Hansen Poly Fittings Installation Guide
Big Water Tanks is an official Hansen Products stockist. This guide covers how to install Hansen Easy Fit poly pipe fittings: MD compression fittings for medium density pipe, Easy Fit ID (MDID) compression fittings for low and high density pipe, and Easy Fit Poly (barbed insert) fittings for LDPE, EnduroFlex and hose. Every step, figure and rating is from Hansen's own installation sheets, cheat sheets, specifications and FAQs.
Hansen Poly Pipe Fittings Installation Guide
Hansen makes three Easy Fit poly fitting ranges in New Zealand, and each one connects to the pipe differently. Compression fittings (MD and MDID) seal with an O-ring seal inside the body and hold the pipe with a grip ring. Easy Fit Poly fittings push into the pipe on a barbed tail and are clamped by the nut. First work out which range and pipe you have, then follow the steps for that range.
Seal First, Then Grip
On Hansen MD and MDID compression fittings, the hydraulic seal is made when the pipe is pushed past the seal. Tightening the nut only gives pull out resistance. On Easy Fit Poly fittings, the barbs grip the inside of the pipe and the nut grips the outside. Get the pipe preparation right and the fitting does the rest.
Which Hansen Poly Fitting Do You Have?
| Range | Hansen Codes | Fits Pipe | How It Seals | Max Pressure @ 20°C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Fit MD Compression | HMD… (e.g. HMDC25) | Medium density polyethylene (MDPE) pipe, 16mm to 110mm (16mm not available in NZ) | Pipe pushed past a pre-lubricated seal; grip ring holds the pipe | 16 bar for 16–63mm; 12.5 bar for 75–110mm |
| Easy Fit ID (MDID) Compression | HMDID… (e.g. HMDIDC25) | Low density (LDPE) 15–40mm and high density (HDPE) 15–50mm pipe; MDPE with an MD conversion kit | Pipe pushed past a pre-lubricated seal; orange grip ring holds the pipe | 16 bar for 15–50mm |
| Easy Fit Poly (insert / barbed) | HS, HLS, HRS, HT and more | NZ LDPE, EnduroFlex, Australian Rural Class B, Irish imperial polythene; also flexible pipe and hose | Barbs grip the inside of the pipe, the nut grips the outside. No O-ring, crimping or solvent cement | 16 bar (PN16) |
Temperature: Hansen tests its products for cold water use up to 60°C (140°F) maximum.
Before You Start — All Poly Fittings
- Check the pipe type: Match the fitting range to your pipe (MDPE, LDPE or HDPE) using the table above and the pipe specifications further down
- Have the tools ready: Pipe cutters, a knife or saw to cut the pipe square, a chamfering tool for MD pipe, and poly grips, a spanner or pipe grips for the larger nuts
- Seal any threads: Use either a thread sealing paste or tape on all threaded connections. Hansen recommends Loctite 5331
- Support the pipework: All pipe work must be adequately supported
- Follow the standards: Install as per the applicable standards and approvals for pipe and fittings, and follow the pipe manufacturer's guidelines. Hansen notes that not doing so may void its warranty
- Check chemicals: For anything other than water, see our Hansen chemical compatibility page
Easy Fit MD Compression Fittings — Step by Step
For Hansen Easy Fit Compression Fittings on medium density polyethylene pipe.
Step 1 — Cut and chamfer the pipe
Cut the pipe with pipe cutters, a knife or saw, and chamfer the end. Ensure a square cut of pipe ends. Clean burrs from pipe ends. Keep the pipe end clean and as free of scratches and imperfections as possible.
Step 2 — Undo the nut
Undo the nut to the last thread. Do not remove the nut from the body.
Step 3 — Insert the pipe to the stop point
Insert the pipe into the fitting through the nut, white grip ring and thrust ring until it meets resistance at the seal. Give the pipe a firm push past the seal all the way until it hits the final stop point.
Step 4 — Tighten the nut
Firmly hand tighten the nut. Use a pair of poly grips for a further half turn past hand tight for final tightening on 40mm fittings and greater.
Hansen's key point: the hydraulic seal is created when the pipe passes the seal. Tightening the nut is to achieve pull out resistance of the pipe.
