Choosing the right PVC fittings is crucial for a durable and reliable plumbing or irrigation system. At 247Garden, we provide a wide range of high-quality Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 PVC fittings designed to meet your specific needs. To help you make the right choice, it’s important to understand the differences between slip, threaded, and spigot fittings, as well as other common types of connections.

Slip/Socket Fittings

Slip fittings, also called socket fittings, allow the pipe to “slip” directly into the fitting. They are permanently joined using PVC cement, which chemically fuses the pipe and fitting into a strong, leak-proof connection. Slip fittings are ideal for pressure systems, water lines, and irrigation projects where a secure and permanent connection is required.

Threaded Fittings

Threaded fittings connect by screwing a male and female thread together. These connections are mechanical and often sealed with PTFE tape or thread sealant. Threaded fittings are ideal for applications that may require disassembly or maintenance, such as irrigation manifolds, valves, and pool plumbing systems. Most threaded PVC fittings use NPT (National Pipe Thread) standards. There's two types of threaded fittings, male and female. The male thread goes into the female thread.

Spigot Fittings

Spigot fittings are designed with an outside diameter equal to the pipe. They fit directly into a socket or slip fitting, creating a strong connection when bonded with PVC cement. Spigot fittings are commonly used when a fitting needs to connect directly to another fitting without using additional pipe. Examples include spigot caps and spigot elbows.

Other Common PVC Connections

  • Flange Connections: Flat-faced rings bolted together with a gasket in between, ideal for large pipes, high-pressure applications, or systems requiring frequent disassembly.
  • Union Fittings: Two-part fittings with a nut and o-ring that allow easy disassembly and reassembly without cutting the pipe.
  • Compression Fittings: Use a nut and gasket to secure the pipe without cement or threads, providing a removable connection for repairs or temporary setups.
  • Barbed/Insert Fittings: Designed for flexible tubing, these fittings rely on barbed ends and hose clamps, commonly used in drip irrigation systems.
  • Push-to-Connect Fittings: Less common for PVC, these allow pipes to be inserted and locked with internal teeth and an o-ring for a fast, reusable connection.

At 247Garden, we carry a full range of PVC fittings to suit every project, whether you need a permanent slip connection, a threaded system for easy maintenance, or specialized fittings for flexible or high-pressure applications. Understanding the differences between these fittings ensures your system is installed correctly, performs reliably, and lasts for years.

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