3 Answers. If it hasn’t been tightened many times, it should be okay to reuse. Clean off the mating faces thoroughly and don’t use tape, putty, or anything else. And don’t be gentle tightening: The seal is formed by forcing the surfaces together and “bending” them to mate.
Also to know is, is it OK to reuse compression fittings?
Reusable Compression Fittings: They are safe to be reused and apply to half the movement of the pipe outward from the fitting. In hydraulic process, compression fittings basically assure some secure fit in pipe connections. RTJ rings can be reused in a tight fit joint.
Also Know, are copper compression fittings reliable? Although compression fittings are generally considered more reliable than threaded fittings, there are some potential problems. In general, compression fittings are not as resistant to vibration as soldered or welded fittings. Repeated bending may cause the ferrule to lose its grip on the tube.
Besides, can you reuse copper fittings?
Copper pipes are usually connected together using a variety of fittings, including elbows, T’s and couplings. You can remove copper fittings and reuse them by following a straightforward procedure that requires a moderate amount of time and effort.
Should you use Teflon tape on compression fittings?
The bolts have to be tightened evenly. Thread sealants such as joint compound (pipe dope or thread seal tape such as PTFE tape) are unnecessary on compression fitting threads, as it is not the thread that seals the joint but rather the compression of the ferrule between the nut and pipe.
10 Related Question Answers Found
How do I stop my compression fitting from leaking?
Tighten compression fittings firmly with two wrenches to crimp the ferrule onto the pipe (Photo 3). Also make sure the pipe or tube goes straight into the fitting. Misalignment will cause a leak. If the fitting leaks after you turn on the water, try tightening the nut an additional one-quarter turn.
Can I over tighten a compression fitting?
Tape seals a leak in threads, but a compression fitting is sealed at the ferrule, not at the threads. Leaks are frequently caused by over tightening, so this is certainly a possibility in your situation. You can always tighten it more if you under tightened it, but once you over tighten, you have to get a new ferrule.
How do you fix a compression fitting on a copper pipe?
Slide the ring down to the compression seat and apply pipe thread compound. Slide the nut to the fitting and hand tighten clockwise. Hold the fitting with one wrench and with another wrench tighten the nut until resistance is felt, then tighten it another 1/4 turn. Turn the water back on and check for leaks.
How tight should you do up a compression fitting?
Hold the compression fitting body tightly with a pair of grips and tighten the nut with a spanner. Its often said in the trade to not over tighten a compression fitting, leaving you more thread in the case of a leak and not distorting the olive or fitting. Generally a nut will need one whole turn after hand tightening.
How do you release a compression fitting?
Use two crescent wrenches to release the compression fitting. Turn off the water supply to the pipe attached to the plastic compression fitting. Place the compression nut in the jaws of a second crescent wrench, tightening the wrench to the nut. Remove both wrenches.
How do you Unsweat copper?
Heat the copper pipe fitting with the torch. The brighter blue portion of the flame that comes to a point within the flame is the hottest part of the flame. Heat the fitting until you see the silver-colored solder begin to melt. Heat the fitting for another 30 seconds so it stays hot after you move the torch away.
Can you use old copper pipe?
You can keep, or “reuse”, any copper piping that does not have to changed or removed. But I would not waste the time trying to take the old stuff apart and use it to install in a new location.
How do you remove copper from water?
Copper Removal From Drinking Water Copper can be removed up to 97-98% with a reverse osmosis water filter. Cartridges using activated carbon can also remove copper from water by using adsorption.
Can you Unsolder copper?
Using the emery cloth, sand about an inch up the ends of the copper pipe and make sure there is no dust or grease left. The copper pipe is now prepared for re-soldering. Do not re-use your old copper fitting when you re-solder the joint. Soldered copper joints can’t stand in your way any more.
Can you Unsweat a copper pipe?
Unsweating can easily be done IF ALL water is gone from inside the pipe(s). You can drain the system and blow air through the pipes. Personally, it’s far easier to cut the pipes and install new couplings.