An Expert’s Guide to 12+ Types of Pipe Fittings and Where They Are Used in 2026

Abstract

Pipe fittings are the integral components that connect, redirect, terminate, or modify the functionality of piping systems. A comprehensive understanding of these fittings is indispensable for ensuring the structural integrity, efficiency, and safety of fluid and gas transport networks in residential, commercial, and industrial contexts. This analysis examines the classification of pipe fittings based on function, material composition, and connection methodology. It explores the distinct roles of common fittings such as elbows, tees, reducers, and unions, while also considering the material properties of malleable cast iron, including black and galvanized finishes. The discourse extends to thread standards, particularly the distinction between NPT and BSPT, which is critical for international applications. By investigating the specific uses of each fitting type—from plumbing and gas distribution to fire suppression and structural applications—this document provides a foundational framework for selecting the appropriate component, thereby preventing system failures, ensuring leak-free performance, and optimizing the longevity of the entire piping infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

• Select fittings based on function: direction change, branching, or size reduction.
• Match fitting material (e.g., malleable iron) to the fluid and environment.
• Use galvanized fittings for water and corrosion resistance; black fittings for gas.
• Verify thread standards (NPT vs. BSPT) to ensure compatible connections.
• Properly identify the various types of pipe fittings and where they are used for system safety.
• Choose unions for connections that may require future disassembly and maintenance.
• Use floor flanges for secure anchoring of pipes to surfaces in structural projects.

Table of Contents

• Foundational Concepts in Pipe Fittings
• The Significance of Material and Finish
• Navigating the World of Pipe Threads
• Fittings for Changing Flow Direction
• Fittings for Branching and Combining Flows
• Fittings for Joining and Extending Pipe Runs
• Fittings for Size Transitions and Terminations
• Specialized and Structural Pipe Fittings
• Application-Specific Selection Guidance
• Installation Principles and Best Practices
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• A Final Word on System Integrity
• References

Foundational Concepts in Pipe Fittings

To embark on a study of piping systems is to enter a world of connection and flow, a domain where the silent, unseen networks within our walls and beneath our feet perform the vital work of carrying water, gas, and other essential fluids. The pipes themselves are merely the pathways; the true intelligence of the system lies in the components that join them. These are the pipe fittings, and their proper selection and application are paramount to the system’s function and longevity. Think of a piping system not as a series of simple tubes, but as a complex skeletal structure. The pipes are the long bones, but the fittings are the joints—the elbows, the knees, the sockets—that provide flexibility, change direction, and create a coherent whole. Without them, we would have only rigid, useless lines.

Before we can appreciate the specific roles of individual fittings, we must first grasp a few universal principles that govern their design and use. These concepts form the basic grammar of the language spoken by plumbers, engineers, and builders.

The Logic of Connection: Male and Female Threads

The most common method for joining smaller-diameter pipes involves threads. The logic here is simple and intuitive, mirroring the nut and bolt. A “male” thread is an external thread on the outside of a pipe or fitting. A “female” thread is an internal thread on the inside of a fitting. A male-threaded component screws into a female-threaded component to create a secure, sealed connection. When you examine a fitting like a standard coupling, you will see it is female-threaded on both ends, designed to receive two male-threaded pipes. Conversely, a fitting known as a nipple is a short piece of pipe with male threads on both ends, used to connect two female-threaded fittings. Understanding this gendered language is the first step in visualizing how a system comes together.

Sizing and Standardization: The Language of NPS and DN

Chaos would reign if every manufacturer produced pipes and fittings to their own proprietary dimensions. To prevent this, the industry relies on a set of universal standards. In the United States, the dominant standard is the Nominal Pipe Size, or NPS. It is crucial to understand that for NPS values from 1/8 inch up to 12 inches, the NPS number is a dimensionless identifier; it is related to but not identical to the actual inside diameter of the pipe. For example, a 1-inch NPS pipe does not have an inside diameter of exactly 1 inch. This can be a point of confusion for the uninitiated. You must always match fittings and pipes by their NPS designation, not by a direct measurement with a ruler.

In Europe and other regions using the metric system, the equivalent standard is Diameter Nominal, or DN. There is a direct correspondence between NPS and DN sizes (e.g., NPS 1 is equivalent to DN 25), but they are not interchangeable in name. When sourcing materials for an international project, it is vital to know which standard is being used to ensure compatibility.

