This is a hammer
Compression Fittings Are Solder Alternative
BY SAMANTHAMAZZOTTA

Q: Last weekend, I had a bit of a plumbing problem. I was changing out the fill valve on the upstairs toilet and discovered the former owner had run solid copper pipe all the way up to the bottom of the toilet tank, then melted the plastic screw of the fill valve to fit the connection! And of course, there's no shutoff valve to the toilet, so I had to shut off water to the entire upstairs.

The folks at the homeimprovement store told me how to replace part of the copper pipe with a flexible connection, and also sold me a shutoff valve with a compression fitting that should connect the copper pipe to the flexible pipe. I cut the copper pipe off at the measured spot but cannot get the compression ring to fit, even though it is supposedly one-half inch, just like the pipe diameter. Any suggestions? I'm tired of walking downstairs to shower! -- Confused in Connecticut

A: You will need to apply a little more elbow grease, and a little actual grease, to get the compression ring to slide onto the pipe.

Compression fittings are really convenient plumbing accessories that suit the DIYer quite well. Most often used to connect pipes in locations where soldering is impractical or unsafe, these fittings -- either valves or connectors -- use a compression system to ensure a tight fit. On each side of the pipes to be connected, a metal ring is slipped on about onequarter to one-half inch. The end of the pipe is inserted into the fitting. A compression nut (slipped onto the pipe before the ring) pushes the ring against the edge of the fitting as it is screwed on, sealing the pipe end.

The compression ring is a hair's breath wider than the pipe diameter, so any issue with the pipe -- warping, mineral buildup, etc. -- will prevent it from sliding on. If the pipe is not bent or damaged, try polishing the outside using super-fine steel wool. Put a drop of penetrating oil inside the compression ring to help it slide on more easily.

Additionally, for a compression fitting to work, the edge of the pipe needs to be smooth and free of burrs. The smooth edge presses inside the compression fitting, creating an additional seal.

HOME TIP: Compression fittings can offer a safe and convenient alternative to soldered fittings, but they are not always completely compatible with older plumbing hardware.

Send questions or homerepair tips to homeguru2000@ hotmail.com, or write This Is a Hammer, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475.

(c) 2007 King Features Synd., Inc.