When the compression fitting gets tightened, it provides a watertight connection. They are preferred when installing cold or hot water pipes or repairing gas or central heating systems.Ĭompression fittings consist of three parts: a nut, a ring and a seat. Limiting the chance for mistakes makes for a safer working environment for installers and future system users alike.A compression fitting is used to join two tubes or pipes or a pipe to a fixture or valve without soldering. Use your gap gauge on every fitting and mark fittings as you complete them. ( More info).Īlternatively, if you must use a traditional tube fitting, read up on their manufacturer’s installation procedure. Additionally, Superlok fittings change to a blue color once tightened meaning that you can see from a distance if a fitting is secure. Just tighten until the red ring snaps away for a perfect leak-free seal every time. Gone are the days of leaky over tightened fittings. Superlok i-Fitting eliminates human error by including a gap gauge on every fitting. Accordingly, the best way to solve these issues is to remove human error from the equation. All of the above-mentioned problems are human error related. ![]() If your gauge does not fit, it’s time to start looking for the other signs of over-tightening. First, inspect the fitting gap with a gap gauge to rule out under-tightening. This one may seem self-explanatory, but if you’re experiencing leaks, now is the perfect time to check for over-tightened connections. Unfortunately, if a compression valve or fitting has sustained this kind of damage from over-tightening, you should replace it. This is a threaded needle valve that was severely over-tightened. Here are four ways you can identify an over-tightened compression fitting or valve. They would rather over-tighten to make sure the connection holds instead of failing to apply enough force. The truth is, workers will more commonly over-tighten because they’re worried about under-tightening. Most would assume under-tightening to be the usual suspect for leaks in a system. Correct installation of tube fittings and valves is essential to a well-maintained system. How to Diagnose and Fix Over-Tightening Issues Undoubtedly, allowing any gasses to leak could mean a huge risk to personnel, property, and the environment.īelow, we’ve compiled a brief overview of avoidable problems to help steer clear of potential pitfalls. ![]() The reason for this is, these systems often route high pressure, high temperature, or even caustic chemicals that could be hazardous if spilled. Properly sealed tube fitting connections are crucial in a tubing network of any size. That’s not even mentioning the countless number of installers who don’t know what a gap gauge is, let alone how to use one. This is also incorrect because fitting torque can vary widely based on tubing wall thickness, fitting manufacturer, or factors like tubing side-load. Others believe they can feel when a fitting is tight enough. Then, there’s another group of installers who believe that tighter is better and they end up over-tightening. Many installers don’t follow the proper tightening techniques, leaving room for error. Have you ever thought about the importance of proper tightening when connecting stainless steel tubing, tube fittings, and tubing valves?
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