Tips For Using A Compression Fitting

By Scott Rodgers

Compression fitting is a type of coupling that is used to connect two pipes or a pipe to a fixture or valve. Generally compression fittings are user-friendly, but if you do not follow some precautions then you could easily end up with a leaky connection.

In compression fitting you will get 3 parts, a cap-shaped compression nut, the compression ring and the compression seat. When you need to make a connection using this compression fitting, screw together the cap shaped nut and compression seat. In this way, ring is properly grasped by nut, seat and the pipe that you are connecting.

Normally compression fittings are used with a metal pipe. While connecting the fitting to any metal pipe, screw it tightly so that the ring makes a tight connection with the tube. While attaching this fitting, tube is also packed well with the fitting. When these fittings are used for a plastic tube, a metal tube sleeve should also be put to strengthen the connection.

Solid brass compression fittings are usually found to be costly but they last long. On the other hand, copper compression fittings are cheap to buy.

Compression fittings can be used for doing any kind of connection like at some places soldering torch or heating devices can not be used to do the connection, but you can use the compression fitting. Also if you want a temporary connection, you can use compression fitting as it can be easily removed.

For these fittings you don't need to spend much money and you can easily get these fittings in market. These fittings are not disturbed by high pressure or any of the poisonous gas. These pipes can be easily attached as they don't need soldering.

While counting the disadvantages of this fitting, the feature that tops the list is that it is not robust in nature. The connection done using this fitting should not be disturbed as little movement in pipe could result into a leakage.

Lastly, it is not a good idea to reuse compression fittings as after one time use, they create a connection along their own concentric shape. Due to this, the connection will not be strong as earlier. Therefore it is suggested to replace it with new one. - 30517

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