Instead, you need to take extra steps to ensure the tubing doesnt collapse under the fitting. Slide both pieces down so they are 1 inch or so from the end of the pipe. Scrape away any burrs from the copper pipe and rub a drop of dishwashing liquid on each end of the copper to act as a Then, wipe the fitting dry before turning on your water supply. Lastly, look out for any leaks. Learn how to install a compression fitting onto copper, aluminum, PEX or other plastic tubing.For more information about BrassCraft products, please visit our website at http://www.brasscraft.com or contact BrassCraft customer service at (877) 272-7755.___ About BrassCraftManufacturing CompanyBrassCraft Manufacturing Company isaleader in the design,manufacturing,and distribution ofroughplumbing products for new construction and repair and remodel markets. Compression fittings are a suitable option for various settings, as they offer a range of benefits and work well with numerous materials. Installing a compression fitting is a relatively simple job. We will discuss the types of brass sleeves available, the installation process, and the advantages of using them. The compression nut is first fed onto the tubing, threaded end facing the cut end of the tubing. Plastic tubing offers many benefits compared to alternative piping materials, such as ease of installation and resistance to chemicals. The other part is the locking ring which screws on to the base of the fitting and it prevents the tubing from slipping off the barb. Slip the compression nut from the compression fitting onto the pipe, then slip on the compression ring. of pipe, then had to spread the gap to get the fitting in place. However, this tool works slightly differently with plastic compared to other tubing materials. Some areas dont allow stab-in fittings to be concealed. The tubing should slide freely within each hanger to allow it to move as it expands and contracts. Leave a gap, as shown in Photo 8, especially in a long run. Here, the largest barrier is that plastic tubing is soft. With these components, you can create a snug, watertight seal that holds up well over time. Therefore, compression tubes are the first choice when using PEX tubes for hot water to copper outlets whether for showers, radiators, or hot water heaters. CPVC is not a good conductor, so changing to it may change your grounding system. Make the cut with a hacksaw as an alternative. Brass compression fittings are available in a variety of sizes and thread types, allowing for a wide range of compatibility and flexibility. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. You will notice that the ring has a taper. The key to using compression fittings at high pressure, especially with gases, is the integrity of the ferrule seal. Spread the cement lightly on the inside of the fitting and a bit heavier on the pipe. Mixing and matching components from different manufacturers therefore, can provide variable results at best, and is not usually recommended. Im here to explain every plumbing installation and repair you may have in your kitchen or bathroom. The black acetal copolymer also resists ultra-violet ray attack and has excellent dimensional stability. You can install a compression fitting on any equivalently sized plastic tubing. This step is absolutely necessary to get a good mechanical (Photo 4) or glued (Photos 5 and 6) connection. 2. E.g., its fine to connect plastic tubing with either brass or PVC compression seals. Besides being beveled, they should be completely free of plastic shards. This works to compress the compression O-ring between the fitting. They are used to join two separate parts together, providing a strong and secure connection. The tubing insert, usually made of metal, is pressed into the soft tubing, and supports the tubing wall so that it will not collapse as the ferrule is compressed. Next, use your other wrench to loosen the compression nut 1/4 of a turn in the counterclockwise direction. Caution: Keep a window open for ventilation and use an organic respirator. Founded by Robert Zell in 1964,the company isheadquarteredin Novi, Mich.,withmanufacturingfacilities across the United States. To create this seal, you must: Slide the nut onto your tubing. With our aim of creating a strong online fashion community full of fashion enthusiasts, we are here with the best and most relevant content for our readers. Photo 3: Push on a CPVC compression fitting. We recommend our users to update the browser. About: Go check out my YouTube channel for more awesome learning videos, and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to win some cool gifts! Once you complete the fitting, be sure to check your handiwork. Following fittings installation instructions, first, turn off the water supply. Required fields are marked *. Start with the nut and put it on one side of the tubing. Now, this is how a compression fitting works with copper. Is Dressing up Your Pets Morally Acceptable? And this is where a compression fitting comes in. Otherwise, you shouldnt have any issues. How to Make a Compression Joint 1. In combination with a high pressure tubing material like steel, large compression fittings can often be used at pressures in excess of 10,000 psig. Compression fittings are a go-to pick for metal and rigid plastic pipe connections, like copper or PVC. A surface contact weakens the seal and often results