Considering Replacing Your Old Soldered Pipe Fittings With Brass Compression Fittings

If you're considering replacing your old soldered pipe fittings with Brass compression fittings, there are several things to consider. They are safer than soldered fittings, are more universally compatible, and can be used with a wider range of pipe types. The downside is that they're not as durable as soldered fittings. But they do have some benefits that make them an excellent choice for most situations. Read on to find out more.

Brass compression fittings are a safer alternative to soldering

Compression fittings are used to connect plastic or copper pipes. They are bulky and expensive compared to other types of pipe joining, and they may turn or cause leaks. Plumbers sometimes use jointing compound or PTFE tape to seal the joint. These products may not be safe for underground applications. In addition, brass fittings should not be used in underground applications. The use of jointing compound or PTFE tape should only be done when a plumbing contractor is confident that the installation will not disrupt the plumbing.

Soldering is the preferred method when a pipe joint needs to be fixed in an inaccessible place. It is safer because the joints are much stronger and less likely to separate. However, there are a few drawbacks to using solder. First, it requires a blowtorch to heat the joint, which can cause a fire. Secondly, soldering requires proper preparation of the pipe and fittings. Clean surfaces with wire wool before joining the two parts.

They are compatible with a wider range of pipe types

In general, brass compression fittings are compatible with more types of pipe than any other material. Among the many types of brass fittings, CA360 brass compression fittings are the most popular. These fittings are designed to connect low and medium-pressure tubing and comply with ASME and FDA standards. They are also more durable than most plastic pipe fittings, and their OD is correspondingly smaller than that of the plastic tube.

Compression fittings consist of a nut on the outside and an inner ring, also known as an olive. Typically made of copper or brass, the ferrule has beveled edges. The nut and olive must be oriented in such a way that they are securely fitted. Copper olives, on the other hand, cannot be fitted incorrectly, as their longest face must be turned away from the nut.

They are better suited to water hammer and vibration applications

A number of factors determine whether compression fittings are suitable for water hammer and vibration applications. The design of the fitting, the ferrule used, and the tubing type selected will all determine the success of the connection. While basic designs are sufficient for lower pressures, high-pressure applications require more robust components and a better seal. Brass compression fittings are the preferred choice for these high-pressure applications.

Most basic compression fittings use one ferrule to connect the ferrule to the body. Single ferrule designs minimize the number of components in a fitting, and are often reliable when used with softer materials. But a single ferrule design also introduces a problem: torque is transferred from the compression nut to the ferrule, leading to rotation and asymmetrical movement of the nut and ferrule over time. This can lead to galling and can even strip threads from the fitting body.

They are less robust than soldered fittings

As the name suggests, these types of compression fittings are used to join copper or plastic pipe. They are relatively bulky and cost more than other joining methods. These types of fittings can be less robust, as they can cause leaks and turn if they are not properly installed. Plumbers commonly use PTFE tape or jointing compound to seal the joints, but manufacturers don't recommend it. Additionally, they aren't recommended for use underground.

Compression fittings are generally less durable than soldered fittings, but their flexibility makes them an excellent choice for many applications. Because they have only two entry points, reassembling them is easy. The first step is to loosen the compression nut. Once you have loosen the nut, re-assemble the fitting using the same steps. Once you are finished, you can replace the ferrule and the fitting body to achieve a leak-proof seal.