A combo fitting, also known as a combination fitting, is a plumbing fitting that integrates two or more distinct fitting types into a single unit. This simplifies installation, reduces the number of connections required, and can save space.
Understanding Combination Fittings
Combo fittings are designed to perform multiple functions within a plumbing or piping system. Instead of using separate fittings connected together, a combo fitting achieves the same result with a single, integrated piece.
Examples of Combo Fittings
- Combination Wye and Eighth Bend: Combines a wye fitting (for branching) and an eighth bend (a slight change in direction) in a single unit.
- Tee-Wye: A fitting that incorporates a tee (for branching at a 90-degree angle) and a wye fitting (for branching at a 45-degree angle).
- Closet Flange with Test Cap: Combines the toilet flange with a temporary test cap for pressure testing.
Benefits of Using Combo Fittings
- Reduced Number of Connections: Fewer connections mean fewer potential leak points, enhancing system reliability.
- Simplified Installation: Installing one combo fitting is often faster and easier than installing multiple separate fittings.
- Space Savings: Combo fittings can be more compact than using multiple individual fittings, which is beneficial in tight spaces.
- Cost Savings: While individual combo fittings may cost slightly more than individual basic fittings, they can save money on labor and the cost of extra couplers or short sections of pipe needed for connections.
Applications
Combo fittings are commonly used in drainage, waste, and vent (DWV) systems, as well as in other plumbing and piping applications where space is limited or simplified connections are desired. They're useful for complex plumbing layouts that require multiple directional changes and branches.