in leaks. If the compression fitting leaks, use both wrenches to tighten the compression nut gently until the leak stops. Once the fitting is secure, its ready to use. Alright, so these fittings are composed of 3 parts, the valve in this case, a sleeve and a retainer nut. Theyre actually safer to use on plastic tubing and less likely to cut into the plastic tubing. Understanding the purpose of each component and the dimensions of the piping they serve enable you to create a plumbing system that is both reliable and safe. After cutting your pipe, you might end up with rough edges. However, if youre using mixed materials, the correct fitting varies. Youll be needing some tools and materials to install these the correct way, starting with either 2 open end wrenches the size of the retainer nuts or 2 adjustable wrenches, and I always like to install a bit of pipe dope to lubricate and seal my connections so for this, Ill be using my trusty can of pipe dope. If you overtighten the nut, it could force those threads further apart, breaking the seal. It's durable too. Consequently, you will end up with a watertight seal between the pipes. Compression fittings use a nut, a plastic compression ring, and a seal to create a tight seal on any pipe. Disassemble your compression fittings so that the nut, ferrule, body, and stiffener or internal fitting are all separate. In most cases, its a good idea to match materials in mixed materials. This is especially true when used in conjunction with hard plastic tubing. This does not hold true for compression fittings. CPVC pipes are readily joined with plastic fittings and glue, but when that isn't practical, you can join them with plastic compression fittings. You may use another wrench to securely hold the compression body. Refrigerators and other coolant lines normally arent strong enough for brass compression tubing, even with an insert. If necessary, apply a cleaner or solvent to the rag to clean the pipe. 740. Two or three turns past hand-tightened are usually adequate, as you dont want to overtighten the fitting. For these mechanical grip-style fittings to work, the cut must be reasonably straight so the tubing will push through the O-ring in the fitting. Compression couplings and other fittings are also available for CPVC plumbing pipes. Simply tighten it until you cannot do it anymore. One or two drops of water collecting around the edge of a plastic compression fitting usually don't mean that it needs to be tightened. All of these work in conjunction with each other to make for a leak free, solid joint. 131K views 1 year ago. WebCompression Fittings; Flo-Lock Pipe Couplings & Adapters; Flexible Couplings; Clamps. ConcernCritic. Symmetrical ferrules look like two cones back-to-back, and can be placed into the fitting body in either direction. The gray poly tubes are substandard. tubing and 1-in. These fittings dont need the help of solder, making them suitable for areas with gas nearby or snug spaces. One factor to plan for in these high purity applications is galling. Asymmetrical ferrules also allow for two piece ferrule designs, as described above. Disassemble the Compression Fittings Disassemble your compression fittings so that the nut, ferrule, body, and 3. Compression fitting assemblies vary in design from manufacturer to manufacturer, but are all made up of the same three basic elements: a compression nut or screw, one or more ferrules, and a compression fitting body. Be careful not to cross-thread the nut. Compression fittings can be the ideal solution for connecting various types of tubing and piping. Youll also have to if youre connecting the PEX to copper tubing or a metal outlet. The acetal copolymer sleeve resists creeping and stress caused from compression. Dont use a wrench to tighten the nut. After an hour, turn on the water main and check for any leaks. Disassembly involves simply loosening the compression nut or screw. Theyre a safe alternative to soldered fittings in various situations, making them a popular pick. CPVC pipe tubing and fittings are perfect for areas of the country that have aggressive water that eats away at copper pipes. The cold flow issue is exacerbated when the tubing is exposed to high temperatures, and can occur even when fittings are properly installed and initially leak free. Youre now ready to drywall. Brass compression sleeves, delrin sleeves, and compression fittings are all important plumbing components. Use a solvent cement conforming to the appropriate American clearance to framing members or any obstruction to allow the tubing to expand and contract. Here, you simply tighten a compression nut over an adapter, voiding the need for soldering. The fittings have a one-way gripper ring that grabs the pipe as you push it into the fitting; its like one of those Chinese finger puzzles you played with as a kid. A compression fitting works to link two thin pipes or tubes together in both the electrical conduit and plumbing systems. Then, slide your tubing into the compression body, tighten the nut with your hand, and lastly, use a wrench. 