Types of pipe fittings

Pipe fitting is a small part of the piping system that is used to join two or more pipes together.

Gender of fittings

Female fitting

a fitting with internal threads that accepts the outside of a pipe:

Male fitting

a fitting with external threads that is inserted into a pipe:

List of fittings

Coupling

a pipe fitting that is used to join two pipes together in a direct line:

•  full coupling
• half coupling

Elbow (also 90° bend)

a pipe fitting that is bent at a 90 or 45-degree angle and used to join two pipes together:

• 90 deg elbow
• 45 deg elbow

Tee

a pipe fitting with three branches (T-shaped) that is used to join three pipes together:

Cross

a 4-way fitting that is used to join four pipes together:

Reducer

a pipe fitting that is used to join two pipes of different size together:

Nipple

a short piece of pipe that has threads on both ends and is used to join two fittings together:

• Hexagon nipple
• parallel nipple
• welding nipple

Union

a pipe fitting that allows quick connection and disconnection of two pipes without rotating either pipe.

Barb

a fitting that is used to join pipes to hose:

Cap

a pipe fitting that is used to close the end of a pipe:

Valve

a device that is used to control the flow of any fluid:

gate valve

plug valve