The Significance of Material and Finish

The material from which a fitting is made is not an arbitrary choice. It is a decision dictated by the substance the pipe will carry, the environmental conditions it will face, and the pressures it must withstand. While fittings are made from a vast array of materials including copper, brass, PVC, and stainless steel, our focus here will be on a particularly robust and versatile category: malleable cast iron parts.

Malleable iron begins its life as cast iron, a material known for its strength in compression but also for its brittleness. Through a specific heat treatment process called annealing, this brittle structure is transformed. The iron is heated for a prolonged period and then slowly cooled, altering its microstructure and imparting a degree of ductility, or “malleability.” This process makes the iron tougher and able to withstand bending and tensile stresses without fracturing, a property essential for the rigors of a piping system. A leading manufacturer and supplier of china pipe fitting will have refined this process over decades to produce components with exceptional durability (Jianzhi Pipe Fittings, 2024).

Within the family of malleable iron fittings, two primary surface finishes dominate the market: black and galvanized. The choice between them is a critical one, driven entirely by the application.

Black Pipe Fittings: The Choice for Gas and Oil

Black pipe fittings, and the black iron pipe they connect, are characterized by their dark, charcoal-grey finish. This color is the result of an iron oxide that forms on the steel’s surface during the manufacturing process. These fittings are not coated with any protective layer beyond this minimal oxide.

The primary application for black pipe fittings is in the transport of natural gas and propane. They are also frequently used for oil lines and, in some cases, fire sprinkler systems. The reason they are not used for potable water is simple: in the presence of water and oxygen, the iron will rust. This rust would not only contaminate the water but would also corrode the pipe from the inside out, eventually leading to leaks and system failure. Their strength and high-pressure rating, however, make them perfectly suited for containing flammable gases safely.

Galvanized Pipe Fittings: The Guardian Against Water

Galvanized pipe fittings are chemically identical to their black iron counterparts, but they have undergone an additional manufacturing step: galvanization. This process involves dipping the fitting into a bath of molten zinc. The zinc bonds to the surface of the iron, creating a durable, corrosion-resistant coating.

This protective zinc layer makes galvanized pipe fittings the standard choice for residential and commercial water supply lines. The zinc acts as a sacrificial anode, meaning it will corrode before the underlying iron does, dramatically extending the life of the piping system. They are also well-suited for any outdoor application, such as railings or scaffolding, where the components will be exposed to rain and humidity. It is important to note, however, that galvanized fittings should not be used for gas lines. Over time, flakes of zinc can break off and clog the small orifices in gas appliances, creating a hazardous situation.

Comparison of Malleable Iron Fitting Finishes

Navigating the World of Pipe Threads

The threads on a pipe fitting are not merely a random spiral. They are a precisely engineered helix designed to create a strong mechanical joint and a leak-proof seal. While they may look similar to the casual observer, the world is largely divided into two dominant pipe thread standards, and their incompatibility is a source of great frustration for those who are unaware.

NPT: The American Standard

In the United States and Canada, the standard is NPT, which stands for National Pipe Taper. The defining characteristic of an NPT thread is its taper. Both the male and female threads are cut on a slight angle. As the fitting is tightened, the flanks of the threads are wedged together, creating friction and a seal. This wedging action is what makes the joint strong. However, due to imperfections in manufacturing, the seal created by the metal-to-metal contact is not perfect. A sealing compound, such as PTFE (Teflon) tape or a liquid pipe sealant (pipe dope), is always required to fill the microscopic gaps and ensure a leak-free joint.

BSPT: The British Standard

Across Europe and much of the rest of the world, the British Standard Pipe Thread (BSPT) is prevalent. Like NPT, BSPT is a tapered thread. The critical difference lies in the details of the thread form itself: the angle of the threads (55° for BSP vs. 60° for NPT) and their pitch (the number of threads per inch) are different for most sizes.

The consequence of this is that an NPT male fitting will not properly seal with a BSPT female fitting, and vice versa. It may be possible to engage the first one or two threads, but the differing pitch and angle will cause the connection to bind and cross-thread, damaging the fittings and guaranteeing a leak. For anyone working on machinery or in facilities with equipment sourced from different parts of the world, identifying and using the correct NPT threaded pipe fittings or BSPT threaded pipe fittings is absolutely essential. Many fittings will have the standard stamped on them for identification.

Fittings for Changing Flow Direction

The most basic function of a fitting is to redirect the path of the pipe. Without this capability, piping systems would be confined to straight lines, making it impossible to navigate around obstacles or route services through a building. The primary fittings for this task are elbows and bends.

