Compression fittings how to install

Clean the outside of the pipe, making sure that there is no pipe residue, dirt or grit is present near the joint. Remove the compression nut and compression olive, then put the nut on the tube, followed by the olive. Insert the tube end up to the fitting's tube stop. Slide the olive and the nut down to the fitting body. Tighten the nut using your fingers to secure the fitting in place. Tighten the nut further using open ended or adjustable spanners, using the spanner flats incorporated into the fitting body and nut.

The second spanner must be used to prevent the fitting rotating as the nut is tightened. A few drops of light oil can be used on the threads to assist the turning. This can be especially helpful on sizes 35mm and above. When jointing stainless steel or annealed R copper tube some variation may be needed — the nut may be tightened further if necessary.

Threaded connectors have taper male or parallel female BSP threads, and the most popular sizes have parallel male BSP threads. These are for jointing pipework to boilers, pumps or backplate elbows. For taper male threads, a small amount of inert jointing compound or PTFE tape should be applied before installation. When installing parallel male threads, for example to cisterns and cylinders, a good quality jointing washer should be used.

Some authorities and system specifications preclude the use of jointing compounds or require that only certain proprietary material may be used.

Before utilising jointing compound, make sure yours is compliant. Please note that over tightening the nut will cause a leak. Plumbing Terms. View Cart. Toggle navigation Help View Cart Contact. Watch as our "go-to guy" Mike explains how compression fittings work, when you should use them, and how to get a great leak-free connection. Step 1: Cut the tube cleanly, preferably with a tube cutter.

Step 2: Remove any internal burrs. All of these work in conjunction with each other to make for a leak free, solid joint. 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.

Make sure to wipe off any excess flux or it will eat up your pipe. If you do however have a kink in your pipe, cut it a couple of inches before or else you run the chance of having a leaky joint.

Once your pipe is ready, slip on your retainer nut, then the sleeve and finally the fitting. Only a small amount is required for it to do its job.