A tee is a product that belongs to the connecting elements (fittings) and is used in the installation of various pipeline structures. The function of the tee is to branch the flow of the working medium by connecting to the main branch. Today, these steel connecting parts are most often used when laying gas and oil pipelines, and in other industries.
Steel tees are used for installing steel pipelines and connecting other types of pipes
Application of equal tees
All three pipes of an equal bore fitting have the same diameter. The pressure at the branch point does not change.
Material
The material from which the fitting is made is selected for the pipes. Reliable fixation without the risk of leaks and breakthroughs is possible only if the compositions are similar.
- Metal: brass, cast iron, steel. They are used in the industrial sector, including for working with aggressive substances. Most often, steel alloys, carbon or alloyed, are used. The former are used in temperate climates. The latter are resistant to cold temperatures and corrosion. The property of both alloys is strength. Installation is carried out by butt welding.
- Polymer. Due to their low cost relative to metal, such products are installed in water supply systems and sewer systems of residential buildings.
- Polypropylene (PP). The strongest and most durable plastic that works in a wide range of temperatures. It is installed in heating and water supply systems.
- Polyethylene (PE), produced under high pressure, is characterized by average strength and resistance to temperature changes. Low is the opposite: high strength, narrow temperature range.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Cheaper than PP, can withstand heating up to +50 °C. An essential element of sewer systems.
- Metal-plastic. The most common option is a brass body with a plastic gasket. Also used in private buildings, it is more heat resistant and easy to install.
Types of steel tees
All steel connecting parts of this type are divided into two main types, depending on the cross-sectional parameters of the pipes:
- equal passage (straight);
- transitional (flange).
Equal tee is designed for installation of pipes of the same diameter
The first type is used for joining pipes with the same cross-sectional parameters. And transition tees are used in cases where it is necessary to connect two pipes with different cross-sectional indices.
According to the connection option, there are two main types of these devices:
- welded model;
- threaded model.
Welded and threaded products make the connection between the main line and auxiliary branches. In the first case, the joining of pipes is carried out using welding equipment, and in the second - using threads.
Steel tees are made from corrosion-resistant materials (for example, stainless steel) or have a protective anti-corrosion layer that is applied to their surface during the manufacturing process. A special enamel can act as a protective layer.
Flange devices are divided according to their design into the following types:
- flat welded;
- welded collar flange;
- free on the welded ring.
Tees also differ in connection method, the most durable is flanged
All of the above types are regulated by various GOSTs. GOST 12820–80 describes flat welded steel tees. And GOSTs 12821–80 and 12822–80 regulate two other types of these devices.
Tees for sewer pipes
PVC tees are more often used in sewer lines. The parts are lightweight, making them easy to transport; are not subject to rust. They are connected to bathtubs, toilets, and washing machines. Rotation angles – 90°, 87° and 45°.
According to the type of PVC tees there are:
Steel fitting
The manufacturing method of steel tees affects their properties.
- Seamless. Seamless construction increases resistance to pressure changes.
- Stamp-welded. After hot stamping, the seams are welded and the neck is beaded. Large pipe parts are produced using this method.
- Welded. The neck is welded to the main body. They are connected to large pipelines with low pressure of the working medium. Cheaper than seamless.
- Chiseled. For non-standard designs, the workpiece is finished by turning on a machine. The parts are small in size.
Installation
Steel tees are mounted:
- carving The part is made with internal, external or combined threads. More often used in private pipelines;
- butt welding;
- flange connection.
The PVC fitting is installed:
- “cold welding” - special glue;
- coupling method with a heater (suitable for pipes of different sizes);
- electrofusion welding (for thin PVC tees);
- butt method (implies joining of heated edges of reinforcement);
- socket connection (a fitting of a larger diameter than a pipe fitting is equipped with a rubber seal - the end of the pipe is inserted into it).
Regardless of the material, the tee and pipes are checked for mechanical defects and contamination is removed. Their presence can lead to blockages and accidents. And only then installation is carried out.
How to install a tee on a PVC sewer pipe
PVC tees for sewer pipes can be used for both internal and external sewerage.