1. Elbows: The Workhorse of Directional Change

The elbow is arguably the most recognizable pipe fitting. Its purpose is to change the direction of a pipe run by a specific angle.

Ninety-Degree (90°) Elbow

This is the most common type of elbow, creating a sharp, right-angle turn in the piping. It is used whenever a pipe needs to turn a corner or transition from a horizontal run to a vertical one. They are available with female threads on both ends to connect two male-threaded pipes. A variation known as a “street elbow” or “service ell” has female threads on one end and male threads on the other. This design is useful as it eliminates the need for a separate pipe nipple when connecting directly to another fitting, saving space and a potential leak point.

Forty-Five-Degree (45°) Elbow

When a sharp 90° turn is not needed, the 45° elbow provides a more gradual change in direction. Using two 45° elbows in succession can create an offset to navigate around an obstruction, a common requirement in complex plumbing layouts.

The sharp turn created by an elbow, particularly a 90° elbow, introduces significant friction and pressure loss into the system. In high-flow or high-pressure applications, this effect must be calculated and accounted for by engineers.

2. Bends: The Gradual Turn

A bend serves the same purpose as an elbow—changing direction—but it does so over a much more gradual curve. A pipe bend is characterized by its radius. A “long radius” bend has a curvature radius that is 1.5 times the nominal pipe size, while a “short radius” elbow has a radius equal to the nominal pipe size.

The gentler curve of a bend results in less turbulence, lower friction loss, and less erosion of the pipe wall from the flowing fluid. For this reason, bends are preferred in systems transporting slurries or fluids with suspended solids. They are also commonly used in pneumatic conveying systems to prevent materials from getting stuck. In residential plumbing, long-sweep bends are often required in drainage systems to facilitate smooth flow and prevent clogs.

Fittings for Branching and Combining Flows

In any distribution network, there must be a way to split a single flow into multiple paths or, conversely, to combine multiple flows into one. This is the role of fittings like tees and crosses.

3. Tees: The Fundamental Branch

A tee fitting has three openings, arranged in the shape of the letter ‘T’. It consists of a straight-through “run” and a 90-degree outlet, the “branch.” Its function is to either split a main flow into two separate streams or to merge a branch line into a main line.

Straight Tee

In a straight or “equal” tee, all three openings are the same size. For example, a 1-inch straight tee would connect three 1-inch pipes. This is used when you need to create a branch line of the same size as the main run.

Reducing Tee

A reducing tee is used when the branch line needs to be a smaller diameter than the main line. This is extremely common in plumbing distribution systems. For example, a large 3/4-inch main water line might use a reducing tee with a 1/2-inch branch outlet to supply water to a faucet. The fitting would be specified by its dimensions, such as “3/4 x 3/4 x 1/2 inch,” with the run dimensions listed first, followed by the branch dimension. Using a reducing tee is more efficient than using a straight tee and a separate reducer fitting, as it saves space, cost, and two potential leak points.

4. Crosses: The Four-Way Connection

A cross fitting, as its name suggests, has four openings arranged in a cross shape. All four openings are at 90-degree angles to each other. A cross is essentially two tees placed back-to-back.

While they may seem useful, cross fittings are generally used less frequently in pressurized plumbing systems than tees. The point where the four flows meet can create significant stress and turbulence. If one inlet has a much higher pressure than the others, it can negatively impact the flow from the other branches. For this reason, it is often considered better practice to use two separate tees to create two branches off a main line. However, crosses find their place in certain applications, such as fire sprinkler systems where they can act as a central distribution manifold, or in low-pressure drainage systems.

5. Wyes (Y-Bends): The Angled Junction

A wye fitting is similar to a tee in that it has three openings, but the branch line connects to the main run at a 45-degree angle instead of 90 degrees. This creates a ‘Y’ shape.

The primary advantage of a wye is that the angled branch creates a much smoother transition for the fluid, reducing turbulence and friction loss compared to the abrupt turn in a tee. This makes them the preferred fitting for connecting branch lines in drainage systems. The smoother flow path helps prevent solid waste from accumulating at the junction and causing blockages. Two wye fittings can be used with a 45° elbow to create a parallel branch, or a wye can be used with a 45° elbow on its branch to create a connection that is parallel to the main run, often for cleanout access.

