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Fittings FAQ for Water Fed Pole Systems: Complete Guide for UK Window Cleaners

Choosing the right fittings for a water fed pole (WFP) system can feel confusing, especially when you come across different thread sizes, quick-release series, hose barbs, push-in connectors and various materials. This FAQ has been written to give UK window cleaners a clear, practical explanation of how fittings work, how to identify the right type for your setup, and how to avoid the most common leaks and compatibility issues. Whether you’re upgrading your hose, replacing Shurflo pump fittings, or troubleshooting a connection on your pole, this guide will help you make confident decisions and keep your system running reliably.

Why fittings matter in WFP systems

Fittings play a crucial role in every part of a water fed pole system. From your tank outlet to the pump, DI vessel, RO filters, hose reel and pole hose, each connection must match correctly to keep water flowing without pressure loss or drips. A single mismatched thread or wrong quick-release series can cause leaks, poor flow, or even blown joints under pressure. Understanding the differences between BSP, NPT, Hozelock types and metal quick-release ranges helps you build a reliable setup that works day after day on the job.

How to choose the right fitting quickly

With the huge range of threads, quick-release couplings and hose sizes used in the water fed pole world, fittings can seem complicated at first — but once you understand the basics, choosing the right connector becomes much easier. Matching the correct thread type, selecting the proper QR series and using the right barb or push-in size will prevent leaks, protect your equipment and keep your flow strong throughout the day. We hope this FAQ helps you recognise the fittings you already have and choose the right replacements or upgrades with confidence. If you ever need help identifying a part, feel free to contact us and we’ll guide you to the correct fitting for your setup.

General Fittings Information

Q: "What are fittings?"

Q: "What are accessories?"

In water-fed pole window cleaning, a fitting is simply an adaptor that joins two parts together. It connects hoses, pumps, filters or other components so water can move safely through your system. You may also hear fittings called connectors, joiners or couplings. Some fittings screw on permanently, while others use quick-release mechanisms that let you click parts together in seconds.

Because every fitting joins two things, each end is described separately. For example, a “Mini Endstop with 1/4" Male Thread” contains two descriptions in one: the “Mini Endstop” (female quick-release) and the “1/4" male thread” on the other side.

Common end types include:

Male or female screw threads (BSP or NPT)
Quick release male or female couplings
Hose barbs for pushing onto hose
Push-in connectors for rigid tubing

Accessories, on the other hand, are the small extras that make the fittings work correctly — such as hose clips and PTFE tape. They help secure joints, prevent leaks and keep your setup reliable.

Screw Threads

Q: "What is a screw thread?"

A screw thread is the spiral pattern you see on screws, fittings and pipes. It allows one piece to twist securely into another. Threads come in two types:

Male thread: thread on the outside of the fitting
Female thread: thread on the inside of the fitting

Only a matching male and female thread can screw together, and they must be the same size and the same standard (BSP or NPT). Both plastic and metal parts can use screw threads, but they are not interchangeable unless the standards match.

Screw threads are a huge topic, but for window cleaners the most important standards are BSP and NPT.

Q: "What does BSP mean?"

Q: "What does NPT mean?"

BSP (British Standard Pipe) is the UK standard for pipe threads. All BSP sizes are measured in inches, and the size refers to the internal diameter of the pipe—not the outside diameter of the thread. So a 1" BSP male thread will measure larger than 1" across the outside of the threads.

A 1" BSP male fitting will only screw into a 1" BSP female fitting.

NPT (National Pipe Taper) is the American standard. It is similar to BSP, also measured in inches on internal pipe diameter. NPT threads are tapered, whereas BSP threads may be parallel or tapered.

BSP and NPT look very similar, and sometimes plastic versions can be forced to work together because the plastic can flex slightly. However, forcing metal NPT into metal BSP (or vice versa) will cause damage and leaks.

Typical examples:

Shurflo pumps – NPT threads
Shurflo strainers – NPT threads
Shurflo wingnut fittings – NPT threads
Some filter housings – can be NPT depending on batch
Most other fittings in WFP setups – BSP

Q: "My fittings don’t seem to fit yours. Why?"

Q: "Do your fittings fit my system?"

Q: "I need a fitting between two sizes!"

Although BSP and NPT are the most common in the UK WFP world, you will also come across metric threads—especially on equipment made for the European DIY market. These will not match BSP or NPT.

Common places where metric threads appear:

Pressure washers and lances
Cheap hose reels
Backpacks
Garden equipment from DIY stores
IBC tank outlets

Q: "Can I screw metal fittings to plastic ones?"

You can, but you must be extremely careful. If the threads do not match or the fitting is misaligned even slightly, the metal part will cut into the plastic and destroy the thread. This almost always results in leaks, blown fittings and unusable parts.

Q: "What does cross-threading mean?"

Cross-threading happens when you start screwing two parts together at the wrong angle. The threads don’t line up and the “teeth” cut into each other instead of engaging correctly. This usually ruins the softer material — normally the plastic part. Once cross-threaded, the part is rarely salvageable.

Q: "Why do I need PTFE tape or washers?"

Where two threads meet, there is always a tiny gap. Water will escape through this gap unless you seal it. PTFE tape fills the microscopic spaces between threads and creates a watertight joint.

