PTFE on compression fittings?

A much more interesting discussion is about copper versus brass olives.

For situations where its more important that they dont leak I often specifically use copper olives on 22 mm and above.

Tony

Talking about olives, a lot of the brass ones are total shyte, If you fit a worcester gas boiler and try and make the olive joint where your 22's go into the boiler, the olives do not grip to the pipe, doesnt matter what size wrench you use..!

So I always chuck away the crap brass olives and replace with copper.

And anyone who says they never have a drip on a compression joint is talking balls...doesnt matter what is says in the instructions, if it going to leak its going to leak, badly machined / damaged fittings / olives so whats the problem, but a bit of paste or tape on and seal it.

chr15 said:

And anyone who says they never have a drip on a compression joint is talking balls

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I think so too

seco services said:

it's just a sign of not being competent of your own work.

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he must be better than us

OK i started this topic and haven't had a input yet. To me it sounds like a bicycle helmet..

Some people like to wear it to be on the safe side.

Some people don't wear one because it makes you like a spanner

PTFE Translation:

I'm going to use it just to make sure

I'm not going to use it as I believe my work is invincible

Alan seams to think strongly about this

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Original question was "are you supposed to".

The answer is no but as everyone points out you can make exceptions to every rule if it suits you.

Old fittings clean them properly and use a new olive shouldn't have a problem.

The major cause of compression joints leaking is overtightening them.

At the end of the day Boss White or Universal does the job!!!

Manufactures say do not use PTFE, where as some recommend a smear of paste around the olive.

Personally I apply a little paste to my compression joints and have no trouble, ok yes we all get a weep here and there but a simple tighten sorts this out.

You have asked for advice on what to use and the professionals have said paste whilst the DIY people say PTFE.

Ok guys, thanks to all of you =]

learnt a bit about what to use, and your opinions on this.

Didnt think it would turn into such a large debate.

But thanks for your input guys! If i had the time to thank you all i would!!

JohnD said:

I haven't yet heard a convincing argument for not using PTFE on the olive

In favour: It prevents leaks
Against: Some people don't like the look of it

My DIY plumbing is intended to be practical, not ornamental.
(must find my Duraglit for the copper pipes round the boiler)

It's belt and braces and what's the harm ? It is also a sign of reliability, leaving nothing to chance. The proof is simple - never any leaks from joints

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Well here is the argument, I emailed the technical department of Conex and Prestex, asking about using PTFE on compression joints, here are their replies.

Pegler

Good Morning.

I can confirm that the use of PTFE tape or any jointing compound is not recommended for use with any compression fittings.

Both of these are for use solely on internal threaded joints and not external as compression fittings are.

The use of these on a compression fitting not only could create a false seal on the pipe work causing a leak, but would invalidate the warranty we offer with the product as it is not installed to our guidelines.

I have attached a copy of the compression fittings brochure to this email. To the rear of it you will find our installation instructions for the Kuterlite range. This method is also recommended for the Prestex range.

If you require any further information please ask and I will advise you.

Regards


And Conex Reply

Chris,

Thank you for your enquiry.

Conex has never recommended the use of PTFE tape on its compression fittings. If the joint is made up to the instructions, the joint will not fail (the copper tube, or plastic pipe will fail first).

If Conex compression is used for gas services, we do recommend an anaerobic sealant, such as Loctite 577 (see attached) to ensure the joint is leak tight. This sealant can be used on potable water systems, as it is WRAS approved.

Regards,

Bob.

Bob McCunn - Senior Laboratory Engineer
IBP Conex Ltd, Whitehall Road, Tipton, West Midlands, UK, DY4 7JU
Direct Line: +44 (0)121 521 2902 Ext: 232 Fax: +44 (0)121 557 7936
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.IBPGroup.com | www.IBPConex.co.uk

Conex Bänninger- DOING MORE since 1909

So that is the definitive answer in my opinion, but you carry on doing whatever you want, but please do not misinform the rest of the public

Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2010 8:39 pm Post Subject:
just to change the subject slightly

Can any one tell me how many turns a compression nut should go before its tight.



THIS WAS A SERIOUS QUESTION THAT NO ONE BOTHERED TO ANSWER

I find my nuts are tight on less than half a turn

depends on the size of the fitting
under 15 1 turn
15 - 54 3/4 turn

compheat said:

Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2010 8:39 pm Post Subject:
just to change the subject slightly

Can any one tell me how many turns a compression nut should go before its tight.



THIS WAS A SERIOUS QUESTION THAT NO ONE BOTHERED TO ANSWER

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Give us a chance, only just got to this post

This won't answer your question completly, I was a car mech, and everything we touch, had to be torqued down, when i look at my boiler i find so many lose bolts, and am amazed that such a serious machine is down to people who can "feel" that it's right.

Fit the tape to cover your back, some olives may be slighly out of square.Copper olives are much softer, but more expensive

Very surprised that you gas men are not obliged to do this

silverback18 said:

[So that is the definitive answer in my opinion, but you carry on doing whatever you want, but please do not misinform the rest of the public

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email them back and ask them what to do with a ****ed olive on an old joint. no doubt their pie in the sky answer will be "ooh replace it of course"

then email PJS and ask them how to seal their ****e new without the use of PTFE or compound.

not many of the sensible ones on this thread are arguing over PTFE use on a brand new fitting. on an old one it's entirely acceptable.

As usual people have to go over the top, I know we all get weeps on compression joints occassionally, but I personally never need PTFE to resolve the problem, a small nip up does the trick. no need for PTFE

libby lou lou said:

Fit the tape to cover your back, some olives may be slighly out of square.Copper olives are much softer, but more expensive

Very surprised that you gas men are not obliged to do this

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Any 'out of squareness' (you mean roundness) will correct itself as the olive is tightened onto the pipe. Don't even go there - the cost of a copper olive! You're having a laugh! How much more Turkish Lire does a copper olive cost compared to a brass one??

'Gas men' are obliged to make compression joints correctly according to the manufacturers instructions, which means they are obliged to NOT use PTFE, if you study the regulations.