Yes you can definitely over tighten threaded connections. The typical rule of thumb is to hand tighten, then tighten a quarter-turn with a wrench. If you still have leaks, repeat the quarter turn until the leak stops.

Can over-tightening cause a leak?

Over-tightening will also warp the rubber fittings inside the pipes over time, which can increase the risk of leaks. Turn a plumbing fitting only until you feel it tighten, then stop. Continuing to turn past that point can lead to trouble.

Can you over tighten a valve?

Fittings or valves can be over-tightened or under-tightened if correct tightening procedures are not executed in installation. Both over- and under-tightening can lead to unfortunate consequences. We’ve compiled this brief overview of avoidable problems to help avoid this potential pitfall.

What happens if you over tighten water supply line?

Do not overtighten the supply line. Screwing a supply line on too tight is one of the worst things you can do. Such overtightening will cause the metal threads inside of the line to become warped, making it much easier for water to slip past. It may also damage the rubber O-rings inside of the line.

What happens if you over tighten compression fittings?

Improper Tube Fitting Connection



If the valve has been over-tightened, this connection will be warped. This could lead to a whole host of problems. For example, depending on just how deformed the connection has become, it could lead to fluids being blocked, leaving them to clog up the tubes.

What happens when you over tighten?

Everyone who has ever worked with fasteners has accidentally messed one up at some point. One of the most damaging ways to do that is by over-tightening, or over torquing the fastener. This can result in stripping screws, snapping screw heads and damaging pre-tapped threading.

Why are my compression fittings leaking?

Over tightening a compression fitting can also cause the fitting to leak. When tightening up the compression fitting, only turn your tool until you feel resistance. From there, you shouldn’t turn it anymore than a half a turn. By doing this, you can ensure you’ll prevent your compression fitting from leaking.

Can you over tighten a compression valve?

Unfortunately, if a compression valve or fitting has sustained this kind of damage from over-tightening, you should replace it.

How do you stop a compression joint from weeping?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: To be this way around like so okay then you can get your adjustable on the fitting like that and tighten it up give it an extra nip. Often that will stop a leak on a compression.

How much pressure can compression fittings hold?

In combination with a high pressure tubing material like steel, large compression fittings can often be used at pressures in excess of 10,000 psig.

Can compression fittings fail?

Unlike threaded fittings, compression fittings can seal properly but still slip out of position as a result of forces on a pipe. In this case, the plumbers failed to properly restrain the repaired pipe when using compression fittings.

Should you use Teflon tape on compression fittings?

On NEW compression fittings, PTFE tape is NOT REQUIRED although there are many people that still use it as an added layer of protection against leaks.

Should I use PTFE tape on compression fittings?

Can I Use PTFE Tape on Compression Fittings? No. PTFE tape is not designed to seal compression fittings and is ineffective at doing so.

What happens if you use too much Teflon tape?

For the joint assembly, you should tighten the threaded joint 1-2 turns beyond finger tight, be careful not to over tighten. Also, be aware of how much tape you are using. Excess tape increases the diameter of the male thread adding additional stress. However, tape that is too thin will not provide good sealing.

Can you use too much PTFE tape?

This means the tape will tighten in the right direction and not unravel when you tighten the nut. Wrapping PTFE tape three times around the joint is enough—any more than that and you risk overloading the thread with tape.

How do you stop a Teflon tape from leaking?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: And water the oldest teflon tape was wrapped around the threads. This can still be done in cases where threads are worn and loose. And you want to take up some space to ensure good seal.

How tight should plumbing fittings be?

In general terms you want to aim for 2 to 3 full turns after hand tight. If it still feels loose, complete another full turn. A lot of plumbers will use both teflon tape and pipe dope. Depending on the thickness of the teflon tape you will want to use 3 to 6 wraps in the direction on the threads.

How many times should you wrap a pipe with Teflon tape?

You always want to wrap seal tape around threaded pipe fitting in a clockwise direction. In most cases for a new joint you should apply only two or three wraps of tape. On older fitting where the threads may be damaged you may consider adding a few more wraps, but keep the number of warps to a minimum.