Tees vs Weldolet in new piping system
Tees vs Weldolet in new piping system
(OP)
After receiving a price quote for (water) piping, I noticed that weldolets were priced cheaper than tees. However, (to my knowledge) tees are simpler to install on a (new) system than weldolets.
Therefore my question is a rather general one of whether it is ever useful/worthwhile to install a weldolet over a tee on new piping.
Therefore my question is a rather general one of whether it is ever useful/worthwhile to install a weldolet over a tee on new piping.





RE: Tees vs Weldolet in new piping system
Going the Big Inch!![[worm] worm](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/worm.gif)
http://virtualpipeline.spaces.msn.com
RE: Tees vs Weldolet in new piping system
However you said that you have a water system. So I suggest you consider the following.
Size-to-Size - use a TEE
Size-to-One Size Reducing - use a TEE
Size-to-Two (or more) Size reducing - use a Weld-o-let
RE: Tees vs Weldolet in new piping system
Going the Big Inch!![[worm] worm](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/worm.gif)
http://virtualpipeline.spaces.msn.com
RE: Tees vs Weldolet in new piping system
If on the other hand the outlet/weldolet must for some reason be welded in the field, as I suspect may be the case with what you are talking about, this of course requires equipment/expertise and everything that goes with doing that right in-situ. Some sort of readily assembled, pre-located "tee" joints on the other hand may not require such field-welding equipment/expertise etc., and in that case maybe it could be argued that that tee system is "simpler to install".
I think there are perhaps different ways of looking at these issues.
RE: Tees vs Weldolet in new piping system
If he's just asking rule of thumb what to use, I think he's basically got it.
Going the Big Inch!![[worm] worm](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/worm.gif)
http://virtualpipeline.spaces.msn.com
RE: Tees vs Weldolet in new piping system
Also though, if the "rule of thumb" was directed at me:
I'm female. ;)
RE: Tees vs Weldolet in new piping system
Anyway, the more you say about what you want to do in the original post, the better and the sooner you'll get a good answer.
Going the Big Inch!![[worm] worm](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/worm.gif)
http://virtualpipeline.spaces.msn.com
RE: Tees vs Weldolet in new piping system
RE: Tees vs Weldolet in new piping system
Going the Big Inch!![[worm] worm](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/worm.gif)
http://virtualpipeline.spaces.msn.com
RE: Tees vs Weldolet in new piping system
You have shared with us that you are new to the piping field. Not a problem. There are lots of us old-timers who are ready, willing and able to help you (and others).
For starters I suggest that you have a look at the following website,
www.pipingdesigners.com
There is a lot of information there under "Training", "Tips", "Tools", "Standards" and the "Forum"
Good luck and let me know if I can be of help
PennPiper (aka Jop)
RE: Tees vs Weldolet in new piping system
I think pages of that site will be printed off and put in an "HELP!" Binder of reference material like several of my colleagues own.
I work in hydroelectric generation, but find myself drawing to "auxiliary" systems like piping and HVAC - I think it is because they are more transferable should (heaven forbid) something happen to the government-owned company I work for.
RE: Tees vs Weldolet in new piping system
I basically agree with Pennpiper except that I think there are more things to consider and more options.
Besides a reducing tee and a weldolet, consider also a stub-in for low pressure applications or a stub-in with a reinforcing pad. This may be more economical for branches larger than 6" or 8".
While reducing tees are available down to the 1/2 the run diameter, I don't see them used very often for more than a one size reduction.
If you're driven by economics, consider the total installed cost and fitting availability. Other than the price of the fitting and materials, other costs include the cost of the welding, x-rays and heat treat. These costs and requirements will change with size and materials. For example, an 18" WOL on a 36" header is a big heavy chunk of metal that requires a lot of weld.
Good luck,
NozzleTwister
Houston, Texas