You can consider how to install a tee on a sewer pipe using the example of connecting a sink and toilet:
- first of all, you need to place the toilet in its designated place in the toilet and mark the place where you plan to install the tee;
- then the toilet needs to be removed from its future location or simply put aside;
- using sealant, the tee should be inserted into the socket of the riser;
An example of installing a tee for connecting to a toilet
- After this, you will need to take a sewer outlet pipe of the required length, coat it with sealant and insert the end into the tee hole. But first, make sure that there is a seal in the tee hole;
This is how sealant is applied to connect a toilet
- Now you can start working on the sink. This will require laying several short pipes that are connected to each other by tees;
- After this, the toilet is installed in place, it needs to be bolted and cemented. Then we connect it to the tee with corrugation, but first, lubricate the toilet flare with sealant.
This is what a toilet connected to a corrugated tee looks like
As for installing a tee on a water supply pipe, this process is quite easy.
For example, if you need to make only one branch from a water pipe, then using a regular tee will be the most optimal and convenient option.
If the plumbing system consists of metal pipes, then you will need to find their connections and unscrew them.
So, installing a tee on a water supply pipe is carried out as follows:
Using sewer pipe tees
- first you need to turn off the water along the riser and, of course, warn your neighbors that you will be carrying out repair work that requires turning off the water;
- then you need to find the pipe connection where you want to actually install the tee and make a branch;
- the connection point should be unscrewed, and this is where the tee should be inserted;
- to do this, you will need to move the pipes apart somewhat and, perhaps, even one pipe will have to be shortened and a thread cut into it;
- After this, you can safely install the tee and it is better to coat the joints with sealant in order to avoid water leakage. However, if you do everything correctly, select the appropriate type of tee to match the size of the water pipes, then the connections themselves should be sealed and should not leak.
This is what the installation of PVC tees looks like
As you can see, installing a tee is not an impossible task, and every owner can cope with it, even without any knowledge and skills.
In addition, installation of a tee does not require the use of any equipment, such as welding, and installation lasts a matter of minutes.
Brass male tee
A male tee can be made from a brass alloy. This fitting is connected to the pipe using a threaded connection.
Using a brass tee with an external thread, you can attach an additional direction of the pipeline to the main line, and using different modifications of the tee, this can be done at different angles.
Brass tees have the following advantages:
- long service life;
- high degree of tightness of connections;
- sufficient strength;
- ease of installation;
- versatility.
An extremely useful fitting is a brass adapter tee, with which you can connect pipes with different cross-sectional diameters. Coating it with a layer of nickel improves the performance of the product. This significantly improves its appearance, and most importantly, increases its resistance to corrosion.
Advantages of tees and main characteristics
Fittings that use low-alloy steel of carbon origin are used mainly in production, when transporting gas and aggressive liquids, as well as oil. The main advantages include:
- reliability;
- long service life;
- durability when exposed to aggressive environments;
- protection against corrosion;
- safe use.
Among the popular tees are polypropylene. They may vary based on their design and diameter. But to connect them to polypropylene pipes, a welding machine is required. Butt welding is used.
Products made from polypropylene are often used because of their versatility. They are suitable for strengthening heating structures, water supply systems, and sewage systems. They are also suitable for process pipes, which are used in various industries.
Polypropylene tees have the following features:
- resistance to negative environmental influences;
- low electrical conductivity. They do not accumulate static electricity;
- friction coefficient level is low. The result is minimal pressure leakage;
- Possibility of use in food;
- easy transportation due to low weight;
- easy installation;
- protection against corrosion;
- increased level of strength;
- affordable price;
- use in almost any type of activity;
- resistance, regardless of temperature reading.
If you choose a stainless steel tee, it will be even more durable and rust-resistant. If it is necessary for the product to be welded to the pipe, then use the welded version, and if you need to screw it on, then use the threaded version. The second option is simpler in terms of repair work.
Types and differences
Tees made from polyvinyl chloride are divided into two groups depending on the direction of the branch:
- Inclined. The branch is located at an angle of 45, 30 degrees to the main pipe.
- Straight designs. The branch is located at an angle of 90 degrees.
Depending on their purpose, there are several other types of parts that differ in design:
- equilateral parts for connecting individual elements of the same diameter;
- adapters for joining pipes of different diameters;
- tees for threaded hoses.
