Types of Pipe Joints in Plumbing

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Pipe joints in water supply are major components of plumbing system provided to
connect multiple pipes. There are several types of pipe joints, but their selection depends
on pipe sizes, material and flow pressure etc.. Pipe joint provided should withstand
pressure of each pipe.

Types of Pipe Joints in Plumbing

Different types of pipe joints used in plumbing system are as follows.
1. Threaded joint

2. Brazed joint

3. Soldered joint

4. Welded joint (butt welded, socket welded)

5. Flanged joint

6. Compression joint

7. Grooved joint

1. Threaded Joint in Pipe

Threaded joint means, pipes are connected by screwing with the help of threads provided
for each pipe. One pipe having internal threads and the other one having threads
externally. Cast iron pipes, copper pipes, PVC and G.I pipes are available with threads.

Threaded joints are available from 6mm diameter to 300mm diameter pipes. They are
preferable for low temperature areas and low pressure flows. In the areas of high
temperature, the joints may expands and leaked due to thermal expansion. Installation of
threaded joint is easy but good maintenance required.
 Threaded Joint in Pipe

2. Brazed Joint in Pipe

Brazing is the process of jointing pipes using molten filler material at above 840oC.
Brazing is generally used for joining copper pipes or copper alloy pipes. The filler
material majorly consist tin which has great affinity towards copper. But because of its
weak property tin is added to other materials like nickel, bismuth, silver and copper.
The melting point of parent metal should be higher than filler metal. Mechanical strength
of brazed joint is low compared to other joints. This type of joint is suitable in moderate
range of temperature areas.

Brazed Joint in Pipe

3. Soldered Joint in Pipe
Soldering is also similar to brazing but the only difference is in case of soldering the filler
metal melts at below 840oC. Soldering also used to joint copper and copper alloy pipes.
Before proceeding to soldering flux called paste is applied to pipes and fittings to prevent
them from oxidation from flame. Here also we require skilled workers for installation.
Soldered joints are suitable for low temperature areas. These are having low mechanical
strength as brazed joints.

Soldered Joint

4. Butt Welded Joint in Pipe

When the pipes are of same diameter butt welding is to done to join the pipes. It is the
most common type of welding. Skilled workers are required to install the joint. These
joints are generally used for large commercials and industrial piping systems.

Butt weld provides good strength for the joint and it can resist high pressure because of
smooth and continuous surface inside the joint. Butt weld joints are expensive, to make it
economical sometimes internal weld backing rings are used, which joins the pipe with
less amount of filler material. But these rings may fail under heavy stress and cracks are
developed.

The joints are fixed and do not opened for maintenance purposes. External smoothing of
welded portion will give good appearance to the piping system.
 Butt
Welded Joint in Pipe

5. Socket Welded Joint in Pipe

Socket welded joints are used wherever there is a high chance of leakage in joints. Pipes
are connected as putting one into other as shown below and welded around the joint.
Pipes having different diameters are suitable for this type of joint.

If pipes having similar diameter, then required fittings are used. Welding cost is generally
lower than butt welding. Fatigue resistance is lower for socket welded joints when
compared to butt weld joints. However, socket welded joint give good results when
compared with other mechanical joints.

6. Flanged Joint in Pipe

Flanged joints are used for high pressure flows and for large diameter pipes. In general
they are used for plain end pipes or threaded pipes. Two flange components are
connected by bolts at the pipe joint to prevent leakage.

Generally these are made of cast iron, steel etc. these are having good strength and do not
fail against high pressure. Against high temperatures the bolts may fail under creep lost
their grip so, fixing of bolts should be done properly while installing. They are also useful
for repairing pipelines and maintenance purposes.
7. Compression Joint in Pipe
When the pipes have plain ends they are joined by installing some fittings at their ends
then that type of joint is called compression joint. The pipe ends will be fitted with a
threaded fittings or couplings hence they are connected.

So, in this case we can connect pipes of different materials and different sizes. But the
joints should be properly fitted to resist flow pressure otherwise they may fail and
leakage occurs. Compression fittings are available in different materials and selection of
fittings may depend upon our requirement.

Compression Joint

8. Grooved Joint in Pipe

In case of grooved joint, the pipe ends consist grooved edges which are connected by
elastomer seal and then ductile iron made grooved couplings are used as lock for
elastomer seal. This grooved couplings are connected by bolts. These joints are easy to
install and economical.

Grooved joints will give good resistance against pressure and allows moderate axial
movement due to thermal expansion. But, in high temperature Areas elastomer seal may
lost its strength and torsional failure occurs. So, these are permitted to moderate
temperature areas.

Grooved Joint

Grooved joints are easily removable so, for maintenance purposes of pipes these joints
are preferable.

Read More:
How to Determine Suitable Pipe Sizes for Water Distribution in Buildings?
Types of Plumbing Pipes used in Building Construction
Types of Pipe Fittings in Plumbing System for Different Purposes
Types of Plumbing and Drainage Systems in Buildings