Fittings for Joining and Extending Pipe Runs

The most fundamental task in any piping system is to connect individual lengths of pipe to form a continuous conduit. Several different types of pipe fittings accomplish this, each with its own specific advantages.

6. Couplings and Sockets: The Basic Connection

The simplest fitting for joining two pipes is the coupling, or socket. A standard coupling is a short cylinder with female threads on the inside of both ends. It is used to connect two male-threaded pipes of the same size in a straight line.

Variations on the basic coupling include:

• Reducing Coupling: This fitting connects two pipes of different sizes. It is similar to a standard coupling but has different sized female threads at each end (e.g., 1-inch on one side and 3/4-inch on the other).
• Half Coupling: This fitting is only threaded on one end. The other end is designed to be welded to a pipe or a vessel, providing a threaded connection point.
• Full Coupling: This is the standard term for a coupling that is threaded on both ends.

Couplings create a permanent connection. Once the pipes are tightened into the coupling, they cannot be separated without rotating the pipes themselves, which is often impossible in an installed system.

7. Nipples: The Short Male Connector

A nipple is a short piece of pipe that is male-threaded on both ends. Its purpose is to connect two female-threaded fittings. Nipples come in a variety of lengths and styles:

• Close Nipple: This is the shortest possible nipple, where the threads from both ends practically meet in the middle. There is no unthreaded surface in the center. When tightened between two fittings, the nipple itself is barely visible.
• Hexagon Nipple: This nipple has a hexagonal nut-shaped section in the middle. This allows a wrench to be used on the nipple itself for tightening, which is not possible with a close nipple.
• Barrel Nipple: This is a general term for any nipple that has a short, unthreaded section in the middle.

Nipples are essential building blocks, allowing for the connection of tees, elbows, valves, and other female-threaded components in close proximity.

8. Unions: The Demountable Joint

A union is a more complex and incredibly useful fitting for joining two pipes. Unlike a coupling, a union allows for the pipes to be disconnected and reconnected easily, without having to cut or rotate the pipes. This makes it an indispensable component for installing pumps, meters, or any piece of equipment that may need to be removed for service or replacement.

A pipe union consists of three parts:

1. A male end.
2. A female end.
3. A large nut that draws the two ends together.

The male and female ends are threaded onto the pipes that are to be joined. The nut then threads onto the male end and tightens against a shoulder on the female end, pulling them together to form a seal. The seal is often created by a metal-to-metal tapered seat (known as a ground joint union) or sometimes with a flexible gasket. To disconnect the pipes, one simply has to loosen the large nut. This feature provides a critical point of access and serviceability within a piping system.

Fittings for Size Transitions and Terminations

Piping systems are rarely a single, uniform diameter. They must expand and contract to meet different flow requirements. They also must have a means of being securely terminated.

9. Reducers: Changing Pipe Diameter

A reducer is a fitting whose purpose is to connect a larger pipe to a smaller pipe. While a reducing coupling or a reducing tee can also accomplish this, a dedicated reducer fitting is used when the change in size occurs in a straight run of pipe. Reducers come in two main types.

Concentric Reducer

A concentric reducer is shaped like a cone. The centerlines of the large end and the small end are aligned. This type of reducer is used in vertical pipe runs, where the symmetrical cone shape allows for smooth flow transition without creating air pockets.

Eccentric Reducer

An eccentric reducer has an offset cone shape. The centerline of the small end is offset from the centerline of the large end, resulting in one side of the fitting being flat. This flat side is crucial for horizontal pipe runs carrying liquids. By installing the eccentric reducer with the flat side on top, it prevents air from becoming trapped at the high point of the transition, which could otherwise lead to corrosion or disrupt flow (cavitation in pumps). If the horizontal pipe is carrying a gas, the flat side is installed on the bottom to allow condensed moisture to drain freely. Grasping the distinction between these two reducers demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of fluid dynamics within piping.

10. Bushings: The Compact Reducer

A bushing serves the same function as a reducer—connecting pipes of different sizes—but it does so in a more compact form. A bushing is a hollow plug with male threads on the outside and female threads on the inside. It is designed to be screwed into a larger female-threaded fitting, and then a smaller male-threaded pipe is screwed into the center of the bushing. For example, to connect a 1/2-inch pipe to a 3/4-inch elbow, you could screw a 3/4-inch male x 1/2-inch female bushing into the elbow, then screw the 1/2-inch pipe into the bushing. They are often hexagonal on the head for easy tightening with a wrench.

