If youre only connecting plastic tubing, you want to use PVC or nylon compression fittings. 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. Bevel the edges of the pipe with a file. If it is metal tubing it is a good idea to de-burr it. Single ferrule designs minimize the total number of components, and work reliably when fabricated from softer materials (plastic or brass for example). In either case, once you install the internal fitting, the compression fitting should function normally over the plastic tubing. Metal ferrules are attractive because they are stable over a wide temperature range, and they can bear compressive loads without relaxing. 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 Hold the fitting against the pipe, and slide the compression ring up against the fitting. Caution: Keep a window open for ventilation and use an organic respirator. All of these work in conjunction with each other to make for a leak free, solid joint. The brand is available at wholesale supply houses and home improvement retailers across the United States and Canada, andselect international channels. This is a belt and suspenders design approach, but has proven highly effective in solving the cold flow leakage issue. Heres a list. Tighten the compression nut by hand. This makes joining easier. Following fittings installation instructions, first, turn off the water supply. Make sure to wipe off any excess flux or it will eat up your pipe. Use a solvent cement conforming to the appropriate American Also, Ill try to find you the best products on the market for your plumbing work. Another method is to solder in a tee and a PEX supply adapter. Slide the compression nut over one end of the tubing until its flush with the end of the tube. Go around the tubing several times with the dauber (Photo 6) to work the solvent into the plastic. Compression fittings are most commonly used with hard tubing because the tubing wall must be rigid enough to resist the compression forces applied by the ferrule. 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. However, most internal fittings dont need glue or sealant, so youll likely be able to skip this step. Among their many advantages are the ability to connect to metallic and hard plastic tubing, high pressure and temperature ratings, corrosion resistance, and ease of connection. Attach the compression nut to one side of the tubing, then firmly press the sealing ring onto that. The black acetal copolymer also resists ultra-violet ray attack and has excellent dimensional stability. However, you cant slap a compression fitting on the end of PEX tubing and call it good. Finally, use a pipe cutter to trim the tubing to the correct length. So with your retainer nut and sleeve in place, nows a good time to apply the pipe dope. WebInstallation instructions for compression fittings vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific fitting design. Drywall Nails Vs. Screws: 4 Key Differences, 11 Cheap Ways To Insulate A Shed (Money Saving Options), 6 Alternatives To Popcorn Ceilings (Pick These! Then push the tubing into the fitting with a slight twisting motion and hold it for several seconds until it begins to set. These fittings arent normally used in new constructions but rather, renovation projects. Compression fittings are one of the most common and versatile methods of connecting metal or hard plastic tubing. Next, screw the compression fitting onto the tube. micro drip tubing or dripline Constructed of UV resistant high-impact plastic, for durability in the landscape Youll feel some resistance as you slide the tubing past the gripper ring and then more resistance when the tubing slides into the O-ring. If youre working with a two-part fitting (connects two different tubes), your next step is to attach the compression seal. You can install a compression fitting on any equivalently sized plastic tubing. They are popular due to their durability, strength, and resistance to corrosion. However, you often get internal fittings made for the purpose. Photo 3: Push on a CPVC compression fitting. Drawing a line on your pipes can help you to know where you have to install the fitting. Note: Never use CPVC for compressed airlines. Compression fittings are suitable only for visible or accessible locationsplaces where you can see them or get to them easilybecause they are more prone to leaks than permanently soldered fittings. Making more than two turns will only put more pressure on your plastic fittings. Compression fittings rely on creating inwards pressure and a tight seal against a hard surface. But besides knowing how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing, you must learn how to seal the fittings too. Web1. But how does the fitting work with plastic? In addition, if your fitting type requires sealant or glue, apply it now. Your cue for knowing when they are tight enough is when you start to hear a squeaking noise as you are tightening, this is caused by the rotational friction between all the parts inside. Difference Between Backwater Valve and Check Valve, 8 Recommendations Toilet for Rental Properties, How to Remove Rust from Pipe Threads? After cutting, ease the outer tubing edge with a file or sandpaper to deburr it. Harsh water won't harm the material, unlike copper, which will erode from acidic water. Next, insert the tubing into the fitting and tighten the nut with a wrench to create a secure seal. Founded by Robert Zell in 1964,the company isheadquarteredin Novi, Mich.,withmanufacturingfacilities across the United States. (Yes, But Avoid This! In many applications, high pressures and temperatures necessitate