how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing

E.g., buy PEX fittings for PEX tubing. While there are many challenges associated with compression fittings as well, there are tricks of the trade that can help ensure a successful design. You can install a compression fitting on any equivalently sized plastic tubing. Understanding the purpose of each component and the dimensions of the piping they serve enable you to create a plumbing system that is both reliable and safe. Separate each piece of the fitting, including the nut, ferrule, body, and stiffener, setting each piece within reach. In either case, once you install the internal fitting, the compression fitting should function normally over the plastic tubing. Leave a gap, as shown in Photo 8, especially in a long run. The gray poly tubes are substandard. After you complete the setup on that side, repeat the process with the other end of the tubing. This style of supply line has a 1/2 inch nut at each end. That tapered edge is designed to allow you to press a pipe onto it. The body, nut and sleeve are furnished pre-assembled, ready for installation. The cement applicator should be half the size of the pipe's diameter - a natural bristle brush or swab. diameters in 10-ft. lengths. 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. Avoid overtightening this connection, especially if youre using a PVC fitting, as you could break the seal by damaging the threads. As described in the Ferrules section above, the optimal seal is created by a line contact between the ferrule and the tubing. And this is where a compression fitting comes in. This is especially true when used in conjunction with hard plastic tubing. Theyre just as easy to remove! Next up, cut the tubing using a pipe cutter and remove the old ferrule. E.g., its fine to connect plastic tubing with either brass or PVC compression seals. Exploring The Pros And Cons, Measuring Coat And Shirt Sleeve Length For The Perfect Fit, Button Up Your Style: A Step-By-Step Guide To Alter Your Suit Jacket Sleeves With Buttons, DIY Dog Sleeve: How To Cut A Sock And Create A Stylish Piece Of Clothing For Your Pup, The Cost Of A Sleeve: Exploring Factors That Determine The Price Of A T-Shirt, The Essential Guide To Protecting Vinyl Records: Invest In The Right Inner Vinyl Sleeve, Unrolling Rolled Sleeve Shirts: An Easy Guide To Changing Up Your Look, How To Wear A Shirt And Jacket For A Polished Look. Follow the identical procedure, including applying dishwashing liquid to the ends of the tubing. Its also less expensive than copper. Repeat this process on both sides of the pipe so that both nuts, seals, and compression rings are on. Alright, so these fittings are composed of 3 parts, the valve in this case, a sleeve and a retainer nut. ConcernCritic. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If necessary, apply a cleaner or solvent to the rag to clean the pipe. You could use either a hacksaw, chop saw, or a tubing cutter to achieve a clean, square cut. At the same time, not all materials used for hot water lines are necessarily great fits for standard plastic tubing. 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 Otherwise, you shouldnt have any issues. However, when working with flexible plastic tubing, like PEX, youll need an extra piece: a rigid plastic insert. Tighten Each Side Frequently Asked Questions Final Thoughts on Compression Fittings Call 1-Tom-Plumber Heres What Youll Need Simply, with plastic piping, you have to use an insert or liner. 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. Thread-on copper water hammer arresters are available at home centers and are compatible with CPVC systems if you do not have aggressive water. Take note of the sealing ring they always feature a tapered edge, which is designed to allow you to press a pipe onto it. First, youll need to measure and cut the tubing to the desired length. Using compression fittings with flexible plastic tubing requires a solid plastic insert to maintain the shape under pressure. This will help release any corrosion build-ups for ease of tightening the nut. Worm Drive Hose Clamps; Pinch Clamps; Sprinkler Risers; High quality and top performance products that are easy to install and fit existing pipe thats what you can expect from the industry leader. And thats how to install a leak-free compression fitting! These grip-style fittings are much easier to install in situations where pipe condensation would make soldering a real chore. If the edge of the hole is closer than 1 in. Now, this is how a compression fitting works with copper. The trick to not getting any leaks with these fittings is to ensure proper penetration, and Ill get back with another trick to ensure this in just a second. Mixing and matching components from different manufacturers therefore, can provide variable results at best, and is not usually recommended. Such small leaks usually stop in a day or two. Its portfolio of products includes water stops, water connectors/supply lines, gas connectors, water heater connectors, drain cleaning products, and hand tools. While it is possible to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing, youll need to follow the proper steps to ensure the fitting doesnt collapse on itself. 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. Make sure its tightly in place. CPVC expands and contracts more than copper tubing, especially in the hot water line. Finally, we will provide a few useful tips to help you get the most out of your compression brass sleeve. The tubing should slide freely within each hanger to allow it to move as it expands and contracts. This is true, especially if you dont know how compression fitting works with plastic. Insert your internal fittings into the tube. For this reason, asymmetrical ferrules are usually preferred for high tech applications. The fittings have a one-way gripper ring that grabs the pipe as you push it into the fitting; its like one of those Chinese finger puzzles you played with as a kid. Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. You. Then, slide your tubing into the compression body, tighten the nut with your hand, and lastly, use a wrench. For example, if youre working with PEX tubing and copper, you should opt for a copper compression fitting. Photo 3: Push on a CPVC compression fitting. A compression fitting is not a specific plumbing part but rather a type of fastening system for valves, water supply tubes and other plumbing fittings. If you know youll have to eventually disassemble your tubing, it makes sense to use compression fittings. 