What Are Sanitary Tees?

A sanitary tee refers to a t-shaped pipe fitting which is commonly used in plumbing systems to connect a horizontal pipe to a vertical pipe, or vice versa. San tee is of great importance to create a branch in a pipe network and ensure the smooth flow of wastewater or sewage.

What Are the Applications of Sanitary Tees?

Sanitary tees are used in a range of plumbing applications, particularly in waste drainage systems.

Connecting Drainage Lines: They help connect vertical waste lines to horizontal ones.

Drainage in Buildings: Often used in residential or commercial plumbing for toilet and sink drainage.

Sewage Systems: Vital in ensuring wastewater flows properly from one section of the system to the next.

Ventilation: They’re also used in venting systems to maintain airflow.

How Are Sanitary Tees Classified?

Sanitary tees are available in various shapes, sizes, and they can be made of different materials provided the particular needs of your plumbing system. Here’s how they’re typically classified.

By Size

Standard Sizes: The sizes of sanitary tee are matching the diameter of the pipe system. Common sizes include 1.5″, 2″, 3″, and 4″.

Custom Sizes: For specific jobs, a custom-size sanitary tee may be required but the standard sizes can meet the demand for most typical home or commercial installation.

By Material

PVC: Affordable, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion. Ideal for most residential and commercial drainage systems.

Cast Iron: More durable and long-lasting, often used in older buildings or heavy-duty systems.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): A strong, lightweight plastic that’s commonly used in drainage systems.

By Design

Straight Sanitary Tees: These are your standard, go-to tees for basic applications.

45° or 60° Sanitary Tees: Sometimes, you need a slightly angled connection. These tees make the job easier without creating sharp angles that could slow down the flow of waste.

How to Install a Sanitary Tee

Here’s a quick, simple steps:
Cut the Pipes: Measure and cut the horizontal and vertical pipes where you want to install the tee.

Prep the Fitting: Clean the ends of the pipes and the tee fitting to ensure a secure, tight seal.

Glue or Weld: If you’re using PVC or ABS, apply the appropriate glue to the fitting and the pipe ends, then push them together. For cast iron, you might need a special welding process.

Ensure Proper Alignment: Make sure everything’s lined up straight. Misalignment can cause issues down the line, pun intended.

Check for Leaks: Once everything is in place, run some water through the system to make sure there are no leaks.