Compression Fittings are couplings used by plumbers to join tubes or smaller flow diameter pipes. We supply Brass compression fittings at Lester Lowes.

Compression fittings are relatively simple devices and are not difficult to use. They typically consist of three pieces:

A tapered nut with threading
A slim brass ring called an ‘olive’ or ‘ferrule’
A tapered insert - the main body of the fitting

When the nut is tightened, the olive is compressed between the nut and the fitting. This causes the barrel-shaped olive ring to compress onto the pipe's outer diameter, creating a tight seal.

Here’s how to install and tighten brass fittings onto two lengths of pipe:

1.Clean the pipes to be joined, removing any grime
2.Place a pipe insert into the end of the pipe to be joined. Pipe inserts, typically made from plastic or steel, reinforce pipes and keep them in a fully circular shape, making connection easier. It should be noted that this only applies to plastic pipes and not copper or steel pipes as they are much stronger
3.Screw the fitting’s tapered insert onto the end of the other length of pipe
4.Slide the compression fitting olive (brass ring) over the first length of pipe, and then lay the nut over that
5.Using a spanner, tighten the nut over the threaded head of the fitting, while holding the fitting with a pair of plumber’s grips. This pressure created by the tightening motion will press down on the olive, causing it to grip the pipe tightly. However, be careful not to exert too much pressure as this could damage the fitting or thread, making the device harder to remove or reposition

*You should be aware that the olives cannot be easily removed once they have compressed onto a pipe. This is because they will have permanently clamped onto the outer diameter of the tube.