Use of PTFE tape on both olive and threads can be of course be combined to both lubricate and seal. They are very skinny which makes them uncomfortable to use as well, but sometimes this slimness is an advantage where there is not much space. Plastic pipe can be joined with compression fittings, however it is important to use the correct brand of pipe insert to support the end of the pipe, or else the joint may start to leak over time. One of the difficulties with compression fittings is that while the nuts are usually a nominal size, there is not agreed standard tolerance between manufacturers. This can make selecting a single universal spanner difficult. Also not all spanner types can be used in all situations. Hence most plumbing kits will have a number of spanners, including at least one adjustable one.

Place a pipe insert into the end of the pipe to be joined. Pipe inserts, typically made from plastic or steel, reinforce pipes and keep them in a fully circular shape, making connection easier. It should be noted that this only applies to plastic pipes and not copper or steel pipes as they are much stronger The other way is to use a few turns of PTFE tape to the threads. Note that used this way the PTFE will not aid the sealing of the joint, but it will make the nuts easier to torque up. Compression fittings should be tight enough to create a watertight seal but not so tight that the pipe warps or the thread is damaged as this could encourage leaks and make the fittings much harder to remove later. Proceed with caution. What Should I Do if I Find a Compression Fitting Leaking? Using a spanner, tighten the nut over the threaded head of the fitting, while holding the fitting with a pair of plumber’s grips. This pressure created by the tightening motion will press down on the olive, causing it to grip the pipe tightly. However, be careful not to exert too much pressure as this could damage the fitting or thread, making the device harder to remove or repositionAn olive splitter takes a different approach by tighenting a sharp edge onto the side of the olive while supporting the pipe from the inside. They cut through one side of the olive without damaging the pipe, allowing it to expand a bit in diameter and slide off the pipe.

The pipe needs to be cut square and cleanly, with any burrs removed. Pipes cut with a pipe cutter are much easier to use than those cut with a saw. The pipe needs to be clean and free from contaminants like paint or plaster etc. It does not need to be quite as clean and shiny as required for soldered connections. Compression fittings are very reliable and have been proven over many decades, however sometimes things can go wrong and you end up with a joint that leaks. The common causes are: Note that this may not cure a leak that is caused by a scratch on the pipe under the olive. You may be able to wind a couple of turns under the olive - but this is less easy.

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Most tool kits will include a set of these. While not the perfect tool, they can be very useful since they will adapt to make a good fit on any nut. If you use them with the correct orientation they also grip harder the more force you apply to them: On the downside, the extra leverage can make it too easy for a untrained gorilla to overdo it! Sometimes the length can also be a problem in confined spaces. These are cheap and light, and readily available. However they are usually a poor choice since they are often too short to get adequate leverage, they are also usually a somewhat sloppy fit which risks damaging the nut and also injuring yourself should the spanner slip: Also means that you have twice the number of positions that the spanner can engage with the nut. This is very handy when there is very limited turning space for the spanner.