Domestic plumbing pipework, fixtures and valves can be connected together in different ways. The most common and probably the most easy way easiest to connect one pipes to each other, or to other fittings or a valves is by using a compression fitting. A Westcombe Park Plumber is a qualified tradesman and carries all the correct tools and fittings. These types of fittings were designed to make good tight fluid seals by compressing a semi solid (weak) ring so it will spread and fill the gap between the two parts. These fittings are really easy to install or replace, but they do not create a forever seal and need to be replaced when required. Great care should be taken when working with a compression fitting to make sure that the best fluid seal is achieved. Use these tips to learn how to install compression fittings. For joining two pieces of pipework, cut the pipes as required. It is important that the ends are cleaned with some wire wool. You now need to begin making up the joint: Run a cap nut over one of the pieces of pipe. Put the olive onto the pipe and slide it a few millimetres. There are olives that have different ways of fitting. If you have this type they have two different chamfered sides. The larger of the two should go towards the middle of the joint. Westcombe Park Plumbers supply professional tradesmen. Push the fitting onto the pipe and press tight. Tighten the cap nut by hand. You can use spanners to nip the nuts up, making sure that you keep the body of the fitting still as you tighten. The nut must be tightened up by the correct amount of pressure. There is a risk of leaking otherwise. If the nut is too tight it could damage the olive and again cause a leak. A rule of thumb is hand tight plus one full spanner turn. When the spanner turns, there should be resistance as the olive is forced against the pipe. This is usually all it needs to be watertight.