3/8 compression 1/2 FIP

17 years ago

The hose connecting my plumbing to my faucet says "3/8 compression to 1/2 FIP".

Both ends look the same except for size, so what's the difference between compression and FIP?

I accidentally cross threaded the plastic T-fitting that came with my under-sink water filter system. This T was supposed to go between the 1/2 FIP and the faucet and it has a quick connect for a plastic hose that runs to the filters. Instead of trying to order another plastic T and hoping I could get it without cross threading, is there any other way to go about this? Any other metal T that I could use, maybe even down the line on the 3/8 compression part, that will work with the plastic hose included with my filter?

Thanks!

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Comments (4)

shipshape
17 years ago
FIP - female, with pipe threads (could actually be on a PVC or other fitting)
Compression is just a method for attaching to a smooth pipe.
So the 3/8 inch tubing has a compression fitting with a ferrule probably, while the 1/2-inch end is threaded to attach to a female pipe thread -- I think. I was a little confused about the T because you said this was a label on the hose.

Most faucet fittings use 3/8 inch tubing, and most stop valves fit on 1/2 inch pipe, so those are typical connections on T's and valves.

It sounds almost exactly the same as a dishwasher hookup. You can buy an all-brass T that will screw onto the 3/8 outlet of the cold water stop valve, and it has two threaded outlets, 3/8 for the dishwasher and faucet. I got mine at ace hardware. The filter would need a threaded female end (like a garden hose) or you would use a nut and ferrule (compression) fitting. The type of tubing makes the difference on whether the ferrule is brass or plastic or something special.
fotostat
Original Author
17 years ago
" I think. I was a little confused about the T because you said this was a label on the hose."

The label was on the hose. The T is a separate fitting that came with the filter system.

"The filter would need a threaded female end (like a garden hose) or you would use a nut and ferrule (compression) fitting. The type of tubing makes the difference on whether the ferrule is brass or plastic or something special."

Will this definitely work with the filter hose? The filter hose says the following:

Merflex PEX OT 1/8" CTS cNSFus-Pw U.P.Code B137.5 ASTM F876/F877 100 PSI @ 180F SDR905/31/07 12 1 22:14

So from what I could tell the important parts are it's PEX tubing with an 1/8" outside diameter and the tubing could handle 100 PSI of pressure and 180 degrees.

Will I be able to get a brass T fitting and connect this tubing? If so, what should I look for?
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fotostat
Original Author
17 years ago
Let me make a correction, it says 1/8" but this tube looks bigger. The inside looks like it's almost 1/4". The instructions say:

"OPTIONALHOME INSTALLATION
(Where codes permit)ÂSaddle Valve: Saddle valve must be able
to connect with 1/4-inch tubing supplied with system."
fotostat
Original Author
17 years ago
I found a T fitting at Lowes, it is 3/8 compression straight thru with a 1/4" tubing connection on the side. I'm not sure if it's made for PEX tubing nor am I sure why my 1/4" PEX tubing says 1/8" on it, but I have it all connected and it seems to work.