Maintenance Technician 2026 Complete Practice Test

Using an elbow fitting is the appropriate choice for changing the direction of flow in a pipe system. Elbow fittings are specifically designed to allow fluid to change direction, whether it's at a 90-degree angle, 45-degree angle, or other angles, based on the particular needs of the piping layout. These fittings enable efficient redirection of the flow, which is essential in various plumbing, irrigation, and HVAC applications.

In contrast, a tee fitting is primarily used to create a branch in the pipeline, allowing for flow to split between two directions. A coupling is used to connect two lengths of pipe in a straight line, maintaining the flow direction rather than changing it. A union serves a similar purpose as a coupling, providing a means to join two pipes but also allowing for easy disconnection, yet it does not alter the flow direction. Thus, the elbow fitting stands out as the best choice for altering the direction of fluid flow in a piping system.