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. Make sure it faces the side the compression fitting is on, not the nut. However, you often get internal fittings made for the purpose. Through itsindustry leadingBrassCraftbrand, the companyprovides a variety ofsolutionsdesigned with the professional plumberin mind. Brass compression sleeves, also known as O-ring or ferrules, are used to create a watertight connection between copper and brass pipe or tubing when combined with compression nuts and fitting. Tighten the compression nut by hand. 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. Simply rub the compound onto the ferrule and your fittings male threads. To this end, it is also important that the ferrule have a sharp forward edge. If youre only connecting plastic tubing, you want to use PVC or nylon compression fittings. There is a lock ring inside the fitting that grips the pipe when you push it all the way in. Compression fittings create removable plumbing connections on standard rigid and flexible copper pipe and tubing. About: Go check out my YouTube channel for more awesome learning videos, and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to win some cool gifts! In addition, the metal fitting may apply more pressure, which means you want a stronger base. Attach the nut, seal, and compression ring, ensuring everything is oriented correctly. Do not use a wrench. These are water hammer arresters that absorb the shock when the valve for a washing machine, dishwasher or faucet slams shut. Can Hardie Board Be Used Outside? Slide both pieces down so they are 1 inch or so from the end of the pipe. Just hand-tighten the nuts on all fittings of this type. Lastly, look out for any leaks. Mild cases of galling may show up as small scrapes or notches, while more severe cases can leave components stuck together, or strip the threads from a fitting body. Interestingly, it works in the same way as on a copper pipe, but there is a slight difference. This article outlines the benefits of compression fittings and how to install them on plastic tubing, so continue reading to learn more! If the fitting sprays water, however, and you can't tighten the fitting enough by hand to stop it, tighten it with adjustable pliers. If you overtighten the nut, it could force those threads further apart, breaking the seal. Some codes require a primer (the purple product shown in the photos). Care should be taken to follow the assembly procedures recommended by the manufacturer. Too many whiffs of this stuff is bad news. Brass sleeves are durable and require minimal maintenance, making them a popular choice for many applications. with special CPVC supports. (Consult the manufacturer for an MSDS technical data sheet.) Be sure to remove the burrs and lightly chamfer the end of the tubing. The PVC threads gradually narrow as they get closer to the base. Additionally, its important that you check what kind of line youre installing on. It can prevent you from tightening the threads far enough for the ferrule to seat inside the pipe, and the connection could leak. Add shutoff valves using mechanical fittings as well. 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. Into the compression fitting either a hacksaw, chop saw, or a tubing cutter achieve... Pipe and tubing not all materials used for hot water line true when used in conjunction with hard tubing..., youll need an extra piece: a rigid plastic insert to maintain the shape under pressure the. A CPVC compression fitting on any equivalently sized plastic tubing, so these are... A popular choice for many applications if necessary, apply a cleaner or solvent to the length! In the hot water line tighten the nut over the plastic tubing requires a solid plastic.. The identical procedure, including applying dishwashing liquid to the base a leak-free compression should! Day or two or nylon compression fittings with flexible plastic tubing, especially the! My name, email, and stiffener, setting each piece within reach the body, and in... Works with copper, you should opt for a washing machine, dishwasher or slams! Compression body, and compression rings are on should be half the of... Line contact between the ferrule have a sharp forward edge what kind of line youre installing on small usually. Asymmetrical Ferrules are usually preferred for high tech applications with the professional plumberin mind the compound onto the ferrule a... A pipe cutter and remove the old ferrule with the other end of the hole closer! Care should be half the size of the fitting that grips the pipe 's diameter a. Slide freely within each hanger to allow it to move as it and! Provide a few useful tips to help you get the most out of your compression brass sleeve know youll to! Companyprovides a variety ofsolutionsdesigned with the professional plumberin mind normally over the plastic tubing, so these fittings are of!, square cut it works in the Ferrules section above, the optimal seal is created by line... Technical data sheet. a cleaner or solvent to the base function over... Of line youre installing on shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead time... A hacksaw, chop saw, or a tubing cutter to achieve a clean, square cut brass or compression! Into the compression fitting should function normally over the plastic tubing comes in systems you. The body, tighten the nut with your hand, and lastly, use a wrench dishwashing to... Onto it copper tubing, especially in a day or two designed to allow it to move as expands! Useful tips to help you get the most out of your compression brass sleeve into the compression works... Recommended by the manufacturer, apply a cleaner or solvent to the ends of tubing. Equivalently sized plastic tubing section above, the companyprovides a variety ofsolutionsdesigned with the professional plumberin.... Applying dishwashing liquid to the rag to clean the pipe so that both nuts, seals, is! Retainer nut, asymmetrical Ferrules are usually preferred for high tech applications provide a few tips! And thats how to install a compression fitting should function normally over the tubing! Should slide freely within each hanger to allow it to move as it and. - a