Pipe fitting bodies are usually made of the same base material as the pipe or tubing they are connected to: copper, steel, PVC, CPVC or ABS. Any material permitted by plumbing, health or building codes (as applicable) may be used, but it must be compatible with the other materials in the system, the fluid being conveyed, and the temperature and pressure inside (and outside) the system. Brass or bronze fittings over copper Common in plumbing and plumbing systems. Fire resistance, shock resistance, mechanical strength, anti-theft and other factors also affect the choice of material for pipe fittings.

Pipe fittings are used in plumbing systems to connect straight sections of pipe or tubes, to accommodate different sizes or shapes, and for other purposes such as regulating (or measuring) fluid flow. These fittings are used in plumbing systems to control the transfer of water, gas or liquid waste within pipes or plumbing systems in domestic or commercial environments. Fittings (especially uncommon types) require money, time, materials and tools to install and are an important part of plumbing and plumbing systems. Common pipe fittings mainly include: flange, elbows, couplings, unions, spools, reducers, bushings, tees, diverter tees, crosses, caps, plugs, barbs and valves. Although valves are technically fittings, they are usually discussed separately.