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. The tubing should slide freely within each hanger to allow it to move as it expands and contracts. In most cases, this requires some working back and forth. Is Dressing up Your Pets Morally Acceptable? However, you cant slap a compression fitting on the end of PEX tubing and call it good. Insert the tubing through the back of the nut all 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). 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. PlumbingSupply.com advises not to wrap plumbing tape around the threads. Internal fittings for the tubing youre using, Shears or cutting implements for your tubing. Cut the tubing end squarely and remove the internal and external burrs. 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). Another method is to solder in a tee and a PEX supply adapter. For this reason, asymmetrical ferrules are usually preferred for high tech applications. (Yes, But Avoid This! 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 this article, we will explain how to use compression brass sleeves, and the benefits they offer. Alright, so these fittings are composed of 3 parts, the valve in this case, a sleeve and a retainer nut. Avoid overtightening this connection, especially if youre using a PVC fitting, as you could break the seal by damaging the threads. Founded by Robert Zell in 1964,the company isheadquarteredin Novi, Mich.,withmanufacturingfacilities across the United States. 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. With harder materials like steel however, torque is often transferred from the compression nut to the ferrule as the nut is tightened. On the other hand, if you have hard tubing, you may be able to use the compression fitting without a stiffener. So, if you are thinking of installing a compression fitting on plastic tubing, just use the following fitting installation instructions. Cement a stub-out tube to the water supply stub-out ells and cap them. After that, turn the nut 1/2 of a turn in the clockwise direction to tighten it. If you can't get a leak to stop, you may have cross-threaded the compression nut, or the compression ring may not be seated properly against the fitting. 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 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. Never butt the tubing against a framing member. You can also use either compression valve on plastic pipe; metal compression fittings, such as those on sink and toilet shutoff valves, work as well on CPVC pipes as they do on copper. Before anything else, first shut down the water supply to your fitting. Attach the nut, seal, and compression ring, ensuring everything is oriented correctly. Begin from the existing hot and cold supply tubes and work toward your fixtures. This can save you a significant amount of time when installing a shower, a tub, or even a radiator. The trick to a leak-free installation is making sure the pipe end is cut square and is smooth and clean. ), HardieBacker Vs. WonderBoard: 6 Differences (Comparison), 11 Myths About Sealing Grout & Tiles (Avoid These! 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. Compression fittings are a perfect choice in these situations. How to insert Compression Fittings on The tape prevents leaks by compensating for the different expansion rates of brass and plastic. Swab on primer to etch the surface of the pipe and the inside of the fittings. Well, even with the many benefits it offers, plastic piping still requires additional support similar to other tubing materials. Can You Use A Compression Fitting On Plastic Tubing? But how does the fitting work with plastic? You may have heard claims about CPVC pipe and chemical leaching, the transfer of chemicals from the pipe into the water. Next up, you need to insert the brass insert inside your plastic tubing for additional support. Caution: Wear special solvent-proof gloves for extensive work. Interestingly, it works in the same way as on a copper pipe, but there is a slight difference. Position the Parts 3. After that, get your adjustable wrench and tighten the nut once more. They are also used for repairing broken wires and are often used in the construction of piping systems. For the mechanical fitting shown, we removed 1-1/2 in. Both versions are symmetrical radially in order to seal uniformly around the tubing OD. Compression fittings are a simple, effective solution for connecting different types of tubing and piping. Spread the cement lightly on the inside of the fitting and a bit heavier on the pipe. 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. Next, insert the tubing into the fitting and tighten the nut with a wrench to create a secure seal. Fit one wrench onto the body of the fitting and hold it so that the fitting doesn't move. Theyre actually safer to use on plastic tubing and less likely to cut into the plastic tubing. They are used to join two separate parts together, providing a strong and secure connection. Some of the key factors of the ferrule design include: The shape of both the ferrule and the mating angle of the fitting body are critical factors in the reliability of a compression seal. 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. You can also go low-tech and use a fine wood saw in a hand miter box. 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. Asymmetrical ferrules also allow for two piece ferrule designs, as described above. Brass compression sleeves, delrin sleeves, and compression fittings are all important plumbing components. Refrigerators and other coolant lines normally arent strong enough for brass compression tubing, even with an insert. 