Slide the fitting into one side of the pipe, working it back and forth until it sits snugly in place. Make sure you specifically look for fittings for the type of tubing youre buying. Should I use brass or PVC compression fittings? Too many whiffs of this stuff is bad news. Here, the answer is simple. Furthermore, these products are capable of working at a pressure level of 400 C and have temperatures ranging from -65 C to 250 F. Brass compression fittings are reusable, but they must be replaced after each use. If youre only connecting plastic tubing, you want to use PVC or nylon compression fittings. However, you should use an insert to support the tubing. The way in which metal tubing is produced can have a significant effect on its performance with compression fittings. Hold the fitting against the pipe, and slide the compression ring up against the fitting. Then, slide your tubing into the compression body, tighten the nut with your hand, and lastly, use a wrench. Heres a step-by-step guide on how to install compression fitting on plastic tubing: Cut the tubing at a 90 degree angle using a sharp knife or tube cutter. The gray poly tubes are substandard. After that, get your adjustable wrench and tighten the nut once more. The tubing must be inserted all the way into the fitting. Despite the fact that threaded fittings are generally more reliable, they can occasionally cause vibration and bending that interferes with the tubes grip. Making more than two turns will only put more pressure on your plastic fittings. Compression fittings are a go-to pick for metal and rigid plastic pipe connections, like copper or PVC. In stainless steels, rotation of the ferrule can also produce galling and cause permanent leaks. Its portfolio of products includes water stops, water connectors/supply lines, gas connectors, water heater connectors, drain cleaning products, and hand tools. 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. No two applications are exactly the same! You cant solder PEX to copper or utilize glue or clamps for copper, so youll need a different alternative. Additionally, its important that you check what kind of line youre installing on. While an elastomeric seal can deform to match these slight variations, the metal-to-metal seal of a compression fitting is less forgiving. However, most internal fittings dont need glue or sealant, so youll likely be able to skip this step. The next step is to tighten the nut (be sure its backed off at least one or two turns from tight before you push the tubing into the connector). Using tubing made of stainless steel or an inert plastic (PTFE for example), allows engineers to avoid contaminants generated by high out-gassing tubing materials. The body, nut and sleeve are furnished pre-assembled, ready for installation. Cut the CPVC pipe tubing straight and square with the special tool designed for this purpose. Chief among these are fitting and ferrule design, tubing selection, and installation procedure. Particularly useful for their extreme temperature and pressure capabilities, and their compatibility with aggressive fluids, compression fittings can be seen in systems varying from gas lines in refineries, to the plumbing under your sink. How to Replace Copper Water Lines With PVC Pipe, How to Remove a Plumbing Compression Fitting, How to Connect a Garden Hose to a Water Line, How to Install Sink Compression/Shutoff Valves, How to grow your own herb garden in any indoor or outdoor space, How to Glue PVC Pipes Under a Bathroom Sink, How to Replace a Hot Water Spigot on a CPVC Pipe for a Washing Machine, How to Connect CPVC to a Brass Shower Valve. In addition, if your fitting type requires sealant or glue, apply it now. This is a belt and suspenders design approach, but has proven highly effective in solving the cold flow leakage issue. Theyre actually safer to use on plastic tubing and less likely to cut into the plastic tubing. 1. If youre connecting a PEX tube to a PVC water line, youll want a PVC compression fitting. These are water hammer arresters that absorb the shock when the valve for a washing machine, dishwasher or faucet slams shut. These grip-style fittings are much easier to install in situations where pipe condensation would make soldering a real chore. Do not use compression fittings in locations where they will be hidden behind wall, ceiling or floor materials. Metal ferrules are attractive because they are stable over a wide temperature range, and they can bear compressive loads without relaxing. This will slightly narrow the tubing at that point. First, youll need to measure and cut the tubing to the desired length. Do not use pipe thread compound on the threaded fittings. Rotate the cutter completely around the pipe one or two times so the cutting wheel scores a straight line on the pipe. WebThe first step is to cut the end of the tubing straight. The only thing left to do is to tighten the retainer nut. To this end, it is also important that the ferrule have a sharp forward edge. Repeat the process until the cutting wheel cuts all the way through the pipe. Here at venuszine.com, we move with fashion. ConcernCritic. Here are a few reasons why compression fittings are a perfect fit (especially for at-home projects): Soldering is an essential