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Camlock fittings are quick-connect hose and pipe fittings. They let you join or disconnect a water line without threading two fittings together each time.
The main camlock types are Type A, B, C, D, E, F, DC, and DP. The letters describe which end has the camlock coupler, adapter, pipe thread, or hose tail.
For rainwater systems, the right type depends on what you need to connect: a hose, pump, tank fitting, filter, valve, or threaded pipe.
How Camlock Fittings Work
A camlock connection has two main parts:
- A coupler, which has two locking arms
- An adapter, which slides into the coupler
To make the connection, you insert the adapter into the coupler and fold both cam arms down. The arms pull the two parts together and compress a gasket inside the coupler.
That gasket helps make the joint watertight.
Camlocks are useful where you may need to remove hoses or equipment for cleaning, draining, maintenance, or winter storage.
They are also called:
- Cam-and-groove fittings
- Cam lever fittings
- Quick-connect cam fittings
- Cam couplings
Type A Camlock Fittings
A Type A camlock has:
- A male camlock adapter on one end
- Female pipe threads on the other end
It is commonly used when you want to add a camlock connection to a component with male pipe threads.
For example, a Type A fitting may screw onto a threaded pump outlet, valve, or pipe nipple.
The adapter end can then connect to a camlock coupler.
Typical use
A Type A can work well for a fixed threaded connection where the removable hose has a female camlock coupler.
Type B Camlock Fittings
A Type B camlock has:
- A female camlock coupler with locking arms
- Male pipe threads on the other end
This is almost the opposite of Type A.
A Type B fitting can screw into equipment with female pipe threads while leaving a quick-connect coupler on the outside.
Typical use
You might use Type B on a threaded tank valve, pump port, manifold, or filter housing when you want the equipment side to have the cam arms.
Type C Camlock Fittings
A Type C camlock has:
- A female camlock coupler
- A hose barb or hose shank
The hose end slides over the barb and is secured with a suitable clamp or other connection method.
Type C is one of the most useful styles for flexible water hoses.
Typical use
A Type C fitting may be installed on a transfer hose that connects a rainwater tank to a pump.
The hose stays attached to the fitting. The camlock end can then be disconnected quickly when you need to move the pump or hose.
Make sure the hose inside diameter matches the hose shank. A fitting that is too small or too large can leak or restrict flow.
Type D Camlock Fittings
A Type D camlock has:
- A female camlock coupler
- Female pipe threads
It is commonly used when both a threaded connection and a removable camlock connection are needed.
Typical use
A Type D could screw onto a male threaded pipe nipple while providing a female camlock coupler for a removable hose or piece of equipment.
Type E Camlock Fittings
A Type E camlock has:
- A male camlock adapter
- A hose barb or hose shank
It is the hose-mounted counterpart to Type C.
A hose slides over the barb and is secured in place. The adapter then plugs into a female camlock coupler.
Typical use
Type E fittings are often useful on hoses that need to connect to a Type B, C, or D coupler.
For example, a flexible garden irrigation supply hose could have a Type E fitting that plugs into a coupler mounted near a rainwater tank.
Type F Camlock Fittings
A Type F camlock has:
- A male camlock adapter
- Male pipe threads
It is useful when you need to screw a camlock adapter into a female threaded port.
Typical use
A Type F may be installed directly into a pump, valve, or pipe fitting with female threads.
A hose fitted with a female camlock coupler can then connect to it.
DC Camlock Dust Caps
A DC fitting, or dust cap, closes a male camlock adapter.
It has female camlock arms but does not have another flow connection on the opposite side.
Its job is to cover the open adapter.
A dust cap can help keep out:
- Dirt
- Insects
- Leaves
- Small debris
It can also help control drips from a disconnected line, although it should not be treated as a substitute for a shutoff valve.
For rainwater systems, caps are useful on fill connections, pump connections, and seasonal hose ports.
DP Camlock Dust Plugs
A DP fitting, or dust plug, closes a female camlock coupler.
The plug has the shape of a male adapter but does not have an outlet.
You insert it into the coupler and close the cam arms.
Dust plugs are useful for protecting open hoses and equipment connections during storage.
Camlock Type Reference Table
| Camlock type | Camlock end | Other end |
|---|---|---|
| Type A | Male adapter | Female thread |
| Type B | Female coupler | Male thread |
| Type C | Female coupler | Hose barb |
| Type D | Female coupler | Female thread |
| Type E | Male adapter | Hose barb |
| Type F | Male adapter | Male thread |
| DC | Female cap | Closed end |
| DP | Male plug | Closed end |
The letter tells you the fitting style. It does not tell you the fitting size or material.
