Plastic fittings are one of the most important requirements for finishing the task of pipeline installation. As the length of pipe is very high, it becomes hard for user to make use of plastic pipe fittings. There are different types of fittings now available for different types of applications. Without using the fittings, it’s not very easy for the installation team to do their task. For some special applications, it is a hard necessity for users to go for the right products.

Materials, techniques, and usages vary from country to country as different nations have different standards to install pipe.

Pipe fittings connect to pipes in one of two ways: by threads or by slip fit. Metal pipes are threaded, while plastic pipe can be threaded or slip fit. As the names indicate, threaded pipes screw together to connect, while slip fit pipes use sleeves that slip into one another. They are organized by male and female connectors as follows:

Male threaded: Threads are exterior, made to screw into the inside of a larger diameter pipe end with internal threading.
Female threaded: Threads are interior, made to receive male threaded fittings.
Male slip fit: No threads, made to slip into a slightly larger female sleeve.
Female slip fit: No threads, made to receive a narrower male slip fit.
The ends of pipe fittings are slightly larger than the rest of the pipe to accommodate connections without narrowing the inner diameter (ID) of the pipe. This keeps flow consistent. They are identified by pipe material, inner and outer diameter of the pipe, and the type of fitting — threaded or slip, male or female.
When purchasing pipe fittings, be sure to note that a fitting can have two different connector types. One end of the fitting might be male threaded, the other female threaded. In the case of plastic fittings, one end might be male slip while the other end is threaded. Fittings might also have matching ends — a variance to accommodate any requirement.