Some fittings use a rubber washer instead. These fittings are usually tightened by hand only. Overtightening deforms the washer and causes leaks or pushes the washer out of position entirely.

Quick Release Fittings

Q: "What are Quick Release couplings?"

Quick release (QR) fittings — also called “quick connect”, “Rectus-type”, or “Ezy-Snap” — let you connect hoses and components instantly without tools. A male plug inserts into a female endstop, which locks into place using an internal mechanism and seal.

Each QR system belongs to a specific series, and parts from different series will not connect to each other. Matching the correct series is essential to prevent leaks and returns.

Q: "What is an Endstop?"

An endstop is the female quick-release fitting. It contains:

The locking mechanism
A spring-loaded collar for release
An internal valve that closes when unplugged

Because the valve blocks water flow when disconnected, endstops prevent your hose from leaking or draining when you change tools.

Q: "What is a male quick release fitting?"

This is the matching male plug that inserts into the endstop.

Q: "What is a 'series'?"

A series is simply a matching family of QR fittings. All male ends in the same series fit all female ends in that same series.

Common series we sell:

19 Series (metal)
21 Series (metal)
26 Series (metal)
Hozelock type (mainly plastic)
Slick-Connect (designed specifically for window cleaning)

19 SERIES Couplings

These are one of the larger metal QR fittings. Made mainly from steel with protective coatings, they suit:

½" garden hose
8mm minibore
6mm microbore

Although originally designed for air tools, window cleaners use them for water. Over time water can wash out the internal grease, causing stiffness or seizing. They only connect to other 19 Series fittings. Ours are compatible with Rectus 19 but not branded Rectus.

21 SERIES Couplings (Mini Couplings)

The smallest metal QR fittings commonly used in window cleaning. Built from brass with nickel coating. Suitable for garden hose, minibore or microbore when paired with the correct hose barb.

As with 19 Series, the internal grease can wash out in water systems, and the female version is more prone to damage if dragged along hard surfaces. Only fits other 21 Series couplings.

26 SERIES Couplings (and 25 SERIES)

26 Series fittings are slightly larger brass quick-release connectors. Unlike 19 and 21 Series, 26 Series is designed for liquids, so they are far more reliable in window cleaning systems.

26 Series and 25 Series are fully compatible. They can be used on garden hose, minibore or microbore by selecting the correct barb. They only plug into other 26 or 25 Series fittings. Our versions are compatible with Rectus 26.

Hozelock SERIES Couplings

Hozelock-type fittings are usually plastic, originally designed for garden hoses. Window cleaners use them where convenience matters. They can drip slightly, which is fine in a garden but not ideal inside a van.

They only work with ½" garden hose and other Hozelock-type fittings. The male plug contains the seal, unlike metal QR systems where the seal is inside the female end.

Slick-Connect Couplings

Slick-Connect fittings, made by Exceed Innovations, are the only quick-release system designed specifically for window cleaning. They are plastic, lightweight, brightly coloured and built to avoid snagging on the ground. Because the connection sits raised from the floor, they resist damage far better than metal fittings.

Hose Barbs / Hose Tails

Q: "What are Hose Barbs or Hose Tails?"

Hose barbs push inside your hose and secure with a hose clip. Their ribbed design grips the hose tightly and maintains flow without restricting water. The inside diameter of the barb must match the inside diameter of your hose.

Typical clip sizes:

5mm pole tubing → 7–9mm clips
Reinforced pole tubing → 9–11mm
Microbore (6mm) → 11–13mm
Minibore (8mm) → 13–15mm
Garden hose (½") → 17–19mm

Clip types:

Jubilee clips: adjustable, reusable, but sharp edges
Ear clips: neat, strong, no sharp edges, but single-use

Valves / Taps / Tap Assemblies

Valves control water flow. In WFP setups you’ll find:

Ball valves
Gate valves
Needle valves

Handle types include long-handle, short-handle or butterfly. A “tap assembly” refers to a valve mounted onto hose to control water going up the pole.

Microbore / Minibore Fittings

These simply refer to fittings used with 6mm (microbore) or 8mm (minibore) hose, or fittings that have barbs designed for those hose sizes.

Plastic Fittings

Plastic fittings can be any type — threads, barbs, quick-release and more. They are lightweight and forgiving but must still match your system size. See them grouped on our site.

Metal Fittings

Metal fittings follow the same principles as plastic ones but offer more durability at the cost of potential corrosion or thread damage if mismatched. See them grouped on our site.

Push-In Fittings

Push-in fittings use internal teeth and a rubber seal to grip rigid tubing. They only work with proper push-in tubing. Standard or reinforced pole hose will require a push-in male stem to adapt it.

The sizing must be exact. For example, 12mm tubing will not reliably seal in a ½" (12.7mm) push-in fitting. Too tight and it won’t release again; too loose and it will leak.

Push-ins can be reused, but repeated use scratches the tube and eventually causes leaks.

Miscellaneous Fittings

This covers all the bits that don’t fit elsewhere — hose clips, PTFE tape, replacement Hozelock seals and more. They’re the small but essential parts that keep your WFP system leak-free and running smoothly.

Tags : Fittings, Hozelock fittings, Microbore fittings, Quick release couplings, Water fed pole fittings, Wfp accessories, Wfp fittings, Window cleaning equipment, Window cleaning fittings

Posted in: Water Fed Window Cleaning, Fittings