COPPER COMPRESSION JOINTS:

[RONCHAM]

I know in theory the olive alone should achieve a water-tight joint with compression fittings but some say use jointing compound on the olive, or a turn of PTFE tape (or both), or a turn of PTFE tape just on the threads. What do most professional plumbers prefer? Also, is any sealant ever used on the fibre washer of a tap connector or is it always used "dry"?

 

[seco services]

i only ever use jointing compound on new olives.
maybe a wrap of ptfe on the olive if its old or been on/off few times.
never wrap it around the thread just makes the nut tight to do up.

fibre washers i useally just make it wet or suck it before i use it.

 

[kevplumb]

a smear of jointing compound on the olive

putting anything on the threads does absolutley NOTHING

fibre washers are used dry the exeption is immersion heaters a smear on these helps

 

[RONCHAM]

Thanks for that. Not sure what plumbers used on immersion heaters in the past but it sets like granite and every chance of damaging tank when unfastening! - unless that's what happens to bosswhite over time?

 

[gaspro1981]

boss white, immersion heaters not good! how many times have you distorted or damaged the immersion boss
regardless of trying to heat it up with a blow lamp!

 

[RONCHAM]

Wouldn't use bosswhite myself but whatever plumbers 20-30 years back used, it set like granite. Only consolation, it never leaked!

 

[Soggy_weetabix]

I use Fernox LSX - just a smear on the inside of the fitting. HAWK white sometimes. I find a lot of jointing compouds to runny.

Dave

 

[david17uk]

I usually use nothing but the olive, unless it's old or doesn't feel right - then I use LS-X or a few turns of thread tape.

Thread tape can be wrapped round the fiberwashers and the tap connector, however, usually are ok without

 

[Gas2Air]

Lack of confidence lads. On a clean pipe old or new, no burr, correct fitting etc an olive will seal without any extra sealant.

 

[kevplumb]

so why do conex say it in their installation tips

 

[Gas2Air]

As i said Kev, lack of confidence, seems conex are covering their ssa.

 

[kevplumb]

sounds like yer covering yours

bonny lad

 

[kevindgas]

i always use ptfe gas tape

dry fit, nip up to compress olive lightly, undo, wrap a single tape round, retighten nut.

if anything leaks then nip a bit more. never lets me down

 

[Gas2Air]

sounds like yer covering yours

bonny lad

I'm always covering mine Kev. Although i do get complements now and then over it.

 

[kevplumb]