Ethan Clarke
Compression fittings are used in a variety of applications, from residential plumbing to hydraulic machinery, to connect two pipes or a pipe to a fixture. They are popular because they are easy to install, versatile, reliable, and reusable. Proper installation is crucial to prevent leaks, inefficiencies, and failures. The process involves preparing the tubing, positioning the components, inserting the tubing, and tightening the compression nut. When removing a compression fitting, it is important to prioritise safety by turning off the water supply or depressurising the hydraulic system.
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the workspace and tubing
Preparing the workspace and tubing is a crucial step in ensuring the successful installation of compression fittings on plastic tubing. Here are the steps to effectively prepare your workspace and tubing:
Select the Right Tubing Type:
Choose the appropriate type of plastic tubing for your specific application. Common types include PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), and PE (polyethylene). Each type has unique characteristics, such as rigidity or flexibility, that will influence the installation process.
Cut the Tubing:
Use a sharp tubing cutter or a utility knife to cut the plastic tubing to the desired length. Ensure a straight and clean cut to prevent leaks. Different materials require specific cutting techniques; for instance, cut nylon tubing at a 90-degree angle with a heated blade to prevent micro-cracks.
Deburr the Edges:
After cutting, use a deburring tool or fine sandpaper to smooth the edges of the tubing. Removing burrs is essential to prevent damage to the compression ring and ensure a proper seal. This step contributes to a secure and reliable connection.
Inspect the Compression Fitting:
Check that all components of the compression fitting, including the nut, compression ring (ferrule), and body, are present and in good condition. Ensure that the tubing size matches the fitting size for a compatible installation.
Prepare the Workspace:
Organize your workspace by laying out the tools and components needed for the installation. This includes having the tubing cutter or knife, deburring tools, compression fitting components, and any other specialized tools recommended for your specific tubing material.
Slide the Compression Nut and Ferrule:
Slide the compression nut onto the end of the plastic tubing, ensuring the nut's threads face the open end of the tubing. Follow this by sliding the ferrule (a small ring-like component) onto the tubing, oriented according to the manufacturer's instructions.
By carefully following these steps, you will have effectively prepared your workspace and tubing, setting the foundation for a successful and durable compression fitting installation.
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Turn off the water supply
Before starting any work on removing a compression fitting, it is crucial to ensure safety. The most important step is to turn off the water supply to prevent any accidental release of water or fluid, which can cause damage or injury.
Locate the Main Water Shutoff Valve, which is usually found near the water meter or where the main water line enters your house. It could be in a basement, crawl space, or utility room. Knowing the location of this valve is crucial in case of emergencies and for routine maintenance tasks like removing compression fittings.
Turn the valve clockwise to close it. This action stops the flow of water into your home, ensuring no water will escape when you start working on the compression fitting.
The next step is to drain the remaining water from the system. Open a faucet at the lowest point in your house to drain any remaining water. This helps to relieve pressure and prevents water from spilling out when you disconnect the compression fitting. It is also a good idea to open a faucet at a higher level to allow air into the system and ensure all water drains out completely.
Now that the water supply is turned off and the system is drained, you can proceed with releasing the plastic compression tubing safely.
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Use locking pliers
Locking pliers are a useful tool when it comes to releasing plastic compression tubing. This process is usually easier with plastic fittings than with metal ones. To release the tubing, you will need two pairs of locking pliers. One pair of pliers is used to turn the compression nut, while the other pair holds the pipe steady and prevents it from turning along with the nut.
Firstly, tighten one pair of locking pliers onto the compression nut. You can identify the compression nut as the outermost component that threads onto the fitting body. It is tightened to compress the ferrule (also known as the olive) onto the pipe, creating a seal. The ferrule is typically a small, ring-like component that fits in the gap between the pipe and the fitting.
