Compression Fittings

A compression fitting is a mechanical coupler that is used to join two pipes or a pipe to a valve or plumbing fixture. The fitting is consists of a compression nut, a compression seat, and a compression ring. When the nut is screwed to the seat, it squeezes the compression ring around the pipe and creates a water tight connection.

The benefits of compression fittings are that they do not require tricky soldering or threaded connections. You simply tighten the nut until you feel resistance and then tighten it an additional half turn. Test the line buy turning the water on slightly and if it leaks, tighten it an additional quarter turn. Repeat until there is no leak. Compression fittings also allow sections of pipe and fixtures to be removed and reinstalled easily.

There is a price to be paid for this ease of installation and disassembly, however. Compression fittings are prone to leakage if you bump or move the pipes once they are connected. A well-soldered pipe can be jockeyed about to get it in position but a pipe using compression fittings must remain stationary.

If you do decide to use compression fittings, be sure they are new. Old, used compression fittings tend to stretch and loose their clamping ability. Most old compression fittings are destroyed when removing them anyway. The compression nut is removed and the compression ring is cut carefully with a fine toothed saw to avoid damaging the pipe itself.

For assistance in choosing the right fitting for your application, call Mies Plumbing. We’re happy to help you make a lasting connection.