How to Calculate Pipe Sizes for Plumbing Fixtures

When working with plumbing fittings and fixtures, it's important to know exactly what size pipes you are working with. Having the correct size of fittings and pipes will ensure that your connections are water-tight and correct for the application. Figuring out what size pipe you need for specific fixtures is simple using some basic copper fittings that are available at any hardware store. By comparing the size of standard fittings to your fixtures, you will be able to tell exactly what size pipe is needed for the job.

Instructions

- 1
  Identify the fixture that you want to connect to the plumbing.
- 2
  Identify whether the fixture has female or male pipe threads for the plumbing connection. Male threads stick out while female threads are carved into the inside of a fixture connection point.
- 3
  Select the opposite fittings from your copper couplers. For example, if the fixture has male threads, use the female couplers.
- 4
  Place each of the fittings over the fixture to test for fit. The size that fits onto the fixture tightly and smoothly represents the correct size of pipe that should be used to supply water to that fixture. For example, if the 1/2-inch fitting fits over the fixture, then only 1/2-inch pipes should be used in that application.

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