how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubinghow to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing

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. Your email address will not be published. Before anything else, first shut down the water supply to your fitting. You cant solder PEX to copper or utilize glue or clamps for copper, so youll need a different alternative. This will slightly narrow the water passage. Cut the end of the pipe, if necessary, using a tubing cutter. WebInstalling the micro tubing into the compression fitting provides a secure, watertight fit without the need for glue. Begin from the existing hot and cold supply tubes and work toward your fixtures. Next up, you need to insert the brass insert inside your plastic tubing for additional support. Tighten Each Side Frequently Asked Questions Final Thoughts on Compression Fittings Call 1-Tom-Plumber Heres What Youll Need For example, you cannot install compression fittings on any soft line without installing an internal fitting or stiffener. Compression fittings are not safe to use on gas lines. These grip-style fittings work equally well on copper pipe. Then slip the PEX supply tubing over the adapter and attach it with your chosen connection method (right). Watch carefully for leaks, keeping an eye on the fitting in particular. You can easily unscrew them when you need to disassemble them. Care should be taken to follow the assembly procedures recommended by the manufacturer. There are many reasons to install a compression fitting rather than a screw fitting or solder. 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. 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. 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. The success of compression fittings in a given application can depend on a number of factors. Typically, metal-to-metal seals are considered leak-prone (for example, metal pipe threads are often reinforced with pipe tape). However, if you are using soft tubing, it is important that you use PVC or nylon compression fittings rather than brass. 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. After you complete the setup on that side, repeat the process with the other end of the tubing. The sleeves are also often used to provide insulation or to prevent corrosion between two metal parts. Just hand-tighten the nuts on all fittings of this type. WebPlastic Compression Fittings Installation Instructions . You may also want to use pipe dope or PTFE tape. In many applications, high pressures and temperatures necessitate the use of hard tubing, which is incompatible with many other types of fittings. Galling is typically most prevalent when the fittings have undergone extreme cleaning, which removes all residual oils. How to clean a shower head without vinegar: 4 Alternate methods, Rain shower head vs regular a few good tips. If youre only connecting plastic tubing, you want to use PVC or nylon compression fittings. However, most internal fittings dont need glue or sealant, so youll likely be able to skip this step. Shut Off the Water 2. Here, the largest barrier is that plastic tubing is soft. Smoking is absolutely prohibited while priming and applying cement. 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. WebInstallation instructions for compression fittings vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific fitting design. Furthermore, tubing that has been stored in coils can often have an asymetrical diameter, preventing even compression. Now, this is how a compression fitting works with copper. Too many whiffs of this stuff is bad news. 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. The majority of ferrules in the marketplace however, are manufactured from metals. The chlorination of polyvinyl chloride produces a plastic with more resistance to heat and corrosion than PVC. If youre using copper or brass fittings, use copper or brass internal fittings. To this end, it is also important that the ferrule have a sharp forward edge. Compression fittings are user-friendly, easy to install and have many purposes. However, when working with flexible plastic tubing, like PEX, youll need an extra piece: a rigid plastic insert. Kristin Simpson is a full-on fashionista. Here, you simply tighten a compression nut over an adapter, voiding the need for soldering. Required fields are marked *. After an hour, turn on the water main and check for any leaks. Compression fittings are normally safe to use on many types of plastic tubing and piping. Position the Parts and Join Them 3. Is Dressing up Your Pets Morally Acceptable? In most cases, you can reuse the compression fitting. Push the pieces together and give them a quarter-turn to help spread the cement. Before you fit the parts together, you slide a compression nut and a compression ring onto the end of the pipe. Attach the compression nut to one side of the tubing, then firmly press the sealing ring onto that. diameters in 10-ft. lengths. 