In problem areas of the pipeline, inspection parts are often installed, which have a separate outlet with a plug. It opens to clear the line.
Types of tees
Taps and valves
This group of products belongs to the category of shut-off and control products. A modern tap for plastic pipes can be of two types:
- manual valves;
- thermostatic valves.
For work, you can choose valves that are tightly soldered into the system, or placed in a metal housing that is mounted on a thread, for example, with an American fastening on one side, so that the part can be dismantled if necessary.
The use of one or another type of valve depends on the service life of its tightness. So, if a pipeline is being installed to transport gas, coolant for a heating system or hot water supply, it is impossible to install a valve designed for cold water.
The shape of the valves can be straight or combined angular. In addition, they produce products for transition between different pipe sections.
Sewer couplings
Plastic sewers have recently been pulled more often than others. Such systems are distinguished by chemical inertness and resistance to decay, and other positive characteristics of plastic.
But the required level of tightness on the sewer system can be achieved using high-quality connecting parts. And they are actively used in the sewer network during the assembly and disassembly of the main line.
Experts say that fittings for plastic sewer pipes perfectly resist corrosion processes and are resistant to oxygen diffusion. The internal cross-section of sewer connecting elements does not change with temperature changes, therefore, they can stand for a very long period. The most economical option for such couplings are plastic types; in this area, this is an ideal solution for use.
PVC tee design
Externally, a tee is a part of a pipe with a side outlet, to which it is easy to attach an additional pipe and create the desired branch.
The tee can also be used for a regular connection without connecting another line, but taking into account the fact that this may be needed in the future. For example, if you plan to bring out another pipe after some time, then the tee can be installed in advance, and the additional outlet can be closed with a plug for now. Installing the branch pipe when the time comes will be a fairly simple operation: you just need to remove the plug and connect the pipe.
We recommend that you read: Types of control valves and their features
Purpose and scope of application
The plastic tee is designed to create branches from the central pipeline. It must redirect the fluid flow in the required direction. Other purposes of the additional part:
- connecting household appliances;
- installation of shut-off valves and control mechanisms;
- adapter connection.
More often, PVC tees are installed on sewer drains and drainage channels.
Due to the characteristics of polyvinyl chloride, the tee is not suitable for connecting parts made of other materials. In addition to this, there is a pressure limitation. Do not use PVC piping elements for high pressure. They are used for the manufacture of non-pressure lines.
Male Tee with Stopcock
Today, every modern apartment has a washing machine, and many also have a dishwasher. To connect this equipment to the water supply, you need a tee with a tap.
The tee has the following parts:
- nickel-plated brass body;
- ball valve;
- rotary lever, often plastic;
- O-rings made of rubber or Teflon;
- stock;
- union nut.
Using a tee with external thread, you can connect any type of household appliance that works with water to the water supply.
The connection takes place using a union connection method using a clamping nut. When installing the fitting, it can be rotated in any position convenient for the user.
Specifications:
- withstands internal temperature from -10 °C to +95 °C;
- suitable for use in water systems with pressure up to 8 bar;
- The angle of rotation of the faucet handle is 90°;
- weight – 100 g;
- the cross-section of the holes is 15 or 20 mm;
- threaded connections can be external or internal;
- service life – 4000 cycles.
Read the material on the topic: Pipe fittings: everything you need to know about them
Steel tee. Dimensions and weight of tees. GOST
Fig. 1 Main dimensions of a steel equal-bore and transition tee.
Table 1
Dimensions and weight of steel tees according to GOST 17376. Version 1.
