I have been installing all the shut-off valves on an addition project. I'm using quarter turn angles or straights, 5/8OD inlet and 3/8OD outlet like the one pictured here. The install went fine on the cold water side, but now I am installing the hot side and I'm 3-for-3 on leaks. It's been a week since I did the cold side, maybe I forgot how to tighten a compression fitting?
The leak is a slow drip from the inlet side, best I can tell from the far side of the nut where the copper slides through. I have a couple questions that other websites don't seem to have the answer to.
If I overtighten the compression nut, can I ever use the ferrule (and nut?) again? If I did overtighten it, the copper stub wasn't visibly damaged, I wire brush cleaned it a bit and tried again, still leaked. Used a new valve, still leaked. Moved on to the next location, new valve, that one leaked too. I've been trying to stick to the recommended method - hand tighten until resistance is felt, then 1/2 turn with the wrenches.
Can I use a small amount of pipe joint compound (maybe put it on after the ferrule goes on?), or is that just crazy talk? Thank you if you's can lend any insight.
The leak is a slow drip from the inlet side, best I can tell from the far side of the nut where the copper slides through. I have a couple questions that other websites don't seem to have the answer to.
If I overtighten the compression nut, can I ever use the ferrule (and nut?) again? If I did overtighten it, the copper stub wasn't visibly damaged, I wire brush cleaned it a bit and tried again, still leaked. Used a new valve, still leaked. Moved on to the next location, new valve, that one leaked too. I've been trying to stick to the recommended method - hand tighten until resistance is felt, then 1/2 turn with the wrenches.
Can I use a small amount of pipe joint compound (maybe put it on after the ferrule goes on?), or is that just crazy talk? Thank you if you's can lend any insight.