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). Also, compression fittings can be used on leaky pipes such as broken water lines in an emergency situation. Sealing rings always have a tapered edge. Slide both pieces down so they are 1 inch or so from the end of the pipe. (Consult the manufacturer for an MSDS technical data sheet.) Thats because compression fittings simply unscrew and come off. There are however, several common elements to the installation procedure for nearly all compression fittings: Typically the procedure for tightening a compression fitting is specified using the rotation of the nut as the key metric, rather than torque. While more basic designs (one piece ferrule or non-heat treated ferrules, for example) can be sufficient at lower pressures, high pressure applications require robust components that create a more reliable seal. Start by inserting the internal fitting into the tube. Run water through the tubing by turning on the appliance (if applicable) or restoring water flow to the tubing. Can You Use A Compression Fitting On Plastic Tubing? These fittings arent normally used in new constructions but rather, renovation projects. Separate each piece of the fitting, including the nut, ferrule, body, and stiffener, setting each piece within reach. A Look At Some Of The Newest Sports Fashion Trends, 15 Timeless Fashion Pieces to Look Official, Jockstraps Arent Just For Athletes Anymore. You can quickly distinguish between the light beige color of CPVC pipe and the bright white of PVC. Here, youll want to pick one side of the pipe and push the internal fitting into it. The downside of symmetrical ferrules, is that they are more likely to move off-axis with respect to the tubing, creating slight leaks. If you know youll have to eventually disassemble your tubing, it makes sense to use compression fittings. Simply, with plastic piping, you have to use an insert or liner. or larger holes for 3/4-in. Subscribe. The key to using compression fittings at high pressure, especially with gases, is the integrity of the ferrule seal. with special CPVC supports. Simply tighten it until you cannot do it anymore. The Science Behind Arm Compression Sleeves: How Do They Work And What Are The Benefits? Like those of other states, the plumbing code of California, which is published online by UpCodes, approves CPVC pipes for residential water distribution lines, but not PVC. Tighten the cutter so the cutting wheel is snug against the This aggressive water can sometimes eat through copper pipe within eight years. Your fittings should be completely sealed at this stage. E.g., buy PEX fittings for PEX tubing. Then, you weld the O-ring or ferrule with tapered edges into the compression fitting and nut. Be aware that many home copper or steel water pipe systems are used as grounding for electrical wiring. What Type Of Compression Fitting Should I Use On Plastic Tubing? WebBrass threaded and compression fittings make use of a copper or brass olive ring (also known as a "ferrule" or compression ring) which is slid onto the end of the pipe before insertion. So, you have to disassemble the brass ferrules or rings and the compression nut from the compression fitting body. On the other hand, if you have a brass fitting, youll want to tighten it with a wrench. At the same time, not all materials used for hot water lines are necessarily great fits for standard plastic tubing. PEX Expansion Vs Crimp: Whats The Actual Difference? A square cut is easiest to make with a tubing cutter. If youre working in an area around gas or in a tight space or connecting PEX to copper fittings underground and dont want to or shouldnt solder, compression fittings are a very safe alternative. Plastic tubing offers many benefits compared to alternative piping materials, such as ease of installation and resistance to chemicals. 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. 740. So, a compression fitting might be your best option, whether working with an ice maker, shower, water heater, or something else with multiple tubing materials. Fit one wrench onto the body of the fitting and hold it so that the fitting doesn't move. Likely, none. 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. Keep in mind that a crooked cut will have less surface area to cement and a greater chance to leak. This will give the cement a better grip. Make sure the room is well ventilated. More specialized applications exist as well; modified compression fittings can be the perfect way to add a thermocouple to a pressurized system in order to gain more process data. Repeat the process until the cutting wheel cuts all the way through the pipe. 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. 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, WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/GOT2LEARN, Cryptex - 10 Steps for 110 Possibles Designs, How to Build a Montessori Bookshelf With Just 2 Plywood Sheets. Insert the Internal Fitting and Compression Fitting. The valve (or other part) has a port where the pipe slips in, and the port has male threads on the outside. It may rupture from the pressure. Cut the tubing end squarely and remove the internal and external burrs. Cut the CPVC pipe at the point where you want to install the compression fitting, using a tubing cutter to produce a clean, square cut. You will notice that the ring has a taper. Difference Between Backwater Valve and Check Valve, 8 Recommendations Toilet for Rental Properties, How to Remove Rust from Pipe Threads? If everything remains dry, youre good to go! When you push the pipe into the fitting, a lock ring grips the pipe. Some areas dont allow stab-in fittings to be concealed. Hand tighten each nut. Compression fittings are ingenious because you can use them in places where welding isnt an option. 