UNIT 4

Fitting Specifîcution
and Identificcatîon

OBJECTIVES
After shjdying this unit, the student will be able to

• Identify the various

patterns of fittings.
• Specify fittings correctly.

Leaming about fitting specification and identification Fittings may change the direction of the pipe as in
is somewhat like learning a language. Today there the case of an elbow, figure 4-1. Fittings may also
are a number of ways by which fittings can be speci- provide a branch to the main run of pipe. These
fied. The elements are mentioned in different order in include wyes, tees, and crosses, figures 4—2, 4—3,
different manufacturers' catalogs. The system and 4—4. Some fittings, such as bushings and reduc-
described in this unit is very common. However, ers, may change the size of a fitting or a pipe, figure
there are variations within this system. There are dif- 4—5, page 27. Other fittings, such as couplings and
ferenr names for fittings from one job area to another. unions, may simply connect pipe to pipe. figures
A \vye may be called a Y-branch. a lyte.ral, or simply 4—6 and 4—7,page 27. Fittiiigs thnt change trom
a Y. It is important to learn as many of the names for one type of pipe materiul to another are called
the finings as possible. adapters. Figure -.1—8,page 27 shows an adapter that

FIG. 4-1 Elbow FIG. 4-2 Wye FIG.4-3 Reducing tee FIG. 4-4 Cross

26
 Fitting Specification and tdentification Unit 4

...;.-^..

l'<y^'
'^^l..''

FIG. 4-5 Bushing used to FIG. 4-6 Coupling FIG. 4-7 Union
•reduce size of fifting

goes from a screwed fitting to copper tubing.

Regardless of the material from which a fitting is
made, it is generally called by the same name. Figure
4—9 shows Y-pattern fittings: the one on the let't is
for galvanized steel pipe; the middle one is for DWV
copper tubing; and the one on the right is for ABS
plastic pipe.
Union-type fittings, which make the pipe portable,
come in many different forms. Figure 4—10 shows "lt
flanges. A flange is a type of union joint using a gas-
ket and bolts. Figure 4—11shows a compression
joint taken apart. A compression joint is a fitting used FIG. 4-8 Adapter
to join tubing by means of pressure or friction-.This
is also a union-type fitting. Figure 4-—12 (page 29),
shows a slip coupling. A slip coupling is used on
traps and other easy to get at locations.

FIG. 4-9 Y-pattern fittings

27
Section 1 Basic Knowledge

FIG.4-10Flanges

". J:';^^;'-l^?i'<;"/'^

^3S|!?Slsl^li3ua ^^.f-^i

FIG. 4-11 Compression joint

^irriNG spEcapacATiON l-2",90°,ell,galv.m.i..scr.,.std.

When specifying a fiiting with more than-one size,
l-2", 90°, elbow, galvanized malleable iron, the largest size is generylly mentioned first. When
screw, standard. more than one size is involved and different end
The quantity is given first on the specification. The preparations are also needed, the end preparation is
size or sizes are given second. The number of given with the size. For example, 2-3/4" FFT x l/2"c
degrees, if applicable, is given third. The fourth item x l/2"c tee means that the plumber wants two tees
is the fitting pattern name. The fifth is the material. with a 3/4-inch female pipe thread (FFT) on one end
Sixth is the type of end preparation (screwed, sweat, of the run. The other two outlets are to have 1/2-inch
butt weld, etc.). The weight of the fitting desired is copper soldered into them. Notice that the fitting
the last item listed. In actual practice, some of the mentioned is not only a tee but also an udapter. Many
items are abbreviated, fittings do more than one job.

28
 Fitting Specification and Identihcation Unit4

FIG. 4-13Closenipple

FIG. 4-14 Shoulder nipple

'J'";ti"'^^§^^^
;.<" •'^.î'^^-.-.^lJikjL^JÎ-^.ï'

