Spigot
Spigot has a number of different meanings depending on context and country. In British English is a word used mainly to mean a stopper, being used from around the 1300's to describe the stopper used to block the vent in a cask, often a shaped piece of wood. In a similar vain in American English, spigot might be used instead of tap or faucet, which acts as a stopper to water in buildings.
In construction terms, specifically plumbing a spigot joint is a piping joint creating two differing sized pipes, where one has an outside circumference the same as the inner circumference of the other, pushed together creating a tight fit. These joints might be referred to as spigot and socket joints, bell and spigot joints or bell and socket joints, because the female outer pipe is usually thinker at the end where the joint occurs, creating a bell shape.
The term spigot may also be used in engineering to describe a cylindrical element shaped on similar principles to the plumbing term, a metal jointing piece which connects two structural elements through insertion. The external diameters of these pieces might be the same or with one side larger, sometimes with holes on each side to connect the outer element to the spigot.
This type of structural connection is commonly used in the design of tent structures, connection poles together and a key component of scaffolding systems for construction sites. In these situations the spigot may have a holes, which receives a pin from the outside once in place or a sprung pin within the spigot design which retracts when being inserted into the female element and spring out to a location hole, locking the joint in place.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Formwork.
- Gantry.
- How to remove scaffolding.
- Putlog holes.
- Scaffold register.
- Shoring.
- Temporary works.
- Types of scaffolding.
- Scaffolding.
- Hot water.
- Peg.
- Pipework.
- Plumbing.
- Sanitary appliances.
- Sanitary pipework.
- Sentinel taps.
- Tap.
- Types of fixings.
- Valves.
- Vertical riser.
- Water.
.
Featured articles and news
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.
CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition) March 2025
Free download covering statutory dutyholder roles under the Building Safety Act and much more.