Service Fittings

Exploring the Role of Service Fittings in the Water Service Lateral

Water works parts are responsible for providing a home/building access to the public water supply. The water service lateral itself includes any water service part, from the water main to the water meter. One of these solutions involves the service fitting.

In the water service lateral, a service fitting either connects two pieces of service line together or connects a service line to a valve or other component. Common service line pipe/tubing materials include the following:

• Copper (CTS)
• Polyethylene (PEP)
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
• Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX)
• Lead
• Polybutylene
• Steel (galvanized, stainless, iron)
• C903

A.Y. McDonald service fittings are offered as couplings, adapters, elbows, tees, U-branches, and Y-branches. Threaded, compression, and flare are the connection options. Service fittings are manufactured to meet or exceed the AWWA C800 (latest revision) standard and are rated to withstand the same pressures as the tubing they are designed to fit. They are designed and tested for cold potable water only. EPDM rubber gaskets are used on A.Y. McDonald compression fittings and polyethylene tube requires an insert stiffener. Below is a table of the types of pipe/tubing for use with A.Y. McDonald service fittings:

Please note that lead pipe is no longer commonly used as service line material.

Service fittings help guide water throughout the service lateral in a safe and efficient manner. To learn more about A.Y. McDonald service fitting product options, along with the model number break down, take the ‘A.Y. McDonald Service Fittings’ AYU course, call our customer service department at 1-800-297-2737, or fill out a Contact Us form on aymcdonald.com.