I understand you're looking for a PDF catalog of plumbing pipe joints and fittings with images
and names for a shop catalog.
Unfortunately, as an AI, I cannot directly create a PDF file with images. My capabilities are
limited to providing text-based information.
However, I can provide you with a comprehensive list of plumbing pipe joints and fittings,
categorized for clarity. You can then use this list as a basis to create your PDF catalog using
design software or by hiring a graphic designer. You would need to source the images yourself.
Here's the detailed list you requested:
Plumbing Pipe Joints and Fittings List (for Shop
Catalogue)
This list provides a comprehensive overview of common plumbing pipe joints and fittings. For
your shop catalog, you would typically include an image of each item alongside its name and a
brief description.
I. Pipe Joints (Methods of Joining Pipes)
These are the ways different pipes are connected to each other.
1. Threaded Joints:
○ Description: Pipes and fittings have complementary threads (male and female)
that screw together. A sealant (like PTFE tape or pipe dope) is often used for a
watertight seal.
○ Common Use: Galvanized steel pipe, black iron pipe, some brass pipes.
○ Image Suggestion: Close-up of threaded pipe ends and a threaded fitting.
2. Soldered/Brazed Joints (Sweat Joints):
○ Description: Used primarily for copper pipes. The pipe fits into a fitting, and solder
(an alloy) is melted into the gap to create a strong, watertight bond. Brazing uses a
higher melting point filler metal and is stronger.
○ Common Use: Copper water supply lines.
○ Image Suggestion: Copper pipe with a soldered elbow, close-up of a solder joint.
3. Solvent Welded Joints (Glue Joints):
○ Description: Used for PVC, CPVC, and ABS plastic pipes. A solvent cement is
applied to the pipe and fitting, which chemically fuses the two pieces together,
creating a permanent bond.
○ Common Use: Drainage, waste, and vent (DWV) systems, some water supply
(CPVC).
○ Image Suggestion: PVC pipe being joined to a fitting with solvent cement, a
finished solvent-welded joint.
4. Compression Joints:
○ Description: A compression nut, compression ring (ferrule), and a fitting are used
to create a watertight seal. When the nut is tightened, it compresses the ring onto
the pipe, forming a seal against the fitting.
○ Common Use: Water supply lines to fixtures (toilets, faucets), small diameter
tubing (e.g., PEX).
○ Image Suggestion: Exploded view of a compression fitting with nut and ferrule, a
tightened compression joint.
5. Push-Fit Joints (Push-to-Connect / SharkBite® type):
○ Description: Fittings have an internal mechanism (often teeth and O-rings) that
grips the pipe when it's pushed in, creating a watertight seal without the need for
tools, soldering, or glue.
○ Common Use: Copper, PEX, and CPVC pipes for water supply.
○ Image Suggestion: PEX pipe inserted into a push-fit coupling, a close-up of the
fitting's internal mechanism (if possible).
6. Flanged Joints:
○ Description: Pipes or fittings have flanges (flat rims) that are bolted together with a
gasket in between to create a leak-proof seal.
○ Common Use: Larger diameter pipes, industrial applications, connecting pumps or
valves to piping systems.
○ Image Suggestion: Two flanged pipes bolted together with a gasket visible.
7. Grooved Joints (Roll Grooved / Cut Grooved):
○ Description: A groove is made near the end of the pipe, and a coupling with a
gasket and housing is fitted over it. Bolts are tightened to secure the coupling and
compress the gasket, creating a seal.
○ Common Use: Fire protection systems, large diameter piping, commercial
plumbing.
○ Image Suggestion: Grooved pipe with a grooved coupling being installed, a
complete grooved joint.
8. Mechanical Joints (Bell-and-Spigot with Gasket and Gland):
○ Description: Primarily for cast iron or ductile iron pipes. The spigot (plain end) of
one pipe is inserted into the bell (enlarged end) of another, with a rubber gasket
creating the seal and a gland follower compressing the gasket.
○ Common Use: Underground water and sewer lines (historical and some current
uses).
○ Image Suggestion: Bell and spigot pipe with gasket and gland.
II. Plumbing Pipe Fittings
These are the components used to connect, change direction, or branch off pipes.
1. Couplings:
○ Description: Used to connect two pipes of the same size in a straight line.
○ Types:
■ Standard Coupling: Joins two pipes.
■ Reducing Coupling: Joins two pipes of different sizes.
○ Image Suggestion: Standard coupling, reducing coupling.
2. Elbows:
○ Description: Used to change the direction of a pipe run.
○ Types:
■ 90-degree Elbow: Changes direction by 90 degrees.
■ 45-degree Elbow: Changes direction by 45 degrees.
■ Street Elbow: Has male threads on one end and female threads on the
other.
■ Reducing Elbow: Changes direction and reduces pipe size.
○ Image Suggestion: 90-degree elbow, 45-degree elbow, street elbow.