Which Camlock Types Connect Together?
The basic rule is simple:
A male camlock adapter connects to a female camlock coupler of the same compatible size.
That means adapter types such as A, E, and F can connect with coupler types such as B, C, and D.
For example:
- Type A can connect to Type C
- Type F can connect to Type B
- Type E can connect to Type D
The exact combination does not matter as much as the connection ends.
One side must be an adapter. The other must be a coupler.
The nominal sizes must also match.
Do not assume that two fittings will work together simply because both are described as camlocks. Confirm the size, material, standard, gasket, and thread type before buying parts for the same system.
Camlock Fitting Sizes
Camlock fittings are made in several nominal sizes for different hose and pipe systems.
Larger fittings generally allow more water to move with less restriction, but choosing a larger camlock will not fix an undersized hose, valve, pump port, or tank outlet elsewhere in the system.
For rainwater equipment, choose the size by looking at the whole flow path:
Tank outlet → valve → fitting → hose → filter → pump → irrigation or other outlet
A narrow component anywhere along that path can limit flow.
Do not judge size only by measuring the outside of the fitting. Nominal pipe and hose sizes do not always match the outside diameter you see with a ruler.
Camlock Fitting Materials
Camlocks are available in several materials. Common examples include:
- Polypropylene
- Aluminum
- Stainless steel
- Brass
The best choice depends on the water, pressure, environment, connected equipment, and intended use.
Polypropylene camlocks
Plastic camlocks are lightweight and resist many types of corrosion.
They can be useful for low-pressure rainwater transfer and irrigation systems when their temperature and pressure limits are suitable.
Plastic threads can be damaged if they are overtightened.
Aluminum camlocks
Aluminum fittings are lightweight and commonly used for water-transfer hoses.
Check whether the material is appropriate for the water and other components in the system, especially where different metals are connected.
Stainless steel camlocks
Stainless steel provides good strength and corrosion resistance.
It may be useful in systems that need durable fittings or where water-quality requirements call for carefully selected wetted materials.
Material alone does not make a fitting suitable for drinking water.
Brass camlocks
Brass camlocks are also available for some plumbing and water-transfer applications.
If rainwater will be treated for drinking, all materials that contact the water should be selected as part of the complete potable-water system.
Examine key facts about the difference between a type c and type d camlock fitting to compare this choice within the overall harvesting layout.
Potable means suitable for drinking.
Rainwater collected from a roof should never be assumed potable just because it passes through stainless steel, brass, a filter, or another particular fitting.
Gaskets Matter Too
The gasket sits inside the female camlock coupler and seals against the male adapter.
A worn, damaged, dirty, or chemically incompatible gasket can cause leaks even when the cam arms appear to close correctly.
Different gasket materials are intended for different liquids and operating conditions.
For a rainwater system, confirm that the gasket is suitable for:
- Water
- Expected temperatures
- Any cleaning chemicals used
- The intended water use
Inspect gaskets during routine maintenance.
Replace them if they become cracked, flattened, swollen, hard, or damaged.
Thread Type Must Match
Threaded camlock fittings add another compatibility issue.
A Type A, B, D, or F fitting may have pipe threads, but not every threaded connection uses the same thread standard.
Threads that look similar may have different:
- Diameters
- Thread angles
- Thread pitches
- Sealing methods
Do not force together threads that do not turn smoothly by hand.
Trying to tighten incompatible threads can damage a plastic tank fitting, pump body, valve, or camlock.
Check the thread specification for both components before connecting them.
Hose-Barb Camlocks Need the Right Hose
Types C and E use hose barbs or hose shanks.
The hose should match the fitting size and be suitable for the operating conditions.
Also consider whether the hose may see:
- Pump suction
- Positive pressure
- Hot conditions
- Sun exposure
- Freezing temperatures
A soft hose that works well for gravity flow may collapse when installed on the suction side of a pump.
The method used to secure the hose must also be appropriate for the hose and fitting. Avoid sharp or damaged clamps that can cut into the hose.
Male and Female Do Not Describe the Pipe Threads
Camlock terminology can be confusing because a fitting may have both a camlock gender and a threaded connection.
For example, a Type B fitting has a female camlock coupler but male pipe threads.
A Type A has a male camlock adapter but female pipe threads.
When ordering a fitting, check both ends separately.
Where Camlocks Fit Into a Rainwater System
Camlocks are especially useful where equipment needs to come apart often.
Common locations can include:
Tank transfer lines
A removable hose can connect a storage tank to another tank or pump.
