How much tighten compression fitting

Feed and expansion tanks. Pressure reducing valves. Logo Home. Shower Pumps. Heating Systems. General Plumbing. Hot Water Tanks. I seated the solid pipe into the the valve with the ferrel until it stopped and hand tighetened. I tightened it more with a wrench until it was tight I didn't over tighten it by putting a lot of pressure. I snugged it up good. I turned the water on and had a very slow leak. I left the water on and did many series of a little turns until the slow leak stopped.

I was concerned I was going to strip the threads, but didn't. The guy at Home Depot said I will have to put some force on it as I am deforming the ferrel I just want another opinion.

Thanks, Doug. Joined: Sep 2, Occupation: Retired Systems engineer for defense industry. Location: New England. You keep going until it seals. Hopefully, you did not use any tape on the threads, as that can cause it to leak, regardless. I've read lots of posts all saying different things. I'm only using a small compression fitting spanner that I bought from Screwfix, so not massive.

I didn't apply PTFE tape or any jointing compound either. What's your advice? I believe there is still some turning left in the nut, but like I said, I'm scared of making it worse.

I don't want to deform the pipes, that would be a nightmare to sort. Removing all my new tiles etc. Messages 2, Buy a decent quality brand, such as Prestex, my favourite, and read the data sheet, e. In my opinion, only use compression fittings where you can't use soldered capillary joints for some reason and don't bury them in places where they could leak without being seen. Last edited: Dec 10, Messages 1, Use a bit of jointing compound like Boss white.

Thanks for your replies. Any interest people take is appreciated l, even more so when they contribute. However, the compression fitting in question is the inlet valves on the shower valve, so it's not a case of buying a quality product, I have to use this shower valve.

So, just to clarify the walls are all tiled up and my pipes were sticking out of the tiled walls. All I had to do was install the valve. They are quite tight, but I could turn them quite a bit more I guess, even with the small compression spanner I'm using. I just didn't want to make it worse. I will only get one chance at this. If I wreck the pipe, I'll have to remove tiles and plasterboard in order to install new pipes.

Sorry, I have taken a picture of the valve in situ. I can do later, if needed. But it just a valve fastened to the wall, with two inlets. Ben-gee Esteemed. Over tightening is the most common cause of a leaking compression fitting. Why is my compression fitting leaking? Compression joints are most common on shutoff valves, although you find them on other fittings as well. 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 you use compression fittings for gas? Compression fittings can be used on gas pipes, although this should be left to a professional who is CORGI registered. A pipe insert must also be used. Compression fittings are useful if you are working on a wet pipe as they will give a good seal where as a end feed or solder ring would not work.

How do you use jointing compound on compression fittings?