How to chamfer MD pipe (Hansen)
- Cut the pipe with pipe cutters and ensure a square cut of the pipe end
- Fit the chamfering tool over the pipe end. The stepped chamfering tool selects the correct position for your pipe size
- Rotate the chamfering tool clockwise until the full circumference of the pipe is chamfered. The tool removes only a small amount of pipe
- Remove the chamfer tool to reveal the newly chamfered end, then follow the pipe and fitting manufacturer's installation instructions
Hansen notes the chamfering tool is designed to fit pipe that has been tested to and complies with AS/NZS 4130:2018.
Standards: Hansen says MD compression fittings should be installed onto medium density pipe installed in accordance with AS/NZS 2566 Part 1 and Supplement (Buried Flexible Pipelines — Structural Design), AS/NZS 2566 Part 2 (Installation) and AS/NZS 2033 (Installation of Polyethylene Pipe Systems).
Easy Fit Poly (Insert) Fittings — Step by Step
For Hansen Easy Fit Poly Fittings, the one piece barbed fittings for LDPE, EnduroFlex, flexible pipe and hose.
Step 1 — Cut the pipe square
Cut the pipe with pipe cutters, a knife or saw. Ensure a square cut of pipe ends and clean burrs off the pipe. When making a repair in a burst pipe, make sure the length of the cut away matches the length of the replacement fitting between the screwed on nuts.
Step 2 — Push the pipe on
Ensure the nut is fully wound back onto the body of the fitting. Push the pipe onto the fitting and as far as possible into the nut.
Step 3 — Wind on and tighten the nut
Wind the nut onto the pipe a few turns, then tighten with a spanner or pipe grips. Hansen's FAQ: wind the nut by hand onto the pipe as tight as possible, then use a spanner or pipe grips to tighten until the nut is firm on the pipe.
Hansen says the nut and barbs give a double strength grip: when fitted correctly the fitting will not leak or blow off the pipe.
Thread Sealing — Male & Female Threaded Poly Fittings
- Seal every thread: Use either a thread sealing paste or tape on all threaded connections. Hansen recommends Loctite 5331
- Choose the right sealant: Hansen's guidance is that the right sealant for threaded joints is non-hardening, compatible with plastic and doesn't add slipperiness that encourages over-torquing
- Full threaded steps: Hansen threaded fitting install guide
Do's and Don'ts
Do
- Cut square and clean off burrs before fitting
- Chamfer MD and MDID pipe ends
- Push compression pipe right home past the seal to the final stop point
- Support all pipe work
- Seal threads with paste or tape (Hansen recommends Loctite 5331)
- Follow the pipe manufacturer's guidelines and the installation standards
Don't
- Don't remove the nut from an MD or MDID body when preparing to insert the pipe (undo it to the last thread only)
- Don't install Easy Fit fittings under driveways, paths or foundations. Hansen does not recommend it
- Don't use them above 60°C (140°F). Hansen tests for cold water use only
- Don't use them on swimming pools or spas — Hansen says high chlorine concentrations attack the material
- Don't use a scratched or damaged pipe end — keep it clean and as free of scratches and imperfections as possible
Easy Fit ID (MDID) Compression Fittings — Step by Step
For Hansen Easy Fit ID Compression Fittings on low density (LDPE) and high density (HDPE) polyethylene pipe.
Step 1 — Cut and chamfer the pipe
Cut and chamfer the pipe with pipe cutters, a knife or saw. Ensure a square cut of pipe ends. Clean burrs from pipe ends. Keep the pipe end clean and as free of scratches and imperfections as possible.
Step 2 — Undo the nut
Undo the nut to the last thread. Do not remove the nut from the body.
Step 3 — Insert the pipe to the stop point
Insert the pipe into the fitting through the nut, orange grip ring and thrust ring until it meets resistance at the seal. Give the pipe a firm push past the seal all the way until it hits the final stop point.
Step 4 — Tighten the nut
Firmly hand tighten the nut. Use a pair of poly grips for a further half turn past hand tight for final tightening on 32mm fittings and greater.
As with MD fittings, the hydraulic seal is created when the pipe passes the seal. Tightening the nut is to achieve pull out resistance of the pipe.