2. Scrape away any burrs from the copper pipe and rub a drop of dishwashing liquid on each end of the copper to act as a lubricant. The nut compresses the ring between itself and the fitting, and the tapered edges of the ring are wedged tight inside the fitting and the nut, creating a watertight seal. When drilling holes through framing members, youll also need to give the piping some space (Photo 9) to allow the longer horizontal and vertical tubing to move. Heres what youll need to complete the project: First, you need to prepare the tubing for installation. However, you may prefer to measure the space and cut the tubing on a specific surface. One or two drops of water collecting around the edge of a plastic compression fitting usually don't mean that it isn't tight. Compression fittings come in many configurations, including elbow fittings and tees. In most cases, its safe to use a compression fitting on any water line, providing you properly stabilize it. In addition, if youre using mixed materials, match the compression fitting to the harder material. Can I use compression fittings on gas lines? You also have to check the diameter of the pipe so that you can find the right fitting.-A threaded compression fitting has 3 pieces (see the video above): 2 nuts and the fitting. Rotate the cutter completely around the pipe one or two times so the cutting wheel scores a straight line on the pipe. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Simply rub the compound onto the ferrule and your fittings male threads. Never use compression fittings for gas-line connections. Open the jaws of the tubing cutter and fit it onto the pipe so the pipe rests squarely against the two flat rollers of the cutter. In most cases, you can even reuse your compression fitting. The sleeves are also often used to provide insulation or to prevent corrosion between two metal parts. Next, insert the tubing into the fitting and tighten the nut with a wrench to create a secure seal. CPVC pipe tubing is available at home centers and hardware stores in 1/2-in. Once your tubing is ready to go, disassemble the fitting. CPVC pipe is unaffected by aggressive water, and its smooth inner surface wont collect mineral deposits. After cutting, ease the outer tubing edge with a file or sandpaper to deburr it. Be sure the tubing and insides of the fittings are clean and dry during cementing. Compression fittings are a perfect choice in these situations. But how does the fitting work with plastic? The trick to a leak-free installation is making sure the pipe end is cut square and is smooth and clean. Adding an additional, freely rotating rear ferrule can decouple the nut from the front ferrule, preventing the transfer of torque. Even so, not everyone can install the fitting correctly. Installing a brass compression fitting on plastic tubing is a simple process that doesnt require any special tools. This can cause leaks to develop over time, as the tubing wall begins to creep (cold flow) away from the ferrule. However, you may want to replace the rings if the fitting is old. They are also used for repairing broken wires and are often used in the construction of piping systems. Once you lubricate the end of the tubing with a drop of dishwashing liquid and push it into the fitting, it wont come out. Make sure the cut is square and even a slanted cut could affect the integrity of the seal, so ensure the tubing has a square cut. Cut the tubing end squarely and remove the internal and external burrs. Whether its the water heater in your home or a pipe transporting hazardous chemicals, all compression fitting applications have several traits in common: they require easy assembly, long life, and absolutely no leaks. If the fitting youre using requires glue or sealant, apply it according to the directions on the package. While they do cost more, the increase in safety can be considerable. You can easily unscrew them when you need to disassemble them. Then, the ring (ferrule) is fed onto the tubing. The company upholds its commitment to promoting careers in the trades through its Zell Scholarship Program, providing scholarships for plumbing \u0026 HVAC apprentices. How to Install a BrassCraft Compression Fitting BrassCraft 14.6K subscribers Subscribe 266K views 7 years ago Learn how to install a compression fitting onto copper, Who Makes Ultra Faucets, And Where Are They Made? Some manufacturers offer tubing inserts for this purpose. If youve ever done any soldering, you know that you have to get rid of all the water in the adjacent copper pipes to heat the pipe to accept the solder. As described in the Ferrules section above, the optimal seal is created by a line contact between the ferrule and the tubing. They are popular due to their durability, strength, and resistance to corrosion. This increases the ease of assembly in applications where many fittings are used, and assembly time is critical. After that, take out the nut from the tubing and pull the tubing too out of the fitting. For more information, visit brasscraft.com. Compression fittings are often selected for reasons beyond just leak-free sealing and ease of use. Make sure its tightly in place. Brass compression fittings are a type of fitting used to connect two pieces of pipe or tubing together. Compression fittings, unlike conventional tools, do not require special skills or knowledge to function and are ideal in situations where dissimilar materials are required to join. The tape prevents leaks by compensating for the different expansion rates of brass and plastic. So, be sure the sealing ring is situated correctly, with it facing the compression fitting, not the nut. Then, fit in your new ferrule over your tubing. Next