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. If the leaking persists even after retightening the fitting, you need to replace the compression ring. Youll need to retrace your steps to find the issue if theres a leak. Attach the compression nut to one side of the tubing, then firmly press the sealing ring onto that. To this end, it is also important that the ferrule have a sharp forward edge. Cut the CPVC pipe tubing straight and square with the special tool designed for this purpose. (Yes, But Avoid This! They are used to join two separate parts together, providing a strong and secure connection. 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. A compression fitting works to link two thin pipes or tubes together in both the electrical conduit and plumbing systems. Disassembly and Re-Assembly Compression fittings to match your tubing choose the internal diameter that fits the tubing, Appropriately sized interior fittings for the tubing, Sealants required by the inserts (usually none, but be sure to double-check). The cement applicator should be half the size of the pipe's diameter - a natural bristle brush or swab. Photo 3: Push on a CPVC compression fitting. Tighten Each Side Frequently Asked Questions Final Thoughts on Compression Fittings Call 1-Tom-Plumber Heres What Youll Need 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. As described in the Ferrules section above, the optimal seal is created by a line contact between the ferrule and the tubing. Runs longer than 30 ft. require a U-shaped detour about 1 ft. on a side somewhere in the length to allow for expansion and contraction. They provide an effective way to connect two objects together, securely and reliably. Be sure to remove the burrs and lightly chamfer the end of the tubing. If you use a saw, remove the burrs from the saw cut. Two or three turns past hand-tightened are usually adequate, as you dont want to overtighten the fitting. Loosen the nut on the compression fitting and slide the fitting onto the pipe until the end of the pipe is fully inside it. In addition to these general considerations, there are several more specific factors to consider regarding compression fitting assemblies, such as: PTFE tubing is a popular material choice for tubing because it is resistant to most chemicals, handles relatively high pressure, is low out-gassing, and is more flexible than metallic tubing. Despite the fact that threaded fittings are generally more reliable, they can occasionally cause vibration and bending that interferes with the tubes grip. Lubricate the end of the pipe with dishwashing liquid. You can also cut CPVC pipe with a chop saw. Should I use brass or PVC compression fittings? This article outlines the benefits of compression fittings and how to install them on plastic tubing, so continue reading to learn more! Use your finger to pull out any debris from inside the pipe. Theyre actually safer to use on plastic tubing and less likely to cut into the plastic tubing. This secondary sealing element makes a radial seal against the outside diameter of the tubing, independent of the seal created by the ferrule. And the best part? Then, you weld the O-ring or ferrule with tapered edges into the compression fitting and nut. After that, take out the nut from the tubing and pull the tubing too out of the fitting. Then, the ring (ferrule) is fed onto the tubing. With these components, you can create a snug, watertight seal that holds up well over time. Read the label to find the compatible fitting. Required fields are marked *. There are also compression union fittings that join two pipes in a straight line. Leave a gap, as shown in Photo 8, especially in a long run. 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). Most basic compression fittings contain a single ferrule. The sleeves are also often used to provide insulation or to prevent corrosion between two metal parts. If the compression fitting leaks, use both wrenches to tighten the compression nut gently until the leak stops. You may use another wrench to securely hold the compression body. 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). Be careful not to cross-thread the nut. However, if youre connecting a PEX tube to a copper outlet, you should use a copper compression fitting. Did you make this project? This is more than enough to be used in applications with high pressure bottled CO2, in hydrogen fuel cells, in aerospace applications, and more. micro drip tubing or dripline Constructed of UV resistant high-impact plastic, for durability in the landscape 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. Even if components from two different manufacturers look similar externally, they will often differ in key internal dimensions, such as ferrule/body taper, ferrule length, and thread size and pitch. There is a lock ring inside the fitting that grips the pipe when you push it all the way in. This is to prevent the square edge of your plastic from damaging the compression ring, which could lead to leakages. Insufficient tightening of the compression nut will not deform the ferrule enough to create this contact, but over-tightening will deform the ferrule too much, creating a surface contact. 9 Fashionable Gift Ideas for the Man in Your Life. CPVC pipes are readily joined with plastic fittings and glue, but when that isn't practical, you can join them with plastic compression fittings. Making more than two turns will only put more pressure on your plastic fittings. 2. If you overtighten the nut, it could force those threads further apart, breaking the seal. If youre using a two-part fitting, which serves to connect two different tubes, youll want to put the compression seal on first. Turn off the water supply, then cut your pipes where youd like to tie in. As the ferrule(s) moves axially into the fitting body, the bodys angled shape radially compresses the end of the ferrule onto the outer diameter of the tubing. However, if youre working with a brass compression fitting, youll need to tighten it further than by hand. They are most commonly found on water shutoff valves, or stop valves, the type used on faucet and toilet water supply pipes. Use another wrench to tighten the compression nut about one-half to three-quarters of a turn. (Consult the manufacturer for an MSDS technical data sheet.) 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). Metal ferrules are attractive because they are stable over a wide temperature range, and they can bear compressive loads without relaxing. A uniform, line contact compression around the entire circumference of the ferrule will create the most reliable seal. Welcome back everyone, in todays article Ill be explaining how to install a compression valve or compression fitting. 