The difference between pipe nipple and pipe coupling

The difference between pipe nipple and pipe coupling

What is a pipe nipple?

Pipe nipple is a length of straight pipe with male threads on both ends. It is one of the most popular category of pipe fittings. It is a connector or a coupling threaded on both ends. Pipe nipples are used to allow plumbing to be connected to a water heater or other plumbing. They are used to fit straight end hose or pipe. A combination of pipe nipples are recommended for low-pressure discharge and suction service for various compatible liquids and not for compressible products like air, nitrogen or steam. 

The length of the pipe nipple is usually specified by the overall length with threads. It may have a hexagonal section in the center for wrench to grasp (sometimes referred to as a “hex nipple”), or it may simply be made from a short piece of pipe (sometimes referred to as a “barrel nipple” or “pipe nipple”). A “close nipple” has no unthreaded area; when screwed tightly between two female fittings, very little of the nipple remains exposed. A close nipple can only be unscrewed by gripping one threaded end with a pipe wrench which will damage the threads and necessitate replacing the nipple, or by using a specialty tool known as a nipple wrench (or known as an internal pipe wrench) which grips the inside of the pipe, leaving the threads undamaged. When the ends are of two different sizes it is called a reducer or unequal nipple.

Threads used on nipples are BSP, BSPT, NPT, NPSM and Metric.

What is a pipe coupling?

A coupling (or coupler) (used in piping or plumbing) is a very short length of pipe or tube, with a socket at one or both ends that allows two pipes or tubes to be joined, welded (steel), brazed or soldered (copper, brass etc.) together.

Alternatively it is a short length of pipe with two female National pipe threads (NPT) (in North American terms, a coupler is a double female while a nipple is double male) or two male or female British standard pipe threads.
If the two ends of a coupling are different (e.g. one BSP threaded and one NPT threaded), then it is usually referred to as an adapter. Another variation is one plain socket and one threaded socket. Yet another variation would be 3/4″ NPT to 1/2″ NPT.
When the two ends use the same connection method but are of a different size, the terms reducing coupling or reducer are used.

Removable pipe couplings are most often of a threaded design which allows them to be screwed onto the pipes to be joined. The most simple of these is a basic pipe section slightly larger than the pipes to be joined and cut with an internal thread. The ends of the pipes are also threaded, and the coupling is simply sealed with hemp or sealing tape and screwed onto both pipes. More complex removable pipe couplings are of a two-part design where one part is attached to each pipe and then screwed together to complete the joint. These types of couplings are often used on high pressure copper gas pipes and flexible hydraulic or pneumatic hoses.

A pipe coupling is also often used to facilitate changes of pipe routing, crossing of obstacles, and penetration of walls. These couplings are typically elbow or U shaped but may include several variants featuring different angles of deflection. Step-down or reduction pipe couplings featuring different end diameters are used to join pipes of dissimilar sizes. Adaptor fitting may also be used to join pipes of different materials and feature separate end fittings suitable for both materials. Where more than two pipes are to be joined Y, T, or cross shaped couplings are common methods of achieving the joints.

Pipe couplings may also include other features such as inspection or maintenance access points. These are typically screw-on caps that allow for visual inspections or the insertion of rods used to remove blockages. Flow meters and other analytical attachments are frequently built into a pipe coupling to ease installation. Pipe couplings may also include mechanisms such as shut-off and pressure release valves.