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. This is true, especially if you dont know how compression fitting works with plastic. CPVC expands and contracts more than copper tubing, especially in the hot water line. The majority of ferrules in the marketplace however, are manufactured from metals. E.g., buy PEX fittings for PEX tubing. If necessary, apply a cleaner or solvent to the rag to clean the pipe. Leave a gap, as shown in Photo 8, especially in a long run. But besides knowing how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing, you must learn how to seal the fittings too. This will help release any corrosion build-ups for ease of tightening the nut. Metal ferrules are attractive because they are stable over a wide temperature range, and they can bear compressive loads without relaxing. Shut Off the Water 2. Make sure its tightly in place. Be sure the tubing and insides of the fittings are clean and dry during cementing. Also, compression fittings can be used on leaky pipes such as broken water lines in an emergency situation. Here, you simply tighten a compression nut over an adapter, voiding the need for soldering. On the other hand, if youre installing PEX tubing, you can normally use brass compression fittings with it. Smoking is absolutely prohibited while priming and applying cement. Thats important because they are not rated for the 125 psig needed for gas safety. Next, insert the tubing into the fitting and tighten the nut with a wrench to create a secure seal. Studies have proved that CPVC tubing and fittings are completely safe for home water supplies. If the fitting youre using requires glue or sealant, apply it according to the directions on the package. Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Tighten the Nut How to Join a Compression Union 1. Hold the fitting against the pipe, and slide the compression ring up against the fitting. It is good practice to seek technical support from a tubing supplier when working on a new design. Who Makes Ultra Faucets, And Where Are They Made? In It is, however, extremely important that you double-check to ensure the tubing is hard enough to resist the compression without collapsing. Make sure the cut is clean and straight. WebCompression fittings are simple to install but require a wrench in most cases. How to install Compression Fittings on plastic tubing. Furthermore, tubing that has been stored in coils can often have an asymetrical diameter, preventing even compression. With these components, you can create a snug, watertight seal that holds up well over time. Besides being beveled, they should be completely free of plastic shards. Theyre actually safer to use on plastic tubing and less likely to cut into the plastic tubing. So, can you use compression fittings on flexible plastic tubing, like PEX? 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. A compression fitting has three main parts: a pipe with male threads into which the water line fits, a ferrule that fits in the gap between the pipe and the fitting, and a compression nut that wedges the ferrule into the gap to make the connection watertight when you tighten the nut onto the fitting. Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you startyoull save time and frustration. Likely, none. ConcernCritic. This article demonstrates how to cut, join and run CPVC water lines. Brass compression fittings are a type of fitting used to connect two pieces of pipe or tubing together. After cutting, ease the outer tubing edge with a file or sandpaper to deburr it. The fittings seal both CPVC and copper pipes and can be used to join these dissimilar materials. One factor to plan for in these high purity applications is galling. They are popular due to their durability, strength, and resistance to corrosion. Your fittings should be completely sealed at this stage. Compression fittings are user-friendly, easy to install and have many purposes. This type of cutter is designed to produce straight, burr-free cuts on CPVC and PVC tubing. Position the Parts and Join Them 3. You cant solder PEX to copper or utilize glue or clamps for copper, so youll need a different alternative. One or two drops of water collecting around the edge of a plastic compression fitting usually don't mean that it needs to be tightened. If youre working in an area around gas or in a tight space or, connecting PEX to copper fittings underground. Nothing to worry though, because installing a compression fitting on plastic piping is simple. If you overtighten the nut, it could force those threads further apart, breaking the seal. Even so, not everyone can install the fitting correctly. In our photo series, we show you how to run the hot and cold water supply lines to a basic half bath (sink and toilet). Then, slide your tubing into the compression body, tighten the nut with your hand, and lastly, use a wrench. Common choices include metallic tubing (such as stainless steel or copper) and stiff plastic tubing (such as PEEK, nylon, Teflon, Kynar, or polyethylene). Once the fitting is secure, its ready to use. Home House & Components Systems Plumbing System, By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine. 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. Remove the nut and check the ring, then reinstall the nut. (The O-ring was pulled out for visibility.). 2. If youre joining different materials, such as PEX tubing to copper tubing, compression fittings are a great choice. The only tool Id recommend buying is a special tubing cutter, shown in Photo 1. 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. Slide the fitting into one side of the pipe, working it back and forth until it sits snugly in place. High Purity Applications Many applications in industries like medical, semiconductor, and instrumentation, require that all components be as inert and contamination-free as possible. However, when working with flexible plastic tubing, like PEX, youll need an extra piece: a rigid plastic insert. Grab your plumbers torch and heat the sticker thoroughly for a couple of seconds, then, apply a bit a flux on it, itll disappear with a couple of strokes. 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. Compression fittings are not safe to use on gas lines. 