3. Tees:
○ Description: Used to divide or combine fluid flow, creating a branch line at a
90-degree angle.
○ Types:
■ Standard Tee: All three openings are the same size.
■ Reducing Tee: One or more openings are smaller than the main run.
■ Sanitary Tee (Wye-Branch Tee): Designed for drainage with a sweep for
better flow, preventing clogs.
○ Image Suggestion: Standard tee, reducing tee, sanitary tee.
4. Crosses:
○ Description: Has four openings, used to connect four pipes at 90-degree angles to
each other.
○ Common Use: Less common in residential plumbing, more in industrial or specific
commercial applications.
○ Image Suggestion: A cross fitting.
5. Reducers:
○ Description: Used to connect pipes of different sizes.
○ Types:
■ Concentric Reducer: Tapers evenly, often used in vertical runs.
■ Eccentric Reducer: Has one flat side, often used in horizontal runs to
prevent air traps.
○ Image Suggestion: Concentric reducer, eccentric reducer.
6. Bushings:
○ Description: A small fitting with male and female threads used to reduce the size
of a fitting opening.
○ Image Suggestion: A bushing.
7. Caps:
○ Description: Used to close off the end of a pipe, providing a permanent seal.
○ Image Suggestion: A cap fitting.
8. Plugs:
○ Description: Used to close off an opening in a fitting, providing a removable seal.
○ Image Suggestion: A plug fitting.
9. Unions:
○ Description: A three-piece fitting that allows for a convenient disconnection of
pipes for maintenance or replacement without disturbing the entire pipe run.
○ Image Suggestion: An assembled union, an exploded view of a union.
10.Nipples:
○ Description: Short lengths of pipe with male threads on both ends, used to extend
a pipe run or connect two fittings.
○ Types:
■ Close Nipple: No unthreaded pipe between threads.
■ Shoulder Nipple: A small unthreaded section between threads.
■ Long Nipple: A longer unthreaded section.
○ Image Suggestion: Various types of nipples.
11.Valves:
○ Description: Devices used to control or stop the flow of fluid in a pipeline. (While
technically not "fittings" in the sense of changing direction, they are crucial
components often sold alongside fittings).
○ Types (common plumbing types):
■Ball Valve: Quick shut-off, quarter-turn operation.
■Gate Valve: Full flow, often used for infrequent shut-off.
■Globe Valve: Regulates flow, good for throttling.
■Check Valve: Allows flow in only one direction.
■Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV): Reduces high incoming water pressure to
a safe level.
■ Shut-off Valve (Angle Stop / Straight Stop): For individual fixture shut-off.
○ Image Suggestion: Example of a ball valve, gate valve, check valve.
12.Adapters:
○ Description: Used to connect pipes or fittings of different materials or joining
methods (e.g., male pipe thread adapter to connect PEX to a threaded fitting).
○ Image Suggestion: A male PEX adapter.
13.Traps (P-Trap, S-Trap):
○ Description: Curved sections of pipe designed to hold a small amount of water to
create a seal, preventing sewer gases from entering a building.
○ Common Use: Under sinks, bathtubs, and other fixtures.
○ Image Suggestion: A P-trap.
14.Flanges (individual component):
○ Description: Used to create a flanged joint, providing a flat surface for bolting.
○ Image Suggestion: A single flange.
III. Supporting Components (Often Sold Alongside Fittings)
● Pipe Hangers/Straps: Used to support and secure pipes.
● Pipe Clamps: Secure pipes to structures.
● Insulation: For hot or cold water pipes.
● Sealants:
○ PTFE Thread Seal Tape (Teflon Tape): For threaded joints.
○ Pipe Dope (Pipe Thread Compound): For threaded joints.
○ Solvent Cement (PVC, CPVC, ABS): For plastic pipe joints.
○ Solder/Flux: For copper pipe joints.
● Gaskets: For flanged joints or other specific seals.
● Escutcheons/Collars: Decorative plates to cover pipe penetrations through walls or
floors.
Next Steps for Your PDF Catalog:
1. Gather Images: Find high-quality, clear images of each type of joint and fitting. You can
often find these from manufacturer websites or by searching online plumbing supply
stores.
2. Choose a Design Tool: Use a program like:
○ Adobe InDesign: Professional layout software.
○ Canva: User-friendly online design tool (great for beginners).
○ Microsoft Publisher: If you have access to it.
○ Even Microsoft Word/Google Docs can work for simpler layouts, but less ideal for
a professional catalog.
3. Layout and Design:
○ Organize the information logically (e.g., by material, by type of fitting, or by joint
method as I've done).
○ Include the name of the joint/fitting prominently.
○ Add a brief, clear description of its purpose and common uses.
○ Ensure images are well-placed and clearly show the item.
○ Consider adding a table of contents or an index for larger catalogs.
○ Include your shop's branding (logo, contact information).
4. Export to PDF: Most design software will have an option to export your project as a PDF
file.
I hope this detailed list helps you create an excellent shop catalog!