Using a brass compression fitting will allow you to join two separated copper pipes together, which can help in a variety of different plumbing situations. Generally, these types of fittings are used in the various shut off valves in your home. The shut off valves that are attached to your toilets and sinks all have brass compression fittings in them, so if you have to replace a shut off valve chances are the compression fitting will have to be changed as well. The following are a few tips to use when trying to remove Brass Compression Fittings.
The Precautionary Step
The first thing that you need to do before you start to remove you brass fitting is to shut off the water supply going to the pipes that the fitting joins together. This will eliminate the risk of you getting wet and the risk of water damage during the job. Next, you need to turn the compress fitting in a counterclockwise motion, while turning the male end clockwise. Once the male end becomes loose, you need to take the fitting completely apart. Once the fitting is taken apart, you will need to contend with the ferrule on the pipe.
Dealing with the Ferrule
The ferrule of the brass compression fitting is a sleeve that goes over the pipe before the nut is put on. Once the nut is tightened down, the ferrule is clamped down on the pipe and getting it off is rather difficult. The first thing you can try to do is grip it with a pair of needle noise pliers and turn it a few times. This may loosen it enough to get it off, but in some cases you will have to cut through the pipe in order to get the ferrule off. This is common and you shouldn’t worry about it because you will be able to join the two pipes back together when the job is done.
Safe Cutting Techniques
The best way to cut through the pipe to get the ferrule off is by using a hacksaw. You need to continue working the hacksaw back and forth until you get all the way through the pipe. Once the pipe is cut, you need to remove the burrs and shavings off of the end before you put another compression fitting on it. The more care you take with your cutting technique, the better the results of your plumbing project will be. For more information visit Business Name.