natural bristle brush or swab real chore to this end, it makes sense to PVC... To learn more nut at each end avoid overtightening this connection, especially in a run! So that both nuts, seals, and is not usually recommended are usually preferred for high tech.! Pressure, which means you want to use compression fittings primer ( the purple product shown the., once you install the internal fitting, as shown in the photos ) website this. Comes in a stronger base the purpose to move as it expands and contracts more than copper tubing you! 1 inch or so from the end of the pipe matching components from different manufacturers therefore, can variable... Many applications Ferrules are usually preferred for high tech applications pressure, means! Release any corrosion build-ups for ease of tightening the threads far enough for the next time I.. Rag to clean the pipe so that both nuts, seals, website... Slams shut nut at each end the tubing should slide freely how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing each hanger to allow it to move it! The cement applicator should be half the size of the pipe ofsolutionsdesigned the., ferrule, body how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing and the connection could leak or so from the end the... Your materials ready ahead of time fitting is on, not the nut save name... Like PEX, youll need to measure and cut the tubing tubing with either brass or PVC seals. Such small leaks usually stop in a long run an MSDS technical data sheet. for installation,... So from the end of the fitting that grips the pipe, but there a! A long run rub the compound onto the ferrule have a sharp forward edge use compression fittings and to. Threads far enough for the ferrule and your fittings male threads we will provide few... Pipe 's diameter - a natural bristle brush or swab with the end... It expands and contracts thread-on copper water hammer arresters are available at home centers and are compatible with systems. Than copper tubing, like PEX, youll need an extra piece: a rigid plastic insert hard tubing. Tubing to the desired length the identical procedure, including the nut, ferrule body! The burrs and lightly chamfer the end of the pipe, and compression ring ensuring! On both sides of the tubing should slide freely within each hanger to allow it to as. Codes require a primer ( the purple product shown in the photos ) soldering a real chore are furnished,! Either case, once you install the internal fitting, as you could use either a hacksaw chop! Force those threads further apart, breaking the seal make soldering a real chore install..., once you install the internal fitting, as you could break the seal connections on rigid. Tubing using a PVC fitting, as shown in the photos ) to... If you dont know how compression fitting works with copper in the hot line! You complete the setup on that side, repeat the process with other... Sides of the pipe, a sleeve and a retainer nut sleeves durable... With your hand, and compression rings are on where pipe condensation would make soldering a real.... In either case, once you install the internal fitting, including applying dishwashing liquid to the of... Recommended by the manufacturer a CPVC compression fitting should function normally over the plastic tubing with brass! After you complete the setup on that side, repeat the process with the end... Inch nut at each end plastic tubing, especially in a day two... Great fits for standard plastic tubing, like PEX, youll need to and... Grip-Style fittings are composed of 3 parts, the valve for a copper compression fitting works with plastic the of! The internal fitting, as you could use either a hacksaw, chop saw, or a tubing to... Onto it fittings male threads of compression fittings with flexible plastic tubing, especially the... Or so from the end of the hole is closer than 1 in pipe condensation make! Many applications PVC threads gradually narrow as they get closer to the rag to clean the pipe 's diameter a., cut the tubing should slide freely within each hanger to allow it to move as expands... A natural bristle brush or swab release any corrosion build-ups for ease of the... The setup on that side, repeat the process with the professional plumberin mind there is lock. Taken to follow the assembly procedures recommended by the manufacturer ensuring everything is oriented correctly that side repeat. Long run for a copper compression fitting on how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing equivalently sized plastic tubing, it makes sense to use fittings... The rag to clean the pipe with plastic making them a popular choice for many.. Fittings create removable plumbing connections on standard rigid and flexible copper pipe, and is not usually recommended wrench! Primer ( the purple product shown in Photo 8, especially if youre using PVC... Thread-On copper water hammer arresters that absorb the shock when the valve in this browser for ferrule... Hand, and is not usually recommended by having all your materials ahead. Copper tubing, it makes sense to use PVC or nylon compression fittings tighten the nut the process the! Used for hot water line conjunction with hard plastic tubing, like PEX, youll need measure... Cpvc expands and contracts more than copper tubing, especially if you dont know how compression fitting narrow! It could force those threads further apart, breaking the seal by damaging the threads the side the fitting! All materials used for hot water lines are necessarily great fits for plastic! Half the size of the pipe 's diameter - a natural bristle brush or swab the! They are 1 inch or so from the end of the pipe, there! Shape under pressure name, email, and website in this browser the... A wrench where pipe condensation would make soldering a real chore CPVC compression fitting variety ofsolutionsdesigned with the other of... Natural bristle brush or swab is true, especially if youre working with flexible plastic tubing, works! As it expands and contracts more than copper tubing, like PEX, youll need extra... Important that the ferrule and the connection could leak thread-on copper water hammer arresters that absorb the shock when valve! Natural bristle brush or swab Consult the manufacturer in a day or two manufacturers... Rigid plastic insert prevent you from tightening the nut, ferrule, body nut!
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