FIG. 4-12Slipcoupling FIG. 4-15 Long nipple

"drainage" makes elements Uke

A tee has three outlets. It is specified by giving the galvanized or stan- '-I
large size of the run first, the opposite end next, and dard vveight unnecessary. This happens frequently in
..i.1
the branch last. The run is measured straight thrbugh fitting specifications.
the tee; the branch is on the side.
A tee in which all three outlets are the same size is
known as a straight tee and may be specified as one PIPE NIPPIES
size, as a 1 1/4-inch tee.
A tee in which both ends are the same and the A pipe nipple is a short piece of pipe threaded at each
branch is smaller might be specified as a 1 l/2-inch x end. Nipples are made from black iron, galvanized steel,
1 l/4-inch tee. or brass pipe. The inside diameters of pipe nipples mea-
A tee having a branch which is larger than the run sure the same as long pipe, that is, from 1/8 inch to 12
is called a bullhead tee, and might be specified as a inches. Three types of nipples are now in use.
"riie
3/4-inch x 3/4-inch x 1-inch tee. Notice that the larg- clo.'ie nipple, or all-thread nipple, figure 4-13,
er size comes last in this case. has two standard pipe threads. One pipe thread is cut
A cross has four outlets. Otherwise, it is specified froin each end. A close nipple cannot be made by mak-
the same way as a tee. ing a long thread on a piece of pipe and cutting off the
A wye has a branch on a 45-degree angle to the necessary amount of thread. This nipple would not
run and is rcad the same way as the tee. have the taper needed to make a tightjoint.
Specifications for several different fittings follow: Tlie .T/ioM/^er nipple has a short space between the
1-1-1/4" 90° elbow, cast iron, drainage. threacls, ttsure 4-14.
1-1" x 3/4" X 1/2" tee, cast iron, scr., xh. The laiig nipple, Figure 4-15, is made in gradua-
1-2" x 1-1/2" reducing coupling, brass, scr., xh. tion.s of 2", 2 1/2", 3", 3 1/2", 4", 4 1/2", 5", 5 1/2", 6",
In the case of the elbow above, the word 7". 8". 9". 10", II", and 12" in length. The lengths

29
Section 1 Basic Knowledge

FIG. 4-16 Extra-heavy 90-degree elbow

from 7 inches to 12 inches long are not widely used. FIG. 4-17 Standard 90-degree elbow
To specify a pipe nipple, the inside diameter is
given first, the length next, and the weight and kind
last, for example,
1/2" X 3" galvanized steel nipple
2" x 4 1/2" black wrought-iron nipple
3" x 5 1/2" exbra-heavy, black steel nipple
Brass nipples may have a chrome or tinplate
finish.
Remember the following points regarding specifi-
cation ofpipe nipples.

• The pipe size is stated fu-st. FIG. 4-18 45-degree elbow

• The length of the nipple is given next.
• The type of material is given last.
• If the nipple is of any weight other than standard,
this informauon should be included before the . '••.•^
listing oftype ofmaterial. See the specifica- ...i. -'
tions forthe 3-inch x 5 1/2-inch extra-heavy,
black stee] pipe nipple.
• For further information, consult the manufac-
turer's catalog.

FIG. 4-19 Reducing elbow

ELBOWS
Eîbows are pipe fittings made to change the direction Elbows are usually made of malleable u-on. Black iron
of a pipeline. It is often necessary to offse't a pipeline is used on air pipes, oil lines, or railings. Galvanized
to avoid an obstruction. By using two elbows of the iron is used on water lines or outside piping to prevent
same angle. the pipe may be retumed to the original rusting. Black cast-iron elbows. made with a heavy
direction. bead, are used on heating sysiems.

30
 Fitting Specification and Identification Unit4

FIG. 4-20 Service elbow FIG. 4-21 3-wayelbow

Brass fittings are made in standard and extra-heavy

types. The standard fitting is similar to the malleable
fitting in appearance. The extra-heavy fitting is simi-
lar to the cast-iron fitting with a large bead, figure
4-16.
tf
Most changes are made with 45-degree or
90-degree elbows. The 90-degree elbow shown in FIG. 4-22 lug elbov
figure 4-17 changes the direction of the pipe by 90
degrees, or places the pipe at right angles to its origi-
nal direction. Elbows at a 45-degree angle are pre-
ferred since they cause less friction in the line.
The size of the elbow refers to the inside diameter
of the pipe on which it fits. Elbows are made in the !.i"
following sizes: 1/8", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", l", 1 1/4", ' i • 1

