Receiving Helpdesk

how tight should a compression fitting be

by Rusty Bechtelar Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Hold the compression fitting body tightly with a pair of grips and tighten the nut with a spanner. Its often said in the trade to not over tighten a compression fitting, leaving you more thread in the case of a leak and not distorting the olive or fitting. Generally a nut will need one whole turn after hand tightening.

How many turns should you tighten compression fittings?

In the event that you are not happy with the fitting, you can fit a wrench to its body and hold it tight to prevent it from moving. Next, tighten the compression nut using another wrench for not more than a half-turn; the maximum is three-quarter turns.

Can You UN-tighten a compression fitting?

Jan 06, 2020 · Really you should only tighten a compression fitting about 1.25 turns, but I like to do turns in small increments and check for leaks after each turn. You can always tighten a compression fitting more, but you can't un-tighten a compression fitting .

Where do you use compression fittings?

Dec 10, 2018 · For this brand it's 3/4 to 1 turn from finger-tight. "Jointing compounds or sealants are not necessary with PRESTEX fittings; the use of these materials could impair the efficiency of the joint and may contravene local water regulations." 1 turn = 360°.

How tight should compression socks be?

Hold the compression fitting body tightly with a pair of grips and tighten the nut with a spanner. Its often said in the trade to not over tighten a compression fitting, leaving you more thread in the case of a leak and not distorting the olive or fitting. Generally a nut will need one whole turn after hand tightening.

Why does my compression fitting keep leaking?

Over tightening a compression fitting can also cause the fitting to leak. When tightening up the compression fitting, only turn your tool until you feel resistance. From there, you shouldn't turn it anymore than a half a turn. By doing this, you can ensure you'll prevent your compression fitting from leaking.Mar 19, 2019

Should you use Teflon tape on compression fittings?

Also, do not use too much Teflon tape as this could be counterproductive and prevent the joint from sealing properly and/or causing the tape to gum up. DO NOT use Teflon tape under the compression nut or on flare threads of brass compression fittings (or a compression fitting of any other material)!Jan 28, 2022

Can you overtighten a compression joint?

Depends on the size of your spanner for a start. I go by tightening until you "take up the slack" i.e pipe is gripped then max extra 1/2 turn. You can always give it another tweak if it weeps. It is quite easily possible to distort the pipe by overtightening then you are stu**ed.Feb 3, 2004

Can you over tighten pipe fittings?

Over-tightening will also warp the rubber fittings inside the pipes over time, which can increase the risk of leaks. Turn a plumbing fitting only until you feel it tighten, then stop. Continuing to turn past that point can lead to trouble.Sep 12, 2019

What happens when you over tighten a compression fitting?

The tubing will bulge and stick inside of the fitting if the ferrules are overly secure. If you can't disassemble the valve or fitting, it's a good indicator that the connection is much too tight. The only thing to do in this instance is to remove and replace the fitting in question.Dec 3, 2021

Do you need jointing compound on compression fittings?

No jointing compound is needed on compression fitings but it is OK to use if it makes you feel better.Nov 20, 2003

How much pressure can compression fittings hold?

In combination with a high pressure tubing material like steel, large compression fittings can often be used at pressures in excess of 10,000 psig.

How do you loosen tight compression fittings?

You usually have to cut it off.
  1. Shut off the water to the pipe from which you are going to remove the compression fitting.
  2. Hold the male end of the fitting steady with a pair of adjustable pliers. ...
  3. Turn the compression nut counterclockwise relative to the male part of the fitting with another pair of adjustable pliers.

How much pressure can a 3/8 compression fitting hold?

Maximum working pressure is 400 psi.

How tight should not be?

As a general guideline, after hand-tight engagement, tighten 2-3 full turns for sizes up to 1 inches for NPT fittings. You should have between 3.5 and 6 engaged threads. Any number outside of this range may indicate either under or over tightening of the joint or out of tolerance threads.

How do you fit compression olives?

They sit on the pipe in between the compression nut and the main fitting body. Once the fitting is applied the olive is squeezed up against it, then the nut is brought down the pipe and screwed to the fitting. The olive remains inside and as the nut is tightened it grips the pipe to create a water tight seal.

How tight does pipe thread need to be?

In general terms you want to aim for 2 to 3 full turns after hand tight. If it still feels loose, complete another full turn. A lot of plumbers will use both teflon tape and pipe dope. Depending on the thickness of the teflon tape you will want to use 3 to 6 wraps in the direction on the threads.

How many turns does a prestex fitting need?

For this brand it's 3/4 to 1 turn from finger-tight. "Jointing compounds or sealants are not necessary with PRESTEX fittings; the use of these materials could impair the efficiency of the joint and may contravene local water regulations."

Can you use soldered joints on compression fittings?

In my opinion, only use compression fittings where you can't use soldered (capillary) joints for some reason and don't bury them in places where they could leak without being seen.

Can I use LSX on new pipe?

On re-used compression fittings or new fittings onto old pipe I use a light smear of LSX (or the cheaper stuff from screwfix). Shouldn't ever be needed for new fittings onto new pipe, if done properly.

