Glossary

Types of Pipe Fittings: Elbows, Tees, Couplings & More Explained

Pipe fittings connect, redirect, branch, reduce, seal and control pipe runs. Here is a plain-English glossary of the common fittings — what each one is and when you use it.

A "fitting" is any component that joins or changes the direction, size or function of a pipe run. They come in PVC, CPVC, GI (galvanised iron) and brass, but the shapes and names are the same across materials. Here are the ones you'll meet most often.

Connecting & extending

  • Coupling / Socket: joins two pipes in a straight line (permanent).
  • Union: joins two pipes but can be unscrewed for maintenance.
  • Nipple: a short threaded pipe piece used to connect two female fittings.

Changing direction

  • Elbow: a bend, usually 90° or 45°, to turn a pipe.
  • Bend: a longer-radius turn (common in drainage, gentler on flow).

Branching

  • Tee: creates a 90° branch — three openings in a T shape.
  • Cross: four openings for two lines crossing.

Changing size

  • Reducer: connects a larger pipe to a smaller one (concentric or eccentric).
  • Bushing: a compact size-reducer that fits inside another fitting.

Ending & sealing

  • End cap / Plug: closes the end of a pipe or fitting.
  • Teflon (PTFE) tape & solvent cement: seal threaded and solvent-welded joints.

Drainage-specific

  • P-trap / S-trap: holds a water seal to block drain odours (P exits to a wall, S through the floor).
  • Gully trap & floor trap: collect and seal floor and yard drainage.

Controlling flow (valves)

  • Ball valve: quick quarter-turn on/off, great for isolation.
  • Gate valve: gradual open/close for larger mains.
  • Check / NRV valve: lets water flow one way only (stops backflow).
  • Float valve / ball cock: automatically fills a tank and shuts off.

We stock all of these in PVC, CPVC, GI and brass. Browse all product categories, or jump to valves and drainage fittings.

FAQs

What is the most common pipe fitting?

The elbow (a 90° or 45° bend) and the coupling (a straight joiner) are the most-used fittings, followed by the tee, which creates a branch. Nearly every plumbing run uses all three.

What is the difference between a coupling and a union?

Both join two pipes in a straight line. A coupling is a permanent solvent-welded or threaded joint; a union can be unscrewed later, so it is used where you may need to dismantle the line for maintenance.

What is a reducer used for?

A reducer connects two different pipe sizes — for example stepping a 1" line down to ¾". It comes in concentric and eccentric shapes.

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