Hansen True Fit Threaded Fitting Install Guide
Big Water Tanks is an official Hansen Products stockist. This guide covers how to seal, tighten, support and test Hansen True Fit threaded fittings (reducing bushes, sockets, elbows, tees, nipples and more), using Hansen's own installation instructions and handy tips video.
Hansen True Fit Threaded Fitting Install Guide
Hansen True Fit fittings have precision, heavy duty tapered BSPT threads moulded in glass fibre reinforced nylon. Installing them is quick and needs no specialist skill. Seal the thread, screw it in, and tighten to hand tight plus one to two turns. Follow the steps below.
The Golden Rule: Hand Tight + 1 to 2 Turns — No More
Hansen's instruction is to screw the fitting in hand tight, then tighten until firm with a spanner or pipe grip. One to two turns should be all that is required. Do not over-tighten.
Before You Start
- Check the size and thread: True Fit threaded fittings use BSPT (tapered) threads. Hansen's mm sizes are nominal BSP sizes, so 15mm = 1/2", 20mm = 3/4", 25mm = 1"
- Check pressure and temperature: Max 16 bar at 20°C for 6–50mm, 12 bar for 65mm, 10 bar for 80–100mm. Cold water use up to 60°C (140°F) maximum
- Check chemicals: For anything other than water, see our Hansen chemical compatibility chart or contact us
- 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
- Have ready: Plastic-compatible non-hardening thread sealant (Hansen recommends Loctite 5331) or PTFE thread tape, plus a spanner or pipe grip
Step-by-Step Installation
Step 1 — Seal the Thread
Use a thread sealant on every threaded connection, even though the threads are tapered. Choose either:
- (a) Thread sealing paste: Hansen recommends Loctite 5331, or
- (b) PTFE (Teflon) thread tape
Hansen's guidance: "The right sealant for threaded joints is non-hardening, compatible with plastic and doesn't add slipperiness to encourage over-torquing."
Applying tape (from Hansen's handy tips video): Wrap clockwise when looking at the end of the male thread. Start slightly back from the leading edge so the fitting starts easily, then build the tape back along the thread. You don't need much: typically under four wraps, up to about eight to ten depending on the fitting or valve.
Hansen's Threaded Fitting Handy Tips: thread tape direction, how much tape to use, and hand tight plus 1–2 turns.
Step 2 — Screw the Pipe or Fitting In by Hand
Screw the male thread into the fitting by hand until you feel it start to seal on the tape or sealant. Hansen's tapered threads and strong material help minimise cross threading.
Step 3 — Tighten: Hand Tight + 1 to 2 Turns
Tighten until firm with a spanner on the hex or a pipe grip. One to two turns past hand tight should be all that is required, and no more. As Hansen's video puts it, the goal is a good seal, not how tight you can make it.
Step 4 — Support the Pipework
All pipe work must be adequately supported, so the fitting isn't carrying the weight of pipes, valves, pumps or meters. This matters most where nylon fittings connect to heavier metal fittings.
Pressure Testing Your New Joints
Hansen doesn't publish a separate pressure-test procedure for True Fit threaded fittings. It does say to install as per the applicable standards and approvals for pipe and fittings, and to follow the pipe manufacturer's guidelines. For any test:
- Never exceed the fitting's rating: Test pressure must stay within Hansen's maximum working pressure for the size and water temperature (table on the right)
- Test with water: Hansen's pressure ratings apply to fittings used with water and installed to Hansen's specifications
- Follow the standard for your job: Use the test pressure and duration required by your plumbing standard, consent or pipe manufacturer. Ask your plumber if unsure
- If a joint weeps (our tip): Don't keep cranking it past one to two turns. Depressurise, undo it, clean the thread, re-apply sealant and remake the joint
Hansen Quick & Easy Installation
- All pipe work must be adequately supported
- Use a thread sealant on all threaded connections. Hansen recommends Loctite 5331
- If you're using chemicals or have special requirements, check our Hansen chemical compatibility chart or contact us
- Refer to the dimension tables for minimum recommended hole sizes
- Install fittings to the applicable standards and approvals for pipe and fittings, and follow the pipe manufacturer's guidelines. Not doing so may void Hansen's warranty
1. Seal the thread
(a) Use a thread paste sealant, or (b) a Teflon tape sealant. The right sealant for threaded joints is non-hardening, compatible with plastic, and doesn't add slipperiness that encourages over-torquing.
2. Screw in and tighten
Screw the pipe into the fitting. Do not over-tighten. The recommended way to assemble a threaded pipe fitting is hand tight, then tighten until firm with a spanner or pipe grip. One to two turns should be all that is required.
Do
- Seal every threaded connection
- Use a non-hardening, plastic-compatible sealant (Loctite 5331) or PTFE tape
- Wrap tape clockwise, starting just back from the first thread
- Go hand tight + 1 to 2 turns
- Support all pipework
- Stay within the pressure and 60°C temperature limits
Don't
- Over-tighten
- Use a hardening sealant, or one that isn't compatible with plastic
- Use on pools or spas (chlorine attacks the material)
- Use above 60°C (140°F)
- Install under driveways, paths or foundations
- Use with chemicals Hansen rates "Bad" (see chemical chart)
Max Working Pressure (Water)
| Fitting Size | @ 20°C | @ 40°C (approx.) | @ 60°C (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6mm – 50mm | 16 bar (1,600 kPa) | 12 bar | 8 bar |
| 65mm | 12 bar (1,200 kPa) | 9 bar | 6 bar |
| 80mm – 100mm | 10 bar (1,000 kPa) | 7.5 bar | 5 bar |
20°C figures are Hansen's published maximums. The 40°C and 60°C figures are read from Hansen's derating graph. Fittings are rated for water only, installed to Hansen's specifications.
Downloads
Hansen True Fit Threaded Fittings Brochure (PDF) Hansen True Fit Threaded Fittings Cheat Sheet (PDF) Hansen Threaded Installation Sheet (image)Documents published by Hansen Products (NZ) Ltd.
Installation FAQs
Yes. Hansen says to use a thread sealant on all threaded connections, either a thread sealing paste or PTFE (Teflon) tape. Hansen recommends Loctite 5331. Tapered threads help the seal, but they still need sealant.
Not many. Hansen's handy tips video says less than four wraps is usually enough, and up to about eight to ten depending on the fitting or valve. Wrap clockwise when looking at the end of the male thread, starting slightly back from the leading edge.
For Hansen True Fit fittings: hand tight, then tighten until firm with a spanner or pipe grip. One to two turns past hand tight should be all that is needed, and no more. Do not over-tighten.
Yes, as long as it is suitable for plastic. Hansen recommends Loctite 5331 and says the right sealant is non-hardening, compatible with plastic, and doesn't add slipperiness that encourages over-torquing.
Yes. Hansen says True Fit fittings can be used with metal fittings. Seal the thread, tighten to hand tight plus one to two turns, and support the pipework so the nylon fitting doesn't carry the weight of the metal components.
Stay within Hansen's maximum working pressure for the size and temperature: at 20°C, 16 bar for 6–50mm, 12 bar for 65mm and 10 bar for 80–100mm, falling as temperature rises. Hansen doesn't publish a separate test procedure, so use the test required by your plumbing standard or pipe manufacturer without exceeding those ratings.