What role do fittings play in a plumbing system?

Fittings in a plumbing system serve a critical function by joining pipes together and facilitating changes in direction. This capability is essential because plumbing systems often require pipes to navigate around obstacles and reach various fixtures such as sinks, toilets, and bathtubs. Fittings ensure that the flow of water continues seamlessly through these changes in direction, maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of the plumbing system.

The variety of fittings, such as elbows, tees, and couplings, allows for flexibility in design and layout. This ensures that plumbing systems can be tailored to different architectural needs while also adhering to proper drainage and water flow requirements. Additionally, the integrity of the connections made by fittings is vital for preventing leaks and maintaining system pressure.

Other options address different aspects of plumbing but do not capture the primary function of fittings. While preventing clogs and filtering water are important for overall plumbing health, these roles are more closely related to the design of the fixtures and the presence of traps and filters within the system. Supporting pipe structure is typically handled by hangers and brackets rather than fittings themselves. Thus, the role of fittings is primarily about connecting and directing the flow of water in a plumbing system.