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View Full Version : How to conect copper threaded tee to copper piping


cakers
Jan 11, 2009, 12:11 PM
I tried to install a copper threaded tee which connects 2 ends of copper piping and a line to dishwasher (plastic hose). Still a dripping leak at the joints.

massplumber2008
Jan 11, 2009, 12:27 PM
Cakers...

Which lines are leaking... the copper lines, the plastic line or all the plastic and copper lines?

Did you reuse old fittings? Did you purchase new fittings? Is there a sleeve that slips inside the plastic pipe..? Also, did you use pipe dope or teflon tape on these fittings?

Answer ALL these questions please...thanks... MARK

cakers
Jan 11, 2009, 01:52 PM
Hi Mark I think it was leaking right at the joint or connection. I had a plastic tee originally and was given a copper tee at HD. I bought new fittings. Yes I used the sleeve for the plastic pipe. No I did not use dope or tape on fittings.

massplumber2008
Jan 11, 2009, 02:01 PM
Cakers... can you take a picture of the fitting so we can see this? If so, post as regular but click on GO ADVANCED and then at next screen click on manage attachments to browse/upload pic.

Let me know.

cakers
Jan 11, 2009, 02:27 PM
See attached

massplumber2008
Jan 11, 2009, 02:30 PM
Cakers... did the loose nut in back of the picture used to go to the plastic tee? If not, what is that nut from..?

How tight did you tighten the nuts on the new tee fitting? What size pipe please? Thanks...

cakers
Jan 11, 2009, 02:35 PM
Hi Mark

Yes that is loose nut from plastic tee. Nuts are very tight. 1/2 inch pipe. Do I need plumbers tape or sealant?

massplumber2008
Jan 11, 2009, 02:42 PM
Bear with me now...

Did the flared fitting go into the tee as well? Pipe looks like it reduces out of the flare?

cakers
Jan 11, 2009, 02:47 PM
What is flared fitting? Sorry and thanks for reponses.

massplumber2008
Jan 11, 2009, 02:52 PM
There is a ringed area on the pipes... did these flared rings fit inside the old tee fiting and then nut screwed over that?

cakers
Jan 11, 2009, 03:00 PM
I think so but not sure. Sorry. The ring on the left broke off as I kind of hammered it light to push the pipe to get snug fit. I checked pipe and leak outside of nut and copper pipe tx

massplumber2008
Jan 11, 2009, 03:16 PM
I think you have something a little unique there. Only time I ever saw anything like this it was associated with gas fittings...

Teflon tape and pipe dope are not supposed to be used on compression fittings... so that shouldn't be the answer here...

Lets give some of the other guys onsite some time to pop in and see what they think about this... ok? Could take overnight to allow everyone to speak up so bear with us, but maybe someone will know best answer here.

Otherwise, I would take that picture down to your local PLUMBING SUPPLY HOUSE and see what they can recommend.

For now, hold the TEE fitting against yourself and tighten the nuts a little more... it all looks so good!

Chat soon...

MARK

cakers
Jan 11, 2009, 03:32 PM
Thank you

speedball1
Jan 11, 2009, 03:52 PM
. The ring on the left broke off as i kinda hammered it light to push the pipe to get snug fit. i jst checked pipe and leak outside of nut and copper pipe tx

I'm thinking a compression tee and not a flared fitting. Take everything apart and replace the broken ferrule. Make sure the insert for the plastic hose is the correct size and reinstall. You shouldn't need pipe dope or Teflon Tape. Put some muscle into cranking down on the nuts. Good luck, Tom, Tom

Milo Dolezal
Jan 12, 2009, 07:41 AM
I would get and install SharkBite fitting instead. It is HomeOwner friendly.

Chances are that you either overtightened the nut of clipped ferrel ring while hammering pipe inside. Also, pipe may not be perfectly round. If any of the above happened than there is no other solution to this problem than removing the T and redoing it.