JR
It consists on a hermetical closure that is achieved thanks to a pressure difference of a spring. For this reason, it is imperative that the channel evacuating water (plus the fitting) is bigger than the entrance; or water could remain in the system and both surfaces (ceramic and graphite) would not be in contact.
Do not remove the reduction of the bronze pipe, as it ensures that there is no high pressures built up in the water circuit, avoiding leakage.