| DN | D | T | D1 | T1 | F | H | Weight, kg |
| 15 | 21,3 | 2.0 3.2 4.0 | 21.3 | 2.0 3.2 4.0 | 25 | 25 | 0.19 0.30 0.38 |
| 20 | 26.9 | 2.0 3.2 4.0 | 2.0 3.2 4.0 | 29 | 29 | 0.26 0.42 0.52 | |
| 2.0 3.2 4.0 | 26.9 | 2.0 3.2 4.0 | 0.23 0.37 0.46 | ||||
| 25 | 33.7 | 2.3 3.2 4.5 | 21.3 | 2.0 3.2 4.0 | 38 | 38 | 0.25 0.35 0.40 |
| 2.3 3.2 4.5 | 26.9 | 2.0 3.2 4.0 | 0.25 0.35 0.40 | ||||
| 2.3 3.2 4.5 | 33.7 | 2.3 3.2 4.5 | 0.40 0.64 0.80 | ||||
| 32 | 42.4 | 2.6 3.6 5.0 | 21.3 | 2.0 3.2 4.0 | 48 | 48 | 0.79 1.10 1.50 |
| 2.6 3.6 5.0 | 26.9 | 2.0 3.2 4.0 | 0.79 1.10 1.50 | ||||
| 2.6 3.6 5.0 | 33.7 | 2.0 3.2 4.0 | 0.79 1.10 1.50 | ||||
| 2.6 3.6 5.0 | 42.4 | 2.6 3.6 5.0 | 0.79 1.10 1.50 | ||||
| 40 | 48.3 | 2.6 3.6 5.0 | 26.9 | 2.0 3.2 4.0 | 57 | 57 | 1.00 1.40 2.00 |
| 2.6 3.6 5.0 | 33.7 | 2.3 3.2 4.5 | 1.00 1.40 2.00 | ||||
| 2.6 3.6 5.0 | 42.4 | 2.6 3.6 5.0 | 1.00 1.40 2.00 | ||||
| 2.6 3.6 5.0 | 48.3 | 2.6 3.6 5.0 | 1.00 1.40 2.00 | ||||
| 50 | 60.3 | 2.9 4.0 5.6 | 33.7 | 2.9 4.0 5.6 | 64 | 51 | 1.60 2.20 3.00 |
| 2.9 4.0 5.6 | 42.4 | 2.6 3.6 5.0 | 57 | 2.9 4.0 5.6 | |||
| 2.9 4.0 5.6 | 48.3 | 2.6 3.6 5.0 | 60 | 2.9 4.0 5.6 | |||
| 2.9 4.0 5.6 | 60.3 | 2.3 3.2 4.5 | 64 | 2.9 4.0 5.6 | |||
| 65 | 76.1 | 2.9 5.0 7.1 | 42.4 | 2.6 3.6 5.0 | 76 | 64 | 3.20 5.50 7.90 |
| 2.9 5.0 7.1 | 48.3 | 2.9 4.0 5.6 | 67 | 3.20 5.50 7.90 | |||
| 2.9 5.0 7.1 | 60.3 | 2.6 3.6 5.0 | 70 | 3.20 5.50 7.90 | |||
| 2.9 5.0 7.1 | 76.1 | 2.9 5.0 7.1 | 76 | 3.20 5.50 7.90 | |||
| 80 | 88.9 | 3.2 5.6 8.0 | 48.3 | 2.9 4.0 5.6 | 86 | 73 | 2.20 4.00 5.50 |
| 3.2 5.6 8.0 | 60.3 | 2.9 4.0 5.6 | 76 | 2.20 4.00 5.50 | |||
| 3.2 5.6 8.0 | 76.1 | 2.9 5.0 7.1 | 83 | 2.50 4.50 6.20 | |||
| 3.2 5.6 8.0 | 88.9 | 3.2 5.6 8.0 | 86 | 2.50 4.50 6.20 | |||
| 100 | 114.3 | 3.6 6.3 8.8 | 60.3 | 2.7 4.0 5.6 | 105 | 89 | 3.80 6.70 10.00 |
| 3.6 6.3 8.8 | 76.1 | 2.9 5.0 7.1 | 95 | 4.50 7.80 10.00 | |||
| 3.6 6.3 8.8 | 88.9 | 3.2 5.6 8.0 | 98 | 4.50 7.80 10.00 | |||
| 3.6 6.3 8.8 | 114.3 | 3.6 6.3 8.8 | 105 | 4.5 7.80 | |||
| 125 | 139.7 | 4.0 6.3 10.00 | 76.1 | 2.9 5.0 7.1 | 124 | 108 | 3.40 5.30 16.00 |
| 4.0 6.3 10.00 | 88.9 | 3.2 5.6 8.0 | 111 | 3.40 5.30 16.00 | |||
