To use water compression fittings, you hand-tighten the nut, then use grips and a spanner to tighten it further, typically one full turn or until sufficiently tight. This compresses the olive onto the pipe, creating a watertight seal.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Steps for Using Water Compression Fittings:
-
Prepare the Pipe: Ensure the pipe is clean and free of burrs. Cut the pipe squarely.
-
Assemble the Fitting: Slide the nut, then the olive (also known as a compression ring or ferrule), onto the pipe. Make sure the olive is oriented correctly; it's usually tapered and should fit snugly against the fitting body.
-
Insert the Pipe: Push the pipe firmly into the fitting body until it bottoms out.
-
Hand-Tighten: Slide the olive and nut towards the fitting body and hand-tighten the nut onto the fitting.
-
Tighten with Tools: Use grips (such as pliers or adjustable pliers) to hold the fitting body steady. With a spanner (wrench) of the correct size, tighten the nut. The video suggests tightening about one full turn after hand-tightening, but this can vary. The key is to tighten until the connection is secure and leak-free.
-
Test for Leaks: Turn on the water supply and carefully check for leaks around the fitting. If there's a leak, slightly tighten the nut further (a quarter turn at a time) until the leak stops. Avoid overtightening, as this can damage the olive or the fitting.
Important Considerations:
- Olive Material: Compression olives are commonly made of brass or copper. Choose the correct material for the type of pipe you are using.
- One-Time Use: Compression olives are generally designed for single use. Once a compression fitting has been tightened, the olive is deformed. If you disassemble the fitting, it's best to replace the olive with a new one.
- Pipe Compatibility: Ensure the compression fitting is compatible with the type and size of pipe you are using (e.g., copper, PEX, etc.).
- Tightening Torque: Over-tightening can damage the fitting or the pipe. Tighten gradually and check for leaks.
- Applications: Compression fittings are useful where soldering isn't practical or desirable. They are commonly used for connecting pipes to fixtures like faucets, toilets, and appliances.
