If you've worked with PVC pipe for any length plastic valve of time, you will know that there are many different PVC end types. From spigots to barbed inserts, the look and purpose of different PVC end types vary widely. For newcomers to the wide world of PVC, this may be daunting. However, this blog post will act as a guide and should answer any questions you may have about PVC end types. It may also serve as a refresher for seasoned veterans of piping.
After reading this guide, PVC end types will no longer be a mystery!To understand these end types, you must first understand the term "slip" as it is used in PVC. Slip refers to the fact that there are no threads or barbs. To secure a slip fitting, glue or some other adhesive must be used. Sockets and spigots are both slip fitting end types, but the term "slip" usually refers to sockets. A socket is a fitting that simply goes over the end of a pipe. socket end will fit on a 1" pipe. These are extremely common. Many PVC couplings have socketed ends. A commonly used abbreviation for "socket" is "soc."A spigot fits inside a socket, so it is the same size around as regular pipe.
When you need to attach a fitting to another fitting, you use a spigot end. In their function, sockets are the female and spigots are the male. Spigot fittings are often called street fittings. The terms "street," "spg," and "spigot," are all the same thing and refer to spigot end fittings. The picture above shows a coupling with socket ends and a 1.5" x 1" bushing with a spigot end.Female and male threads are pretty self-explanatory. On a female-threaded fitting, the threads are on the inside of the fitting. On a male-threaded fitting, the threads are on the outside of the fitting.
This means a male-threaded fitting can be screwed into a female-threaded fitting. These connections do not need glue. Teflon tape is enough to keep it sealed tight. Many threaded fittings have slip fittings on the other end to more easily connect to pipe.When browsing female-threaded fittings, you may see the abbreviations "FPT" and "FIPT." These stand for "female pipe thread" and "female iron pipe thread." For male-threaded fittings, you will see the same abbreviations with an "M" instead of an "F" and, you guessed it, the "M" stands for "male." Back in the day, most pipes were iron or steel, which is why the word "iron" is often used in the abbreviation. This does not mean the part is made of iron! PVC pipe is simply made to be usable in metal pipelines.