MDID conversion kits
Changing the kit inside an MDID fitting lets it fit a different pipe. Hansen's parts per size guide:
| Kit Size | Parts in the Kit |
|---|---|
| 15mm | Grip ring, thrust ring, seal, seal washer, pipe bush (5 parts) |
| 20mm | Grip ring, thrust ring, seal, seal washer (4 parts) |
| 25mm | Grip ring, thrust ring, seal, seal washer (4 parts) |
| 32mm | Grip ring, thrust ring, seal, seal washer (4 parts) |
| 40mm | Grip ring, thrust ring, seal, seal washer, pipe bush (5 parts) |
| 50mm | Grip ring, thrust ring, seal, seal washer (4 parts) |
- Disassemble: Remove the nut from the fitting and put it aside (it goes back on in step 3). Remove all of the internal components, including the thrust ring and seal
- Install new components: Insert the pipe bush (only for 15mm and 40mm), followed by the washer, then the seal and lastly the thrust ring
- Grip ring and nut: Put the grip ring into the nut with the tapered side down and screw the nut back onto the fitting body one to two turns
- Cut pipe: Ensure the end of the pipe is cut square and chamfered. Clean burrs from pipe ends and keep the pipe end clean and as free of scratches and imperfections as possible
- Insert pipe: Insert the pipe through the nut, grip ring and thrust ring until it meets resistance at the seal, then push it firmly past the seal all the way to the final stop point
- Tighten the nut: Firmly hand tighten the nut. Use a pair of poly grips for a further half turn past hand tight on 32mm fittings and greater
Tightening Guide
| Range | Hansen Tightening Instruction |
|---|---|
| MD Compression | Up to 32mm: hand tight. 40mm and greater: firmly hand tight, then a further ½ turn with poly grips (Hansen's FAQ says ½ to 1 turn past hand tight with a spanner for sizes above 32mm) |
| ID (MDID) Compression | Up to 25mm: hand tight. 32mm and greater: firmly hand tight, then a further ½ turn with poly grips (Hansen's FAQ says ½ to 1 turn with a spanner) |
| Easy Fit Poly (insert) | Wind the nut on by hand as tight as possible, then tighten with a spanner or pipe grips until the nut is firm on the pipe |
| Threaded ends | Seal the thread (Hansen recommends Loctite 5331). For Hansen True Fit threads, tighten hand tight plus 1 to 2 turns. See our threaded fitting install guide |
On compression fittings, Hansen reminds you that you already have a seal once the pipe is past the seal. All the nut does is compress the grip ring onto the pipe to hold it in place.
Troubleshooting Leaks
| Problem | What to Check (from Hansen's instructions) |
|---|---|
| Compression fitting leaks | The seal is made when the pipe passes the seal, not by the nut. Check the pipe was pushed firmly past the seal all the way to the final stop point |
| Leak at a compression joint after assembly | Check the pipe end: it must be cut square, chamfered, deburred, clean and free of scratches and imperfections. Recut and chamfer if needed |
| Pipe pulls out of a compression fitting | The nut provides pull out resistance. Tighten per the tightening guide, and check the fitting range suits your pipe type and size |
| MDID fitting won't seal on MD pipe | MDID fittings fit LDPE and HDPE pipe. For medium density pipe, a conversion kit is needed |
| Poly (insert) fitting leaks or slips | Check the pipe type is one Hansen lists, the pipe end is square and deburred, the pipe was pushed on as far as possible into the nut, and the nut is firm on the pipe |
| Leak at a thread | Make sure every threaded connection is sealed with thread paste or tape (Hansen recommends Loctite 5331) |
| Still leaking? | Contact us or Hansen with the fitting code, pipe type and size. Hansen's best-practice contact is info@hansenproducts.com |
Pipe Compatibility & Sizes
Pipe data below is from Hansen's published pipe specification sheets. All dimensions are in mm.
Low density polyethylene pipe — NZS 7601:1978 (Type 3), for cold water services
Hansen: this pipe fits Easy Fit Poly Fittings 15mm–50mm and Easy Fit ID Compression Fittings 15mm–40mm.
| Nominal Bore | Inside Diameter | Outside Diameter | Wall Thickness | Working Pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 11.7–12.7 | 16.9–17.3 | 2.3–2.6 | 0.90 MPa (130.50 psi) |
| 20 | 17.9–19.2 | 24.9–25.4 | 3.1–3.5 | 0.80 MPa (116.00 psi) |
| 25 | 24.2–25.6 | 31.2–31.8 | 3.1–3.5 | 0.65 MPa (94.25 psi) |
| 32 | 30.5–31.9 | 37.5–38.1 | 3.1–3.5 | 0.50 MPa (72.50 psi) |
| 40 | 36.8–38.3 | 43.8–44.5 | 3.1–3.5 | 0.45 MPa (65.25 psi) |
| 50 | 49.5–51.0 | 56.5–57.2 | 3.1–3.5 | 0.35 MPa (50.75 psi) |
High density polyethylene pipe — NZS 7602:1977 (Type 5), Class C
Working pressure 0.9 MPa (130.5 psi). Hansen: this pipe fits Easy Fit ID Compression Fittings 15mm–50mm.
