How To Make A Compression Joint

How to Make a Compression Joint

Compression fittings are a way of making a plumbing joint without the need to use solder or a blowtorch.

They are usually brass alloy fittings that use a mechanical pressure joint method sometimes referred to as nut and olive. The olive is a thin band of either copper or brass that is shaped like a wedding ring and which, along with a threaded nut, fits over the copper pipe.

The pipe with the olive in place is then inserted into the fitting, and the female thread on the nut is tightened down onto the male thread on the body of the fitting. As the nut is tightened, the olive is crushed down onto the pipe and into concave seat inside the fitting, making a secure and watertight joint. Some plumbers favour the use of a proprietary pipe jointing compound such as Boss Green around the olive when using compression fittings.