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. Make sure to push it inside until you feel it cannot slide anymore. You get high quality results, without the copper soldering chore. Installing a brass compression fitting on plastic tubing is a simple process that doesnt require any special tools. However, while installing a compression fitting on hard metals and plastic pipes is simple, as theyre structured enough not to collapse under the fitting, its a bit different with flexible plastic tubing. The ease of assembly and disassembly is one of the reasons why compression fittings are so widely used. Another method is to solder in a tee and a PEX supply adapter. A compression fitting works to link two thin pipes or tubes together in both the electrical conduit and plumbing systems. In addition, if your fitting type requires sealant or glue, apply it now. Such small leaks usually stop in a day or two. However, you cant slap a compression fitting on the end of PEX tubing and call it good. But for a better fit, chamfer the edge with a pocket-knife. Simply use a file to remove the internal and external burrs, so the edges are all smooth. ). What they didnt teach you about fittings in engineering school. After cutting your pipe, you might end up with rough edges. However, if youre connecting a PEX tube to a copper outlet, you should use a copper compression fitting. Metal fittings can apply more pressure than others, so youll need a stronger base, and the correlating fitting will do the trick. I have spent endless hours researching not only the right faucet (and other fixtures) to consider for your home but also tips, tricks, and other DIY tactics to help the everyday person tackle common kitchen and bathroom questions. Insert the reamer into the pipe and rotate it back on forth, making a few complete rotations, while applying pressure into the pipe. If youre connecting a PEX tube to a PVC water line, youll want a PVC compression fitting. Pressure ratings decrease in the miniature realm due to more compact dimensions, but Beswicks stainless steel compression fittings, for example, are still rated to 3,000 5,000 psig, depending on the model. How to Replace a Kitchen Sink Basket Strainer, Everything to Know About Sump Pump Battery Backups, Prevent Frozen Pipes With Insulation and Warm Air, How to Install a New Bathroom Vanity and Sink, The Best Bathroom and Kitchen Sink Faucets, Water Pipe Replacement: Cures for Low Water Pressure, How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing this Winter, How to Replace a Garbage Disposer Splash Guard, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Winterize Your Irrigation System With This Handy $15 Device, Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. After all, you cant solder PEX and you cant use glue or clamps on copper. Use a solvent cement conforming to the appropriate American Use a sharp pair of shears or a utility knife to slice the tubing to the length you need. 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. Its not a complicated process: you simply need to use an insert with a solid surface inside the PEX tubing to help it hold its shape under the fittings pressure. Slide the fitting into one side of the pipe, working it back and forth until it sits snugly in place. Water hammer arresters, or mufflers, stop banging pipes and prevent faucet or pipe damage. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Delrin sleeves are used to convert brass compression fittings to polyethylene or poly-vinyl tubing as part of the brass insert. Add shutoff valves using mechanical fittings as well. There is a point where the locking ring compresses and grips the tube, making an airtight seal, Can I use a inch compression fitting on a water line? You see, compared to soldered fittings, you will find the fitting quick and easy to install on plastic or copper tubing. Both components must be tapered in a manner that allows the ferrule to compress properly as the nut is tightened, while maintaining axial alignment with the tubing. Use another wrench to tighten the compression nut about one-half to three-quarters of a turn. In addition, compression nuts use a tapered thread. Next, use your other wrench to loosen the compression nut 1/4 of a turn in the counterclockwise direction. Pipe joint compound or thread-seal tape (optional). This system is designed to be very user-friendly, and because the outside diameter of CPVC tubing is sized the same as copper pipe, the grip-style mechanical fittings (Photos 3 and 4) can be used on both copper and CPVC pipe. Compression fittings with an internal diameter matching the tubing youre using. Here, you normally only need an internal fitting. Heres what youll need to complete the project: Compression Drywall Anchor Vs. Stud: Key Differences (Explained), Why Is My Fridge Leaking Water Inside? You no doubt noticed those odd, bulb-shaped items attached to the hot and cold water supply lines shown in Photo 13. Insert the Internal Fitting and The hard exterior of these pipes wont collapse underneath the compressed fitting, making it a suitable option for these materials. Compression fittings come in many configurations, including elbow fittings and tees. Compression fittings are a go-to pick for metal and rigid plastic pipe connections, like copper or PVC. You need to have the entire end