| Nominal Bore | Inside Diameter | Outside Diameter | Wall Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 13.5–14.3 | 16.9–17.3 | 1.5–1.7 |
| 20 | 20.3–21.2 | 24.9–25.4 | 2.1–2.3 |
| 25 | 25.2–26.4 | 31.2–31.8 | 2.7–3.0 |
| 32 | 30.5–31.6 | 37.5–38.0 | 3.2–3.5 |
| 40 | 35.6–37.1 | 43.8–44.5 | 3.7–4.1 |
| 50 | 48.8–50.6 | 60.0–60.8 | 5.1–5.6 |
High density polyethylene pipe — NZS 7602:1977 (Type 5), Class D
Working pressure 1.2 MPa (174.0 psi). Hansen: this pipe fits Easy Fit ID Compression Fittings 15mm–50mm.
| Nominal Bore | Inside Diameter | Outside Diameter | Wall Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 12.7–13.5 | 16.9–17.3 | 1.9–2.1 |
| 20 | 18.7–19.8 | 24.9–25.4 | 2.8–3.1 |
| 25 | 23.6–24.8 | 31.2–31.8 | 3.5–3.8 |
| 32 | 28.5–29.8 | 37.5–38.0 | 4.1–4.5 |
| 40 | 33.2–34.9 | 43.8–44.5 | 4.8–5.3 |
| 50 | 45.6–47.6 | 60.0–60.8 | 6.6–7.2 |
PE pipe for Easy Fit (MD) compression fittings — AS/NZS 4130:2018
Mean outside diameter and wall thickness (min–max) by pressure class. Working pressure: PN6.3 (PE80) 0.63 MPa / 91.4 psi; PN9 (PE80) 0.90 MPa / 130.5 psi; PN12.5 (PE80) 1.25 MPa / 181.3 psi; PN16 (PE100) 1.60 MPa / 232.1 psi.
| Nominal OD | Mean OD | Wall PN6.3 (PE80) | Wall PN9 (PE80) | Wall PN12.5 (PE80) | Wall PN16 (PE100) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 16.0–16.3 | 1.6–1.9* | 1.6–1.9* | 1.6–1.9 | 1.6–1.9 |
| 20 | 20.0–20.3 | 1.6–1.9* | 1.6–1.9* | 1.9–2.2 | 1.9–2.2 |
| 25 | 25.0–25.3 | 1.6–1.9* | 1.6–1.9* | 2.3–2.7 | 2.3–2.7 |
| 32 | 32.0–32.3 | 1.6–1.9 | 1.9–2.2* | 2.9–3.3 | 2.9–3.3 |
| 40 | 40.0–40.4 | 1.9–2.2 | 2.4–2.8* | 3.7–4.2 | 3.7–4.2 |
| 50 | 50.0–50.5 | 2.4–2.8 | 3.0–3.4* | 4.6–5.2 | 4.6–5.2 |
| 63 | 63.0–63.6 | 3.0–3.4 | 3.8–4.3* | 5.8–6.5 | 5.8–6.5 |
| 75 | 75.0–75.7 | 3.6–4.1 | 4.5–5.1* | 6.8–7.6 | 6.8–7.6 |
| 90 | 90.0–90.9 | 4.3–4.9 | 5.4–6.1* | 8.2–9.2 | 8.2–9.2 |
| 110 | 110.0–111.0 | 5.3–6.0 | 6.6–7.4* | 10.0–11.1 | 10.0–11.1 |
* Hansen notes that pipe dimensions marked with an asterisk are not included in AS/NZS 4130:2018 and are based on industry documentation.
Easy Fit Poly fittings also connect to EnduroFlex, Australian Rural Class B and Irish imperial polythene pipes (including washdown hose and non toxic tube). They suit other flexible pipe and hose, such as thin wall irrigation tubing and rubber hoses. Hansen's 45mm fittings are designed for special applications.
