Revit Tip – Requirement for UK Pipe Families?

by Dennis Collin

On a recent training course, I was asked about what UK pipe content is available with Revit. Revit does provide several starting templates for MEP users, however the standard listed templates do not seem to have many different pipe types. The systems template for example just has a pipe system called ‘Standard’ which is allocated copper pipe sizes and fittings as well as Cast Iron and Plastic pipe families.

Fig 1. At first glance Revit piping options seem somewhat sparse!

However, browsing the templates folders reveals a UK Pipe Template. Starting a project with this file reveals a larger range of pipe systems, sizes and fittings.

Fig 2. A greater range of options can be found by browsing Revit’s templates folder!

The UK Pipe template is obviously biased for pipework, but if required the Pipe families can be merged into another project via Transfer Project Standards or copying and pasting some select examples which can then be saved into an organisation’s project template.

Fig 3. The UK Pipe template has many more pipe system families available.

Whilst not too exhaustive a list, this pipe list provides users with a greater range of pipe options with out of the box content. In addition, many manufacturers like Wavin or Polypipe also provide files containing additional piping content.

The standard Revit Libraries and content can be accessed here (Revit 2024 and earlier):

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit/troubleshooting/caas/downloads/content/autodesk-revit-2024-content.html

At the time of writing this post (Oct 2024) Content is available back to 2020 Revit version.

For Revit 2025 and later the content can be accessed via Autodesk Account, within the product updates section marked.

https://manage.autodesk.com/products/updates

Specific content for Wavin or Polypipe systems can be accessed from here:

https://www.polypipe.com/bim-revit-files

https://myportal.wavin.co.uk/bim-centre/downloads

NB. To access this content it may be necessary to create an account first.

Creating, customising and working with Revit families is just some of the training course topics that we cover. Visit the Arkance UK site to get an overview of the courses on offer and talk to one of the team for dates and availability or if you have more bespoke requirements. We are here to help!