For many plumbers, the use of flare fittings is common place and a great way to join together two pipes. Many plumbers use flare fittings because they are much easier to maneuver in a tight spot than welding would be and they are just as strong. You need to make sure that you buy only quality flare fittings because installing low quality parts will only lead to breakdowns in the future, which can cause water damage and will make you look bad in the process. The following are a few tips on how to use Flare Fittings.
Prepping the Pipe
The first thing that you need to do before installing the flare fitting is to remove all debris and burrs from the pipe itself. The next thing you need to do is to slide the flare not down on the pipe. You need to make sure that you put it far enough back to be able to still use the flare tool on it. Next, clip the end of the flaring tool onto the pipe and make it as flush as you possibly can. If you have the flaring tool on crooked, the flare you create will be lopsided and in most cases unusable.
Making the Flare
The next important step to take is to make the flare for your fitting. After making sure that the flare tool is straight on the pipe, you need to start slowly turning the handle on the tool. When you get a few turns in, you need to remove the tool and see how well the flare tool has done. If you are not happy with the flare that you have created, then you will have to cut the section off and start again with a new flare.
Tightening up
After you make a flare that you are satisfied with, it will be time to put on the rest of the flare fitting. You need to make sure that you line it up and then start to tighten it by hand as you go on with it. After you get it hand tight, you need to get a pipe wrench and give a few turns to make sure it is on the pipe good.
A flare fitting is a bit expensive, so be sure to use them only in places where you need a durable connection. They may take a bit of time to install, but it is well worth it in the end.
