How to Install Brass Compression Fittings

Full Compression Fitting

A brass compression fitting is an economical and effective tool that can be used to install anything from valves to couplings. It can also be used to repair anything from leaking refrigerator water supply lines to swamp cooler water supply lines. Their versatility does not make them complex in design or difficult in their installation. The opposite is true: brass compression fittings are very simply designed and easy to install. In fact, they can be installed in just minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Compression fitting 2 crescent wrenches Plumbing thread sealant (optional) Emory cloth

Instructions

1. Clean the end of the copper pipe with a piece of emory cloth. Slide the compression nut over the end of the copper pipe, followed by the brass compression ring.

2. Slip the compression end of the fitting onto the end of the copper pipe. Slide the compression ring and the compression nut towards the compression fitting.

3. Adjust one crescent wrench to fit the compression nut and the other to fit the compression fitting.

4. Hold one crescent wrench stable, and turn the other wrench to the right to tighten the nut and the fitting together. Doing so will smash, or compress, the compression ring onto the copper pipe, creating a permanent bond between the ring and the copper pipe, and a very effective seal between the pipe and the fitting.

5. Supply water to the new fitting to test its water integrity.