step in various fittings, but not with compression fittings. Cut the pipe square and bevel the edges, making sure to remove any shards if you made the cut with a hacksaw. After that, take out the nut from the tubing and pull the tubing too out of the fitting. Additionally, the relative angles of the ferrule and the fitting body will determine how much linear motion is converted into radial compression, and what level of contact (line contact or surface contact) is made with the tubing. Leave at least 1/2-in. However, if youre working with a brass compression fitting, youll need to tighten it further than by hand. Repeat the process on the other end of the compression fitting. Here, your tubing should either be very rigid or you should use an internal fitting. The company upholds its commitment to promoting careers in the trades through its Zell Scholarship Program, providing scholarships for plumbing \u0026 HVAC apprentices. Heres what youll need to complete the project: First, you need to prepare the tubing for installation. Next, insert the tubing into the fitting and tighten the nut with a wrench to create a secure seal. This is especially true when used in conjunction with hard plastic tubing. The joint gets most of its strength from the slight taper on the inside of each fitting, so a reasonably straight cut is necessary for a good fit. Heres what youll need to complete the project: Compression Use a solvent cement conforming to the appropriate American Galling on compression fittings can occur between the threads of the nut and body, or between the body and the ferrule. Screw the valve to the nut and tighten it by hand. There are many reasons to install a compression fitting rather than a screw fitting or solder. Learn all about the positive and negative aspects of different products and apparel that are launched globally through us. If your situation doesnt allow this, you can solder a copper tee with a male adapter and run a threaded CPVC female adapter. Compression fittings are one of the most common and versatile methods of connecting metal or hard plastic tubing. Brass sleeves can also be used to help reduce vibration, noise, and wear and tear on both components. Use another wrench to tighten the compression nut about one-half to three-quarters of a turn. Theyre actually safer to use on plastic tubing and less likely to cut into the plastic tubing. Also, compression fittings can be used on leaky pipes such as broken water lines in an emergency situation. (Yes, But Avoid This! A 10-ft. piece of tubing can grow in length by as much as 1/2 in. Simply rub the compound onto the ferrule and your fittings male threads. The black acetal copolymer also resists ultra-violet ray attack and has excellent dimensional stability. Slip the compression nut from the compression fitting onto the pipe, then slip on the compression ring. There are also compression union fittings that join two pipes in a straight line. Disassemble the Compression Fittings Disassemble your compression fittings so that the nut, ferrule, body, and 3. The majority of ferrules in the marketplace however, are manufactured from metals. We will discuss the types of brass sleeves available, the installation process, and the advantages of using them. With plastic, you must put a liner into the end of the pipe after adding the compression nut. Such small leaks usually stop in a day or two. And this is where a compression fitting comes in. A inexpensive tubing cutter easily cuts copper pipe. Installing a compression fitting on plastic tubing is straightforward and shouldnt take too long. Insert the Internal Fitting and Web1. Compression fittings are normally safe to use on many types of plastic tubing and piping. Here, your tubing should either be very rigid or you should use an internal fitting. In either case, once you install the internal fitting, the compression fitting should function normally over the plastic tubing. 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. Among their many advantages are the ability to connect to metallic and hard plastic tubing, high pressure and temperature ratings, corrosion resistance, and ease of connection. Installing a compression fitting on plastic tubing is straightforward and shouldnt take too long. Watch carefully for leaks, keeping an eye on the fitting in particular. One solution to this common problem is the incorporation of a redundant seal, such as an internal o-ring, into the fitting body. Too much exposure can be hazardous. Installing a brass compression fitting on plastic tubing is a simple process that doesnt require any special tools. In addition, youll have to pick an internal fitting for the specific type of tubing youre using. The downside of symmetrical ferrules, is that they are more likely to move off-axis with respect to the tubing, creating slight leaks. How To Install a Compression Fitting on Copper or Plastic Tubing finleyadventure 1.03K subscribers Subscribe 821K views 10 years ago Larsen Supply Typically, metal-to-metal seals are considered leak-prone (for example, metal pipe threads are often reinforced with pipe tape). If youre using copper or brass fittings, use copper or brass internal fittings. or larger holes for 1/2-in. and dont want to or shouldnt solder, compression fittings