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Do I need a coupler if I'm trying to solder a 4" pipe onto a 4"x2" reducer?

I can't find any information on this on google because it's such a basic question.

no, pipe should slide into reducer

There are two different types of reducers. One that is just call a reducer. And one that is called a reducer fitting. The difference is the reducer has a female type end that will accept the pipe. So the pope can be slid into it and soldered. The reducer fitting has a male end the same size as the pipe so it can be inserted into a female end of another fitting.

Much like the difference in a straight 90 and a street 90.

Now many times they are labeled incorrectly. So you buy a reducer and receive a reducer fitting. So if your pope is not fitting into and or is the same size as the fitting. More then likely you have a reducer fitting. In that case in order to use it you will need to use a coupler to connect it to your pipe.

Ok, so reducer fittings, have one side that allows a pipe to slide in it, and the smaller side that allows for a fitting such as a coupler or elbow. And a reducer slides around each pipe! Got it!

And a 4" coupler slides around a 4" pipe.

Much appreciation!

RB

You basically got it. But I forgot to mention one thing. The larger end of the reducer fittings is the same size as the pipe. Like I described. The smallest end would be a female so the smaller pipe will fit into it. Reasoning is. Say you have a 4" pipe that you need a 90 degree turn then reduce it to 2". All you would need to do is put the 4" 90 on the 4" pipe. The put the reducer fitting inside the 90 and the 2" would fit into the reducer fitting. This cuts out needing a short piece of pipe from the 90 to the reducer. And makes for one less sweat joint.

Ok thanks Prairie! That just helped a lot!

what about a reducing bushing? is that the same as a reducer fitting?