Revit Tip: Revit MEP Routing Preferences Best Practices

Coordinating MEP systems gets dramatically easier when routing preferences are set correctly for each duct, pipe, conduit, and cable tray type.

Before you start routing:

• Standardize system types in your template (e.g., CHW – Steel, DHW – Copper, Sanitary – PVC, Supply Duct – Galv Rectangular/Round). Limit sizes using Segments and Sizes to what is actually available/spec’d.
• Audit your fitting families: correct Category (Duct/Pipe/Conduit/Cable Tray Fitting), Part Type (Elbow, Tee, Wye, Tap, Cross, Transition, Union, Flange), consistent connector sizes/shapes, and centerline-based reference planes. Keep families lightweight.

Pipe routing preferences (Type Properties > Routing Preferences):

• Elbows: assign long-radius for mains; add a second rule for small angles (e.g., 45°). Use manufacturer content to match real bend radii.
• Junctions: choose Tee for pressure systems; prefer Tap (saddle) for branch-offs to maintain main continuity where appropriate.
• Transitions: use eccentric (top-flat or bottom-flat) for sloped systems; concentric for pressure lines.
• Unions/Flanges: set to None if you don’t want auto-inserted couplings at system/type changes.
• Sloped piping: define standard slopes (Manage > MEP Settings > Mechanical Settings > Piping) and route with slope enabled; pair with eccentric reducers to hold elevation control lines.

Duct routing preferences (Type Properties > Routing Preferences):

• Elbows: map radius or mitered elbows by angle; use “any angle” elbows for flexible layout, but lock down for documentation phases.
• Junctions: pick Tees/Wyes/Taps based on pressure class and fabrication intent. Prefer taps for branch takeoffs on mains to reduce turbulence and clashes.
• Transitions: assign rectangular-round and round-oval transitions where your standards require them.
• Crosses: usually set to None to avoid hard-to-fabricate conditions; let the model produce two tees instead.

Conduit and cable tray:

• Map default elbows, tees, and transitions so AutoRoute honors bend radii and sidewall clearances.
• Limit sizes to stocked SKUs; align bend radius families with manufacturer data to avoid impossible bends in tight spaces.

Coordination and QA best practices:

• Template first: bake routing preferences into your office template; name types clearly (e.g., “Pipe – CHW – Steel – LR90 – Ecc Trans”).
• Use view filters to flag nonstandard fittings or families not in the approved list.
• Create “Fittings by System” schedules to catch unexpected part types (e.g., crosses or concentric reducers on sloped drains).
• Lock down content sources; avoid ad-hoc downloads. Consolidate approved content from your library and partners like NOVEDGE.

Troubleshooting odd results:

• Revit placed the wrong part: verify the family’s Part Type and connector geometry; mismatches force Revit to substitute.
• Unions appear unexpectedly: remove Union from routing preferences or keep system/type consistent across the run.
• Angles won’t honor your elbow: add angle-specific rules (e.g., 90°, 60°, 45°) with the intended family.

Document your routing standards in your BIM Execution Plan and share them early with trades. A few minutes spent tuning routing preferences saves hours of rework, reduces clashes, and keeps deliverables fabrication-ready. For licensing, upgrades, and ecosystem tools that support Revit MEP, connect with NOVEDGE, and explore Autodesk Revit options curated by NOVEDGE.