Resolved: Help needed with compression fittings

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Gagecalman

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Hi all and thanks for reading,
I need some help with compression fittings.
I installed a water filter for my fridge and a faucet on the sink.
I used 1/4" copper tubing and B&K 1/4" compression fittings from Lowe's. The fittings do not have separate nuts and ferrules. They are one assembly.
I cannot get these to stop leaking.
I cut the copper with a good cutter.
I just snugged the nut and anticipated a slight leak. I figured I would slowly tighten them until they stopped. They never stopped leaking.
Please help.
Thanks!




 

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Terry

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Sometimes I have to cut back further and try again. Sometimes with new couplings.
You might try some thread sealant if you have any handy. Not the tape, the pipe dope style. 1/4" OD is not my favorite stuff to couple.
 

Reach4

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I cannot get these to stop leaking.
I cut the copper with a good cutter.
I just snugged the nut and anticipated a slight leak. I figured I would slowly tighten them until they stopped. They never stopped leaking.
If you are sure that the leak is at the copper rather than at the plastic, I suggest two longer good wrenches. Those 5 inch wrenches are too short. You could also add some pipe dope or silicone grease over the olive/ferrule to let your available torque go more toward tightening vs overcoming friction.
 

Dj2

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If I'm not mistaken a sleeve is needed, so I would get a sleeve (a ring to fit over the tube) and a new brass nut instead of what you got.
Similar to compression angle stops. And yes, work with two wrenches.
 

Gagecalman

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I thought the sleeve was used on plastic tubing not copper.

I tried two long wrenches.

I wanted to use copper but is polyethylene tubing and quick connect fittings a better option?
 

Reach4

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If I'm not mistaken a sleeve is needed, so I would get a sleeve (a ring to fit over the tube) and a new brass nut instead of what you got.
Similar to compression angle stops. And yes, work with two wrenches.
I hadn't considered that he might not have used the sleeve/ferrule.
I thought the sleeve was used on plastic tubing not copper.
An insert
bci038-3.jpg
is only used on plastic tubing, but the ferrule/sleeve/olive is always used.
c74-006-2.jpg
 
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Gagecalman

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As I stated the fittings do not have separate nuts and ferrules. They are one assembly.
 

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Reach4

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As I stated the fittings do not have separate nuts and ferrules. They are one assembly.
Missed that. Do the ferrules wiggle, and are just captive?

Flare nut wrenches can give more torque without rounding, as opposed to open end wrenches.
 

Gagecalman

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The ferrules are loose but captive.

I used two long wrenches but they still leak.
The one on the angle stop (not pictured) was good until I bumped the tubing then it started to seep.
I don't know if it's the design of these fittings.

Any thoughts on polyethylene tubing and quick connect fittings?
 

Dj2

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gagecalman,
I read what you installed, so if it leaks, try what I suggested before. I'm certain that you will stop the leak using a sleeve and a nut. Make sure the tube is not out of shape or damaged.
 

Gagecalman

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I cut everything out.
I bought separate nuts and ferrules and reused the original fittings.
Using a cotton swab, I applied a very small amount of pipe dope.
After hand tightening, I tightened them about 3/4 of a turn more.
No leaks. I didn't have to touch them.

This was definitely too much effort for these fittings.

I posted this on two plumbing forums and several people replied that the nut/ferrule assemblies leak and to get the separate nut and ferrule.

I sent an email to the manufacturer with pictures. They replied and tried to help. I’m sure they sell a lot of these but I wonder about the design.

Thanks for the help!

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