What is the only compression fitting?

The only compression fittings we have are the 3/8" compression fittings that supply lines connect to. You will never see us use a 5/8" compression fitting, those are for hacks. If you can't get the water to shut off enough to solder than get a 5/8" flare adapter/coupling or a propress. There is never any situation you need a 5/8" compression fitting.

How to tighten a 3/8 compression joint?

Now, for 3/8 compression joints I use my 6" channellocks I always keep in my pocket. Dope up the line first, slide on the nut and ferrule, then more dope. When you tighten it you will feel it hit a point where the torque steeply rises. Turn the water on and tighten until the leak stop, then go a scoshe more. Then wiggle that supply line thoroughly to make sure it doesn't leak. If the toilet/floor moves a bit than sit your lard ash on that toilet to test it. If it's a flexible braided supply line I tighten until it won't go anymore.

How to make sure a supply line doesn't leak?

Dope up the line first, slide on the nut and ferrule, then more dope. When you tighten it you will feel it hit a point where the torque steeply rises. Turn the water on and tight en until the leak stop, then go a scoshe more. Then wiggle that supply line thoroughly to make sure it doesn't leak.

What size compression stops do we use for kitchen sinks?

We use almost exclusively 1/2" sweat by 3/8" compression stops. We use the chrome ones with extension tubes and escutcheons if they are exposed, plain brass for under kitchen sinks.

Do you need a 5/8 compression fitting?

If you can't get the water to shut off enough to solder than get a 5/8" flare adapter/coupling or a propress. There is never any situation you need a 5/8" compression fitting. We use almost exclusively 1/2" sweat by 3/8" compression stops.

Can you replace a supply line if disconnected?

We also always replace the supply line if we have disconnected the old one. We would rather comp a 10$ supply line if the customer complains it didn't need to be changed than risk reusing an old one.

Does Oklahoma have compression stops?

Now we have pex valves for the newer homes. Just because your area doesnt do it that way doesnt make us "hacks". :wink:

david31160

I'm still working on my custom loop and have gotten to installing tubing and I'm confused about how tight the fiting ring should be. Should it touch the barb part of fitting? Picture:

ARikozuM

My understanding is just past the point of resistance. No tighter, no looser.

johnny5c

Basically should the fiting with the tube have the compression ring like the one without the tube?

dmoney1942

Also don't forget to put the barb on the tube before putting the tub on the fitting. I slapped myself more times than one when I finally got the tubing on and forgot the dang barb lol

david31160

Also don't forget to put the barb on the tube before putting the tub on the fitting. I slapped myself more times than one when I finally got the tubing on and forgot the dang barb lol

How many turns should I tighten a compression fitting?

Really you should only tighten a compression fitting about 1.25 turns, but I like to do turns in small increments and check for leaks after each turn. You can always tighten a compression fitting more, but you can't un-tighten a compression fitting.

Can you put tape on threads?

You keep going until it seals. Hopefully, you did not use any tape on the threads, as that can cause it to leak, regardless. Sometimes, I'll put a small drop of oil on the threads before assembling the thing and this makes tightening it up a little smoother, but isn't necessary. It's a metal to metal seal...it takes some pressure to make it happen.

How to measure compression garment?

If your physician recommends a compression garment, he or she will advise you on the size and tightness. The physician will measure your ankle, calf and thigh. The distance from your thigh or knee to the ground will also be measured depending on the length of sock you need. At times, the staff at the medical supply store will measure your leg instead of the doctor.

Why don't people like compression hosiery?

Some people do not like compression garments because they struggle to put them on. This creates frustration, and it causes some people to give up on wearing compression hosiery. However, if you choose the right size, compression level and brand, you can find a sock or stocking that works for you.

What is the last category of compression?

The last category of compression is 40-50 mmHg, and it is classified as extra firm. Compression hosiery and socks in this last category are generally only used to treat serious venous conditions. For instance, some patients wear this level of compression sock to treat acute swelling in the legs or ankles.

What is compression sock?

A compression sock is an elastic garment that looks similar to a trouser sock or regular pantyhose, but it fits tighter than both. These socks compress a person’s feet, ankles and lower legs.

Why do people wear compression socks?

Some people also wear them for cosmetic reasons, mostly to reduce the visibility of varicose veins. The socks force blood to circulate through narrower pathways. They compress a person’s surface veins. The arteries and muscles will also be slightly compressed by wearing compression socks.

What are gradient socks?

Gradient socks and anti-embolism socks are two common varieties of compression garments. Gradient socks are designed for increased blood flow in a person’s veins. They fit tightly at the ankle and are made to gradually loosen the higher they go up a person’s leg.

What is the unit of measure used to classify compression socks?

Compression socks come in various levels of pressure. Millimeters of mercury ( mmHg) is used to measure pressure, and it’s the same unit of measure used to classify compression socks. You’ll be able to choose from compression socks with 8mmHg all the way up to 40mmHg. Your compression socks should fit snugly.

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