How to Use Plastic Compression Joints for Joining Waste Pipes in Kitchens or Bathrooms

Plumbers don't use plastic compression wastes as much. Instead, they prefer to use solvent waste systems. With the same experience and knowledge as a seasoned plumber. They find that this system is quicker and more efficient than screw-type plastic wastes.

This type of fitting has one drawback. They are bulky and large, making them difficult to fit into tight spaces.

Another disadvantage is that the compression nut must be tightened up. If you cannot get your hands around the nut enough to prevent leaks from the environment you are installing it in, e.g. This seemingly simple job can become a nightmare if it isn't done correctly. It could also cause damage to your home and other structures.

Use plastic compression waste fittings to your advantage

Push-fit plastic compression wastes have many benefits, which can be seen below.

• Two completely different sizes of waste pipes are used to make push-fit fittings and solvent welding fittings. Compression fittings can be used to connect them.
• Another great use for plastic compression fittings in plumbing is when you're trying to connect old pipes to new pipes, including old lead wastes. These should be replaced if possible.
• Compression fittings are a great introduction to plumbing. They are simple to install and adjust, making them a good choice for those who are just starting out.
• When a connection fails or breaks, it is easy to take it out and replace it with a new one. However, with solvent-welded fittings, you will need to begin cutting pipes. This can be quite difficult.

What is a plastic waste compression fitting?

The compression connector has several key components. These can be seen in this image:

As you can see, each part does a particular job.

90deg Compression Waste unit: This is a 90deg bend, but it can be made in other shapes. It is made of solid plastic and forms the main body for the compression joint.

Tapered Rubber Seal - This seal is the core of the system. The tapered portion of the seal pushes against the main compression head, which pushes in on pipes. It creates a seal between the pipe & the compression unit body to prevent leaks.

Plastic washer: After the screw cap has been screwed on, it applies pressure to the washer. This presses down onto the rubber seal and holds it in place.

Screw Cap: This is the final piece of the puzzle. It holds everything in place. The rubber seal seals the pipe to the main body.

Most situations don't require you to tighten the cap too much to ensure enough pressure is applied to seal it. These caps are made to be used only with hand pressure, so you don't need to use pliers or grips.

Turn the screw cap until it is tight. Give it one more pinch, and you should be good to go. You can tighten it a bit more if you find that it is leaking.

It is important to note that too tightening can cause damage to the rubber seal. If you are unable to find a match, you will need it taken apart.

How to cut plastic pipes for compression fittings

You will need to cut a section from the pipe to fit the compression fitting. There are only two ways to do this, depending on the size of your pipes (e.g. 32mm and upwards):

• Hacksaw use
• Use a pair of plastic pipe cutter

Use a hacksaw to cut plastic waste pipes

You're likely to have a hacksaw if you've ever tried DIY. A good blade is essential before you begin cutting. A blunt blade can cause friction and melt, which could lead to unnecessary burrs.

To ensure that the pipe is held securely while you are cutting, if you have a Workmate, vice or another person to help you, secure it in this way (but not too tight; you don't want it to crack). A handy tip if you don't have a vice is to place a thick card between the pipe, the jaws of your vice and each side. This will keep you from marking.

Use a plastic pipe cutter to cut plastic waste pipes

Although this is a much simpler process than using a hacksaw, if you don't do a lot with plumbing work, you might not have a pair of plastic pipe cutters on hand.

If you are able to justify the price, it is worth purchasing a pair. These can be purchased for as little as PS5 to as high as PS50. While the cheaper models are acceptable, you don't get what you pay for. It's worth spending fiver for a few quick cuts.

You will need some shear-type cutters depending on the pipe size you are cutting (32mm or 40mm).

You can also measure the pipe and mark its position. Then, use a soft pen to mark your point.

The shears should be extended to the full width. Next, place the pipe at the base of your jaws. To support the cutters and the pipe, it is a good idea to place the cutters on a bench or other stable surface.

Turn the handles to open the shears' jaws. The jaws will close approximately 10mm with one pump of the handle, as this is a ratchet mechanism. Continue this process until you reach the end of the pipe's top-cutting jaw.

Position the pipe so the top of the cutting jaw is directly above the mark or to the side if the cut point has been marked exactly on the line.

Once again squeeze the handles and let the cutting jaw bit into the pipe. Before you cut, make sure the point is correct.

Assembling a plastic waste compression unit

The assembly of the unit is very simple. It is best to arrange the pipe in sections. Once it is assembled, place it on a table or other open area. Then insert the last section into its final resting spot and then connect them together. Assemble the pipe as follows:

• The first step is to place the cap on the screwdriver, making sure the threads point in the correct direction.
• Next, place the plastic washer
• The rubber seal is now complete. Make sure the taper points in the correct direction so it fits into the compression joint's main body. It should not be bent and it should sit flat on the pipe's body.
• Place the body of the compression device. To ensure the pipe is as deep as possible, push it into the collar. Check that the rubber seal is properly seated in the unit's body.
• Place the plastic washer on the rubber seal.
• Secure the cap. As you go, take your time and ensure that the washer and seal are not twisted. Once it is tightened, give it one more pinch to seal the water.