Pond Fittings. How to choose pond fittings.

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This information sheet has been designed to help you make an informed choice.

How to choose Pond Fittings.
Every handyman or tradesman will tell you that having the right tools can influence the success of the job in hand. On a pond project that includes features such as waterfalls, fountains and filtration equipment choosing the right fittings with which to connect all these can effect expected performance and the end result. The majority of fittings in this section are hose fittings, some miscellaneous fittings such as float valves are also included.

Common Hose Fittings.

Hosetail.
This fitting has a B.S.P (British Standard Pipe) thread on one end and a short barbed or ridged shaft (The “Tail”) on the other and is used to connect pond hose to items of equipment. The threaded portion screws into the appliance allowing hose to be pushed onto the other end so connecting the two. Available in a large number of thread and tail size combinations.

Multi-stepped Hosetails.
Similar to standard hosetails but the tail is stepped to offer fitting to a variety, usually three or four different hose bores. When using these it is important to cut off any of the tails that are smaller than the one to be used so that water flow is not restricted.

Hoseclips.
Hoseclips are circular metal with a screw that enables the clip to be tightened onto pond hose so securing it in position. Flat section clips are available for hose with a smooth exterior and double wire clips for ribbed hose. The clips are either galvanised or made from stainless steel so as to resist corrosion when submersed in water or exposed to the elements. Available for hose sizes from 3/8” of an inch (10mm) to 2” inches (50mm).

Socket.
A socket is a cylindrical connection with an internal B.S.P. thread that acts as a coupling between other fittings that have a corresponding male thread. Another fitting with a large range of thread options.

Hexagon Nipple.
The opposite of a Socket, the Hexagon Nipple is a fitting that has external male B.S.P. thread. Various thread option combinations are available.

Bush.
This has a female B.S.P. thread on one side and a male thread on the other providing an alternative coupling solution. Again these are available in many thread combinations.

Hose Connector.
These fittings, also known as “Hose Menders” do not have a thread and are essentially like two of the tails on a hosetail, placed back to back. This enables the joining of two hoses of either the same or different bores (Internal diameters). Useful for joining long lengths of hose or repairing and joining damaged sections. There are hose connectors for hose sizes of 3/8” (10mm) to 2” (50mm).

Hose Elbow.
The same as a hose connector but at 90 degrees rather than straight.

Hose Tee.
The same as a hose connector but shaped like the letter “T” so providing hose connections in three directions, for example from a pond pump to a stream in one direction and to a pond filter in another.

Hose “Y”.
The same as a hose “T” but not as acute. Hose “Y” pieces are recommended over “T” pieces if available as they offer less resistance to water flow. This fitting is only commonly available, however, in the sizes 3/8” (10mm), ˝” (12mm) and ľ” (19mm).

Hose Tap.
Hose Taps have two hosetail like ends opposing each other for connection to a variety of hose bores and a central valve operated by a lever that when operated can reduce the water flow from full bore throughput right down to nothing.

Gate Valves.
Gate Valves are heavy-duty taps made from a Brass casting and have two opposing female threads into which, hosetails of the appropriate size can be screwed. More expensive than Hose Taps but available in a larger range of sizes.

These fittings form the basic kit of fitting options available. Threaded Elbows and threaded Tees that have internal female threads are also available but are not used as extensively as the cheaper fittings above. Some manufacturers and distributors also offer fittings that are more specialised or hybrids of the above and these can sometimes be useful.

Using Fittings Correctly.
When planning the fittings required always use the smallest number possible, as fittings will reduce water flow to some degree.

Most of this type of fitting, have tapered threads and so will seal when tightened. If there is any seepage in operation then dismantle, thoroughly dry and apply an aquarium silicone sealant to the thread or connection. Leave 24 hours before testing and a seal should have been effected. PTFE tape or more permanent adhesives are not desirable and are usually not required.

Always use hoseclips to prevent hose working loose with potentially devastating consequences as the pond could empty if any detachment went un-noticed.

When splitting the flow from a pond pump into two or more directions, for example when using a hose “Y” or “T”, it is advisable to use inline hose taps to regulate the flow. The reason for this is that water will take the least path of resistance and may not, therefore, provide the required water flow to the appropriate area, sending two much water in one direction and not enough in another.

Try to avoid coupling fittings together to make very tight turns, as this will significantly reduce water flow.

Always use the largest fittings that can be coupled to the hose so that there is minimum reduction to the bore at the point where the fitting is attached, again to avoid restriction and consequent flow reduction.

If the fitting solution you are looking for is not clear to you then e-mail admin@lifeforceonline.co.uk and we shall try to assist you in working out what is required.

Tips for using Pond Fittings.
When planning the connection of a pond pump to a number of devices or features, first sketch the position of each and draw out the required hose path. It will immediately become evident where joins, “Tees”