The world of plumbing is filled with unique terminology, and among these terms is the intriguing “Street Elbow”. If you’ve ever worked with pipes and fittings, you’ve likely encountered this fitting, but have you ever wondered where its distinctive name comes from? This question was raised in a recent discussion on Plbg.com, a dedicated online forum for plumbing professionals and enthusiasts, prompting a fascinating exploration into the history of this common plumbing component.
Early Theories: Water Mains and the “Street” Connection
One of the most compelling theories about the “street elbow” origin ties directly to its application in early water distribution systems. As Masterplumb (NY) suggested in the forum, the name might stem from the fitting’s use when tapping into water mains located beneath city streets. Space constraints in these underground installations would have necessitated specialized fittings. The “street elbow,” with its unique male and female thread combination, could have been designed to directly connect to the water main, eliminating the need for an additional nipple or fitting in tight spaces.
Packy (MA) further elaborated on this theory, detailing how water mains running down streets would be fitted with tees in front of houses. The branch of the tee, facing upwards, would then receive a specialized elbow. This elbow, featuring male threads on one end to screw into the tee and female threads on the other to connect to the service line entering the house, became known as a “street” elbow due to its crucial role in street-level water connections.
The Alexander Street Hypothesis: A Plumber’s Innovation
Adding another layer to the story, jabyron (CA) presented a different perspective, attributing the invention to a steam fitter named Alexander Street in early 1900s Chicago. According to family history passed down, Alexander Street, working in the burgeoning field of steam fitting, developed this unique elbow. This account suggests a more personal origin, naming the fitting after its supposed inventor rather than its application in street-level plumbing.
Cast Iron and Terminology Persistence
The discussion on Plbg.com also touched upon the material evolution in plumbing. An anonymous user questioned whether the term “street fitting” applied to cast iron fittings as well, considering the timeline of cast iron’s introduction. HJ (AZ) clarified that while cast iron was indeed used in street installations, the term “street elbow” had already become ingrained in plumbing vocabulary. Whether the pipes were tapped using corporation cocks or saddles, the name for the fitting with male and female ends remained unchanged, highlighting how terminology can persist even as materials and techniques evolve.
Conclusion: A Name Rooted in Plumbing History
While the precise origin of “street elbow” may remain somewhat debated, the forum discussion on Plbg.com offers valuable insights into the term’s likely roots. Whether it was born out of necessity in the early days of street-level water main connections or named after an inventive steam fitter, the term “street elbow” reflects a tangible connection to the historical development of plumbing practices. Understanding the potential origins of such terms enriches our appreciation for the history embedded within the tools and terminology we use daily in the plumbing trade.
