How to use PE pipe fittings

A polyethylene (PE) pipe network is made up of a series of pipes and fittings and can be used to carry drinking water, gas or any other type of fluid. With the exception of welded connections, which should only be used for very large pipes, PE fittings are very easy to use and can be fitted in a matter of minutes.

PE fittings can be made of brass or plastic and can form any type of leak-proof connection including couplers, elbows and reducers. If installed correctly, a PE pipe fitting should ensure a more or less perfect watertight seal for a very long time.

Steps

1. Fitting a PE compression fitting

2. Fitting a PE push fit fitting

3. Fitting a welded PE fitting

• Cut your PE pipe to size using a pipe cutter and deburr the ends carefully. No matter what type of fitting you are using (e.g. coupler, elbow, reducer, end cap, etc.) or the material (i.e. plastic or brass), you should aways start by loosening the screw cap.

• Next, remove the rubber seal and the plastic washer.

• Lubricate the PE pipe and fit the screw cap, rubber seal and finally the plastic washer. Be sure to do so in this order.

• Slot the fitting onto the end of your PE pipe and put the plastic washer in place.

• Screw the cap over the rubber seal to compress the whole fitting. You should be able to do this by hand. Ensure that your assembly is secure by pulling on the fitting.

• Unlike compression fittings, push fit fittings do not have to be disassembled to be fitted.

• Start by marking out the halfway point of the fitting (the fitting will usually be pre-marked no matter whether you are using a plastic or brass fitting).

• Transfer this measurement to the PE pipe to ensure you know how far to push the pipe into the fitting.

• Lubricate your pipe and insert it firmly into the fitting until you reach the mark.

• Check the connection is secure by pulling on the fitting.

To remove the fitting, use a spanner to unscrew the lock mechanism on the fitting. Undo the twist lock and pull on the pipe to release it from the fitting. The washers and O rings will usually come away with the pipe.

Used only by professionals, welded PE fittings require special skills and costly materials to install. They are generally only used on large plastic pipes or in industrial settings for pressurised pipe.

These fittings are welded into place by electro-fusion, extrusion welding or poly fusion. They cannot be removed once in place and create a perfectly sealed connection. They are most commonly used to carry gas, drinking water or special fluids like hydrocarbons.

Required skills

Fitting a PE pipe fitting does not require any particular skills. However, you will be have to be able to take accurate measurements if you have to cut your pipe.

It is essential to pay attention to the order in which the different parts are assembled and to have a pipe cutter and the appropriate spanners to hand. Welded fittings are used exclusively for large pipes and require special training and materials to fit. These fittings should only be used by professionals.

Time required

Approx. 5 minutes depending on the fitting (with the exception of welded fittings)

Number of people required

1 person

Tools and equipment

• Pipe cutters

• Pipe wrenches

• PE pipe deburring tool

• Pipe lubricant

• PEX pipe buying guide

• Brass pipe fittings buying guide

• PE pipe buying guide

• How to use a compression fitting