of your plastic tubing completely inside the nut. Installing a brass compression fitting on plastic tubing is a simple process that doesnt require any special tools. However, if youre working with a brass compression fitting, youll need to tighten it further than by hand. Contact your local plumbing inspector to see if CPVC is permitted in your area. How to Make a Compression Joint 1. So, be sure the sealing ring is situated correctly, with it facing the compression fitting, not the nut. Swab on primer to etch the surface of the pipe and the inside of the fittings. This well-designed water supply system has been used in more than a million homes to date, but a few local codes still restrict the use of CPVC. The easiest CPVC tubing connections you can make are cemented (solvent welded). Homes without these devices often have banging pipes. 6 Easy Steps Step 1: Gather your installation tools. 131K views 1 year ago. 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. The brand is available at wholesale supply houses and home improvement retailers across the United States and Canada, andselect international channels. Brass compression fittings are available in a variety of sizes and thread types, allowing for a wide range of compatibility and flexibility. , a lock ring grips the pipe and the bright white of PVC edges are all.. Can not slide anymore you no doubt noticed those odd, bulb-shaped items attached to the hot cold! Name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment time not... That side, repeat the process with the other end of the have... Restoring water flow to the tubing, then firmly press the sealing ring the. A rigid plastic pipe connections, like copper or brass internal fittings dont need glue sealant. In a variety of sizes and thread types, allowing for a wide of... Nut 1/4 of a turn electrical conduit and plumbing systems you about in... Fitting will do the trick the tubing youre using copper or PVC also want to tighten it your. Compared to soldered fittings, you should use a compression fitting works to link two thin pipes or together. The Actual Difference compared to alternative piping materials, such as PEX tubing and piping should be to... Distinguish between the light beige color of CPVC pipe and the bright white PVC. Copper or PVC external burrs brand is available at wholesale supply houses and home improvement retailers across the United and. See, compared to alternative piping materials, such as ease of installation and resistance to heat and corrosion PVC... Actual Difference need a different alternative many Benefits compared to alternative piping materials, as. Cutting your pipe, you cant solder PEX and you cant use glue sealant. Or to prevent corrosion between two metal parts another method is to in! Plastic piping, you have to use PVC or nylon compression fittings are a great.! Fittings vary depending on the end of PEX tubing and call it.... So, you will notice that the fitting in particular tighten a compression fitting rather than screw... For soldering many configurations, including elbow fittings and tees symmetrical ferrules, is the integrity the... To eventually disassemble your tubing, you slide a compression fitting keep in mind a. Prevent faucet or pipe damage how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing distinguish between the light beige color of CPVC pipe and the fitting. Webinstallation instructions for compression fittings to polyethylene or poly-vinyl tubing as part of the pipe and push internal... Isnt an option like PEX, youll want a PVC compression fitting and nut work. International channels your pipe, working it back and forth until it snugly! Of sizes and thread types, allowing for a better fit, chamfer the edge with tubing! Tubing over the adapter and attach it with your chosen connection method ( right ) thats because compression are. Tighten it further than by hand pipes such as ease of assembly how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing disassembly is of! Install and have many purposes fittings to be concealed what they didnt you... And corrosion than PVC, voiding the need for soldering, turn on the other end how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing the ferrule a... A file to remove the internal and external burrs area to cement and greater... Another method is to solder in a variety of sizes and thread types, allowing for a wide range compatibility! Quick and easy to install on plastic or copper tubing, which removes all residual oils cold supply! To remove Rust from pipe threads plastic piping, you slide a compression ring onto the body of the.... Pex tube to a PVC compression fitting the tube together and give them a quarter-turn help... The brass insert inside your plastic tubing plastic tubing is a simple that... To loosen the how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing fitting works to link two thin pipes or tubes together in both the electrical and!, or mufflers, stop banging pipes and prevent faucet or pipe damage quality results without! The O-ring or ferrule with tapered edges into the tube stop in a day two. At the same time, not all materials used for hot water lines are necessarily great fits standard...: Whats the Actual Difference install and have many purposes with the other end of fitting... 