1 1/2", 2",2 1/2", 3", 4", 5", 6", and 8",

Figure 4-18 shows a 45-degree elbow. Notice that FIG. 4-23 Return elbow
since this change of direction is only half as great as
the 90-degree elbow, water flows more easily
through such a line. Figure 4-21 shows a side outlet or a three-way
Reduciiig elbows, figure 4-19, are made in sizes elbow. This has an additional outlet 90 degrees from
from 1/4" x 1/8" to 6" x 2". The reducing elbow not each of the others. It is mostly used on railings.
only changes direction of the pipeline but also Figure 4-22 sliows a liig elhow (also known as a
changes the size of the pipe used. drop-eared elbvw, eared elbow, or drop elbow),
A street or a. sen'ice elbow has one outside thread which has two lugs for fastening. It is used most fre-
and, on the opposite end, an inside thread, figure quently in the installation of faucets for automatic
4-20. It is made in 45- and 90-degree angles in sizes washers and the riser pipe tenninal for shower arms,
from 1/8 inch to 4 inches, and is also obtainable in but it can be used in any location where it is neces-
reducing sizes in the 90-degree pattem. This elbow is sary to fasten anelbow securely.
made for close work since it is shoner than a close The reitini elbow is a 180-degree bend used on
nipple and elbow. pipe coils. figure 4-23. It is made in three pattems:

31
Section 1 Basic Knowledge

FIG. 4-24 Eccentric bushing FIG. 4-25 Hexagon bushing

close, medium, and open. The difference is in the

spread, or in the center-to-center distance, of the
openings. The spread of a 1-inch elbow is:
Close—ll/2inches
Medium—l 7/8 inches
Open—2 1/2 inches
FIG. 4-26 Flush bushing

COUPUNGS^' REDUCERS, AND

BUSHINGS
Couplings are straight fittings designed to join
two pieces of pipe of the same size end to end. They
are used when a full length of pipe is not enough.
They may be obtained in all pipe sizes up to 12 inch-
es. However, pipe with an inside diameter of over 6
inches is rarely used in threaded pipe work.
Bushings are used to reduce the outlets of boiler.s,
tanks, etc. They have both inside and outside threads. FIG. 4-27 Eccentric coupling
Black cast-iron (BC) bushings are used on heat-
ing, oil, or air lines. Galvanized malleable or brass 4-26, are made in a variety of size.s, siarting with a
bushings are used whenever there is a chance that reduction of 1/8 inch, in the 1/4 iiich x 1/8 inch si/.e
rusting may occur. and going up to 10 inche.s x 2 inches with a reduclion
There are three types of bushings: hexagon, face, of8 inches in size.
and eccentric. The hexagon bushing has a six-sided Reducers are used to reduce pipelinc.s lu smaller
collar. The face bushing is used when appearance is sizes. they are produced in sizes from 1/4 inch x 1/8
important. The eccentric or off-center bushing is used inch to 6 inches x 2 inches in standard mullcublc fit-
on radiators because the lowered center of one end of tings, with a variety of sizes betweeii. Con.sult ihe
the bushing permits condensation to drain away, rigiire manufacturer's catalog t'or the si/.e.s ;ivail;ible. They
4-24. may be obtained with one of scveru] pipc si/.c
Hexagon and flush bushings, figures 4-25 and reductions.

32
 Fitting Specification and Identification Unit4

For steam line.s, ecccnti-ic reducing couplings are

used, figure 4-27.
Cautioii is advised before u.sing either bushings or
reducers on ga.s installations. Local utility companies
have different regulations regarding their u.se and
may refu.se service if the gas piping cloes not conform
to their regulations.

