![]() A piece of scrap 24 gauge sheet metal (ie HVAC ducting) is my go-to heat and flame shield for cramped quarters. I keep a roll of solder tucked away where the supply chain demons can't get to it, and I've soldered joints that were so close to combustibles (wood framing) that a compression fitting would be impossible because there's no room for the wrenches. If there's no leak upon initial testing, chances are it'll never leak until the metal corrodes away. Plumbers recommend removing a section of the cold water pipe to solder in a regular 1/2-in. A pro would say "that takes too much time." But when it's done right, the deformation of the metal creates a very reliable seal. Then decide which one of three refrigerator water line connection options you will use: a regular tee fitting that is soldered, a compression tee fitting or a saddle valve. The biceps need to have a sense for "not too little, not too much" torque when tightening the nut.Īll that is sometimes a bit out of reach for a novice. It takes an observant eye and steady hand to hold the fitting on-axis with the tubing while tightening the nut so that the ferrule crimps onto the tube squarely and evenly all the way around its perimeter. The tube must be nice and round, relatively well-cleaned, free of burrs. To make sure that the fitting will be leak-tight, you have to flare copper tubing properly using the proper tools and techniques. It's true that a well-executed compression joint requires some degree of finesse or skill. When soft copper tubing is used for plumbing, different styles of compression fittings are used to make make leak-proof connections. ![]() I'd take a good hard look at the compression fitting. ![]() ![]() Alternatively, remove the olive altogether and replace it. If the leak persists, disassemble the fitting, and apply sealant to the olive. These should be positioned in the opposite direction to the tightening motion. Alright, if I had to make such a joint, and if supply chain chaos had left me with no solder available. If a compression fitting is leaking, in the first instance, try to tighten the fitting using a pair of adjustable pipe tools. ![]()
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