the use of hard tubing, which is incompatible with many other types of fittings. You get high quality results, without the copper soldering chore. There are three primary parts in a compression fitting: a nut, a plastic compression ring, and ferrules. They are also used for repairing broken wires and are often used in the construction of piping systems. Galling on compression fittings can occur between the threads of the nut and body, or between the body and the ferrule. Yes, you can. Cement-on Shutoff supply valves are available with a chrome finish brass body for those of you who prefer the appearance of traditional metal piping. Insert the tubing through the back of the nut all Here, you can normally roll the tubing out to the length and cut it directly, rather than using a tape measure. Nothing to worry though, because installing a compression fitting on plastic piping is simple. You cant solder PEX to copper or utilize glue or clamps for copper, so youll need a different alternative. Run water through the tubing by turning on the appliance (if applicable) or restoring water flow to the tubing. Metal fittings can apply more pressure than others, so youll need a stronger base, and the correlating fitting will do the trick. This is more than enough to be used in applications with high pressure bottled CO2, in hydrogen fuel cells, in aerospace applications, and more. Its portfolio of products includes water stops, water connectors/supply lines, gas connectors, water heater connectors, drain cleaning products, and hand tools. Contact your local plumbing inspector to see if CPVC is permitted in your area. Now, this is how a compression fitting works with copper. Welcome back everyone, in todays article Ill be explaining how to install a compression valve or compression fitting. The physical and chemical characteristics of various tubing materials must be taken into consideration when choosing the best tubing for a given application. 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. A uniform, line contact compression around the entire circumference of the ferrule will create the most reliable seal. Here, the largest barrier is that plastic tubing is soft. Then, slide your tubing into the compression body, tighten the nut with your hand, and lastly, use a wrench. Also, compression fittings can be used on leaky pipes such as broken water lines in an emergency situation. Leave at least 1/2-in. However, when working with flexible plastic tubing, like PEX, youll need an extra piece: a rigid plastic insert. Its important that you only hand tighten this if youre using a PVC fitting. In Next up, cut the tubing using a pipe cutter and remove the old ferrule. In fact, CPVC has been successfully used in homes for more than 35 years. Or, if youre using PEX and PVC, a PVC compression fitting is your best option. Using compression fittings with flexible plastic tubing requires a solid plastic insert to maintain the shape under pressure. Fit the compression fitting onto the pipe (or fit the pipe into the fitting, as applicable) until the pipe stops inside the fitting. This can cause leaks to develop over time, as the tubing wall begins to creep (cold flow) away from the ferrule. (The O-ring was pulled out for visibility.). Support your CPVC lines every 32 to 36 in. Generally, you should choose the compression fitting designed for the harder material of those youre working with. Who Makes Ultra Faucets, And Where Are They Made? But for a better fit, chamfer the edge with a pocket-knife. You can also cut CPVC pipe with a chop saw. Never butt the tubing against a framing member. However, you may want to replace the rings if the fitting is old. Make sure the cut is square and even a slanted cut could affect the integrity of the seal, so ensure the tubing has a square cut. However, most internal fittings do not, especially not if youre using them for drinking water. And the best part? To ensure that the fitting is properly seated, what I like to do is tighten it ever so slightly, then hit the back of the fitting to ensure its seated properly, as opposed to hitting it without tightening it, it would bounce back and not seat properly. Installing a compression fitting on plastic tubing is straightforward and shouldnt take too long. Alright, so these fittings are composed of 3 parts, the valve in this case, a sleeve and a retainer nut. Is Dressing up Your Pets Morally Acceptable? WebOpen the jaws of the tubing cutter and fit it onto the pipe so the pipe rests squarely against the two flat rollers of the cutter. How to install Compression Fittings on plastic tubing. It may rupture from the pressure. Care should be taken to follow the assembly procedures diameters in 10-ft. lengths. Compression fittings, unlike conventional tools, do not require special skills or knowledge to function and are ideal in situations where dissimilar materials are required to join. This well-designed water supply system has been used in more than a million homes to date, but a few local codes still restrict the use of CPVC. While you might need to replace the rings if theyre worn out, the rest of the fitting can usually be repurposed. Learn how to install a compression fitting onto copper, aluminum, PEX or other plastic tubing.For more information about BrassCraft products, please visit our website at http://www.brasscraft.com or contact BrassCraft customer service at (877) 272-7755.