Copper Olives

Copper olives are the small sealing rings that make a compression joint pull up properly around the pipe, so getting the right ones saves time when you are assembling a new fitting or remaking an existing joint. This collection focuses on copper compression olives in common plumbing sizes, giving you a straightforward way to match the olive to the compatible compression fitting and pipe size. For repairs, maintenance and general installation work, they are a practical choice where you want a mechanical joint without soldering.

Within a compression fitting, the olive sits between the nut and fitting body, then deforms as the nut is tightened to help create the seal and grip the pipe. Copper is generally softer and more malleable than brass, so it can conform readily as the joint is made. That does not make copper universally better. If a fitting manufacturer supports more than one olive material, the sensible choice depends on the fitting design, the joint you are making and your own installation preference.

The key buying check is size. In this range, copper olives are available in 15mm, 22mm and 28mm options, so you can match the olive to the pipe and the compatible compression fitting rather than trying to make one size cover several jobs. If you are working repeatedly on the same pipe size, it can be worth choosing accordingly from related ranges such as 15mm Olives or the broader Compression Olives collection.

Pack quantity matters as well. The products in this collection are supplied in 100 packs, which often makes sense for regular install work, van stock or keeping common spares ready for repeat call-outs. If you are remaking a joint, it is worth remembering that a previously compressed olive is not reusable. In practice, once the old joint has been dismantled, you will normally need a new compatible olive and may need to remove the old one from the pipe first.

Where recorded on individual products, you will also see specification details such as WRAS approval, BS EN 1254-2 and BS EN 1057 references, plus service information for approved applications. That gives you a clearer basis for choosing the right olive for the job rather than relying on guesswork. The next step is simple. Match the size to your pipe and compatible compression fitting, then choose the pack quantity that fits the amount of work you have lined up.