What to Know About Tapers and Taper Bends in Drainage: Usage, Fitting Accuracy, and Supply
Tapers are form-fitted elements used to connect pipes of different sizes in drainage networks. Their role is to enable a streamlined size reduction, which helps avoid flow restriction, backflow, or leakage. When drainage systems are retrofitted, tapers offer a more stable solution than forcing mismatched pipes together.
Taper Bends: Redirection and Size Change in One
Tapered elbow fittings combine a directional change with a simultaneous pipe size transition. These fittings are most common in angles such as standard elbow degrees, and they’re particularly effective in installations where room is limited or multiple transitions are needed. They limit the number of individual components, helping to lower failure points in the system.
Typical Fitting Locations
These fittings are widely installed across various drainage applications:
- In pump chambers, to join outlets to smaller distribution lines
- Throughout retrofit projects with updated or non-standardised pipework
- Across field drainage systems where flow rates and gradients must be kept steady
- Inside wastewater facilities where components need to be space-saving and multi-functional
Correctly applied, these fittings optimise flow, reduce energy loss from turbulence, and help meet compliance benchmarks for water management.
Why Size Precision Matters
Incorrectly sized joints can cause:
- Disturbances in hydraulic pressure
- Build-up of debris
- Accelerated joint degradation
Tapers and taper bends smooth these transitions out by offering a controlled reduction, improving flow performance and reducing long-term maintenance.
Benefits of Using a Specialist Supplier
Choosing a general merchant might offer convenience, but a specialist drainage supplier brings:
- Greater range of product sizes and angles
- Products designed for field application
- Product advice from experience
- Proven quality assurance
A dedicated supplier will have fittings that are not only dimensionally correct but also proven in field conditions—ensuring long-term system integrity.
FAQs
Is a taper the same as a reducer?
No. Tapers offer a longer and more gradual size change, which is more effective for systems needing steady flow. Reducers often transition over a short length, which may create turbulence.
Can taper bends be used underground?
Yes, as long as they’re compliant with underground use requirements and follow relevant local guidelines.
Are tapers compatible with clay and plastic pipes?
Tapers are usually material-specific, but adaptors can bridge the gap between clay, plastic, and other pipe materials.
Do taper bends reduce flow performance?
If properly integrated into the system, taper bends maintain consistent flow and can even improve it by avoiding abrupt transitions.
What size taper should I choose?
Measure both ends and factor in hydraulic design to select the correct taper size for the application.
Making the Right Choice for Your System
Whether you're handling minor repairs or building a read more new network, fitting check here the Taper bends correct tapers and taper bends is important for a low-maintenance and efficient drainage setup.
Knowles Drainage supplies a wide variety of precision-fit components tailored for both farm-based and commercial applications, backed by hands-on expertise and a commitment to fit-for-purpose supply.