up, cut the tubing using a pipe cutter and remove the old ferrule. If there is a particular design issue (for example, a tight bend radius) that necessitates softer tubing, it is important to reinforce the tubing wall. Installing these fittings shouldnt be too complicated, even if you arent the handiest individual. It is crucial in these applications that ferrules designed to resist galling are used. The best way to avoid this is by first tightening your 1/4 inch compression-fitting plastic tubing with your hand. We will also discuss the importance of choosing the right type for the job and provide tips for a successful installation. This stiffener may be as simple as a similarly sized internal pipe. Keep in mind that a crooked cut will have less surface area to cement and a greater chance to leak. Your cue for knowing when they are tight enough is when you start to hear a squeaking noise as you are tightening, this is caused by the rotational friction between all the parts inside. Thats because a brass fitting may not fully fit over a PVC. Lubricate the end of the pipe with dishwashing liquid. Tighten the Nut How to Join a Compression Union 1. Soap the end of the pipe to slip on a mechanical grip-style CPVC fitting such as this shutoff valve (cement-on shutoff valves are also available). Then, press the sealing ring onto that. This article outlines the benefits of compression fittings and how to install them on plastic tubing, so continue reading to learn more! Your fittings should be completely sealed at this stage. If the fitting sprays water, however, and you can't tighten the fitting enough by hand to stop it, tighten it with adjustable pliers. However, you often get internal fittings made for the purpose. An asymmetrical ferrule is cone shaped, and can only be placed into the fitting body in one direction (usually with the tip of the cone facing into the fitting body). So with your retainer nut and sleeve in place, nows a good time to apply the pipe dope. It is also important that the end of each section be squarely cut, to allow the tubing to sit symmetrically in the fitting body. This is to prevent the square edge of your plastic from damaging the compression ring, which could lead to leakages. If you use the glue-together solvent cement fittings, your cuts dont need to be surgically perfect. Make sure to wipe off any excess flux or it will eat up your pipe. Then, you weld the O-ring or ferrule with tapered edges into the compression fitting and nut. Tighten Each Side Frequently Asked Questions Final Thoughts on Compression Fittings Call 1-Tom-Plumber Heres What Youll Need This article demonstrates how to cut, join and run CPVC water lines. Studies have proved that CPVC tubing and fittings are completely safe for home water supplies. Besides the 1/4 inch compression fitting plastic tubing, you Furthermore, tubing that has been stored in coils can often have an asymetrical diameter, preventing even compression. You no doubt noticed those odd, bulb-shaped items attached to the hot and cold water supply lines shown in Photo 13. Miniature compression fittings are found in applications ranging from chromatography and bomb detection instruments, to medical devices and inkjet printing. Next, apply the CPVC cement to the tubing and the inside of the fitting. So the first thing to do is to ensure that you pipe is free of any kinks, debris or just plain old dirt, so get yourself a clean paper towel or rag and clean it off as best as you could. Compression fittings are user-friendly, easy to install and have many purposes. The Science Behind Arm Compression Sleeves: How Do They Work And What Are The Benefits? Then slip the PEX supply tubing over the adapter and attach it with your chosen connection method (right). Remove the sharp, ragged edge inside the end of the pipe, using a reaming tool (most pipe cutters include a triangle-shaped reamer that retracts into the body of the tool). Use water hammer arresters to keep pipes from banging. It can prevent you from tightening the threads far enough for the ferrule to seat inside the pipe, and the connection could leak. When you push the pipe into the fitting, a lock ring grips the pipe. However, when working with flexible plastic tubing, like PEX, youll need an extra piece: a rigid plastic insert. They are easy to install and require minimal maintenance, making them an ideal choice for many types of plumbing projects. Be careful not to overtighten the nut. 3. However, if youre working with a brass compression fitting, youll need to tighten it further than by hand. One piece ferrules are often available as asymmetrical or symmetrical. Through itsindustry leadingBrassCraftbrand, the companyprovides a variety ofsolutionsdesigned with the professional plumberin mind. Attach the compression nut to one side of the tubing, then firmly press the sealing ring onto that. Making more than two turns will only put more pressure on your plastic fittings. 9 Fashionable Gift Ideas for the Man in Your Life. Insert the Pipe into the Fitting. Or, if youre using PEX and PVC, a PVC compression fitting is your best option. How to insert Compression Fittings on A 10-ft. piece of tubing can grow in length by as much as 1/2 in. And most importantly, how to correctly tighten the nut to avoid leaks. Compression fittings create removable plumbing connections on standard rigid and flexible copper pipe and tubing.