How to Attach a Male Adaptor on Flexible Copper Tubing

Adapting copper tubing to a male pipe thread is not a difficult task and the materials required are available at nearly all hardware stores. The proper adapter must be used because nominal pipe sizes are larger than the actual outside diameter. Tubing sizes are based upon the actual outside diameter of the tube.

Things You'll Need

• Two adjustable wrenches
• Compression tube to pipe adapter
• Teflon plumbing tape

Instructions

1. Compression adapters are easy to use and make a good seal with copper tubing. Give your hardware dealer the tubing and male pipe sizes and ask for a compression adapter.

2. Install the threaded pipe fitting side of the adapter before connecting the tubing. Wrap 3 turns of Teflon tape around the male threads of the adapter before connecting it to another pipe fitting.

3. Remove the cap and compression ring from the adapter. Place the cap onto the copper tube with the thread facing the fitting. Slide on the compression ring.

4. Insert the tube into the barrel of the adapter until it hits bottom. Slide the compression ring against the adapter. Start threading the cap onto the adapter by hand until it begins to tighten.

5. Hold the adapter body with an adjustable wrench while tightening the cap with another adjustable wrench. Tighten snugly to compress the ring onto the tube. Do not use excessive force.

Tips & Warnings

• If you find that the compression ring leaks, just tighten the compression ring until it stops.

• If the threaded pipe leaks, first unscrew the adapter cap and remove the tubing. Tighten the pipe with a wrench and then reattach the tubing by tightening the adapter cap.

• Do not use Teflon tape or any sort of sealer on the compression threads or ring. Use of a sealer will damage the compression seal.

Resources

• One fourth inch male pipe adapter.