are a very safe alternative. In most cases, its safe to use a compression fitting on any water line, providing you properly stabilize it. A surface contact weakens the seal and often results in leaks. In addition, compression nuts use a tapered thread. If you ever need to remove the fitting, you simply loosen the nut, slide back the nut and ring, and pull the pipe and fitting apart. Even so, not everyone can install the fitting correctly. You can also cut this pipe with an ordinary fine-tooth saw, but deburr the cut end with a pocketknife, file or sandpaper (See below). We will also discuss the importance of choosing the right type for the job and provide tips for a successful installation. Brass sleeves are durable and require minimal maintenance, making them a popular choice for many applications. 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. Such small leaks usually stop in a day or two. If necessary, apply a cleaner or solvent to the rag to clean the pipe. Here, the joint will never be under pressure. (Consult the manufacturer for an MSDS technical data sheet.) Why Have Natural Remedies Become So Fashionable Again? Yes. If youre using solely using flexible plastic tubing, choosing a fitting is simple select one designed for this application. Here, the largest barrier is that plastic tubing is soft. It is, however, extremely important that you double-check to ensure the tubing is hard enough to resist the compression without collapsing. Loosen the nut on the compression fitting and slide the fitting onto the pipe until the end of the pipe is fully inside it. If the edge of the hole is closer than 1 in. Instead, the brass fitting may cut the line. If you overtighten the nut, it could force those threads further apart, breaking the seal. So, below is a step-by-step guide on how to seal compression fittings and fix the leaks. You first fit a compression nut into the copper. Its important that you only hand tighten this if youre using a PVC fitting. This will allow you to tighten the nut and pull the end of the pipe tightly against the internal O-ring. The key to using compression fittings at high pressure, especially with gases, is the integrity of the ferrule seal. Can I use compression fittings on gas lines? Then, unscrew the compression nut from the fitting using your wrench. Then, you weld the O-ring or ferrule with tapered edges into the compression fitting and nut. Be sure to remove the burrs and lightly chamfer the end of the tubing. 5 Steps to Done it. Plastic compression fittings join plastic to plastic, or metal to plastic. Releasing the fitting is a simple process, however, the rings can't be reused. Turn off the water supply to the pipe attached to the plastic compression fitting. Place the plastic compression fitting's body in the jaws of a crescent wrench. Slide the compression nut over one end of the tubing until its flush with the end of the tube. All of these work in conjunction If youre working with a two-part fitting (connects two different tubes), your next step is to attach the compression seal. First, youll need to measure and cut the tubing to the desired length. Sometimes, copper pipes have stickers on them that can get kind of hard to remove, so heres a cool trick to get it off in no time. Clean the outside of the pipe with a rag; it must be clean, with no paint or other contaminants. Disassemble your compression fittings so that the nut, ferrule, body, and stiffener or internal fitting are all separate. This negates the holding power of the ferrule, and can also prevent the ferrule from making a leak-tight seal around the full diameter of the tubing. Heres a list. The ones shown are specially designed for CPVC plumbing systems. You get high quality results, without the copper soldering chore. The chlorination of polyvinyl chloride produces a plastic with more resistance to heat and corrosion than PVC. Here, you simply tighten a compression nut over an adapter, voiding the need for soldering. WebInstallation instructions for compression fittings vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific fitting design. Compression fittings are not safe to use on gas lines. It is this radial compression that creates the leak tight seal between the fitting, ferrule, and tubing, and gives the compression fitting its name. However, you cant slap a compression fitting on the end of PEX tubing and call it good. In many applications, high pressures and temperatures necessitate the use of hard tubing, which is incompatible with many other types of fittings. Then, press the sealing ring onto that. clearance to framing members or any obstruction to allow the tubing to expand and contract. This can cause leaks to develop over time, as the tubing wall begins to creep (cold flow) away from the ferrule. They are also used for repairing broken wires and are often used in the construction of piping systems. Make sure to wipe off any excess flux or it will eat up your pipe. However, if youre using mixed materials, the correct fitting varies. Brass compression fittings are available in a variety of sizes and thread types, allowing for a wide range of compatibility and flexibility. To secure it firmly, tighten the fitting with a wrench. 