Common Malleable Cast Iron Pipe Fitting Types (by Function)

Common Malleable Cast Iron Pipe Fitting Types (by Function)

The following are some of the most commonly used and basic malleable cast iron pipe fitting types:

1. Elbow

Purpose: Changes the direction of a pipe.

Common Types:

90° Elbow: Makes a 90-degree turn in a pipe.

45° Elbow: Makes a 45-degree turn in a pipe.

2. Tee

Purpose: Connects three pipes, either for diverting or merging flow.

Common Types:

Equal-diameter Tee: All three connections have the same diameter.

Reducing Tee: One connection has a different diameter than the other two (like a T-type fitting, where one end is smaller).

3. Cross

Purpose: Connects four pipes, creating a cross-shaped flow path.

Common Types:

Equal-diameter Cross,

Reducing Cross.

4. Pipe Clamp

Purpose: Connects two straight pipes of the same diameter.

Features: Internal threads on both ends.

5. Male/Female Joint

Male/Female Joint: Both ends have male threads and are used to connect two internally threaded pipes or devices. Female connector: Both ends are internally threaded and used to connect two pipes with external threads.
6. Union
Purpose: A quick-disconnect fitting consisting of a male connector, a female connector, and a sleeve nut.
Advantages: Easy to install and maintain, particularly suitable for pipe sections that require frequent disassembly.
7. Reducing Clamp
Purpose: Commonly known as a “reducing end,” it is used to connect two pipes of different diameters.
8. Pipe Cap
Purpose: Welded or screwed onto the end of a pipe to seal it.
9. Plug
Purpose: Similar to a pipe cap, but usually screwed onto an internally threaded hole (such as the unused end of a tee) to seal it.
10. Lock Nut
Purpose: Used with some special pipe fittings (such as water meter connectors and valve connections). Tightening the lock nut compresses the sealing ring, creating a sealed connection.