Adding pipe fittings in Revit is primarily handled through its intelligent routing capabilities, where fittings like elbows, tees, and crosses are often placed automatically as you draw pipes. However, you can also manually insert specific fittings and pipe accessories to achieve your design requirements.
Understanding Automatic Pipe Fitting Placement in Revit
Revit's powerful MEP tools automate much of the pipe fitting placement process. When you draw pipe segments, Revit consults your project's routing preferences to automatically insert the correct fittings at junctions, turns, and transitions.
- Drawing Pipes: As you connect pipe segments, Revit automatically adds elbows at 90-degree turns and tees or crosses at branch connections, based on the selected pipe type and its associated routing preferences.
- Slope and Offset: Even when adjusting pipe slopes or offsets, Revit attempts to maintain connections with appropriate fittings.
Essential Steps for Automatic Fitting Placement:
- Select Pipe Tool: On the Systems tab, in the Plumbing & Piping panel, click Pipe (or type
PI). - Choose Pipe Type: In the Properties palette, select the desired pipe type. Ensure its routing preferences are correctly configured for the fittings you want to use.
- Draw Pipe Segments: Click to define the start and end points of your pipe segments. As you create turns or connect to existing pipes, observe how Revit automatically places the necessary fittings.
Manually Adding or Modifying Pipe Fittings
While Revit automates much of the process, there are times you need to manually add specific fittings or change existing ones.
1. Placing Specific Fittings (e.g., Caps, Reducers, Unions)
For fittings that don't auto-generate from drawing, such as caps, unions, or specific types of reducers:
- From the Pipe Tool: Sometimes, when drawing a pipe, you can right-click on an open end and choose "Add Cap" or "Add Union."
- Using the Fitting Tool:
- Go to the Systems ribbon.
- In the Plumbing & Piping panel, click the Pipe Fitting drop-down and select the desired fitting (if available directly).
- Alternatively, use the Component tool (
CM) and select the fitting family from the Type Selector. - Place the fitting onto an existing pipe segment or connection point.
2. Replacing or Swapping Existing Fittings
If an automatically placed fitting isn't the one you need, you can easily swap it:
- Select the Fitting: Click on the fitting you wish to change.
- Access Type Selector: In the Properties palette, use the Type Selector drop-down to choose a different fitting family or type that is compatible with the connected pipes.
- Change Fitting Type: Revit will attempt to replace the selected fitting with the new one. Ensure the new fitting has compatible connection types and sizes.
3. Adding Specific Pipe Components (Accessories like Valves)
Beyond standard fittings, you'll often need to add pipe accessories like valves, strainers, or flow meters.
To add specific pipe accessories such as a motor control valve:
- Navigate to the Systems ribbon.
- In the Plumbing & Piping panel, click Pipe Accessory.
- From the Type Selector, choose the desired valve (e.g., a motor control valve).
- Then, simply click on a pipe segment to place your valve inline. Revit will automatically cut the pipe and insert the accessory.
4. Working with Routing Preferences
Routing preferences dictate which fittings Revit uses automatically. Proper configuration is key for efficient modeling.
- Access Routing Preferences:
- Select a pipe segment.
- In the Properties palette, click Edit Type for the pipe.
- In the Type Properties dialog, find Routing Preferences and click Edit.
- Configure Fittings: Here, you can specify the default elbow, junction (tee/cross), transition (reducer), union, and cap families for different pipe sizes.
- Minimum/Maximum Size: Define size ranges for specific fitting families.
- Preferred Fitting Type: Set the order of preference if multiple families are available.
Common Pipe Fitting Types in Revit
Revit supports a wide array of pipe fitting types, each serving a specific purpose in a piping system.
| Fitting Type | Description | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow | Changes the direction of a pipe run, typically at 45 or 90 degrees. | Corners, changes in elevation |
| Tee/Cross | Allows branching off a main pipe run. A tee has one branch, a cross has two. | Branch connections, distribution points |
| Reducer | Changes the diameter of a pipe run, either concentrically (straight) or eccentrically (offset). | Connecting pipes of different sizes |
| Cap | Seals off the open end of a pipe run. | Terminating unused pipe ends, pressure testing |
| Union/Flange | Provides a disconnectable joint in a pipe run for maintenance or assembly. | Equipment connections, modular system assembly |
| Valve | Controls or stops the flow of fluid in a pipe (e.g., gate, globe, ball, check, motor control valves). | Isolation, flow regulation, system protection |
| Strainer | Removes solid impurities from fluid in the pipe. | Protecting pumps and other sensitive equipment |
| Wye | A Y-shaped fitting used to combine or split flow, often in drainage systems to prevent clogs. | Drainage systems, sanitary piping |
Loading New Pipe Fitting Families
If the required fitting types are not available in your project, you'll need to load them.
- Go to Insert Tab: On the Revit ribbon, click the Insert tab.
- Load Family: Click Load Family.
- Navigate to Library: Browse to your Revit family library. Pipe fittings are typically found under "Pipe" > "Fittings" (and then by material or type, e.g., "PVC," "Steel," "Ductile Iron," etc.). Pipe accessories are usually under "Pipe" > "MEP" > "Valves" or "Pipe Accessories."
- Select and Open: Select the desired family file (
.rfa) and click Open. The family will now be available in your project's Type Selector and for use in routing preferences.
Practical Tips for Managing Fittings
- Consistency is Key: Use consistent pipe types and routing preferences throughout your project to minimize manual adjustments.
- Check for Errors: If Revit cannot place a fitting automatically (e.g., due to insufficient space or incompatible connections), it will display a "No Auto-Route Solution" message. Adjust pipe positions or consider manual placement.
- Detail Level: Fittings may appear differently based on the project's detail level (Coarse, Medium, Fine).
- Troubleshooting:
- Missing Fittings: Ensure the correct fitting families are loaded into the project and assigned in the pipe's routing preferences.
- Incorrect Size: Verify that the fitting's size parameters match the connected pipes. Revit usually adjusts automatically, but manual correction may be needed.
- "Cannot connect elements" Error: This often indicates a mismatch in connection types, sizes, or a geometry conflict. Try redrawing the pipe segment or checking the fitting's instance parameters.
By understanding both Revit's automated capabilities and the options for manual insertion, you can efficiently and accurately add all necessary pipe fittings and accessories to your MEP models.
