EPFL Logo
fr|en
Login
Concept

Piping and plumbing fitting

A fitting or adapter is used in pipe systems to connect straight sections of pipe or tube, adapt to different sizes or shapes, and for other purposes such as regulating (or measuring) fluid flow. These fittings are used in plumbing to manipulate the conveyance of water, gas, or liquid waste in domestic or commercial environments, within a system of pipes or tubes. Fittings (especially uncommon types) require money, time, materials, and tools to install and are an important part of piping and plumbing systems. Valves are technically fittings, but are usually discussed separately. Standard codes are followed when designing (or manufacturing) a piping system. Organizations which promulgate piping standards include: ASME: American Society of Mechanical Engineers A112.19.1 Enameled cast-iron and steel plumbing fixtures standards A112.19.2 Ceramic plumbing fixtures standard ASTM International: American Society for Testing and Materials API: American Petroleum Institute AWS: American Welding Society AWWA: American Water Works Association MSS: Manufacturers Standardization Society ANSI: American National Standards Institute NFPA: National Fire Protection Association EJMA: Expansion Joint Manufacturers Association CGA: Compressed Gas Association PCA: Plumbing Code of Australia Pipes must conform to the dimensional requirements of: ASME B36.10M: Welded and seamless wrought-steel pipe ASME B36.19M: Stainless-steel pipe ASME B31.3 2008: Process piping ASME B31.4 XXXX: Power piping The material with which a pipe is manufactured is often the basis for choosing a pipe. Materials used for manufacturing pipes include: Carbon (CS) and galvanized steel Impact-tested carbon steel (ITCS) Low-temperature carbon steel (LTCS) Stainless steel (SS) Malleable iron Chrome-molybdenum (alloy) steel (generally used for high-temperature service) Non-ferrous metals (includes copper, inconel, incoloy, and cupronickel) Non-metallic (includes acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and toughened glass; polybutylene has also been used, but is now banned in North America because of poor reliability) The bodies of fittings for pipe and tubing are often the same base material as the pipe or tubing connected: copper, steel, PVC, CPVC, or ABS.

Official source
About this result
This page is automatically generated and may contain information that is not correct, complete, up-to-date, or relevant to your search query. The same applies to every other page on this website. Please make sure to verify the information with EPFL's official sources.
Ontological neighbourhood
Industrial and production engineering
Related courses (3)
ME-105: Introduction to mechanical design
Le cours de ME-105 vise à l'acquisition du langage normalisé de la communication technique en conception mécanique et d'une culture technique de base, via une revue des concepts, composants, et méthod
MSE-464: Assembly techniques
Introduction to the assembly of materials by homogeneous or heterogeneous joints (welding, bonding, mechanical assembly). Mechanical and environmental resistance of joints.
ENV-304: Treatment and valorization of water and waste
Les systèmes eaux et déchets en Suisse: du traitement end-of-pipe à la fermeture des cycles. Principes de l'adduction, de l'évacuation et du traitement des eaux. Bases du dimensionnement des ouvrages,
Related lectures (15)
Normal Stresses: Internal Stress and Strain
Introduces internal stress and strain, material properties, and design considerations for axial loads and direct shear.
Water Distribution Systems
Explores the design and operation of water distribution systems, emphasizing user supply, quality, and fire protection.
Minor losses, non-circular conduits
Discusses minor losses in pipes, entrance and exit flow conditions, and non-circular conduits.
Show more
Related publications (38)
Show more
Related people (8)
Related units (2)
Hydraulic Constructions Platform
Institute of Mechanical Engineering
Related concepts (5)
Pipe (fluid conveyance)
A pipe is a tubular section or hollow cylinder, usually but not necessarily of circular cross-section, used mainly to convey substances which can flow — liquids and gases (fluids), slurries, powders and masses of small solids. It can also be used for structural applications; hollow pipe is far stiffer per unit weight than solid members. In common usage the words pipe and tube are usually interchangeable, but in industry and engineering, the terms are uniquely defined.
Piping
Within industry, piping is a system of pipes used to convey fluids (liquids and gases) from one location to another. The engineering discipline of piping design studies the efficient transport of fluid. Industrial process piping (and accompanying in-line components) can be manufactured from wood, fiberglass, glass, steel, aluminum, plastic, copper, and concrete.
Plumbing
Plumbing is any system that conveys fluids for a wide range of applications. Plumbing uses pipes, valves, plumbing fixtures, tanks, and other apparatuses to convey fluids. Heating and cooling (HVAC), waste removal, and potable water delivery are among the most common uses for plumbing, but it is not limited to these applications. The word derives from the Latin for lead, plumbum, as the first effective pipes used in the Roman era were lead pipes. In the developed world, plumbing infrastructure is critical to public health and sanitation.
Show more

Copyright © 2025 EPFL, all rights reserved