This is an epic guide setting out the different types, sizes and dimensions of PVC pipes as well as PVC pipe fittings and couplings. We include a free PDF version as well as detailed illustrations of everything followed by detailed sizing charts.
While there are many different types of plumbing pipes, PVC is one of the most widely used.
Where do you start? What sizes do you get? What sizes are there?
Fittings… what sizes, shapes and options are there?
We cover it all in our extensive PVC pipe and fittings guide below where we explain each type of PVC pipe and each type of PVC pipe fitting which includes diagrams and dimension charts.
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PVC Pipe Sizes & Dimensions Guide (Charts)
When it comes to the PVC pipes themselves, there are 3 key metrics: Outer diameter, inside diameter and wall diameter (as in wall thickness). Below are a series of PVC pipe diagrams and dimension charts to help you find the right sizes (or at least get you informed as to the various common sizes available).
PVC Pipe Fittings
Pipes are generally straightforward. But you have to fit the pipes together so that they comply with local building codes. This can be simple or complicated, depending on the function, location and the building code.
PVC pipe fittings are used for attaching PVC pipes together. Fortunately, there are many different types of PVC pipe fittings so that you can run pipe in pretty much any configuration. Below is our extensive PVC pipe fittings guide with a series of diagrams and dimension charts.
3-Way PVC Corner Fitting
The 3-way corner fitting splits pipe into three directions and is designed for use in corners. As you can see in the following charts, there are many sizes to choose from.
4-Way PVC Tee
The 4-way PVC Tee branches the lead pipe off into 3 directions.
5-Way PVC Cross Fitting
The 5-way PVC cross fitting breaks up and branches pipe off into 4 directions (from the lead pipe).
45° PVC Elbow
Sometimes you need to angle pipe slightly instead of a full 90°. This is where the 45° elbow fitting comes in handy. Below is a diagram of the 45° elbow fitting followed by a series of size charts.
90° PVC Elbow
The 90° PVC Elbow fitting does exactly as the name suggests, and that is, turn pipe 90°, whether from the floor to the ceiling, vice versa, along with a new wall and so forth. This is a very common fitting of course. Below you can see a diagram followed by sizing charts.
Adjustable PVC Elbow
When you need to adjust PVC pipes a custom degree, you can use an adjustable PVC elbow which functions as a hinge. Below are an illustrated example and dimension charts. As you’ll see, there are both external and internal adjustable elbow fittings.
PVC Pipe Slip Tee
It’s a hinge solution for pipe structures where you want the flexibility to create pivoting elements and where you don’t want to compromise the strength of the pipe by cutting it. It has a permanent-fit socket at the bottom where you can connect to a single pipe and a top socket that slides through the same size PVC pipes to create a hinge.
Standard PVC Cross
It’s a cross-shaped pipe with four sockets at 90-degree angles and used to provide the required crossmember support in PVC projects, such as for pipe grids or outer frame structures.
Standard PVC Tee
It has a T-shaped configuration with two sockets in line and a third in a perpendicular direction that makes it possible for flat three-way connections to be added to a PVC structure.
Types 0f PVC Pipe Adapters & Caps
PVC Caster Adapters
PVC Caster Adapters provide mobility to PVC projects such as carts and baskets or be used to create axles for mobile projects such as PVC vehicles and trailers.
PVC External Flat Cap
It has a smooth flat surface that fits over the end of an open PVC pipe and provides stability to any PVC project.
PVC Fishmouth Adapter
It’s a multi-use adapter that allows two PVC pipes to be connected perpendicularly without cutting and create a positioning element for a PVC pipe to rest upon.
PVC Internal Ball Cap
PVC Internal Ball Caps are so-called because they have a small, round, ball-shaped end that provides a smooth round end to PVC pipe.
PVC Internal Dome Cap
PVC Internal Dome Caps have a smooth, slightly-domed end which gives the end of an open PVC pipe a professional-looking finished appearance.
PVC Couplings
These are small fittings used to connect two pieces of PVC pipes to continue a straight line or to connect a fitting to a pipe to create certain configurations.
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