11. Caps and Plugs: Sealing the System

These two fittings have the simple but critical job of closing off the end of a pipe or a fitting.

Caps

A cap is a fitting that fits over the end of a male-threaded pipe to seal it. It has female threads on the inside. Caps are used to terminate a pipe run that may be extended in the future, or to seal off stub-outs for testing purposes.

Plugs

A plug is used to close an opening in a female-threaded fitting. It has male threads on the outside and is screwed into the unused port of a tee, cross, or valve. Plugs come with different head styles for tightening, such as square head, hex head, or round head.

Specialized and Structural Pipe Fittings

Beyond the common components that manage flow, there exists a category of fittings designed for heavy-duty connections, branching into existing lines, and even structural applications.

12. Flanges: The Heavy-Duty Connection

When connecting large-diameter pipes, or in high-pressure or high-temperature industrial applications, threaded fittings become impractical and unreliable. This is where flanges are used. A flange is a flat rim, collar, or rib that is welded, threaded, or attached to the end of a pipe. Two flanges are then bolted together with a gasket in between to create a strong, secure, and leak-proof seal.

While there are many types of industrial flanges (weld neck, slip-on, blind), one type has found immense popularity in a completely different context: the floor flange. A malleable iron floor flange has a flat, circular base with several screw holes and a female-threaded hub in the center. Its original purpose was to securely anchor a pipe to a floor, wall, or ceiling. In recent years, these black and galvanized pipe fittings have become a cornerstone of the industrial-style DIY furniture movement, used to create the legs for tables, shelving units, and clothing racks.

13. Grooved Fittings: Rapid and Reliable Assembly

A more modern approach to joining pipes, particularly in commercial applications like fire sprinkler systems, is the grooved fitting system. This method involves cutting or rolling a groove into the end of the pipes to be joined. A flexible gasket is then placed over the two pipe ends, and a two-part coupling is bolted around the gasket. The keys of the coupling engage with the grooves in the pipes, creating a secure, self-restrained joint.

This system is significantly faster to assemble than traditional welded or threaded systems. Grooved fittings include elbows, tees, caps, and mechanical tees, which can be bolted onto an existing pipe to create a branch without the need for welding. The inherent flexibility in some grooved couplings also allows them to accommodate thermal expansion, contraction, and seismic movement, a critical feature in many building designs.

Comparison of Connection Methods

Application-Specific Selection Guidance

The theoretical knowledge of what each fitting does is only valuable when applied to a real-world problem. The selection of the right component is a process of matching the function, material, and rating of the fitting to the demands of the specific system. A comprehensive overview of pipe fittings types can provide a starting point for any project (Jianzhi Pipe Fittings, 2025).

Fittings for Residential Plumbing

For potable water supply lines, the primary choice is galvanized malleable iron fittings or, more commonly in modern construction, copper or PEX fittings. When working with existing galvanized systems, it is essential to use galvanized fittings to avoid galvanic corrosion, which occurs when dissimilar metals are in contact in the presence of an electrolyte (water). Key fittings include 90° and 45° elbows for navigation, reducing tees for branching off to fixtures, couplings for extending runs, and unions for connecting to water heaters or meters.

Selecting Components for Gas Systems

For natural gas and propane, black malleable iron pipe fittings are the industry standard. Their strength and pressure resistance are ideal for safely containing flammable gases. Every threaded connection must be meticulously sealed with a pipe sealant specifically rated for gas applications. Never use standard PTFE tape, as it can degrade and fail. Unions are often required by code near appliances like furnaces or dryers to allow for easy disconnection.

Fittings in Fire Protection Systems

Fire sprinkler systems are life-safety systems, and there is no room for error. The fittings must be rated for high pressures. Red-painted or galvanized malleable iron and ductile iron fittings are common. In recent decades, grooved fittings have become dominant in this field due to their rapid installation and reliability. The ability of flexible grooved couplings to accommodate building movement makes them particularly suitable for seismic zones.

The Rise of DIY: Industrial Aesthetics

The strength and rustic appearance of malleable iron fittings have led to their widespread adoption in furniture and interior design. Black pipe fittings are often used for a classic industrial look, while galvanized fittings offer a brighter, more modern metallic finish. The floor flange is the key component, providing a stable base. From there, a creative combination of tees, elbows, nipples, and caps can be used to construct tables, bookshelves, curtain rods, and lighting fixtures. In these non-plumbing applications, the primary considerations are aesthetics and structural stability rather than pressure rating or corrosion resistance.