Materials & Drinking Water Approvals
Materials
| Range | Body & Nuts | Grip Ring | Thrust Ring | O-Ring & Seal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD & MDID Compression | Polypropylene (virgin PP) | Acetal (virgin POM) | Polypropylene (PP) | Nitrile rubber (NBR) |
| Easy Fit Poly (insert) | Glass fibre reinforced nylon | — | — | — (no O-ring) |
Approvals listed by Hansen
- MD compression: AS/NZS 4020:2018 drinking water contact testing (Australian Water Quality Centre report 369234, 2023, range 16–110mm); WaterMark Certificate of Conformity to AS/NZS 4129:2020, licence WMKA21978 (expires 29 July 2028); WRAS approval 240504011 for the Hansen Easy Fit polypropylene compression range (valid May 2024 to May 2029)
- ID (MDID) compression: AS/NZS 4020:2018 drinking water contact testing (AWQC report 324316, 2021)
- Easy Fit Poly: AS/NZS 4020:2018 drinking water contact testing of the EasyFit and TrueFit range (AWQC report 356792, 2023)
Hansen lists all three ranges as potable (drinking) water approved.
Chemical Resistance
Hansen publishes a different chart for each range. The Easy Fit Poly chart matches the True Fit threaded chart except for one rating. The MD and MDID compression fittings use a separate, much longer A–D chart because they are made from different materials. See our Hansen chemical compatibility page for both.
View Chemical CompatibilityDownloads
Easy Fit MD Compression Cheat Sheet (PDF) MD Compression Fittings Brochure (PDF) Easy Fit ID Compression Cheat Sheet (PDF) MDID Compression Fittings Brochure (PDF) Easy Fit Poly Fittings Cheat Sheet (PDF) Easy Fit Poly Fittings Brochure (PDF) Compression Fittings Pipe Specifications (image) ID Fittings Pipe Specifications (image) Poly Fittings Pipe Specifications (image) AS/NZS 4020:2018 — Easy Fit Compression (PDF) AS/NZS 4020:2018 — Easy Fit ID Compression (PDF) AS/NZS 4020:2018 — Easy Fit Poly (PDF) WaterMark Certificate — Easy Fit Compression (PDF) WRAS Certificate — Easy Fit Compression (PDF)Documents published by Hansen Products (NZ) Ltd.
Poly Fittings Installation FAQs
Up to 32mm, just tighten hand tight. On larger sizes, use poly grips or a spanner to tighten a further ½ turn (Hansen's FAQ says ½ to 1 turn) past hand tight. You already have a seal once the pipe is past the seal. All the nut does is compress the grip ring onto the pipe to hold it in place.
Up to 25mm, just tighten hand tight. From 32mm, use poly grips or a spanner to tighten a further ½ turn (Hansen's FAQ says ½ to 1 turn) past hand tight.
Wind the nut by hand onto the pipe as tight as possible, then use a spanner or pipe grips to tighten until the nut is firm on the pipe.
Yes for compression fittings. Hansen's MD and MDID instructions say to cut and chamfer the pipe, ensure a square cut, clean off burrs and keep the end free of scratches. For Easy Fit Poly fittings, Hansen's steps are to cut the pipe square and clean off the burrs.
Hansen says an Easy Fit ID Compression Fitting fits 15–40mm low density pipe and 15–50mm high density pipe. With a metric (MD) conversion kit fitted, it will also fit 20mm–63mm medium density pipe.
New Zealand LDPE (low density polyethylene pipe), EnduroFlex, Australian Rural Class B, and Irish imperial polythene pipes, including washdown hose and non toxic tube.
Yes. Hansen lists its Easy Fit MD compression, ID compression and poly fittings as potable (drinking) water approved, with AS/NZS 4020:2018 test reports for each range.
No. Hansen does not recommend the use of any Hansen Easy Fit fittings under any driveways, paths or foundations.
Hansen says Easy Fit ID compression fittings can be installed above and below the ground as long as they are supported.
Hansen tests its products for cold water use up to a maximum of 60°C (140°F) and does not recommend higher temperatures, because plastic expands as temperature rises. Products that fail above 60°C are not covered by Hansen's Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Yes. Hansen says Easy Fit Poly fittings are resistant to sea water and will not leach any substances harmful to marine life.
No. Hansen says the high concentration of chlorine used in pool water will attack the material. The fittings are only suitable for domestic water, and pool or spa use is not covered by Hansen's Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Yes. All Hansen manufactured products carry Hansen's Limited Lifetime Warranty (conditions apply).
Hansen recommends asking a qualified water reticulation installer for professional advice to suit your needs.