After many years, I have learned more about plumbing.
Now I want to clean up part of that old setup.
The problem is a tight space between two fittings.
There is not enough pipe showing between them.
That makes a normal repair harder.
A standard slip coupling needs pipe on both sides.
It also needs enough room for proper glue depth.
When the gap is short, that plan may not work.
Question
Does there exist a fitting that is a slip male on one end?
Can it be a slip female on the other end?
Can both ends be the same pipe size?
Answer
Yes. The fitting is usually called a spigot-by-socket fitting.
It may also be called a street fitting in some cases.
The male end is often called the spigot end.
That end is sized like the outside of a pipe.
It glues into another fitting socket.
The female end is called the socket end.
That end accepts a regular piece of PVC pipe.
This can help when space is very tight.
It removes the need for one short pipe stub.
What To Ask For
Ask for a same-size PVC spigot by socket fitting.
For example, ask for a 2-inch spigot by socket coupling.
You can also ask for a PVC street fitting.
Names can change by store and pipe type.
Bring the old fitting size with you.
Also, check if your pipe is Schedule 40, DWV, or another type.
Other Tight-Space Options
A no-stop repair coupling may also help.
It can slide fully over one pipe end.
Then it can slide back over the joint.
This is useful when pipes cannot move much.
Some jobs may need a shielded rubber coupling.
That depends on the pipe use and local code.
Do not use the wrong fitting for a pressure pipe.
Drain pipe and pressure pipe have different needs.
Before You Glue
Dry-fit every part first.
Mark the depth with a pencil.
Clean the pipe ends before cementing.
Use primer when required by code.
Use the right PVC cement for the pipe.
The Oatey solvent cement guide explains the basic steps.
You can also review Charlotte Pipe fitting information.
For code questions, check your local rules.
The IAPMO site is also a useful code resource.
Final Tip
Measure twice before cutting old PVC.
Old fittings may not get a second chance.
If the pipe is buried or hidden, plan the repair first.
If it serves a drain, keep the proper slope.
If it serves pressure, use pressure-rated parts only.
A small fitting can solve a big spacing problem.
Still, the correct name matters at the store.
Ask for a spigot by socket in the same nominal size.