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Explanation of PVC Connection Terms

This short informative article is for those who need PVC Pipe Lengths or PVC fittings but aren't sure what all the terms mean. In this article we will provide you with all the information you need to feel comfortable with whatever project you are working on.

Definitions of Commonly Used Abbreviations
Slip Slip on connection, must be glued
Fipt Female Iron Pipe Threaded
Mipt Male Iron Pipe Threaded
Spig Spigot, has same dimensions as pipe of the same size
Insert A Barbed fitting used with Polyethylene pipe and a clamp
TBE Threaded Both Ends
UVR Ultraviolet Resistant (for use in direct sunlight)
Nipples A length of pipe that is threaded on both ends
Snap Snaps over pipe of the same size.

 

The most common types are:

Slip: The slip fitting is the most common fitting. It is a female fitting that is meant to slip over the end of the pipe you are connecting it to, and is held there with some cement glue.

Fipt: Fipt is the term for the female threaded side of the PVC fitting. Female threaded PVC fittings have threads on the inside of the fitting, and can be connected to any PVC item that has a male (Mipt) end.

Mipt: Mipt is the term used for a male threaded side of a PVC fitting. Male threaded PVC items have threads on the outside and can only be connected to another PVC item with a female (FIPT) side.

Spig: Spig is the term commonly used for spigot ended fittings. These fittings are male fittings, and are similar to slip fittings, but instead of sliding over the objects you are trying to connect, spig fittings slide into the objects you are connecting. A spig fitting is the same as a piece of unthreaded PVC Pipe of the same size ( i.e. 1”, 2”…). You cannot connect a spig fitting to a PVC pipe length without first using another fitting because both are the same size.

Remember, for spig and slip fittings you always need to use glue otherwise the fittings won't hold. Other than that, you are now ready to go start your project.