Compression Olives

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More about Compression Olives

Compression olives are the small part that lets a compression joint pull up correctly around the pipe, making them a practical buy when you are repairing, remaking or stocking compatible compression fittings. They sit between the nut and fitting body, then deform as the nut is tightened to help create the mechanical seal and grip the pipe. That gives you a heat-free jointing option for maintenance, alterations and general installation work where soldering would be awkward or unnecessary.

The first check is size. An olive needs to match both the pipe and the compatible compression fitting, so it is worth confirming the exact size before you order. This range covers common smaller sizes such as 6mm, 8mm, 10mm and 12mm, through the regularly used 15mm, 22mm and 28mm options, up to larger 35mm, 42mm and 54mm sizes. There are also conversion olives in selected sizes for fittings designed around that format rather than a standard olive.

Material is the next choice. This collection includes brass, copper and selected DZR brass options. Copper olives are generally softer and deform more readily, while brass olives are firmer and may suit installers who prefer that feel when making the joint. Neither is automatically the right answer for every fitting, so if the manufacturer allows more than one material, the sensible choice comes down to the fitting design and the joint you are assembling. The olive helps form the seal, but it cannot make an unsuitable or incorrectly assembled fitting compatible.

Pack quantity matters more than it first appears. In this range you will find trade-friendly 100 packs, along with smaller quantities on selected larger or conversion sizes. That gives you a straightforward choice between buying for one repair, keeping van stock, or covering repeated install work without running short. If you are remaking an old compression joint, remember that a previously compressed olive should not be reused. In most cases, dismantling the fitting means fitting a new compatible olive and removing the old one from the pipe first.

Where recorded on individual products, you will also see details such as WRAS approval, BS EN 1254-2 and BS EN 1057 references, plus application information for water or gas. Those points are product-specific, so it is worth checking the exact item rather than assuming every olive in the range carries the same approvals. If you also need the mating parts for the joint, browse our Compression Fittings collection and match size, material and pack quantity to the job in hand.

Understanding Compression Olives

What Is a Compression Olive

The compression nut, compression olive and fitting all work together to create a watertight seal against the copper pipe.

Compression olives, commonly known as "olives" in plumbing, play a crucial role in joining pipes with compression fittings. These small, brass or copper o-rings are used with Compression Fittings when joining pipes together.

As you can see in the image, the olive sits over the pipe, but between the Compression Nut and the body of the Compression Fitting. When the nut of the Compression Fitting is tightened, the olive is compressed against the pipe, biting into the surface of the pipe to create a watertight seal. As the olive has "bitten" into the surface of the pipe, it also secures the fitting in place, creating a stable and long-term connection.

Copper Or Brass Olives?

Compression olives are typically made from either brass or copper, and each material has its own set of advantages. Brass olives are known for their durability and hardness. On the other hand, copper olives are softer and more pliable. Both compress well against a pipe.

There are differing opinions on which material is best suited for use as an olive. However, ultimately, the choice of olive is usually determined by the manufacturer of the Compression Fitting. For such a critical part of the fitting, they generally recommend using their specific design of olive in conjunction with their fitting to ensure a reliable and watertight seal.

The Importance of Quality

There is a lot of science behind the design of the the compression pipe olive. It is the backbone of the compression fitting, playing the most crucial role in securing the joint and ensuring a watertight seal. The manner in which the olive compresses against the pipe is vital for the joint's integrity. It can vary based on the material and the design profile of the pipe olive. Some manufacturers even add grooves to better control the way olive compresses. There's more to these pipe olives than you might think!

Luckily, you don't have to worry about any of this. At PlumbHQ, quality product is of upmost importance and as such we handle all of this for you. We make sure your pipe olives are coming from the best manufacturers.

WRAS Approval

WRAS approval is essential for compression olives as they come into direct contact with drinking water.

Manufacturing Standards

Compression fittings, and therefore pipe olives, have to be manufactured to the BS EN 1254 standard to comply with regulations. This standard defines the wall thicknesses, operating pressures, materials used and more.

High Quality Materials

The material used to make the olive can affect how it compresses around the pipe. In this way, you should be concerned that the material used is approved and of high quality to ensure the quality of your joint.

Product questions

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers to the details customers check before ordering.

What Is a Compression Olive?

A compression olive is a small ring, often made of brass or copper, used in plumbing. Positioned between the nut and the body of the fitting, it compresses against the pipe when tightened, forming a watertight seal.

Can You Reuse Compression Olives?

It's not advisable to reuse a used compression olive on a different pipe. Compression olives are designed to deform and create a tight seal during installation. Reusing a compression olive may result in an ineffective seal and potential leaks.

What Are Compression Olives Made Of?

Compression olives are commonly made from brass or copper. Brass olives are harder than copper olives are softer and more pliable. Both compress well against pipework when used with Compression Fittings.

Are Brass or Copper Olives Better?

The choice of compression olive material is a topic of debate, but it is typically determined by the Compression Fitting manufacturer. Due to the critical role of the olive in achieving a reliable and watertight seal, manufacturers usually recommend using their specific design of olive in conjunction with their fitting.

What Are Copper Olives Used For?

Copper olives are typically used with Compression Fittings in plumbing applications with copper pipes.

Can I Use Brass Olives on Copper Pipe?

Yes, brass olives are perfectly fine to be used on copper pipes.

Can You Use a 3/4 Olive in a 22mm Fitting?

Please note that 3/4 inch is an old Imperial sizing and is slightly different from 22mm. It's essential to use the correct size of the olive that matches the pipe and fitting to ensure a proper seal and prevent potential leaks. Using an olive that is too large can result in a poor seal. Always ensure you're using the appropriate size of olive for your specific fitting.