Sweating Next to Compression Fitting?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
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?
#2
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.
#3
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.
I haven't had a leak since I started doing this many years ago. It's also important to not overtighten the nut.
#5
Member
Thread Starter
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.