Cap pipe or replace fitting

[Smith333]

I am adding a water softener to my house but first have to alter the plumbing since the house is not currently plumbed for a softener. In one location a tee that services two bathrooms also services an outdoor faucet that I don't want softened. When I cut out the 1/2" line to the faucet (black line), can I simply cap off the stub (red square) or does the tee fitting have to be replaced with an elbow? There is no play in any of the pipes so it would require extensive repiping to change the fitting. Thanks.

 

[wwhitney]

I've never heard of any problem with using a cap in that situation. The dead leg would be very short. An elbow would give you slightly less pressure loss, but not enough to matter, unless the flow is upwards into the current tee and you are desperate for more flow at the fixtures served by the 3/4" line leaving the photo at the top left.

That said, if you needed to change the fitting for some reason, then if that 3/4" line at the top left continues to the left for a couple feet without bends or obstructions, it should be possible without replacing anything else.

Cheers, Wayne