UNÎO^S
FIG. 4-28 Gasket-type union
Practically atl pipe threads are right-hand and must
be turned in a clockwise direction to be tightened.
When' a pipe must be connected to a stationary fix-
ture or boiler, it cannot be tightened into the fixture
and the fitting at the same time without the use of a
union. With a union, the fixture and fitting may be
connected and disconnected without cutting the
pipe.
A union consists of three parts. Two parts are
screwed to pieces of pipe, and a hexagon nut or col-
lar is used to draw the two pieces together.
There are two types of unions. The gasket type ^
requires a washer, figure 4-28. The groundjoint type
has an iron-to-iron, figure 4-29A, or a brass-inserted M
seat, figure 4-29B, to make a watertight joint. Both
types are made in sizes from 1/8 inch to 4 inches and
in different weights to withstand 150 to 300 pounds
of pressure per square inch. Washers for the
gasket-type union are made of various materials,
such as rubber, leather, copper, or asbestos. FIG. 4-29 Ground joint-type union
Black malleable iron unions are used for air, oil,
and gas lines. Galvanized iron or brass unions are
used where rusting is a problem. Some gas compa- [•;.ï)"?^^S W§TM BSÎANCHES
nies require the use of galvanized unions in their gas
lines. Check local code requirements. Unions should Branched fittings are used to bring two pipelines
be located close to the fixttire or equipment so that as togetlier into a siiigle line or to install a branch line into
little pipe as possible is disturbed. an exi.sting main line. These are called by a wide vari-
The three parts of a union are carefully machined ety ot' naines, depending upon how they are used. But
to fit. Therefore, the pans from one inanufacturer are reg;u"clless of their specific name, they may be classi-
not interchangeable with those from another. Always fied as a tee. a wye, or a combination ofthe two. A lee
keep all three parts ofa union together. pro\ ides an outlet at a right angle (90 degrees) to the

33
Section 1 Basic Knowledge

FIG. 4-31 Short-turn tee

FIG. 4-30 Straight (ee

main run of pipe. A w^e provides a branch outlet at a

45-degree angle to the main run ofpipe.

Tees
Drainage tees are made in sizes from 1 1/4 inches to f:.
8 inches. Reducing sizes range from 1 1/2 inches X 1
1/4 inches to 8 inches x 6 inches. All reductions are
made in the branch opening. There are three pattems FIG. 4-32 Long-turn tee or T/
of tees: straight, short tum, and long tum, or TY.
The straight tee, figure 4-30, is pennitted only on
vent lines. Otherwise, the abrupt tum would interfere angle, wyes are used when the first fitting is some
with drainage. distance from the drain.
The shorî-tum pattem, figure 4-3 1, is used on verti- Drainage wyes and TYs are made in single and
cal pipes. It is usually used in partitions and walls. double patterns and in straight and reduced sizes.
The long-turn pattern, figure 4-32, is u.sed on Notice that only the branch is reduced, figures 4-34
either horizontal or vertical lines where space permits and 4-35.
and may also be used at 90-degree turns. The top Figure 4-36 shows how wyes are used. The.
opening in this case is used as a cleanout (an opening 45-degree elbow cuuld hc turned eilher horizontally
through which cleaning of the pipe may be done) and or vertically. A plug could bc screwed in at the top of
is left plugged. the wye for use a.s a cleanout.
All drainage tees are made in double patterns,
such as the shon turn double pattern, figure 4-33.
Special tees are constructed with a bell on the top VALVES, PLUGS, AND CAP
opening for caulking; this tee is frequently referred to
as a tucker or a slip-and-caulk fitting. Fittings that stop or control the f1ow within pipelines
are valves, plugs, and caps. Plugs and caps simply
Wyes stop the flow. \ plug threads iiito a ïïtting to stop the
flow. A cap threads onto a pipe to stop the f1ow. Both
Because branches should enter drain.s ai a 45-desree of these fittings have one size specification; for

34
 Fitting Specification and Identification Unit4

FIG. 4-33 Short turn double pattern

'1/2" FIG. 4-34 Single Y

example, or 3/4", and so forth. The plug has a
male thread and the cap a female one.
When a plug or cap is installed, it is meant to
remain for an indefinite period of time. A valve, on
the other hand, is installed to control the flow within
the pipeline whenever it is called for. The valve may
do this automatically or manually, depending on the
kind of valve that it is.
Valves may have many names applied to them
and the student of plumbing should be aware of ^
many of the names. Some names for different, and
sometimes the same, valves are: FIG. 4-35 Double FC -
fe.
Pave
Hydrant
Bib
Shut-off
Stop '. .'••
Spigot
Valve
Cock

Even when they are called valves, there are globe

valves, gate valves, needle valves, pressure relief
vaivcs, aiiu cneck valves, to mention a few. Some ot >-p<
these will be more closely described in later units. FIG, 4-36 Wye connection

.^. •

35
,-.:3-