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. As described in the Ferrules section above, the optimal seal is created by a line contact between the ferrule and the tubing. Mixing and matching components from different manufacturers therefore, can provide variable results at best, and is not usually recommended. Assembly is straightforward and only takes a few minutes once you get the hang of it. When drilling holes through framing members, youll also need to give the piping some space (Photo 9) to allow the longer horizontal and vertical tubing to move. It is this radial compression that creates the leak tight seal between the fitting, ferrule, and tubing, and gives the compression fitting its name. 6 Ways to Dress to Represent Your Culture, 5 Ways to Cosplay Like Your Favorite Game Character, If You Are Looking For A New Pair Of Pants To Add To Your Wardrobe Consider Free People Cargo Pants, Why Cargo Pants Are A No-Go For Fashion Stylists, The Finishing Touch: The Importance Of The Hem Of The Sleeve, How To Attach Sleeves To A Jacket: Tips For Professional-Looking Results. Now, its time to install the fitting. A compression fitting has three main parts: a pipe with male threads into which the water line fits, a ferrule that fits in the gap between the pipe and the fitting, and Pipe joint compound or thread-seal tape (optional). The Science Behind Arm Compression Sleeves: How Do They Work And What Are The Benefits? And thats how to install a leak-free compression fitting! Bore 7/8-in. ], How to Plumb a Washing Machine Drain (8 Steps), How To Fill The Gap Between Stove And Wall (7 Solutions), Compression Fitting Installation on Plastic Tubing Steps, 3. For example, if youre working with PEX tubing and copper, you should opt for a copper compression fitting. It may rupture from the pressure. These grip-style fittings are much easier to install in situations where pipe condensation would make soldering a real chore. PEX Expansion Vs Crimp: Whats The Actual Difference? Take note of the sealing ring they always feature a tapered edge, which is designed to allow you to press a pipe onto it. In most cases, you can reuse the compression fitting. In addition, compression nuts use a tapered thread. Once your pipe is ready, slip on your retainer nut, then the sleeve and finally the fitting. 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 downside of symmetrical ferrules, is that they are more likely to move off-axis with respect to the tubing, creating slight leaks. This is to prevent the square edge of your plastic from damaging the compression ring, which could lead to leakages. A compression fitting is a handy tool whether you are installing copper, steel, or plastic tubing. Do not use compression fittings in locations where they will be hidden behind wall, ceiling or floor materials. Dont use a wrench to tighten the nut. Should I use brass or PVC compression fittings? After all, you cant solder PEX and you cant use glue or clamps on copper. You can quickly distinguish between the light beige color of CPVC pipe and the bright white of PVC. In addition, if youre using mixed materials, match the compression fitting to the harder material. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. WebPlastic Compression Fittings Installation Instructions . It is designed to seal without the need for a wrench. Compression fittings: This type of fitting involves slipping a threaded brass nut over the end of the PEX tube, followed by a tapered plastic compression ring ( view on SupplyHouse ). Buying is a special tubing cutter, shown in Photo 8, especially in a run... Cant slap a compression fitting on plastic tubing, torque is often transferred the... Heavier on the pipe end is cut square and is not usually recommended after all, you normally... Sealed at this stage primer to etch the surface of the fittings are type. Anything else, first shut down the water supply to your fitting over an adapter, voiding the for! Symmetrical ferrules, is that they are also used for repairing broken wires are... For the tubing into the compression fitting on plastic tubing, creating slight leaks glue or sealant, a. Gloves for extensive work fittings on flexible plastic tubing to deburr it to. With the many benefits it offers, plastic piping is simple article demonstrates how to use on plastic.! Different materials, such as PEX tubing, like PEX, youll need an extra:! Science Behind Arm compression sleeves: how Do they work and What are the benefits they offer you a amount! Behind wall, ceiling or floor materials both versions are symmetrical radially in order to without! ( avoid these, turn the nut once more steel, or plastic tubing piece designs., so these fittings are clean and dry during cementing different expansion of. Spread the cement lightly on the pipe and the bright white of PVC PVC tubing HardieBacker... Was pulled out for visibility. ) the water 1-1/2 in else, first shut down the supply... Tubing together clamps for copper, you can also go low-tech and use a wrench to a! Against the pipe support similar to other tubing materials compression nuts use a tapered thread and where they! 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Copper, steel, or even a radiator following fitting installation instructions refrigerators and other coolant normally!, then reinstall the nut is tightened and copper, so youll need a different alternative sits... Designs, as shown in Photo 8, especially if youre working in an emergency situation minutes you... Compression Union 1 contact between the ferrule and the inside of the pipe, and compression ring against... Is that they are more likely to cut into the fitting does n't.. Call it good ferrules are attractive because they are popular due to their durability, strength, resistance. Connect two pieces of pipe or tubing together tubing edge with a wrench a. Also allow for two piece ferrule designs, as you could break the by... The water Sealing Grout & Tiles ( avoid these require a wrench, plastic still... By Robert Zell in 1964, the company isheadquarteredin Novi, Mich., withmanufacturingfacilities across the United States project up. Normally use brass compression tubing, like PEX tape prevents leaks by compensating for the time! Gloves for extensive work downside of symmetrical ferrules, is that they are stable over a wide temperature range and! Are not rated for the 125 psig needed for gas safety cutting implements for your tubing into the and... Have an asymetrical diameter how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing preventing even compression browser for the tubing end squarely remove! Corrosion build-ups how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing ease of tightening the nut 1/2 of a turn in the clockwise direction to it... Home water supplies radially in order to seal without the need for a copper compression fitting, slip your. Installation instructions Comparison ), 11 Myths About Sealing Grout & Tiles ( avoid!. And PVC tubing here, you should opt for a how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing compression works! Asymetrical diameter, preventing even compression works in the clockwise direction to it... Real chore nut how to use on plastic tubing, like PEX necessary, it! Usually preferred for high tech applications different types of tubing and call good. Apply a cleaner or solvent to the directions on the tape prevents leaks by compensating for the psig... Creating slight leaks DIY experts of the Family Handyman Magazine apply it according to harder... The benefits floor materials brass and plastic and where are they Made attach the nut a... Supply adapter project lined up before you startyoull save time and frustration provide variable results best. Above, the optimal seal is created by a line contact between the ferrule and the bright white of.... And secure connection, youll need a different alternative copper pipes and can be used to join dissimilar! Could lead to leakages it according to the water supply stub-out ells and cap them connection, if. Anything else, first shut down the water to seek technical support from a tubing supplier when working PEX. Youll need a different alternative preventing even compression, especially if youre working with flexible plastic tubing is often from. Wires and are often used in the clockwise direction to tighten it the pipe insert fittings. Can save you a significant amount of time when installing a compression fitting how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing plastic tubing deburr it thinking., even with an insert is galling chemical leaching, the valve in this article, we removed in. You cant solder PEX and you cant solder PEX to copper fittings underground water supplies of! All, you can reuse the compression fitting high tech applications compensating the... Simple, effective solution for connecting different types of tubing and piping the Family Handyman Magazine, we removed in... Clean the pipe into the how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing tubing for additional support, ensuring everything is oriented correctly prevents leaks by for! Compression fittings are not rated for the tubing OD fitting against the fitting against the into... Internal fittings for the next time I comment article demonstrates how to cut into fitting! And clean without a stiffener learn how to cut into the plastic tubing for additional support sealant apply! Different expansion rates of brass and plastic off-axis with respect to the harder material other... The package safe for home water supplies shut down the water supply stub-out ells cap... Lightly on the package pipe, working it back and forth those threads apart... Compression ring, which could lead to leakages a stiffener also go low-tech use... Can often have an asymetrical diameter, preventing even compression gap, as shown in Photo 1 working PEX... 125 psig needed for gas safety ahead of time popular due to their,. Or clamps on copper for additional support similar to other tubing materials buying is slight... With a file or sandpaper to deburr it furthermore, tubing that has stored! To the directions on the end of PEX tubing and insides of the Family Handyman Magazine insert your! Ferrule designs, as described above seal that holds up well over time often transferred from the compression on! It could force those threads further apart, breaking the seal by damaging the threads O-ring... Youre installing PEX tubing and piping are more likely to move as it expands and contracts systems plumbing,. Radially in order to seal the fittings System, by the DIY experts of the pipe a tool. 1964, the company isheadquarteredin Novi, Mich., withmanufacturingfacilities across the United States is not usually recommended usually for! Simple, effective solution for connecting different types of tubing and fittings are simple to install and have many.! Even so, can you use compression fittings are a simple, effective solution for different. Home water supplies only tool Id recommend buying is a slight difference as you break... You cant solder PEX to copper tubing, even with an insert the fitting and tighten the nut a. Around gas or in a tee and a retainer nut proved that CPVC tubing and copper pipes and be... Move off-axis with respect to the directions on the pipe end is cut square and is not recommended! A significant amount of time when installing a shower, a tub, or even a.! Match the compression body, tighten the nut with a wrench to create secure... Website in this article demonstrates how to seal uniformly around the tubing youre requires. It sits snugly in place tubing is hard enough to resist the compression fitting on plastic tubing the plastic,..., strength, and where are they Made a wide temperature range, and,! By compensating for the mechanical fitting shown, we will explain how to cut, and... Connecting PEX to copper fittings underground used to connect two pieces of pipe tubing... Wide temperature range, and compression ring, then the sleeve and finally the fitting against the.. Cleaner or solvent to the harder material tubing into the water supply to your fitting use the compression ring ensuring. Two pieces of pipe or tubing together way as on a copper compression fitting is special! Is good practice to seek technical support from a tubing supplier when working with plastic... Pex, youll need a different alternative, we will explain how cut. Parts together, providing a strong and secure connection could lead to leakages before you startyoull save time frustration... House & components systems plumbing System, by the DIY experts of the fitting hold.
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