Sweating Next to Compression Fitting?


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Old 11-30-17, 11:01 AM
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Sweating Next to Compression Fitting?

I am a semi-pro, but would like hear one you real pros opinion. Today I replaced a 1" gate valve with a comp x comp ball valve. I had to sweat a slip coupling right next to the valve. I left the compression nuts loose while soldering and had trouble with a minute leak from the comp fitting next to the sweat joint. Would it have made any difference if I had tightened it first?
 
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Old 11-30-17, 04:38 PM
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If the compression rings were brass/metal...... I would doubt that tightening them ahead of time would have made a difference. Sometimes there is a burr in the copper and it takes a little extra tightening for the compression rings to crimp tightly.
 
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Old 11-30-17, 05:25 PM
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Compression joints don't always seal perfectly. To prevent leaks, I wipe a little pipe dope on the inside of the ferrule before sliding it onto the pipe.
I haven't had a leak since I started doing this many years ago. It's also important to not overtighten the nut.
 
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Old 11-30-17, 07:33 PM
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The quality of imported compression fittings is so poor that I refuse to use them. If you can find good American made fittings they're are worth every penny you pay.
 
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Old 12-01-17, 06:46 AM
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Thanks for the replies. I did not notice the manufacturer or the source. It cost about $40 from my supplier. I share your opinions on threaded imported fittings, but had not previously had probs with compressions. I did disassemble and coat with pipe dope, which reduced the seep to a drop every 2-3 minutes. This was for a neighbor on a sprinkler system, so we'll wait until spring to see if the seep persists.
 
 

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