A 90° male threaded compression elbow is one of the most commonly used mechanical fittings for connecting threaded branches to polyethylene (PE) water pipes. This fitting, without any welding, uses a screw-on nut and a grab ring to clamp the pipe, while the other end—with a male thread—connects to valves, risers, filters, or any threaded component. Its robust body, reliable sealing, and quick installation make it a durable choice for irrigation networks and potable water transfer for many years.
What is a 90° male threaded compression elbow?
A right-angle, double-ended fitting: one end is a compression end for PE pipe and the other end is a male thread. The compression side includes the body, nut, grab ring, and sealing O-ring; tightening the nut grips the pipe without damage. The male thread is screwed into a female part with PTFE tape or a suitable sealant, creating a 90° change in direction with minimal pressure loss.
Applications
- Connecting risers, check valves, filtration units, and pump equipment to PE pipes
- Drip and sprinkler irrigation, orchards, greenhouses, and urban landscaping
- Rural water-supply networks, industrial yards, and temporary site lines
- Quick repairs and branch extensions without welding equipment
Key advantages
- Fast installation with no welding skill required; can be reopened and reassembled
- High resistance to corrosion, moisture, and common water-borne chemicals
- Reliable sealing with an O-ring and uniform stress distribution on the pipe
- Compatible with PE80 and PE100 pipes; suitable for outdoor use (with UV-stabilized body)
- Cost-effective for expansion and maintenance projects
Typical technical specifications
The following values reflect common market ranges and may vary by manufacturer.
| Feature | Value / typical range |
|---|---|
| Angle | 90° |
| Pipe size (mm) | 20, 25, 32, 40, 50, 63 |
| Male thread size (in) | 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1/4, 1-1/2, 2 |
| Pressure rating | PN10 to PN16 |
| Service temperature | 0 to 40 °C for cold water |
| Body/nut material | Reinforced polypropylene (PP) |
| Grab ring | POM or equivalent engineering plastic |
| O-ring | NBR or EPDM |
| Common color | Black / navy |
| Reference standards | ISO 17885 (mechanical fittings), EN 12201 (water systems), ISO 7-1 or equivalent for threads |
Sizing guide
Match the pipe outside diameter to the compression end and ensure the thread size matches the mating component.
| PE pipe size (mm) | Common male thread (in) | Suggested application |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 1/2 | Drip risers, small valves |
| 25 | 3/4 | Dripperlines and light sprinklers |
| 32 | 1 | Connection to farm manifolds |
| 40 | 1-1/4 | Filtration inlet/outlet |
| 50 | 1-1/2 | Irrigation mainline |
| 63 | 2 | Connection to pump or butterfly valve |
Pro installation tips
- Cut the pipe square and deburr inside and out to protect the O-ring.
- Fit the nut and grab ring in the correct order; the ring’s tapered edge faces the body.
- Push the pipe fully to the seating face inside the body; ensure it passes the O-ring.
- Hand-tighten the nut, then use a wrench for an additional 1/4–1/2 turn; avoid over-tightening.
- Wrap clean PTFE tape 8–12 turns on the male thread in the tightening direction and snug evenly.
- After filling/pressurizing, check for leaks and tighten slightly only if needed.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Selecting a fitting with a pressure class lower than the system pressure
- Incomplete engagement of the grab ring due to not inserting the pipe fully to the seat
- Using dirty or reverse-wrapped PTFE tape that unwinds during tightening
- Tightening the nut with a pipe wrench and crushing the flats; use a proper hex wrench
- Mixing different thread forms (e.g., BSP with NPT) without a standard adapter
Maintenance and operation
- Inspect fittings exposed to sun and sand every six months; replace worn O-rings.
- For seasonal relocation of irrigation systems, loosen nuts evenly to protect the ring.
- In very hot areas, shading or shallow burial extends body life.
Purchase checklist
- Exact pipe and thread sizes; thread type of the mating component
- PN10 or PN16 pressure class matched to the pump and pressure-reducing valve
- EPDM/NBR O-ring with drinking-water quality for potable lines
- UV-resistant body and a grab ring made from durable engineering plastics
- Stock support for complementary sizes (compression tees, couplers, female-thread compression elbows, etc.) to complete the network
At TamamBaha you can source 90° male threaded compression elbows in various sizes and pressure classes. TamamBaha supplies this product but is not the only seller on the market. For correct sizing, thread matching, and stock checks, you can contact the TamamBaha sales team; they can also suggest complementary items tailored to irrigation or water-supply projects in your area.
