View Full Version : Copper Pipe Compression Fitting
monkeyfarmer
Sep 28, 2007, 04:42 PM
I'm installing a dishwasher, I've never had one before so I am making all new pipe connections. I'm trying to add a t-fitting and then a valve to a copper water line to be able to turn off the dishwasher water supply while still being able to use the sink. I was told a T-compression would work. Well, I can't get it to stop leaking, and I don't understand how it would work without leaking. It leaks from the top (outflow part to faucett) of the T-compression. I have tried different ways and times and always squirts quite heavily. Seeing that the faucett is only 10 inches from the connection, wouldn't there be considerable pressure against it? The insert is not tight, but I do tighten the nut down adequately. Is it leaking by going between the insert and pipe (this is a minuscule amount of room-hair width) or am I do something wrong? Or can I not use this connection type? What am I doing wrong, and can I attach a t-fitting without having to buy a solder gun and all that stuff?
Flying Blue Eagle
Sep 28, 2007, 05:21 PM
MONKEYFARMER:: You can use copper compression fittings, just make sure that you put it togreather right and tighten down good :: You say from the top end in a pretty good squirt, may be you left the compression ring out. Make sure there is no burs on your cuts. IF I've helped rate it below ,thanks
monkeyfarmer
Sep 28, 2007, 05:24 PM
What I purchased was in packaging and labeled "Ander-Lign Compression Tee. The only think it had in it was the T-shaped piece, 2 inserts, and 2 nuts. Was it supposed to come with gaskets, rings and stuff, or did was I supposed to buy that separately?
Flying Blue Eagle
Sep 29, 2007, 08:39 AM
HEY MONKEYFGARMER:: THere shoul;d be round cobrass rings ,looks like a ring for your finger, it just barley slides on to the copper pipe.when you tighten doun the nuts they are under the nut and they make the connection tight and should have no leaks NEED ANY MORE HELP JUST HOWLER> F.B.E.+
labman
Sep 29, 2007, 10:07 AM
What does this Ander-Lign Compression Tee look like? I did a search on them and came up with nothing. Is it just a specific brand of fitting? A regular compression tee has a male thread and a tapered seat on all 3 ends. They come with 3 nuts and 3 rings called ferrules. Were there any instructions in the package?
monkeyfarmer
Sep 29, 2007, 11:53 AM
I bought the stuff at Home Depot. It just called it an Ander-Lign compression Tee. Nothing special or fancy about it. It just came with the ferrules "stuck" in the nut. I just bought a new ferrule and used a different nut, and the assembly worked.
It still leaks a little, very little. The problem is the angle of the copper pipe going into it. I knew it'd be a tough fit--old not-flexible pipe with little room to work with. I tried to bend it to make it as straight as possible, but there is just enough pressure from the pipes pulling at a slight angles that it barely leaks. Is there any goop designed for copper to seal it, or do I need to buy some more piping to enable a perfectly straight attachment with no pulling pressure from the pipes?
Wish hardware stores would stock the quick-attach "tiger shark" connectors!
ballengerb1
Sep 29, 2007, 02:01 PM
That bend and slight angle may be your problem. When a flex cooper line is bent and on an angle it distorts the pipe, no longer perfectly round. You must be able to seat the copper line all the way into the Tee, slide the ferrule up to the Tee and then tighten the nut down onto the ferrule, no angle and no tension.
labman
Sep 29, 2007, 04:05 PM
My local Ace Hardware does have them, but I suspect the pipes may need to be correctly aligned too with them.