MIP Vs NPT – The Better Type For Your Needs?

Are you dealing with tub spout leaking from back? Or maybe other pipes are facing leakage but you don’t know the thread type? These are some scenarios that happen on daily life but it would be hard to tell if you have any clue about pipe thread types.

And that’s one of the reasons why a lot of people are looking for the MIP vs NPT debate to find out which side would be suitable to choose. From the fitting to the appearance, these 2 options differ badly.

Knowing their comparison points will be beneficial for anyone who has to install or replace equipment. For that reason, we have gone through in-depth research to give you the right disparity points about these 2 options side by side. So, What Are We Waiting For!

Which Pipe Thread Type Is Better Between MIP Vs NPT!

Finding the differences between MIP and NPT is easy if you identify them. The MIP (Male Iron Pipe) has a straight thread that is a part of the IPT standard to fit inside the female fitting connector. In contrast, the NPT has angled thread that fits tightly and is covered with an air/fluid-tight seal.

Comparison ParametersMale Iron PipeNational Pipe Thread
Thread AngleStraight or parallelTapered or curvy
SealantRequire Teflon tape to cover wellNeed PTFE tape
Thread Size1/4 – 3/4 inches1/16 – 3/4 inches

If analyzing their outer and inner points, you will visibly see the variances of National Pipe Thread and Male Iron Pipe thread. Before we get into in detail about their comparison points, it’s essential to know their thread dimension, pitch, and angle.

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As a straight thread, the MIPs don’t have an angle or curve however the pitch is there so that it helps the screw to go through the female fitting connector deeply using O-ring. And also, they will require sealing that is fine-tight but not too much.

According to PlumbingSupply.Com,

The NPT and NPTF threads can be interchanged if sealants such as PTFE tape or suitable pipe joint compounds are used. None of the other thread standards are fully interchangeable (GHT, NST, BSPT, NPSI, etc.) Female NPT threads can be designated as “FPT” or “FIP” and male NPT threads can be designated as “MPT” or “MIP”.

On the other hand, the NPT threads have a 60° curve or angle and you’ll see a wide to narrow pitch measured in inches from the top to the crease. Besides, they are fitted with air-tight tape to ensure no leakage.

And these are the main variations that pole them apart from each other as they work inversely in most sectors.

What Is Their Sizing?

The NPT and MIP thread sizing are different if you look closely. You see, the external and internal pipe thread size of NPTs is around 1/16 – 3/4 inches per foot that let you have a specific pitch and angle.

Then again, you’ll find 1/4 – 3/4 inches per foot in the MIPs if measuring both exterior and interior pipe threads.

Do They Differ in Applications?

Both of them have dissimilar ways to use inside the fitting connector when you are planning to use inside the faucet or other pipes. The NPTs are not straight threads and so they need to be fitted too tightly in order to make a fluid or air-tight fitment.

Also Read: IPS VS NPT – All You Need to Know Before Buying

Conversely, the MIP threads are parallel in shape that requires simply holding the part together with proper compression and fitment. And, they don’t need to be too tight or loose as the structure is very straight.

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As most people use them in heavy-duty pipes to ensure no leakage using them, so they need to be secured well but the air-tight connections might cause misalignment.

How To Seal Them?

The pipes and threads need good sealing in order to avoid leakage or other mishaps due to improper position. And so, both MIPs and NIPs need good sealing to ensure safe connections.

You can freely use the PTFE aka Polytetrafluoroethylene chemical tape on the NIPs to ensure tighter sealing that makes sure no issue of an air bubble or fluid resistance.

Quite opposite from others, the MIPs will need lubricating joint compound to ensure good sealant to keep the pieces composed. However, most experts suggest using Teflon tape to wrap the MIP threads. This way you can simply have no trouble with outflow or drip.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you connect MIP to NPT?

The answer is both yes and no. If your NPT thread is female fitting, then you can freely use the MIP to connect but they won’t mate with each other. However, not all pipe thread types are compatible.

Do NPT threads need sealant?

The NPT threads are designed to use in the back of the pipe as they have a curve and angle, they need good sealant. But, you can’t use any other sealants unless they can hold the tapered pipe threads in perfect wedging so the fitting put them together.

How tight should NPT fittings be?

Basically, you need to look into the guideline of them to know the right fitting for them. Most experts advise tightening the NPT threads for up to 2-3 times full turns to ensure a perfect fit. Otherwise, there will be damage to the threads due to pressure.

Final Words

You now know all the comparing points between the MIP vs NPT to select easily. Learning these two pipe’s threads behavior and outer look will help you know each type better without making the wrong choice.

And, both of their difference is very essential to know in order to get proper education about the fitting. Not only that it will let you figure out the perfect match with the right thread but also ensure a better sealing choice that suits like previous one.

While the MIPs are a male fitting that has no curve and no angle to fit using O-ring, on the other hand, you’ll see the NPTs have a nice tapered pitch to weld using metal wedging. And, that is their biggest difference.

Hope this guide helped you to get informed with both MPI and NPT along with their variations to pick the best one. Now It’s Time To Go. See You On Our Next Article!

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