45°SHORT TURN STREET ELBOW

DBRfittings' ABS 45° Short Turn Street Elbow is a specialized fitting used in plumbing and drainage systems to change the direction of a pipe run by 45 degrees. Its unique "street" design and compact form make it a crucial component for specific installation scenarios.

1. Breakdown of the Name

Let's dissect the name to understand its full meaning:

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): This is the material the fitting is made from. ABS is a strong, rigid, black plastic known for its:

Durability: Resistant to physical impacts.

Chemical Resistance: Excellent for draining corrosive substances and wastewater.

Lightweight: Easy to handle and transport.

Affordability: A cost-effective choice for DWV (Drain, Waste, Vent) systems.

Important Note: ABS is not designed for pressurized hot water applications (like CPVC or Copper) and is primarily used for drain, waste, and vent lines.

45°: This specifies the angle of the turn. It creates a gentler change in direction compared to a 90° elbow, which helps to maintain flow efficiency and reduce the chance of clogs.

Short Turn: This refers to the geometry of the elbow. A "short turn" or "short sweep" elbow has a tighter radius and a more abrupt curve than a "long turn" or "long sweep" elbow. This compact design saves space but offers slightly less smooth fluid flow.

Street Elbow: This is the key differentiating feature. A standard elbow has female sockets on both ends (the pipe inserts into the fitting). A street elbow has one male spigot end and one female socket end.

The male end is designed to fit into another female socket of a fitting or valve.

The female end is designed to have a pipe inserted into it.

2. Key Features and Functions

Space-Saving Design: The street design eliminates the need for a short nipple or extra length of pipe between two female fittings. This allows for a direction change in very tight quarters where a regular elbow would not fit.

Direction Change: Its primary function is to create a 45-degree bend in a pipe run.

Flow Efficiency: The 45-degree angle provides a smoother transition for waste water than a sharp 90-degree turn, helping to prevent blockages.

Connection Method: It is permanently joined to other ABS components using a solvent cement (ABS glue) that chemically welds the pieces together into a single, leak-proof unit.

3. Common Applications

ABS 45° Street Elbows are predominantly used in non-pressure systems:

Under Sink Drainage: Connecting the P-trap to the wall drain line in tight spaces.

DWV Systems: Throughout the drain, waste, and vent piping inside walls and floors in residential and commercial buildings.

Appliance Hookups: For dishwashers and washing machine drain lines.

Vent Pipes: Changing the direction of vent stacks protruding through a roof.

Tight Corners: Any situation where space is limited and a regular elbow would require more room.

4. Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

Saves Space: The #1 advantage, perfect for confined installations.

Reduces Fitting Count: Can often replace a standard elbow plus a short nipple.

Lightweight and Easy to Install.

Corrosion Resistant: Will not rust or corrode like metal pipes.

5. How to Identify and Size

Color: Almost always black.

Markings: The size (e.g., "1-1/2"") and material (e.g., "ABS") are typically molded into the side of the fitting.

Sizing: The size refers to the nominal pipe size it is designed to connect to. For example, a 1.5" street elbow has a male end that fits into a 1.5" female socket and a female end that accepts a 1.5" pipe. Common sizes are 1-1/4", 1-1/2", 2", 3", and 4".

Summary

In essence, the ABS 45° Short Turn Street Elbow is a compact, space-saving fitting that provides a medium-direction change in drainage systems. Its unique male/female ("street") design is the solution of choice for plumbers working in tight spaces where traditional fittings won't suffice.