Fittings & Connections
The right fittings and connections help keep plumbing systems secure, efficient, and compatible across different pipe materials and sizes. Learn about common types of pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, pipe connectors, couplings, reducers, brass fittings, PEX fittings, compression fittings, and push-to-connect fittings. Our guides cover connection methods for PEX pipe, copper pipe, PVC piping, stainless steel, and other piping systems, along with pipe sizing, water supply lines, installation tools, and fitting selection for residential and commercial plumbing applications.
Pipe & Tubing Connection Method Guide
| Pipe / Tubing Type | Common Connection Methods | Typical Fitting Types |
|---|---|---|
| PEX-A | Expansion, Crimp / Clamp*, Push-Fit* | PEX Expansion Fittings, PEX Insert Fittings, Push-Fit Fittings |
| PEX-B | Crimp / Clamp, Push-Fit* | PEX Insert Fittings, Push-Fit Fittings |
| Copper | Press, Sweat, Push-Fit* | Copper Press Fittings, Copper Sweat Fittings, Push-Fit Fittings |
| CPVC | Solvent Cement, Threaded* | CPVC Socket Fittings, CPVC Threaded Fittings |
| PVC | Solvent Cement, Threaded* | PVC Socket Fittings, PVC Threaded Fittings |
| Carbon Steel | Press, Threaded* | Carbon Steel Press Fittings, Threaded Fittings |
Note: *Compatibility depends on the specific pipe, fitting, connection system, and manufacturer. Always verify product specifications before installation.
Common Plumbing Fitting Types & Uses
| Fitting Type | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| Elbow | Changes the direction of a piping run |
| Tee | Creates a branch from the main piping run |
| Coupling | Connects two sections of pipe or tubing |
| Reducer | Connects pipes or fittings of different sizes |
| Adapter | Connects different fitting types, materials, or connection methods |
| Union | Connects two sections while allowing easier future disconnection |
| Bushing | Reduces the size of a fitting opening |
| Cap | Closes the end of a pipe or fitting |
| Plug | Closes a female-threaded or socket opening |
Common Plumbing Connection & Thread Terms
| Term | Meaning | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| NPT | National Pipe Taper thread | Common tapered pipe-thread standard |
| MNPT | Male NPT | Male threaded pipe or fitting connection |
| FNPT | Female NPT | Female threaded pipe or fitting connection |
| MIP / MPT | Male Iron Pipe / Male Pipe Thread | Common terms for a male pipe-thread connection |
| FIP / FPT | Female Iron Pipe / Female Pipe Thread | Common terms for a female pipe-thread connection |
| GHT | Garden Hose Thread | Hose bibbs, sillcocks, washing machine hoses, and garden hose connections |
| Compression | Nut-and-ferrule style connection | Supply lines, stops, and compatible tubing |
| OD Compression | Compression connection sized by tubing outside diameter | Faucet supplies, fixture connections, and small-diameter tubing |
| Press | Mechanically pressed fitting connection | Copper and compatible press piping systems |
| Sweat | Soldered socket connection | Copper pipe and copper fittings |
| Push-Fit | Push-to-connect fitting connection | Compatible copper, PEX, CPVC, or other approved piping |
| Socket / Slip | Pipe inserts into a fitting hub | Common with PVC and CPVC solvent-weld fittings |
| Expansion | Expanded PEX tubing is placed over an expansion fitting | Common with ASTM F1960 PEX expansion systems |
| Crimp | PEX fitting secured with a crimp ring | Common with compatible PEX insert fittings |
| Clamp | PEX fitting secured with a stainless-steel clamp | Common with compatible PEX insert fittings |
Note: Connection terminology can vary by manufacturer and product listing. Always confirm the fitting size, material, thread type, and connection standard before installation.
Pipe fittings are essential components used to connect pipes, change flow direction, adjust pipe size, branch water lines, or terminate sections of a piping system. This guide explains the most common types of pipe fittings—including adapters, tees, elbows, pipe couplings, unions, flanges, caps, plugs, and reducers—and how different plumbing fittings are selected for residential plumbing, commercial plumbing systems, water supply lines, and different pipe materials such as PVC, copper, and metal pipes.
PEX fittings can provide reliable, leak-resistant connections when the correct fitting size, compatible PEX tubing, and proper installation tools are used. This guide covers common causes of PEX fitting leaks—including incorrect installation, mismatched PEX pipe fittings, loose crimp rings, damaged pipe ends, UV exposure, and incompatible materials—and explains how tools such as a PEX pipe cutter, PEX clamp or crimp tool, and PEX expansion tool help create secure PEX pipes and fittings connections.
PEX fittings should not be connected directly to polybutylene pipe because the two piping materials have different dimensions and connection requirements. This guide explains the compatibility issue, the use of transition fittings, and common PEX pipes and fittings such as crimp fittings, PEX-A fittings, and push-fit fittings when replacing older polybutylene water piping with a modern PEX plumbing system.
Brass fittings and PVC piping are often used together when a plumbing system needs to transition between different pipe materials, but brass cannot be glued directly to PVC like a standard PVC connection. This guide explains how brass pipe fittings, threaded brass fittings, brass compression fittings, and PVC adapters can be used to create secure transitions for water supply lines, along with the proper use of PVC primer and solvent cement on the plastic side of the connection.
Connecting two water pipes starts with identifying the pipe material, pipe size, and the correct type of pipe fitting for the plumbing system. This guide covers common plumbing pipes and fittings for PEX, PVC, and copper water supply lines, including adapters, couplings, elbows, tees, and threaded fittings, while explaining connection methods such as soldering, crimping, expansion, and threaded connections used in residential and commercial plumbing installation.
Brass pipe fittings provide durable, corrosion-resistant connections for a wide range of residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing applications. This guide covers common types of brass fittings—including threaded brass pipe fittings, brass compression fittings, adapters, elbows, tees, and reducers—and explains how brass pipe and fittings can connect water supply lines and transition between materials such as copper, PEX, and CPVC.
Pipe couplings and unions both connect sections of pipe, but they serve different purposes within a plumbing system. This guide compares pipe coupling types with pipe unions, explaining how couplings are commonly used for permanent pipe connections while unions allow pipes to be disconnected and reassembled for maintenance, repairs, or replacement across copper, PEX, PVC, brass, and other piping systems.
Push-to-connect fittings make pipe connections fast and simple, but removing them correctly requires the right fitting removal tool and proper pipe preparation. This guide explains how push fit fittings and pipe connector fittings work, how to use a quick-connect fitting removal tool, and how pipe cutters and a deburring tool can help prepare copper, PEX, or CPVC pipe for a secure reconnection in water lines and under-sink plumbing.
A pipe coupling is the most common fitting used to connect two pipes of the same size, whether you are repairing a water line, extending a pipe run, or completing a new plumbing installation. This guide explains how pipe material and pipe size affect the connection method, covering PEX pipe, copper pipes, CPVC, and steel piping, along with threaded, crimp, expansion, push-fit, solvent-weld, and soldered connections used in residential and commercial piping systems.
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