Compression Joints

These joints are an example of ones commonly made using a fitting that clamps a compression ring onto the pipe and wedges it into the fitting at the same time. Used by professionals like Harrow Boiler Repair .

To complete a good solid joint you must:

Push the nut onto the pipe.

Insert the end of the pipe fully into the fitting and make sure that it reaches the stop.

Push the compression ring along the pipe to the mouth of the fitting.

Screw the nut onto the thread of the fitting in a clockwise direction. To draw the compression ring into the fitting. It is essential that the compression nut is not tightened too much as this action will distort the compression ring inside and this would potentially cause a risk of leaking. This joint should only be tightened enough to make sure that the connection is firm and no more. When the water supply is restored the joint can always be tightened a little more as required. If it is over tightened, then any further tightening would not cure any leaking at the joint. Harrow Boiler Breakdown use Compression joints.

With this kind of pipe joint it is worth pointing out that no other material is required to make the connection and is called “a dry jointing method”. An old trick employed by some plumbers especially where the compression ring is not new is to wrap a piece of PTFE tape over the compression ring or apply a small amount of a substance called “jointing paste” onto the ring in order to make up for any blemishes. The jointing paste is not applied onto the threads of the fitting as there main purpose is to pull the joint together but they do not make the seal.


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