How Reliable are Compression Fittings?
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Time to read 3 min
If you’ve made a quick repair using a PVC compression fitting or coupling, or your plumber used one in your plumbing system, you may be wondering just how reliable these fittings are. The answer is very simple; compression fittings are extremely reliable! These fittings are a safe choice because they are leakproof and can be used in many types of high-pressure situations.
What is a Compression Fitting?
A compression fitting is a fitting that creates a secure connection between two pipes without the use of threads or primer and solvent cement. Most compression fittings either have gasket ends or a type of locking end that secures the pipe in place. You can find the locking end on the GripLoc branded compression couplings from Spears.
What Makes a Compression Fitting Reliable?
Compression fittings are just like any other fitting, aside from the fact that they have different end types. Just as a fitting connected with cement and primer, compression fittings are leakproof. When installed correctly, your compression fittings will not leak.
Depending on the manufacturer's specifications, compression fittings can be used in high-pressure situations. Most of our compression fittings have bodies made of Schedule 40 PVC and can handle a max temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Compression Fittings vs Other Common Fittings
When making pipe connections, threaded fittings are sometimes used, especially in cases where adjustments may need to be made to the pipeline. While threaded connections are common and often hold up well, they are also often prone to leaks. In some cases, threaded connections can be under or over-tightened, resulting in such leaks. A compression fitting does not have this problem.
Socket fittings require PVC cement and primer. While these provide a secure connection, you may not have the time to wait for the PVC cement to cure. You may also find yourself in a scenario where the conditions aren’t dry enough to allow you to use primer and solvent cement at all. This is when a compression fitting can shine due to the fact that it doesn’t need perfect conditions to be installed.
Using Compression Fittings
While each fitting connection can make a case for its use, compression fittings are reliable and can be trusted for use in pressure pipelines. They offer superior leakproof protection over threaded connections. If you need a quick, reliable connection consider using compression fittings.
Extremely Reliable & Leakproof: Compression fittings create a tight, leakproof seal using gaskets or locking ends (like Spears GripLoc), safely handling pressure applications up to 140°F (Schedule 40 PVC body).
Superior to Threaded Fittings: Unlike threaded connections, which are prone to leaks from over- or under-tightening during adjustments, compression fittings eliminate thread-alignment issues entirely.
Ideal for Wet or Fast Repairs: Socket fittings require dry conditions and curing time for PVC cement; compression fittings install immediately without glue or perfect dry environments.
FAQs
Are PVC compression fittings reliable for high-pressure systems?
Yes. When installed correctly, compression fittings create a completely leakproof seal and can safely handle high-pressure applications. Most PVC compression fittings feature Schedule 40 PVC bodies and are rated for temperatures up to 140°F.
How do compression fittings work without PVC cement or threads?
Compression fittings connect pipes using internal elastomeric gaskets or mechanical locking mechanisms (such as Spears GripLoc ends) that tighten around the pipe exterior, creating a tight seal without needing threads, primer, or solvent cement.
Why choose a compression fitting over a threaded fitting?
Threaded connections are susceptible to leaking if they are under- or over-tightened during installation. Compression fittings eliminate this issue by relying on gasket- or lock-based compression to form a consistent, leakproof joint.
When should you use a compression fitting instead of a solvent weld (socket) fitting?
Compression fittings are ideal for quick repairs or wet working conditions where you cannot wait for solvent cement to cure, or where moisture prevents proper chemical bonding.
Mark Ligon
Mark Ligon is the marketing manager at PVC Fittings Online, a supplier of commercial PVC and CPVC pipe, fittings and valves. Ligon enjoys educating businesses on the parts of piping systems so managers can make informed decisions. He can be reached at webmaster@commercial-industrial-supply.com.