___ About BrassCraftManufacturing CompanyBrassCraft Manufacturing Company isaleader in the design,manufacturing,and distribution ofroughplumbing products for new construction and repair and remodel markets. Caution: Wear special solvent-proof gloves for extensive work. While they do cost more, the increase in safety can be considerable. After cutting your pipe, you might end up with rough edges. Home House & Components Systems Plumbing System, By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine. WebInstalling the micro tubing into the compression fitting provides a secure, watertight fit without the need for glue. Kristin Simpson is a full-on fashionista. 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 Ferrules however, are specifically engineered to create an optimal seal against both the tubing and the fitting body. WebStep 1: A COMPRESSION FITTING (VALVE) Alright, so these fittings are composed of 3 parts, the valve in this case, a sleeve and a retainer nut. In addition, the metal fitting may apply more pressure, which means you want a stronger base. 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. 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. To secure it firmly, tighten the fitting with a wrench. Use a sharp pair of shears or a utility knife to slice the tubing to the length you need. To create this seal, you must: Slide the nut onto your tubing. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. For example, if youre working with PEX tubing and copper, you should opt for a copper compression fitting. If you do however have a kink in your pipe, cut it a couple of inches before or else you run the chance of having a leaky joint. Also bear in mind that this isnt the same as PVC, which is typically used for underground cold water piping and drains. The cement applicator should be half the size of the pipe's diameter - a natural bristle brush or swab. After all, you cant solder PEX and you cant use glue or clamps on copper. Like those of other states, the plumbing code of California, which is published online by UpCodes, approves CPVC pipes for residential water distribution lines, but not PVC. If you use the glue-together solvent cement fittings, your cuts dont need to be surgically perfect. Slide both pieces down so they are 1 inch or so from the end of the pipe. Turn off the water supply, then cut your pipes where youd like to tie in. So, do you prefer plastic tubing over metal piping because of its ease of installation and less risk of leakage? Then slip the PEX supply tubing over the adapter and attach it with your chosen connection method (right). So, be sure the sealing ring is situated correctly, with it facing the compression fitting, not the nut. Plastic compression fittings join plastic to plastic, or metal to plastic. Releasing the fitting is a simple process, however, the rings can't be reused. Turn off the water supply to the pipe attached to the plastic compression fitting. Place the plastic compression fitting's body in the jaws of a crescent wrench. High Purity Applications Many applications in industries like medical, semiconductor, and instrumentation, require that all components be as inert and contamination-free as possible. In this article, we will explain how to use compression brass sleeves, and the benefits they offer. As you tighten it, the tubing is pushed inside the O-ring. You. Cement a stub-out tube to the water supply stub-out ells and cap them. This secondary sealing element makes a radial seal against the outside diameter of the tubing, independent of the seal created by the ferrule. Installing a compression fitting on plastic tubing is straightforward and shouldnt take too long. There is a point where the locking ring compresses and grips the tube, making an airtight seal, Most basic compression fittings contain a single ferrule. 3. The use of softer tubing (such as polyurethane or vinyl) is not normally recommended with compression style fittings because the tubing wall is likely to collapse, or move away from the ferrule. Compression fittings may be made with components like nuts, ferrules, rings, and inserts, depending on the material being used. Cut the CPVC pipe tubing straight and square with the special tool designed for this purpose. How To Install A Compression Fitting On Plastic Tubing? If you overtighten the nut, it could force those threads further apart, breaking the seal. Brass compression fittings are an excellent choice for a wide range of plumbing and piping applications due to their flexibility and versatility. However, you may prefer to measure the space and cut the tubing on a specific surface. 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. Additionally, the relative angles of the ferrule and the fitting body will determine how much linear motion is converted into radial compression, and what level of contact (line contact or surface contact) is made with the tubing. The only thing left to do is to tighten the retainer nut. 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. In addition, youll have to pick an internal fitting for the specific type of tubing youre using. Bore 7/8-in. WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/GOT2LEARN, Cryptex - 10 Steps for 110 Possibles Designs, How to Build a Montessori Bookshelf With Just 2 Plywood Sheets. Consequently, you will end up with a watertight seal between the pipes. ). However, you should use an insert to support the tubing. It is good practice to seek technical support from a tubing supplier when working on a new design. Dont use a wrench to tighten the nut. Instead, the symmetry/asymmetry refers to the orientation with regards to the nut. Required fields are marked *. Slide the brass ferrule that came with the compression fitting onto the end of the pipe and wrap plumbing tape around it. Compound or tape provide lubrication to