What is the purpose of a fitting?

• A. To link different sizes and types of pipe
• B. To attach a sprinkler
• C. To restrict the flow of water
• D. To decrease the water pressure

Answer: (A)

Fittings are the connectors that join pipes and change their size or type so the irrigation system can run smoothly. They allow transitions between different materials and diameters and help create turns and branches in the layout. For example, you might use a reducer to connect a large mainline to a smaller lateral, an elbow to change direction, a tee to add a branch, or a coupler to join two sections of pipe. You may also encounter adapters that bridge different pipe materials, like connecting PVC to polyethylene. In practice, fittings ensure a continuous, compatible path for water from the supply to every part of the system.

Attaching a sprinkler head is done with the appropriate sprinkler hardware and riser assemblies, not simply by a generic pipe fitting. Controlling flow or reducing pressure is accomplished with valves, regulators, or flow-control devices, rather than the primary role of a fitting.