Fittings + PE Pipe Compression Fittings
Compression, press and threaded fittings in different designs are available for PE pipe, multilayer composite pipe and water lines. The key factors are pipe diameter, thread, material and purpose: joining, branching, routing through 90 degrees or shutting off.
Choose fittings by connection task
This category brings together compression fittings and connectors for different pipe systems. Couplings and sleeves are the main options for a straight connection. Elbows route the line through 90°, tees connect three pipe runs or create a branch, and end caps close a pipe end. Ball valves add a shut-off function to the connection; tapping saddles create a branch on an existing line.
For transition fittings, the threaded connection is an additional deciding factor. The abbreviations IG and AG in product names stand for female and male thread. This makes it possible to match the selection to the pipe side, mating part and installation situation without confusing designs and connection sizes.
Two subcategories as the first filter
Brass PE Pipe Compression Fittings
This section contains brass couplings, 90° elbows, wall brackets and tees. Product names include, among others, 20, 25, 32 and 40 mm as well as female and male thread connections.
PP PE Pipe Compression Fittings
The PP and PE versions include couplings, 90° elbows, tees, end caps and ball valves. Examples in the product data are 40 x 40, 32 mm, 25 mm and 16 mm.
PP and PE compression connections
For a PE pipe compression fitting, selection starts with the outside diameter of the existing pipe. The range includes, among others, 16, 20, 25, 32, 40 and 63 mm. A reducing coupling measuring 40 x 32 mm connects two different pipe sizes. A 25 mm end cap closes the matching pipe connection, while a tee adds another pipe run.
The additional specifications are also important: the PP tapping saddle for 63 mm is listed with a 1/2-inch connection. The 40 x 40 ball-valve compression fitting also lists DN 32, PN 16 or 240 psi, and the dimensions L 82 mm, E 81 mm, E1 80 mm and H 247 mm in its technical data. These details belong to this exact item and cannot be applied generally to other versions.
Do not mix up dimensions
40 x 40 is a different connection specification from 40 x 32. In a combination of pipe size and thread, such as 20 mm x 1/2-inch male thread, the first number describes the pipe side and the second the threaded connection. Comparing these with the actual pipe and existing mating part is therefore the first practical selection step.
Three product examples for different tasks
The following examples show three different selection paths. The dimensions, material and connection details come from the respective product cards.
Tapping saddle, PP 63 mm, 1/2 inch, water line
PP tapping saddle for a 63 mm line with a 1/2-inch connection. The product description mentions a water line, irrigation and a branch without cutting the line.
PP PE Pipe Compression Fitting Ball Valve 40 x 40
PP ball-valve compression fitting for 40 x 40. The technical specifications state DN 32, PN 16 (240 psi), L 82 mm, E 81 mm, E1 80 mm and H 247 mm.
Threaded fitting coupling 32 x 3 - 3/4 inch male thread
Threaded fitting with 32 x 3 and 3/4-inch male thread. The description states that it can be installed without a press tool and assigns the item to drinking-water, heating and other pipe installations.
Brass fittings: material, shape and thread
The brass versions differ mainly in shape, pipe size and thread. The product data associate a 40 mm 90° elbow with drinking water and gas. A 20 mm coupling is designated 20 x 1/2 inch male thread. A 40 mm coupling with 1 1/4-inch male thread is also available. A 32 mm version is listed as a coupling and pipe connector.
For wall mounting, the product names include 90° wall brackets with 20 mm x 1/2-inch female thread, 25 mm x 3/4 inch and 32 x 1 inch female thread. A brass tee measuring 20 x 20 x 20 is named for drinking water and gas; other tees are listed with 25 mm or 32 mm. The relevant thread and dimension specification is therefore the key distinguishing feature.
Coupling or transition fitting
A coupling or sleeve connects two pipe sides with matching dimensions. A transition fitting, by contrast, connects different types of connections, such as a 32 mm press fitting with 1-inch female thread for multilayer composite pipe. Before selecting, compare the pipe system, pipe size and mating thread together.
Press and threaded fittings for composite pipe and heating
Press fittings in this category include couplings, elbows, tees, wall elbows, transitions and ball valves. A 32 mm press fitting is listed as a press coupling for heating. For multilayer composite pipe, a 32 mm transition compression fitting with 1-inch female thread is available. Other transitions connect press fittings to copper pipe; the product names give the relevant dimensions in each case.
The threaded fittings range from couplings and elbows to tees and plugs. The item measuring 32 x 3 and 3/4 inch male thread specifies installation without a press tool. For heating pipes, a Eurocone compression ring fitting measuring 16 x 2 and 3/4 inch is listed. The connection designation and pipe type determine which design fits the existing installation.
