Common plumbing fittings are essential components used to connect, extend, terminate, or change the direction and size of pipes. They act as the puzzle pieces that safely route water supply and wastewater throughout a building.
Tee fittings get their name from their resemblance to the letter “T”. These fittings are one of the most common types of pipe fittings you will find in plumbing systems. This is because tee fittings are versatile and easy to manufacture. Tee fittings can be used to divert, merge, or redirect flow in a plumbing system.
The "135-degree rule" in plumbing states that the total (aggregate) horizontal change in direction for a drainage pipe—specifically trap arms—cannot exceed 135 degrees between the P-trap and the vent. Exceeding 135 degrees (such as using three 45-degree bends or a 90 and two 45s) requires a cleanout because sharp turns hinder flow and cause clogs.
Leaks and Fittings Issues
PEX plumbing uses fittings and connectors that are typically made of plastic or metal. Over time, these fittings can loosen, leading to leaks. Problems can arise with crimp rings, as improper use of a crimping tool can weaken the joints.
Did you know that PEX piping is used in about 60% of new construction projects to date? This makes it a prevalent material used in new buildings.
Effects on Metal and PVC Pipes
While harmless for most metal and PVC pipes, prolonged exposure to the acidic nature of vinegar might corrode certain metals, like copper. PVC pipes, on the other hand, can withstand these substances without damage.
To protect your plumbing and the environment, you should never put fats, starches, harsh chemicals, or solid waste down your drains.
Street 90-Degree Elbow
Street 90-degree elbows have one end designed to fit directly into a fitting or valve without a connecting pipe. They can be used when a pipe needs to be connected to a valve or fitting at an angle. They are also commonly used when changing the flow direction in underground piping systems.
Here are the most common plumbing code violations you might not even realize you have—and why they matter.
Trending Issues in Pipe Fitting Failures
PEX is generally better for indoor water supply lines because it is flexible, resists bursting in freezing temperatures, and handles both hot and cold water. However, PVC is superior for outdoor, high-pressure use and drainage, as it is rigid and cannot be used for hot water.
Common fittings are couplings, ells, and tees.
PMRs for malignancies of the stomach, kidney, brain, and lymphopoietic system were also elevated, especially among plumbers. Chronic rheumatic heart disease, emphysema, liver cirrhosis, and all external causes of death were the major non-cancer causes with significantly elevated PMRs.
The five most common and essential tools used in plumbing include specialized wrenches, cutting tools, and grip gear necessary for pipes and fixtures.
Caps and plugs are fittings used to close off the end of the piping run. Caps are designed to fit over the outside of the pipe and attach via threading or brazing methods, while plugs are designed to fit inside of the pipe and attach via threading.
as long as it has an adequate fall on it to the soil stack. Personally, I would avoid putting 90degree bends on a sewage disposal system. However, If you really have no alternative, and you have a good substantial fall, you may get away from possible blockages.
A "Figure 5 fitting" (also called a double-fixture fitting) is a specialized plumbing connector used in Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV) systems. It allows two fixtures on opposite sides of a wall (such as back-to-back toilets or sinks) to connect to a single vertical drainpipe without waste from one fixture flowing into the other.
Pouring salt down your drain at night is a popular DIY plumbing trick used for routine maintenance. The goal is to take advantage of the salt's coarse texture and natural moisture-absorbing properties.
Stepping over three drains is considered bad luck (Image: Penny Cross / Plymouth Live) "Superstitions can be seen as fun and light-hearted, but for some people they are unshakeable rules to live by.
Drano Alternatives – What can you substitute for Drano?
A straightforward yet effective approach to addressing a clogged drain pipe involves simply using hot water mixed with dish soap. This method, ideal for tackling minor blockages, leverages the degreasing power of dish soap combined with the force of hot water to dislodge and dissolve clog-causing residue.
Pouring boiling water down your drain can soften and warp PVC pipes, weaken the glue in pipe joints, and damage rubber gaskets. Instead of clearing grease, boiling water just melts it, pushing it further down the pipe where it hardens and creates a stubborn, hidden clog.
Baking soda and vinegar do not effectively unclog drains. Instead of clearing debris, mixing them chemically neutralizes both ingredients into salt water. The fizzing reaction is visually satisfying but largely escapes upwards, offering zero power to dissolve grease, hair, or stubborn sludge.