What type of pipe fitting allows for a change in direction in a piping system?

An elbow is designed specifically to change the direction of flow in a piping system. It is commonly used to create angles such as 45 or 90 degrees to redirect the flow as needed. This capability is essential in piping systems where space constraints or the layout of the installation require a shift in direction to maintain an efficient flow.

While a tee connects three pipes and can also facilitate a change in direction, its primary function is to branch a linear flow into two paths rather than simply altering the direction of one continuous line. A coupling serves to connect two pieces of pipe in a straight line, allowing for the extension of pipe runs without altering the direction, while a reducer is designed to change the diameter of the pipe, accommodating variations in flow requirements but not directional changes.