Compression Brass Fittings

As compression brass fittings are commonly used in plumbing fixtures, the compression forces on them must be maintained to prevent leakage of water. For example, compression fittings like compression unions have to be compressed evenly all around to provide a tight seal.

When it comes to working with compression brass fittings, ensure you’re doing it correctly and at its optimal performance! In terms of using a quality brass compression fitting, a slight compression should be what you’re aiming for and not too tight as you would compromise your fittings, which can result in leaks. These fittings are known to leak when they are too over-tightened. When dealing with a brass compression fitting, ensure you’re doing all the necessary measures and not just relying on luck and guesswork! It’s important to test and tighten the fittings before you attempt to fit brass accessories. Over-tightening will only make things worse instead of better and thus, you should be mindful of what you do. Always work within the set standards when using compression fittings. Here are three ways you can identify an Over-tightened compression brass fittings;

If You Can’t Disassemble the Fitting

Compression connections are easy to detach after loosening the nuts. The tubing should fall off easily after removing the nut during maintenance. If the tubing is still attached to the fitting after disassembly, inspect this union for signs of over-tightening. If the valve or fitting can’t be removed, it’s a good indication that the connection is much too tight.

The Fittings or Tubing are Becoming Deformed

Tubing or fittings can deform if proper tightening procedures aren’t followed. To find out which fittings are deformed, check the wrench flats of the fitting. If the corners are starting to round over, the fitting has most likely been strained, but it’s hard to confirm this deformation on tubing without disassembling the fitting. The ferrules will begin to crush the tubing inside the fitting, which in turn will narrow the flow and thin the tubing wall. This rise in local pressure and weakness of the tubing will cause compression fittings to collapse the tubing catastrophically.

When you Start Having Leaks

This one may seem obvious, but if you’re experiencing leaks now is the time to check for over-tightened connections: First, inspect the fitting gap with a gap tester to rule out under-tightening. If your gauge does not fit, it is time to start examining the other signs of overtightening.