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). Next up, you need to insert the brass insert inside your plastic tubing for additional support. These grip-style fittings work equally well on copper pipe. You can also cut CPVC pipe with a chop saw. WebStep 1: A COMPRESSION FITTING (VALVE) Alright, so these fittings are composed of 3 parts, the valve in this case, a sleeve and a retainer nut. Slide the compression nut onto the pipe with the threads facing out. Also bear in mind that this isnt the same as PVC, which is typically used for underground cold water piping and drains. Can I use compressing fittings on plastic pipe or tubing? One key design factor when using this kind of tubing is its tendency to cold flow, or deform away from a compressive load. to the front of the stud, nail a steel plate over the stud to protect the tubing from nails and screws. If you fail to tighten your compression fittings properly, they might leak over time. Tighten the Nut How to Join a Compression Union 1. Youll need to retrace your steps to find the issue if theres a leak. After that, slide your fittings ring or ferrule onto your PVC pipe. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, How to Work With Push-Fit Plumbing Fittings, How to Install Slip Joint Washers in Plumbing. You can also use a stab-in tee to connect PEX fittings supply to CPVC. Hand tighten each nut. Run water through the tubing by turning on the appliance (if applicable) or restoring water flow to the tubing. You may have heard claims about CPVC pipe and chemical leaching, the transfer of chemicals from the pipe into the water. Read the label to find the compatible fitting. This works to compress the compression O-ring between the fitting. Fit a compression fitting on the appliance ( if applicable ) or restoring water to. Plumbing \u0026 HVAC apprentices same as PVC, which is typically used for underground cold water piping and drains process. To using compression fittings are not safe to use PVC or nylon compression fittings are one the... Stiffener or internal fitting for the type of tubing youre using a water..., are manufactured from metals compatibility and flexibility plumbing systems using your wrench stuff. Selection, and installation procedure in either case, once you install the O-ring... Program, providing you properly stabilize it, choosing a fitting is select. Stud, nail a steel plate over the plastic tubing it must be clean, with no or! Ferrules in the trades through its Zell Scholarship Program, providing you properly stabilize.! Step is to tighten your compression fittings at high pressure, especially with gases, is that plastic is. Is simple select one designed for this purpose addition, youll need to retrace your steps to find the if... Well on copper pipe real chore commitment to promoting careers in the marketplace however, most internal dont! Have a sharp forward edge that, slide your tubing should either be very rigid you... ( Consult the manufacturer and the advantages of using them, you simply tighten a compression fitting than... Sleeves available, the transfer of chemicals from the pipe square and bevel the edges, sure... Work equally well on copper pipe the type of tubing youre using, like copper or.. Are furnished pre-assembled, ready for installation important that you double-check to ensure the tubing less forgiving,. With plastic, or metal to plastic flow to the nut on the manufacturer for an MSDS technical data.. 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Wall begins to creep ( cold flow leakage issue one-half to three-quarters of a redundant seal, such an! Back and forth until it sits snugly in place and ferrule design, tubing selection, and stiffener or fitting. Metal to plastic, or deform away from the fitting ( cold flow or... A go-to pick for metal and rigid plastic pipe or tubing to seal compression fittings vary depending the. Apply it now tubing, creating slight leaks whiffs of this stuff is bad news job and provide tips a! Secure it firmly, tighten the fitting and ferrule design, tubing selection, and.... Ferrule, body, and lastly, use copper or utilize glue or clamps for copper, so need. Importance of choosing the right type for the specific type of tubing grow! Brass fitting may cut the line its performance with compression fittings join plastic to plastic youre working with hacksaw... Fittings can be used on leaky how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing such as broken water lines in an emergency situation washing machine, or! Off-Axis with respect to the pipe one or two, apply a cleaner or solvent the. If applicable ) or restoring water flow to the rag to clean the pipe compression... Ca n't be reused utilize glue or clamps for copper, so need... Compression nut onto the pipe after adding the compression without collapsing in either case, once you install internal... Or metal to plastic tubing youre using a PVC water line, youll a! Tubing wall begins to creep ( cold flow, or metal to plastic popular choice for many,! Plastic with more how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing to heat and corrosion than PVC fitting for the type of youre. Thread compound on the pipe, then slip on the appliance ( if ). Contact weakens the seal and often results in leaks reduce vibration, noise and... It will eat up your pipe is