end pipes or threaded pipes. Two flange components are connected by bolts at the
pipe joint to prevent leakage.

Generally these are made of cast iron, steel etc. these are having good strength and do not fail
against high pressure. Against high temperatures the bolts may fail under creep lost their grip so,
fixing of bolts should be done properly while installing. They are also useful for repairing
pipelines and maintenance purposes.
Compression Joint in Pipe

When the pipes have plain ends they are joined by installing some fittings at their ends then that
type of joint is called compression joint. The pipe ends will be fitted with a threaded fittings or
couplings hence they are connected.

So, in this case we can connect pipes of different materials and different sizes. But the joints
should be properly fitted to resist flow pressure otherwise they may fail and leakage occurs.
Compression fittings are available in different materials and selection of fittings may depend
upon our requirement.
Grooved Joint in Pipe

In case of grooved joint, the pipe ends consist grooved edges which are connected by elastomer
seal and then ductile iron made grooved couplings are used as lock for elastomer seal. This
grooved couplings are connected by bolts. These joints are easy to install and economical.

Grooved joints will give good resistance against pressure and allows moderate axial movement
due to thermal expansion. But, in high temperature Areas elastomer seal may lost its strength and
torsional failure occurs. So, these are permitted to moderate temperature areas.

Grooved joints are easily removable so, for maintenance purposes of pipes these joints are
preferable.
Different Types of Pipe Fittings in Plumbing
System
Various types of pipe fittings are available in plumbing systems for different purposes and
functions. A pipe fitting is used in 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.

Table of Contents

Types of Pipe Fittings in Plumbing System

Different pipe fittings and their functions are explained below.

 Elbow
 Reducer
 Tee type
 Cross type
 Coupling
 Unions
 Adaptors
 Olet
 Plug
 Cap
 Valve

Elbow Pipe Fittings

Elbows are used to change the direction of flow between two pipes. Elbows are generally
available with an angle of 22.5o, 45o and 90o. 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.
Reducer Pipe Fittings

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.

Tee type Pipe Fitting

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 90o 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.
Cross type

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.

Coupling

A coupling is used to connect the pipes of same diameter. Coupling are also useful if the pipe is
broken or leakage occurs. Generally there are two types of couplings are available. Compression
coupling and slip coupling. Compression coupling is regular coupling which is connected
between two pipes and it prevents leakage by the arrangement of gaskets or rubber seals on both
sides, otherwise glue is provided. Slip coupling is easier to install and it contains two pipes
which are arranged as one into other, inner pipe can slide up to some length. So, we can fix long
length damaged pipe by slip coupling.
Unions

Union is a type of fitting, which functions as similar to coupling. But coupling cannot be
removed after fixing but in this case we can remove the union whenever we needed. Unions
consists nut, male and female ended threads. So, this is also useful for maintaining purpose of
pipe.

Adaptors

If the pipes are not having special ends or plain ends then adaptors make them threaded either
male or female whichever is needed. 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.

Olet

Olets are used when there is standard sizes of fittings are not suitable for our requirement.
Sometimes the inlet pipe size is larger compared to outlet pipes in t-sections then also Olets are
used. There are many types of olets are available. Some important types of olets are:
  Butt-Weldolet
 Socket weld Olet
 Threaded olet
 Elbow olet
 Nipple olet
 Lateral olet
 Sweepolet
 Flange olet

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.
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.

Valves in Pipe Fittings

Valves are components of plumbing system which are used to stop or regulate flow of fluid in its
path. Different types of valves are available depending up on their applications.

Some important types of valves and its applications are listed below.

 Gate valve, plug valve and Ball valve – used for isolation only
 Globe valve – used for throttling
 Check valve – used for preventing reverse flow (non-return)
 Butterfly valve – used for isolation as well as throttling
 Diaphragm valve – used for isolation as well as throttling