cast iron fitting

[Ken Meyer]

I hadn't seen this type of fitting before, sort of like a ball and socket joint. Just out of curiosity, does any one know what it's called? It looks like you could move it around to the position you want, then pack the joint.

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[esch]

Swivel joint

or

Ball and socket joint

I believe its a compression type fitting.

Similar to a compression coupling fitting for 4" cast iron.

Matt

Looked kind of like this w/o the clamps?

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From Piping Handbook, 7th Edition

For river crossings, submarine lines, or other places where great flexibility is necessary,

ductile cast-iron pipe can be obtained with ball-and-socket joints of the mechanical-

gland types, as shown in Fig. A2.31. Provision is made for longitudinal expansion and

contraction, and a positive stop against disengagement of the joint is a feature of the

design. As much as 15o angular deflection can be accommodated without leakage. This

pipe is heavy enough to remain underwater where laid without requiring river

clamps or anchorage devices.

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[Bill Kibbel]

It's called a ball and socket joint. I've never seen one without the bolt-on retaining ring.

I read an old plumbing manual that indicated they were created for the newly developed, structural steel buildings. It allowed the cast-iron piping systems to flex with the building

[esch]

Used where it may flex; bridges, unstable soils.

Looks like they used a ball joint but not the socket, instead used a regular Wye fitting and packed Oakum or pipe dope around it.

[Ken Meyer]

Thanks. I saw that same illustration when Googling trying to find a name for it. It didn't occur to me that it was the same thing missing a part. I have no idea why this fitting was used instead of a more conventional one, it was a pretty straight forward layout in a 50's rancher.