What Is a Reducing Bushing?
Reducing Bushing is a specific type of threaded pipe fitting designed to reduce the diameter of a pipe in plumbing systems. This component is essential in various plumbing applications, particularly when connecting pipes of different diameters.
The structure of a Reducing Bushing features male threads on one end to screw onto a pipe, and a female threaded end to accommodate another pipe of a smaller diameter. This design ensures that the female thread cannot exceed the diameter of the male thread. The bushing may have either parallel or tapered threads, with the latter being more common due to its superior airtightness, crucial for managing fluids.
These bushings are widely used for connecting pipes carrying various fluids, including steam, air, gas, and oil. Given their role in adapting different pipe sizes, they are also known as unequal bushings or mismatched bushings in some contexts.