| 4.0 6.3 10.00 | 114.3 | 3.6 6.3 8.8 | 117 | 3.40 5.30 16.00 | |||
| 4.0 6.3 10.00 | 139.7 | 4.0 6.3 10.00 | 124 | 3.40 5.30 16.00 | |||
| 150 | 168.3 | 4.7 7.1 11.0 | 88.9 | 3.2 5.6 8.0 | 143 | 124 | 9.40 16.00 24.00 |
| 4.7 7.1 11.0 | 114.3 | 3.6 6.3 8.8 | 130 | 9.40 16.00 24.00 | |||
| 4.7 7.1 11.0 | 139.7 | 4.0 6.3 10.0 | 137 | 9.40 16.00 24.00 | |||
| 4.7 7.1 11.0 | 168.3 | 4.5 7.1 11.0 | 143 | 9.40 16.00 24.00 | |||
| 200 | 219.1 | 6.3 8.0 12.5 | 114.3 | 3.6 6.3 8.8 | 178 | 156 | 16.00 20.00 43.00 |
| 6.3 8.0 12.5 | 139.7 | 4.0 6.3 10.0 | 162 | 16.00 20.00 43.00 | |||
| 6.3 8.0 12.5 | 168.3 | 4.5 7.1 11.0 | 168 | 16.00 20.00 43.00 | |||
| 6.3 8.0 12.5 | 219.1 | 6.3 8.0 12.5 | 178 | 23.00 29.00 44.00 | |||
| 250 | 273.0 | 6.3 10.0 | 139.7 | 4.0 6.3 | 216 | 191 | 33.0 52.0 |
| 6.3 10.0 | 168.3 | 4.5 7.1 | 194 | 33.0 52.0 | |||
| 6.3 10.0 | 219.1 | 6.3 7.1 | 203 | 33.0 52.0 | |||
| 6.3 10.0 | 273.0 | 6.3 10.0 | 216 | 33.0 52.0 | |||
| 300 | 323.9 | 7.1 10.0 | 168.3 | 4.5 7.1 | 254 | 219 | 47.0 66.0 |
| 7.1 10.0 | 219.0 | 6.3 8.0 | 229 | 47.0 66.0 | |||
| 7.1 10.0 | 273.0 | 6.3 8.0 | 241 | 47.0 66.0 | |||
| 7.1 10.0 | 323.9 | 7.1 10.0 | 254 | 54.0 77.0 | |||
| 350 | 355.6 | 8.0 11.0 | 219.1 | 6.3 8.0 | 279 | 248 | — |
| 8.0 11.0 | 273.0 | 6.3 10.0 | 257 | ||||
| 8.0 11.0 | 323.9 | 7.1 10.0 | 270 | ||||
| 8.0 11.0 | 355.6 | 8.0 11.0 | 279 | 68.0 94.0 | |||
| 400 | 406.4 | 8.8 12.5 | 273.0 | 6.3 10.0 | 305 | 283 | — |
| 8.8 12.5 | 323.9 | 7.1 10.0 | 295 | ||||
| 8.8 12.5 | 355.6 | 8.0 10.0 | 305 | — | |||
| 8.8 12.5 | 406.4 | 8.8 12.5 | 88.00 131.00 | ||||
| 450 | 457.0 | 10.0 | 323.9 | 7.1 | 343 | 321 | — |
| 355.6 | 8.0 | 330 | |||||
| 355.6 | 11.0 | ||||||
| 406.4 | 8.8 | ||||||
| 457.0 | 10.0 | 343 | |||||
| 500 | 508.0 | 11.0 | 355.6 | 8.0 | 371 | 356 | — |
| 406.4 | 8.8 | — | |||||
| 457.0 | 10.0 | 368 | — | ||||
| 508.0 | 11.0 | 381 | — | ||||
| 600 | 610.0 | 12.5 | 406.4 | 8.8 | 432 | 406 | — |
| 457.0 | 10.0 | 419 | — | ||||
| 508.0 | 11.0 | 432 | — | ||||
| 610.0 | 12.5 | — | |||||
| 700 | 711.0 | — | 711.0 | — | 521 | 521 | — |
| 800 | 813.0 | 813.0 | 597 | 597 | — | ||
| 900 | 914.0 | 914.0 | 673 | 673 | — | ||
| 1000 | 1016.0 | 1016.0 | 749 | 749 | — |