Assign the press or threaded version correctly
The terms press fitting, threaded fitting, compression fitting and Eurocone should not be read as interchangeable. They describe different product groups. A 16 mm plug for composite pipe, a 16 x 2 Eurocone fitting and a 32 mm press coupling each solve a different connection task.
Choose the design: coupling, elbow, tee or closure
- Coupling or sleeve: for two pipe sides with the same or explicitly reduced dimension, for example 40 x 40 or 40 x 32.
- 90° elbow: for changing direction; versions are available in PP and brass as well as with female thread, male thread or wall bracket.
- Tee: for an additional pipe run; the range includes straight, reducing and enlarging versions.
- End cap or plug: for closing a pipe or fitting connection, for example a 25 mm PP/PE end cap or a 16 mm threaded-fitting plug.
- Ball valve: when a shut-off function is named alongside the pipe fitting in the product name, for example for 32 mm or 40 x 40.
Four practical selection steps
- Measure the pipe: Note the outside diameter of the PE pipe and compare it with the fitting's dimension.
- Identify the system: Distinguish between PE pipe, PP/PE compression fitting, multilayer composite pipe and the press or threaded design named in the product title.
- Read the connection: Match female or male thread, Eurocone and thread sizes such as 1/2, 3/4, 1 or 1 1/4 inch to the existing mating part.
- Match the task: Choose a straight coupling, 90° elbow, tee, end cap, wall bracket, ball valve or tapping saddle according to the planned line function.
For drinking-water, gas, heating or irrigation applications, only versions that state the relevant application in the product name or description should make the shortlist. This keeps the assignment tied to the specific item.
Related categories for connections and valves
Additional product areas
Threaded fittings
Connections with threaded fittings as a neighboring product group.
Brass connectors
Additional brass connectors for classifying pipe connections.
Ball valves, socket gate valves, shut-off valves
Valves for shutting off and separating sections of a pipe system.
Measurement, control & filtration
A neighboring area for measurement, control and filtration tasks in sanitary and irrigation systems.
Guides for pipe work
Water-pump pliers vs. pipe wrench: Which tool should you use when?
A comparison of the two tools for work on pipe connections and fittings.
Roots in the pipe? 5 professional tips for clear drains with Wurzel-Weg
Information about roots in pipes and clear drains as a related pipe topic.
When should Wurzel-Weg be used? Your seasonal shield for clear pipes
Another guide to clear pipes and seasonal work on a pipe system.
Frequently asked questions about fittings and PE pipe compression connections
Which pipe diameter must I match for a PE pipe compression fitting?
The decisive measurement is the outside diameter of the PE pipe. The product data in this category include 16, 20, 25, 32, 40 and 63 mm, among others. With a reducing version such as 40 x 32, both pipe sides must match the stated dimensions.
What do IG and AG mean in the product name?
IG denotes a female thread and AG a male thread. Examples are 20 mm x 1/2 inch male thread on a brass coupling or IG 32 x 1 inch on a 90° wall bracket. The thread must fit the existing mating part.
When is a coupling, elbow or tee the right choice?
A coupling or sleeve joins pipe sides. A 90° elbow changes the line direction. A tee adds a branch. End caps and plugs in the specified dimensions are used to close a connection.
How can I identify the stated application for drinking water, gas or heating?
For selected items, the application is expressly stated in the name or product description. Examples include a 40 mm brass version for drinking water and gas, a 32 mm press coupling for heating and several fittings marked for drinking water. This information should match the specific use case.
What is the difference between compression, press and threaded fittings?
Compression fittings are listed in this category as PE pipe compression connections. Press fittings are described as press couplings, elbows, tees or transitions. Threaded fittings form a separate group; for the 32 x 3 coupling, the product description specifies installation without a press tool.
How should I interpret specifications such as 40 x 40, DN 32 and PN 16?
This combination appears in the technical data for the PP PE pipe compression fitting with 40 x 40 ball valve: D 40 x 40, DN 32 and PN 16 or 240 psi. Such values belong to the respective product card and are not automatically values for other fittings.
Quick summary for preselection
The right connection is determined by four points: pipe diameter, pipe system, thread and design. Couplings or sleeves join, elbows change direction, tees create branches, and end caps or plugs close connections. Brass and PP/PE versions, compression, press and threaded fittings, as well as ball valves and tapping saddles, cover different tasks. Anyone who notes the dimensions and connection of the existing system first can compare the product specifications accurately.