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. 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. Dont use a wrench to tighten the nut. A wrench may damage the fitting. One factor to plan for in these high purity applications is galling. Once the pipe and fitting are together, you slide the ring against the fitting, then thread the nut onto the fitting. Yes. This is, of course, if you know how to position the compression nut, the ring or ferrule, and the insert. Lubricate the end of the pipe with dishwashing liquid. WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/GOT2LEARN, Cryptex - 10 Steps for 110 Possibles Designs, How to Build a Montessori Bookshelf With Just 2 Plywood Sheets. It is also important that the end of each section be squarely cut, to allow the tubing to sit symmetrically in the fitting body. There are three primary parts in a compression fitting: a nut, a plastic compression ring, and ferrules. If necessary, apply a cleaner or solvent to the rag to clean the pipe. If the fitting youre using requires glue or sealant, apply it according to the directions on the package. Start by inserting the internal fitting into the tube. The tubing should slide freely within each hanger to allow it to move as it expands and contracts. WebParker's Poly-Tite fittings are designed to speed any installation. In other applications, such as laboratory instruments, concerns over contamination make the sterility and low out-gassing properties of stainless steel tubing and compression fittings attractive. There are many reasons to install a compression fitting rather than a screw fitting or solder. One key design factor when using this kind of tubing is its tendency to cold flow, or deform away from a compressive load. Compression fittings use a nut, a plastic compression ring, and a seal to create a tight seal on any pipe. Some codes require a primer (the purple product shown in the photos). Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. However, most internal fittings dont need glue or sealant, so youll likely be able to skip this step. Homes without these devices often have banging pipes. Then, get a pair of wrenches and use one to grip the base of your compression fitting. Then slip the PEX supply tubing over the adapter and attach it with your chosen connection method (right). CPVC is not a good conductor, so changing to it may change your grounding system. Insert the reamer into the pipe and rotate it back on forth, making a few complete rotations, while applying pressure into the pipe. To create this seal, you must: Slide the nut onto your tubing. But for a better fit, chamfer the edge with a pocket-knife. Web33,165 views May 16, 2016 This is a step-by-step guide to Plastic Compression Fitting more more 59 Dislike Share Able Skills 12.4K subscribers How to repair PVC pipe: The This is true, especially if you dont know how compression fitting works with plastic. tubing and 1-in. Make sure to push it inside until you feel it cannot slide anymore. Therefore, if youre installing compression fittings, youll want to add a fitting inside the tubing. 2. Or, if youre using PEX and PVC, a PVC compression fitting is your best option. Before anything else, first shut down the water supply to your fitting. How Do You Install A Compression Fitting On Plastic Tubing? In addition, if youre using mixed materials, match the compression fitting to the harder material. Chief among these are fitting and ferrule design, tubing selection, and installation procedure. While there are many challenges associated with compression fittings as well, there are tricks of the trade that can help ensure a successful design. Here, you normally only need an internal fitting. Insert the tubing through the back of the nut all All of these work in conjunction 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. The acetal copolymer sleeve resists creeping and stress caused from compression. Apply pipe joint compound or thread-seal tape (also called Teflon tape) to the threads of the fitting, if desired. The black acetal copolymer also resists ultra-violet ray attack and has excellent dimensional stability. Be aware that many home copper or steel water pipe systems are used as grounding for electrical wiring. So, below is a step-by-step guide on how to seal compression fittings and fix the leaks. Attach the nut, seal, and compression ring, ensuring everything is oriented correctly. Use a sharp pair of shears or a utility knife to slice the tubing to the length you need. 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. Compression fittings are ingenious because you can use them in places where welding isnt an option. WebPlastic Compression Fittings Installation Instructions . 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. Key factors include: pressure and temperature extremes, environmental conditions, vibration conditions, fluid compatibility, and minimum bend radius. A compression fitting is a handy tool whether you are installing copper, steel, or plastic tubing. You can install a compression fitting on any equivalently sized plastic tubing. Thanks, that was a very clear explaination. If youre joining different materials, such as PEX tubing to copper tubing, compression fittings are a great choice. Such small leaks usually stop in a day or two. Use a solvent cement conforming to the appropriate American But besides knowing how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing, you must learn how to seal the fittings too. Never butt the tubing against a framing member. Typically, metal-to-metal seals are considered leak-prone (for example, metal pipe threads are often reinforced with pipe tape). This does not hold true for compression fittings. This aggressive water can sometimes eat through copper pipe within eight years. Compression nuts are threaded, meaning that the number of rotations of the nut is directly correlated to the linear compression of the ferrule, based on the threads pitch. Installation instructions for compression fittings vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific fitting design. Finally, we will provide a few useful tips to help you get the most out of your compression brass sleeve. Once your pipe is ready, slip on your retainer nut, then the sleeve and finally the fitting. Here, youll want to hand tighten the fitting first and then use a wrench to tighten it further.