What pipe fitting is typically used for water branches?

The 90° elbow is commonly used for water branches due to its ability to efficiently change the direction of piping in plumbing systems. This fitting enables a right-angle turn, allowing water to flow seamlessly from one pipe to another. In most water distribution systems, creating sharp corners is often necessary to navigate around obstacles or redirect the flow of water to different fixtures.

Furthermore, the 90° elbow is favored for its straightforward installation and compatibility with a wide range of pipe sizes, making it a versatile choice in various plumbing applications. It's essential in ensuring that water pressure and flow rates are maintained effectively when routing pipes. Other elbow angles like 45°, 60°, and 22.5° serve specific functions, often promoting gentler turns that can be beneficial in reducing turbulence and pressure loss in different contexts, but when it comes to typical water branching, the 90° elbow is the most prevalent and functional fitting used.