A sanitary tee is a plumbing fitting designed to connect three pipes, with a specific focus on facilitating the flow of waste and preventing the backflow of gasses. It's not just a simple "T" fitting; its design includes a gentle curve on the branch inlet to help direct liquids and solids downwards into the drain line.
Key Features of a Sanitary Tee
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Curved Inlet | The most significant characteristic is the curved branch inlet that directs flow. |
| Waste Flow | Primarily designed for waste flow applications. |
| Vent Use | Can be used for air vents but should not receive waste when oriented horizontally or on its back. |
| Material | Typically made from materials like PVC, ABS, or cast iron, depending on the plumbing system requirements. |
| Configurations | Can be oriented vertically with the branch receiving waste, but not horizontally when receiving waste. |
How a Sanitary Tee Differs From a Standard Tee
While a standard tee has a straight branch inlet, the sanitary tee's curved inlet makes it suitable for applications where gravity flow and preventing clogs are crucial.
How To Use A Sanitary Tee
- Vertical Orientation: A sanitary tee is commonly installed vertically to connect a drain line from a fixture (like a sink or toilet) into a main waste line. The branch inlet is positioned to receive the wastewater.
- Vent Purposes: According to the provided YouTube reference, a sanitary tee can be used to receive air in a horizontal orientation on its back, as long as it's only receiving air. It cannot receive waste in this orientation.
- Avoid Horizontal Waste: It is important to note, as the YouTube video reference indicates, you cannot use a sanitary tee horizontally where it's receiving waste.
Practical Insights
- Sanitary tees are essential in preventing clogs and ensuring wastewater flows smoothly through a plumbing system.
- Choosing the correct tee for a specific plumbing application is critical to avoid costly mistakes and ensure proper drainage.
Examples of Use
- Connecting a kitchen sink drain to a main drain line.
- Joining a bathroom sink drain to a waste pipe.
- Creating a vent for plumbing systems.