Installation Principles and Best Practices

Correctly selecting a fitting is only half the battle; its proper installation is what ensures a safe and leak-free system. Adhering to best practices is not merely a matter of professionalism—it is a matter of safety and diligence.

The Art of Sealing Threads

For NPT threads, a sealant is non-negotiable. The two most common options are PTFE tape and liquid pipe sealant.

• PTFE Tape: This thin, white tape (often called Teflon tape) is wrapped around the male threads before assembly. It should be wrapped 3-4 times in the same direction that the fitting will be tightened (clockwise when looking at the end of the pipe). This prevents the tape from bunching up or unwrapping as the joint is tightened. The tape acts as a lubricant and fills the small gaps in the threads.
• Pipe Sealant (Pipe Dope): This is a paste-like compound that is brushed onto the male threads. It also lubricates and seals the joint. Many modern sealants remain pliable, allowing for minor adjustments and making disassembly easier than with older, hardening compounds. Always check that the sealant is compatible with the fluid in the pipe (e.g., use a gas-rated sealant for gas lines).

The Peril of Overtightening

A common mistake made by novices is to overtighten threaded fittings, believing that “tighter is better.” This is false and dangerous. The tapered nature of NPT threads means that excessive force can stretch or crack the female fitting, particularly a cast iron fitting. The rule of thumb is “hand-tight, then one to two full turns with a wrench.” The joint should feel snug, but it should not require heroic effort to tighten. The sealant will do the work of preventing leaks, not brute force.

Avoiding Galvanic Corrosion

When two different metals are connected in a piping system with water, they can form a galvanic cell, like a small battery. One metal (the more active one) will corrode at an accelerated rate. For example, connecting a galvanized steel pipe directly to a copper pipe will cause the galvanized pipe to rapidly rust and fail. To prevent this, a special dielectric union should be used. This union has a plastic gasket and washer that creates a physical separation between the two metals, breaking the electrical circuit and preventing corrosion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the primary difference between black and galvanized pipe fittings?

The primary difference is the surface finish and intended application. Black pipe fittings have an uncoated, iron oxide surface and are used for gas and oil lines. Galvanized pipe fittings are coated with a layer of zinc for corrosion resistance and are used for water lines and outdoor applications.

Can I use black pipe fittings for a water project, like a drinking fountain?

No, you should never use black pipe fittings for potable (drinking) water. The fittings will rust in the presence of water, which will contaminate the water and cause the fittings to corrode and eventually leak.

What does “NPT” stamped on a fitting mean?

NPT stands for National Pipe Taper, which is the standard for tapered pipe threads in the United States and Canada. It indicates that the threads are cut on a slight angle to create a secure, wedged seal when tightened.

How do I know what size pipe fitting I need?

Pipe fittings are sized using the Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) system. You must match the NPS of the fitting to the NPS of the pipe. For example, a pipe with a 1-inch NPS requires 1-inch NPS fittings. Remember that the NPS is an identifier, not a direct measurement of the pipe’s diameter.

What is the advantage of using a union instead of a coupling?

A coupling creates a permanent joint. To separate the pipes, you would have to cut them. A union is a three-part fitting that allows the pipes to be easily disconnected by simply unscrewing a large nut. This is essential for installing components like pumps or meters that may need future maintenance or replacement.

Are malleable iron fittings strong enough for building furniture?

Yes, absolutely. Malleable iron is known for its strength and durability. It is designed to withstand significant pressure in piping systems, making it more than strong enough for structural applications like table legs, shelving, and clothing racks.

Can you connect a galvanized pipe directly to a copper pipe?

You should not connect galvanized steel and copper directly in a water line. The two dissimilar metals will cause galvanic corrosion, rapidly destroying the galvanized pipe. A dielectric union must be used to isolate the two metals from each other.

A Final Word on System Integrity

The exploration of the various types of pipe fittings and where they are used reveals a world of remarkable specificity and purpose. From the ninety-degree elbow that turns a corner to the eccentric reducer that prevents air-locking in a pump suction line, each component is a solution to a particular engineering problem. The integrity of a vast and complex industrial process, the safety of a home’s gas supply, and the reliability of a building’s fire protection all depend on the correct selection and installation of these humble but essential components. A deeper appreciation for their design, materials, and function empowers us to build, maintain, and repair the vital systems that support our world with greater competence and confidence.

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