Compression fitting directly onto Yorkshire fitting

[jazzbhatia]

Hi,

I visited a customer who’s flat was flooded (and two flats beneath) as the copper pipe from a ball valve had completely come away. This ball valve was being used as the isolation for the mains supply of water to the flat (job of a stopcock).

Upon investigation it turns out these flats were constructed 1 year ago, in which time 4 other flats have experienced the same problem.

When I removed the ball valve I noted that it had joining compound over the threads (as seen in the picture)

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• jazzbhatia
• 8 Jan 2013
• 1

Untitled

• jazzbhatia
• 8 Jan 2013
• 1

Untitled

• jazzbhatia
• 8 Jan 2013
• 1

and the olive was loose in the fitting. I only see two reasons why the fitting had joining compound applied: leak/problems during the install or just as a precaution at the time of install.

This is the first time I have come across a compression fitting being fitted directly to a Yorkshire solder fitting. Is this acceptable and if not why or what regulations state otherwise?

 

[algas]

Its ok if the olive is far enough onto the fitting this one does'nt look like its been tight enough.

 

[Burnerman]

The copper fitting is called a 'street' fitting......maybe things weren't tightened properly in the first place?
Sealing compound over the threads isn't the best technique, either!
John

 

[jazzbhatia]

Thanks All

 

[doitall]

Nut not tightened.

Jointing compound should be on the olive, although it can lubricate some cheapo fittings that are hard to do up.

 

[Gasguru]

Personally I don't like to see a slip/street fitting installed into a compression fitting. The pipe size diameter is often a little out of tolerance and it is common to see evidence of previous leaks.

A 3 part reducing set or a reducing coupling would be better option IMHO.

As for sealant, a little around the olive and a little on the threads will dramatically reduce friction and enable a more secure joint.

 

[FiremanT]

Personally I don't like to see a slip/street fitting installed into a compression fitting. The pipe size diameter is often a little out of tolerance and it is common to see evidence of previous leaks.

Why should it be out of tolerance? They have to be acucrate enough to be soldered, and pass QA (? ), and, in any case, I would have thought that a compression fitting would be more suitable for a slight mis size than a soldered one. IMO of course.

You do,of course, have to be careful that the ring does not sit on the shoulder.

Anyway, I have always done it this way, and (as far has been reported to me) have never had a problem.

 

[Mikefromlondon]

Good job it wasn't on gas mains! would have been a disaster!

 

[Terrywookfit]

Good job it wasn't on gas mains! would have been a disaster!

If it was gas,there would not be enough pressure to blow it off. (Pun not intentional)

 

[Mikefromlondon]

Good job it wasn't on gas mains! would have been a disaster!

If it was gas,there would not be enough pressure to blow it off. (Pun not intentional)

I do agree with that. But just thought there would be no harm in checking the gas ones as well.