By Michael Bryksa

How do you think water gets to your kitchen sink all the way from the community water tank supply? How does the plumbing control water flow to the comfort room, or to the kitchen sink, or both at the same time? Why is your unemployed neighbor so keen on fixing your water line leak for you?

Because it’s easy. Brass compression fittings make everything about plumbing easy.

First, the basics. A compression fitting is a simple tool used in electrical conduit systems as well as basic household plumbing to connect two tubes or pipes together. It is a three-part device, and is one of the most popular and commonly-used type of fitting in the industry for one simple reason: brass fittings are used to attach the ends of two incompatible tubes or pipe together, such as a copper and a PVC pipe. That’s something you don’t hear every day.

If you want to install or else fix a leaking brass fitting on your water line, you better know what you’re doing. Here’s a step-by-step instruction guide to help you out.

What you need:

— Compression fitting

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBmtK3rKzUo[/youtube]

— Two crescent wrenches

— Emory cloth

— Plumbing thread

— Sealant (optional)

Instructions:

1. Take a piece of emory cloth and use it to clean the end of the copper tube. Slide the compression nut, one piece of the brass fitting, over one end of the copper tube followed by the compression ring, the second piece.

2. Slide the compression fitting slowly into the open end of the copper tube. Then slide both the compression nut and compression ring towards the fitting.

3. Use two crescent wrenches to fit the compression nut and brass fitting.

4. Holding the crescent wrench steadily in one hand, turn the other crescent wrench towards the right to tighten the compression nut and brass fitting together, compressing the ring onto the copper tube and create a permanent bond. This effectively seals the brass fitting into place.

5. Turn the water back on and check for leaks. If everything stays dry, give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done!

Brass fittings are common for household water lines but it doesn’t mean they don’t have their disadvantages. The usual complaint about brass fittings is their being susceptible to permanent damage and leaks even from the smallest movement. Simply put brass compression fittings aren’t as robust as the soldered fitting type.

But every sad story has its surprise twist ending. Brass compression fittings are as flexible, just about, as any type of fitting could be. There are two types: the standard fitting that require no modification and common in compressed air and water connections, and the flare fittings that require modifications and used in high pressure gas lines. Both types of brass compression fittings are used in household and industrial settings.

A compression fitting is a crucial and indispensable element of your home, your life. You don’t see or hear about it every day. But it’s there, making life more convenient, without you knowing it.

About the Author: Knowledge about compression fittings are a definite must especially when maintaining a plumbing system. You can even find small communities dedicated to discussing compression fittings on the Internet. Please visit

Compression Tube Fittings

for more info on compression fittings.

Source:

isnare.com

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