Next, tighten the other pair of locking pliers onto the pipe entering the fitting. With the pliers in place, turn the nut counter-clockwise while holding the pipe steady. It may take some effort to unlock the nut and get it to turn. However, it will generally require less force than a metal fitting. Once the nut starts turning, you may be able to unscrew it by hand.
After the nut is removed, carefully slide the nut and ferrule off the pipe. If the ferrule is stuck, gently twist it back and forth while pulling it off. Be cautious to avoid damaging the pipe. If the ferrule is particularly stubborn, you can use locking pliers to gently grip and twist it off. Just be careful not to apply too much pressure, which could deform the pipe.
With the nut and ferrule removed, you can now pull the pipe out of the fitting body. If it is difficult to remove, try using a gentle twisting motion while pulling. This can help break any remaining seal and make the removal easier.
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Drain remaining water
To drain the remaining water from a compression fitting, you must first shut off the water supply. Turn the valve clockwise to close it and stop the flow of water into your home. Then, open a faucet at the lowest point in your house to drain any remaining water in the system. This will help relieve pressure and prevent water from spilling out when you disconnect the compression fitting. It is also a good idea to open a faucet at a higher level to allow air to enter the system and ensure all water drains out completely.
If you are working with a hydraulic system, you must turn off the power supply to the hydraulic pump to prevent any unintentional operation while you are working on the system. Then, locate and open the pressure release valve to depressurize the system and avoid any sudden release of pressurised fluid, which can be dangerous.
Once you have completed these steps, you can safely drain the fluid from the hydraulic system into a suitable container. Ensure the container is large enough to hold all the fluid and is made of a compatible material to avoid any chemical reactions. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the safe disposal of hydraulic fluid.
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![5-Pack Adjustable Plastic Tubing Clamps 1/8-1/4 Inch Water Flow Control Tube Clip Adjustment Hose Pipe Clips for Beer Bottle/Plumbing/Instruments/Equipment [White]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61wcOqHsxrL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Remove the compression ring
Before starting any work on removing a compression ring, it is important to prioritise safety. Ensure that you have turned off the water supply or depressurised the hydraulic system to prevent any accidental release of water or fluid, which can cause damage or injury. For plumbing systems, locate the main water shutoff valve and turn it off. For hydraulic systems, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to safely release pressure from the system.
Now, to remove the compression ring, you will need two pairs of locking pliers. One pair of pliers will be used to turn the compression nut, and the other pair will be used to hold the pipe and prevent it from turning along with the nut. It is important to use a tool that can grip a smooth pipe, so a wrench won't do. Tongue-and-groove pliers are recommended.
Tighten one pair of pliers onto the compression nut and the other pair onto the pipe entering the fitting. Turn the nut counterclockwise while holding the pipe steady. It may require more effort than expected to unlock the nut and get it to turn. Once the nut turns, you can usually unscrew it by hand to separate the fitting, and then remove the compression ring from the pipe.
The compression ring, also known as a ferrule or olive, is typically made of brass or copper. It fits around the pipe and is compressed between the nut and the fitting body, forming a tight seal. If the ferrule is metal, it may be welded to the pipe and difficult to remove, so you may need a compression ring puller.
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Frequently asked questions
Before starting any work on removing a compression fitting, ensure safety by turning off the water supply or depressurizing the hydraulic system. Then, use tongue-and-groove pliers to grip the pipe and turn the compression nut counterclockwise.
You will need two pairs of locking pliers or tongue-and-groove pliers, and a wrench.
First, turn off the water supply or depressurize the hydraulic system. Then, use the pliers to grip the pipe and prevent it from turning. With the other pair of pliers, turn the compression nut counterclockwise. If the ring is stubborn, try turning it in one direction or the other while you pull.
![5-Pack Adjustable Plastic Tubing Clamps 1/8-5/32 Inch Water Flow Control Tube Clip Adjustment Hose Pipe Clips for Beer Bottle/Plumbing/Instruments/Equipment [White]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/618MhJvkJeL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
