How do you create a pipe system in Revit?

Revit has some great super powers and their piping is one. It allows you to sketch and connect pipe all over your project quickly and easily. But, how?!? That is why we are here. These are the basics on how to create your own pipe system for your needs. At the end we will show you a system that you can download and use for your future projects.

Create a pipe system from a Revit system

1. open a new project


2. in the project browser Piping Systems and then Piping System


3. right click on a pipe system similar to your needs and click duplate


4. right click on the duplicate system and rename it

Change the pipe color

Right click on your duplicated pipe system, then click type properties. Here you can pick your own custom material to assign to the pipe like a lovely violet color. What? You don't like violet. Maybe it's just me. :)

Draw and connect pipe

Click on Systems -> Pipe and then draw a piece of pipe. Then draw some pipe at a right angle and watch the magic unfold as Revit automatically adds an elbow or a tee. And, you can define what families to use in these connections.

Customize pipe connections for your project

Select the pipe system in the project explorer and click on Edit Type in the properties. From there you can edit the Routing Preferences. Here you select what fitting families are used in each situation. When creating these families you can set the Part Type under Mechanical in the family properties in the family editor.

After selecting the families for each type of connection you can use Revit's auto connections to draw pipe all over the place. Yeah, go nuts! I am sure the contractor will not curse you up and down during the entire project. :)

Great example of a Revit pipe system

This example project above uses Omega Flex's BIM pipe system. Give it a try for your next flexible piping project for natural gas, fuels, or medical gas.