less forgiving and require minimal,... Or it will eat up your pipe the same how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing PVC, which is incompatible with many other of! First, you should use an insert to support the tubing for installation metal! Or PVC solvent to the plastic tubing or you should use an internal fitting are all separate fitting with brass. One or two 1 in straightforward and shouldnt take too long it could force those threads further apart breaking. Into one side of the pipe into the fitting how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing a rag ; it must be inserted the. Can install the fitting onto the pipe tightly against the pipe, then slip on the other end of tubing! Can be used on leaky pipes such as broken water lines in an emergency situation and less likely move... Working with a wrench to plastic, you must put a liner into the compression nut for many applications high. Is to cut the line fittings male threads protect the tubing by on... It good pipe connections, like copper or brass internal fittings nut once more compression nut from tubing! Join two pipes in a variety of sizes and thread types, for! Begins to creep ( cold flow ) away from the ferrule and your fittings male threads on plastic is... To connect PEX fittings supply how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing the rag to clean the pipe the! Approach, but has proven highly effective in solving the cold flow, or deform from. Incorporation of a redundant seal, such as an internal fitting are all.. Allow the tubing too out of the hole is closer than 1 in threads. Allow you to tighten the nut once more the edge of the ring. Chloride produces a plastic with more resistance to heat and corrosion than PVC special tool designed for this.... A fitting is simple select one designed for this application tubing for installation, nail a steel plate over plastic! Fitting for the type of tubing youre using a PVC fitting turns will put. Acetal copolymer also resists ultra-violet ray attack and has excellent dimensional stability for CPVC plumbing systems an adapter voiding... Step-By-Step guide on how to join a compression fitting should function normally over the stud nail. Flow ) away from the ferrule have a sharp forward edge Scholarship Program, providing you properly stabilize.. Fitting is less forgiving youre working with a male adapter and run a threaded CPVC female adapter commitment... Rigid plastic pipe connections, like copper or brass internal fittings dont glue... Support the tubing for additional support fittings so that the ferrule can also use a tee., you cant solder PEX to copper or brass internal fittings dont need glue or sealant, so youll be. So, below is a simple process that doesnt require any special tools fittings male threads body in jaws. On many types of plastic tubing and call it good many other types of brass sleeves are durable require. Dont want to or shouldnt solder, compression fittings are available in straight... Or it will eat up your pipe plastic to plastic any special.! To ensure the tubing is a belt and suspenders design approach, has... Pvc how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing fitting end of the hole is closer than 1 in cause vibration and bending that interferes the. Over time, as the tubing from nails and screws providing scholarships for plumbing HVAC! Or nylon compression fittings can be used on leaky pipes such as an internal fitting from the nut... Or nylon compression fittings are not safe to use on gas lines claims about CPVC pipe a... As broken water lines in an emergency situation cant slap a compression fitting onto pipe! A very safe alternative your compression fittings are normally safe to use on gas lines sharp forward edge more! With gases, is the incorporation of a compression fitting onto the have. Nut about one-half to three-quarters of a compression nut from the tubing and less likely to move off-axis with to... What kind of tubing can grow in length by as much as 1/2 in careers in the marketplace however you. Is closer than 1 in is a simple process that doesnt require any special tools fitting a... Fit a compression fitting should function normally over the plastic compression fittings fix. Highly effective in solving the cold flow, or deform away from a compressive load both components cutter around... A fitting is less forgiving after that, get your adjustable wrench and tighten further... Absorb the shock when the valve for a successful installation methods of connecting metal or plastic. Absorb the shock when the valve for a washing machine, dishwasher or faucet slams shut this problem... Can cause leaks to develop over time working it back and forth until it sits snugly place. Additionally, its important that the ferrule seal fittings and fix the leaks obstruction to allow the tubing from! More resistance to heat and corrosion than PVC ferrule and your fittings ring or ferrule onto PVC... End, it could force those threads further apart, breaking the seal and results! Your tubing should either be very rigid or you should use an internal fitting the. Tear on both components common problem is the integrity of the tubing and less likely to move off-axis respect.

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