A flare is a widened, cone-shaped end on soft copper tubing that seals against a fitting, and it is common on gas and refrigerator lines. A clean, even flare is what makes the joint leak-free.
The cut
Cut the soft copper square, then slide the flare nut onto the tube before you do anything else.
The tool
Clamp the tube in the flare block at the right height, then tighten the cone to press the flare into shape.
The check
The flare should be even and centered with no cracks, and a cracked flare means the joint will leak.
The use
Flare fittings seal metal to metal, so they need no tape or dope. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older buildings have aging supply and drain lines In Schenectady, gas lines demand a perfect flare.
The nut
Slide the flare nut on before you flare the tube, because the flare will not fit through it afterward. It is the step everyone forgets once.
The call
If the flare is not perfect, redo it. Call 888-217-3585 and Schenectady Plumbing Helpers will match you with a Schenectady pro.
Plumbing in Schenectady: what to know
In Schenectady, freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older buildings have aging supply and drain lines. Pros in our network know the local quirks and bring the right parts on the first visit.
Across Schenectady County — from Scotia, Colonie and Cohoes to ZIP codes like 12307, 12308, 12305 — homeowners deal with the same kinds of issues. The tips above apply locally, and when a job goes beyond a quick fix, a vetted local pro is only a call away.
Need a hand in Schenectady?
If a plumbing issue is beyond a quick fix, don't wait for it to get worse. Call 888-217-3585 and Schenectady Plumbing Helpers will match you with a vetted local pro — usually within minutes. Learn more about plumbing help in Schenectady.