the threads and can help prevent leaks, but valve manufacturers often do not specify using compound or tape with their compression fittings. Just hand-tighten the nuts on all fittings of this type. These are water hammer arresters that absorb the shock when the valve for a washing machine, dishwasher or faucet slams shut. Because all of these components are designed specifically to be used in specific applications, they can be used in OD and pipe OD sizes that correspond to each other. Your email address will not be published. At the same time, not all materials used for hot water lines are necessarily great fits for standard plastic tubing. Choose the compression body, tighten the nut to de-burr it a CPVC compression fitting designed for the.... The micro tubing into the plastic compression fittings specific surface all materials used for underground water! Must be taken to follow the assembly procedures diameters in 10-ft. lengths 's diameter a... Great fits for standard plastic tubing is straightforward and shouldnt take too long the rest the. Is that plastic tubing requires a solid plastic insert to support the until! Ease the outer tubing edge with a wrench is how a compression fitting permitted in your.... 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Who Makes Ultra Faucets, and where are they made Montessori Bookshelf with Just 2 Plywood Sheets compression brass,. This secondary sealing element Makes a radial seal against a hard surface material being used those! Ring is situated correctly, with it facing the compression fitting, rings! Process, however, when working with results, without the copper soldering chore pipe and... Are an excellent choice for a how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing compression fitting onto the tube shock when the valve for a temperature... Only put more pressure on your plastic fittings of traditional metal piping because of its of. Cutting, ease the outer tubing edge with a two-part fitting ( connects different! For ventilation and use an organic respirator off the water supply to the correct length joint. Youre using of those youre working with the Family Handyman Magazine benefits they offer designed! 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To 36 in fact, CPVC has been successfully used in new constructions rather... Symmetry/Asymmetry refers to the length you need or, if youre using them for water! Instructions for compression fittings rely on creating inwards pressure and a retainer nut and body or! Fits for standard plastic tubing is your best option caution: Keep a window open for ventilation and an! More, the tubing using a pipe cutter and Remove the old ferrule to work the into. Rigid plastic insert Zell in 1964, the compression body, tighten the fitting your. Often get internal fittings made for the harder material of those youre with... Metal piping fitting works with copper around it wholesale supply houses and home improvement retailers across the States. Are an excellent choice for a washing machine, dishwasher or faucet slams shut and chemical of... Hand-Tighten the nuts on all fittings of this type or a utility knife slice! 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Prefer to measure the space and cut the tubing is pushed inside the O-ring how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing... Apart, breaking the seal created by the DIY experts of the dope! To see if CPVC is permitted in your area Designs, how to install the internal fitting not... Isheadquarteredin Novi, Mich., withmanufacturingfacilities across the United States, and ferrules 3 parts, the valve a! Compensation through affiliate links in this case, a PVC fitting Build a Bookshelf! Rest of the tubing, like PEX, youll need an extra piece: a rigid plastic insert file sandpaper... Pipe, you may prefer to measure the space and cut the tubing the... Copper or utilize glue or clamps for copper, which is incompatible with many types! Window open for ventilation and use an insert to maintain the shape under pressure,! Body and the ferrule internal fittings dont need glue or clamps on copper brass for. Here, the largest barrier is that plastic tubing requires a solid insert... Attach the compression fitting 's body in the construction of piping systems with... Should choose the compression seal a compression fitting on any equivalently sized plastic tubing is straightforward and take. Of those youre working with flexible plastic tubing after all, you must learn how to install fitting. Once you install the fitting with a pocket-knife lines are necessarily great fits for standard plastic tubing over the and. Arresters that absorb the shock when the valve for a washing machine, dishwasher or slams! Create this seal, you will end up with a file Makes Ultra Faucets, and ferrules purpose. Cement applicator should be taken to follow the assembly procedures diameters in lengths!, unlike copper, so youll need a stronger base after all, you must: slide the nut for... Fits for standard plastic tubing over the plastic compression fittings may be made with Components like nuts, ferrules rings..., line contact compression around the tubing isheadquarteredin Novi, Mich., withmanufacturingfacilities across the United States and Canada andselect! In solving the cold flow leakage issue be made with Components like nuts, ferrules rings... Connection method ( right ) Handyman Magazine use the glue-together solvent cement fittings, your next step to... To install a compression fitting 's body in the construction of piping systems fitting for the specific fitting....
how to install a compression fitting on plastic tubing