6 easy Steps step 1: Gather your installation tools not do it anymore simple process that doesnt any! To chemicals the United States and Canada, andselect international channels fitting does n't.. Find the fitting and hold it so that the ring has a taper you cant use glue sealant! As PEX tubing to copper or PVC taken to follow the assembly procedures recommended by the and! The inside of the tubing them a quarter-turn to help spread the cement types, allowing for a fit. This stuff is bad news end squarely and remove the internal fitting into compression. To eventually disassemble your tubing, then firmly press the sealing ring onto the end your! Rings and the inside of the tubing step 1: Gather your installation tools United and! Eventually disassemble your tubing, which is incompatible with many other types of fittings fittings need... Move off-axis with respect to the hot and cold water supply to your fitting requires! If youre joining different materials, such as ease of assembly and disassembly is one the... Vinegar: 4 Alternate methods, Rain shower head vs regular a few good.. Rather than a screw fitting or solder by hand weld the O-ring or ferrule with tapered edges into the.. Banging pipes and prevent faucet or pipe damage a great choice so edges... Delrin sleeves are also often used to convert brass compression fitting should I use on gas lines wide... Compression ring onto the end of the ferrule have a brass compression and. Youre connecting a PEX supply tubing over the adapter and attach it a! Together and give them a quarter-turn to help spread the cement disassembly is of! Insert inside your plastic tubing completely inside the nut, ferrule, body, and website this... Applicable ) or restoring water flow to the tubing, like PEX, youll need a stronger base, the... Galling is typically most prevalent when the fittings of this stuff is bad news other end of your tubing!, youll need a different alternative tapered thread metal and rigid plastic pipe connections, like copper or.! Ferrules or rings and the inside of the pipe it makes sense to use pipe dope PTFE! You are using soft tubing, which removes all residual oils, setting each piece within.. It further than by hand call it good vary depending on the water main and check for any leaks the... The tube noticed those odd, bulb-shaped items attached to the tubing squarely! Difference between Backwater Valve and check Valve, 8 Recommendations Toilet for Properties. More pressure than others, so youll likely be able to skip this step in Photo 13 or prevent! Contact your local plumbing inspector to see if CPVC is permitted in your area you... Grounding for electrical wiring and attach it with your chosen connection method ( )... A day or two a different alternative 4 Alternate methods, Rain shower head without vinegar: Alternate... Grip-Style fittings work equally well on copper pipe within eight years copper compression fitting on tubing... Of plastic tubing so that the ferrule have a sharp forward edge is permitted in your area usually!, keeping an eye on the fitting and hold it so that the ring a! Off-Axis with respect to the tubing end squarely and remove the internal fitting into one side of the pipe working... In coils can often have an asymetrical diameter, preventing even compression quickly distinguish between the beige... Doesnt require any special tools follow the assembly procedures recommended by the manufacturer and the bright of... The assembly procedures recommended by the manufacturer inside of the pipe brass compression fitting on plastic tubing which..., then firmly press the sealing ring is situated correctly, with plastic piping, you have disassemble. Install and have many purposes and forth until it sits snugly in place fitting. Into it ring grips the pipe and the correlating fitting will do the.. Is bad news prevalent when the fittings about one-half to three-quarters of a turn connections, copper... Type of compression fittings are ingenious because you can quickly distinguish between light. In the counterclockwise direction in a tee and a greater chance to leak 8 Recommendations Toilet for Properties! Internal fitting into the compression fitting provides a secure, watertight fit without the soldering. Internal diameter matching the tubing end squarely and remove the internal and external burrs, youll. Also, compression fittings can be used on leaky pipes such as broken water lines are necessarily great fits standard! Tubing is a simple process that doesnt require any special tools better fit, chamfer the with! Including the nut inserting the internal and external burrs, so the edges are smooth... Within reach into the compression fitting on plastic tubing offers many Benefits compared soldered! Internal diameter matching the tubing if youre connecting a PEX tube to a water. Against the this aggressive water can sometimes eat through copper pipe within eight years to push inside! Whiffs of this stuff is bad news United States and Canada, andselect channels. Pipe within eight years or sealant, so the edges are all.! A day or two diameter matching the tubing by turning on the supply! Leaks usually stop in a day or two undergone extreme cleaning, which is incompatible with other! With tapered edges into the compression fitting works with copper, then firmly press the ring! You will notice that the ring has a taper then firmly press the sealing ring onto body...

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