Where irrigation pipe fittings are concerned buying the cheapest is a saving that may cost you more than you think. Every time a pipe is joined it creates a potential for restriction, leakage and a weak spot if it’s in an area where people might tread on it. Selecting the right fitting and installing it correctly is crucial to avoid problems in the future.
Below ground pipe fittings
Underground pipe termed MDPE, HDPE or Alkathene by its nature needs to be tough to withstand high pressure and the forces surrounding it. So, it’s important that every fitting used is equally as tough.
Compression fittings
Our range of easy fit Compression fittings are designed for this situation and have a pressure rating of 16 bar. Underground pipe fittings seal on the outside of the pipe so it is important that the pipe is clean and scratch free. A pipe insert must be used when installing fittings onto blue water supply pipe. To avoid doing the job twice always install fittings as per manufacturer’s instructions this will ensure a trouble-free installation. Compression fittings are available as Tee’s, Elbows, Straights and pipe to a BSP thread. To terminate a
Saddle fittings
A quick and easy way of creating a take-off is to use a saddle clamp. These are available in various pipe sizes and threaded outlets. These like the compression fittings seal on the outside of the pipe so it is important that the pipe surface is clean and mark free. Once it is in place and secured a hole needs to be drilled in the pipe to provide the outlet. Use a stepped drill rather than a normal drill to avoid damaging the opposite side of the pipe. Better still use a saddle hole cutter this is quick and avoids any debris going into the pipe. are available in various pressure ratings make sure you use the appropriate type.
Special pipe fittings
Generally, pipe fittings are designed for only metric pipework, if you have a non-standard pipe, you must use a specialist fitting designed for that application. Imperial pipe is one example, this is usually black and found in older properties. Another is Barrier pipe which is usually blue with a red stripe and used in contaminated land situations. If you are not sure measure the OD (outside diameter) of the pipe and, if it’s outside of the usual metric pipe sizes it will need a special fitting.
Above ground fittings
Above ground pipe termed LDPE or Polypipe is designed for lighter outdoor irrigation work. Irrigation pipe fittings for this will have a lower pressure rating typically 4-6 bar. There are generally two types for this application:
Barbed fittings
Barbed irrigation pipe fittings seal on the inside of the pipe and are the slimmest option. Our range of barbed fittings are easy to install requiring only hot water and do not require any additional fixing. The barbed fittings range covers 6mm OD pipe right through to 25mm. Barbed to BSP male and female threads are also available.
PoziLock fittings
Barbed irrigation pipe fittings seal on the inside of the pipe and secure on the outside giving the ease of a barb and the security of a compression fitting. Especially useful in areas where a barbed fitting might get damaged. Our range of PoziLock fittings are available to fit 16mm and 20mm OD pipe.
End fittings
Where the pipe terminates a reliable method of closing the pipe is required. For this low-pressure application, a simple fold over stopend can be used, which looks like a figure of eight. The end of the pipe is passed through one hole then back through the other. If a more robust method is required a barbed stopend or PoziLock fitting can be used.
Although only low-cost, pipe fittings are an integral part of an irrigation system. If you are looking for reliability and longevity, choose wisely.
