Not a direct fit. Joining 3" NPT (National Pipe Taper) to 1-1/2" NPT (National Pipe Taper) needs a 3-8 NPT to 1-1/2-11.5 NPT reducing bush. Sealing method, the real-world trap, and the exact adapter to buy.

Updated 05 September 2026.

Connect 3" NPT (National Pipe Taper) to 1-1/2" NPT (National Pipe Taper)

How to join 3-8 NPT and 1-1/2-11.5 NPT, and what stops it leaking.

Needs adapter
End A
3" NPT (National Pipe Taper) (3-8 NPT)
Seals on on the thread flanks with PTFE tape
via adapter
End B
1-1/2" NPT (National Pipe Taper) (1-1/2-11.5 NPT)
Seals on on the thread flanks with PTFE tape
Adapter needed3-8 NPT to 1-1/2-11.5 NPT reducing bush

Not a direct fit. Joining 3" NPT (National Pipe Taper) to 1-1/2" NPT (National Pipe Taper) needs a 3-8 NPT to 1-1/2-11.5 NPT reducing bush.

The adapter to buy

Stepping a 3-8 NPT port down to a 1-1/2-11.5 NPT fitting uses a NPT (ASME B1.20.1) reducing bush: a male 3-8 NPT on the outside and a female 1-1/2-11.5 NPT inside, both to the same NPT form so they seal on the thread flanks with PTFE tape. The major diameter goes from 88.9 mm at 3-8 NPT to 48.26 mm at 1-1/2-11.5 NPT. This is a single stocked reducing part; the step is three nominal sizes.

Both ends are the same NPT standard, so the only thing that changes is the size; do not swap standards at the same time. If you need to cross to a different thread form as well, add the correct thread adapter rather than forcing a same-standard reducer to do two jobs.

Related connections

Questions and answers

Connect 3" NPT (National Pipe Taper) to 1-1/2" NPT (National Pipe Taper)?

Not a direct fit. Joining 3" NPT (National Pipe Taper) to 1-1/2" NPT (National Pipe Taper) needs a 3-8 NPT to 1-1/2-11.5 NPT reducing bush.