Pump connections
Camlocks can make it easier to disconnect a portable transfer pump for maintenance or storage.
Do not rely on the camlock connection alone to support the weight of a pump or heavy hose.
Filter assemblies
Some filter setups may use removable hose connections so housings or screens can be cleaned.
Turn off the pump and relieve pressure before disconnecting a pressurized water line.
Irrigation lines
Camlocks can connect larger supply hoses feeding garden or irrigation systems.
IBC tote systems
Camlocks may be added downstream of an appropriate IBC adapter or valve.
IBC tote outlets use several different connection styles. Do not assume a camlock will screw directly onto the tote valve.
Confirm the tote's actual outlet thread before selecting an adapter.
How to Choose the Right Camlock Type
Start with the two pieces of equipment you are trying to join.
Then identify what connection each one already has.
For example, suppose you have a pump with a female threaded inlet and you want to connect a removable hose.
One possible arrangement could be:
- Type F fitting screwed into the pump
- Type C fitting attached to the hose
- Type C coupler locked onto the Type F adapter
The hose could then be removed without unscrewing the fitting from the pump every time.
Before buying fittings, check:
- Camlock size
- Coupler or adapter end
- Thread type
- Thread size
- Hose inside diameter
- Material
- Gasket material
- Pressure rating
- Temperature limits
- Intended water use
Compatibility matters more than the letter printed in a product description.
Common Camlock Problems
Camlocks are simple, but several problems can cause leaks or poor connections.
Wrong-size parts
A coupler and adapter must be compatible sizes.
Do not force a fitting that does not seat correctly.
Damaged gasket
A cracked or flattened gasket may allow water to leak around the connection.
Dirt on the sealing surfaces
Sand, grit, or plant debris can prevent a proper seal.
Keep open connections capped when possible.
Uneven cam arms
Both arms should close properly.
If one arm is unusually difficult to move, inspect the fitting rather than forcing it shut.
Excessive hose weight
A long hose filled with water can put considerable force on the fitting.
Support heavy hoses so they are not hanging from a tank wall, filter housing, or pump connection.
Mismatched threads
A camlock may be the correct nominal size while the threaded end is still incompatible with the equipment.
Always check both parts of the connection.
Camlocks and Drinking-Water Systems
Camlocks can be part of a system carrying treated rainwater, but the fitting type alone says nothing about whether the water is safe to drink.
Drinking-water use requires a whole-system approach.
That can include suitable collection surfaces, debris control, first-flush management where appropriate, protected storage, suitable treatment stages, correct system materials, maintenance, and current laboratory testing.
A first flush device diverts some of the initial roof runoff, which may contain higher levels of dust and debris.
Local plumbing and health requirements may also apply.
Do not assume that changing to stainless steel fittings, adding a filter, or installing a UV unit makes roof runoff potable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of camlock fittings?
The common camlock fitting styles are Type A, B, C, D, E, F, DC, and DP. Types A through F combine camlock connections with threads or hose barbs. DC and DP fittings close unused connections.
What is the difference between Type C and Type E camlocks?
Both attach to hoses. Type C has a female camlock coupler with locking arms. Type E has a male camlock adapter. They can be used on opposite sides of a quick-connect hose system.
What is the difference between Type A and Type F camlocks?
Both have male camlock adapters. Type A has female pipe threads, while Type F has male pipe threads.
Can any male camlock connect to any female camlock?
No. The adapter and coupler must be compatible in size and design. Do not force together parts that do not seat and lock normally.
Are camlock fittings good for rainwater tanks?
They can be very useful for removable hoses, pumps, transfer lines, and irrigation connections. The correct fitting depends on the tank outlet, hose size, required flow, pressure, and connection type.
Do camlock fittings need thread sealant?
The camlock connection itself normally seals with a gasket. Threaded ends use the sealing method required by their particular thread type and equipment. Follow the fitting and equipment manufacturer's instructions rather than assuming every threaded connection seals the same way.
Why is my camlock fitting leaking?
Common causes include a damaged gasket, dirt on the sealing surfaces, mismatched fittings, damaged cam arms, excessive hose strain, or an incorrect threaded connection. Shut off water and relieve pressure before inspecting a leaking connection.
Can camlock fittings be used for potable rainwater?
They may be used in some potable-water systems if the fitting, gasket, and other wetted materials are suitable for that use. However, a potable-rated fitting does not make collected rainwater safe to drink. Drinking-water use requires suitable collection, treatment, testing, maintenance, and compliance with applicable local requirements.
