ThePipingMart Blog Fasteners Flare Fittings vs Compression Fittings – What’s the Difference

Flare Fittings vs Compression Fittings – What’s the Difference

Flare Fittings vs Compression Fittings

Plumbing systems require fittings to join different pipes and components together. When it comes to connecting copper pipes, there are two types of fittings commonly used: flare fittings and compression fittings. But what exactly is the difference between them? Let’s take a closer look at each and find out.

Flare Fittings

Flare fittings are one of the oldest methods for joining copper tubing. They create a mechanical union by forming a 37-degree cone on the end of a copper tube, known as a “flared.” A ring nut is placed over the tube’s flared end, followed by an olive (a metal washer with an internal taper). When tightened, this creates a watertight seal that’s capable of withstanding high temperatures and pressures. The biggest advantage of flare fittings is that they can be reused multiple times without any loss in performance.

Compression Fittings

Compression fittings use a much simpler method to form a watertight seal. They consist of a body (the fitting) and three components – an olive, a nut, and a ferrule or sleeve which fits around the pipe when tightened. As you tighten the nut, it compresses all three components together tightly against the outside surface of the pipe to form a tight seal. The main advantage of compression fittings is that they don’t require any special tools for installation – just an adjustable wrench will do! On top of this, they can also be taken apart easily if required.

Difference Between Flare Fittings and Compression Fittings

Advantages of Flare Fittings

One advantage of flare fittings is that they can be reused. You can unscrew the nut and remove the flares if you need to disconnect the pipes. This makes them ideal for applications where you may need to disassemble the piping at some point in the future. Additionally, flare fittings provide a stronger seal than compression fittings, making them less likely to leak.

Advantages of Compression Fittings

One advantage of compression fittings is that they are easy to install. You don’t need any special tools or equipment to install them; they can be connected in minutes. Additionally, compression fittings provide a strong seal that is resistant to leaks.

Disadvantages of Flare Fittings

One disadvantage of flare fittings is that they require special installation tools. You will need a flaring tool to flare out the pipes’ ends, which can be an expensive investment if you don’t already have one. Additionally, flare fittings are less widely available than compression fittings, so you may need help finding them at your local hardware store.

Disadvantages of Compression Fittings

One disadvantage of compression fittings is that they can be difficult to disconnect once they have been installed. If you need to disassemble the piping at some point in the future, you may need to cut through the fitting with a saw to remove it. Additionally, compression fittings are less widely available than a flare.

Conclusion:

When it comes to connecting copper pipes, there are two types commonly used—flare fittings and compression fittings. Flare fittings form mechanical unions with their 37-degree cone shape, whereas compression fittings use nuts to compress three components together against the outside surface of the pipe for sealing purposes. Both have their own unique benefits; however, most plumbing professionals agree that flare fittings are more reliable due to their ability to be reused multiple times without any loss in performance. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which type you prefer based on your individual circumstances!

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