How to Remove an Olive From a Compression Fitting

An olive is the small brass or copper ring inside a compression fitting. When the nut is tightened, the olive is squeezed onto the pipe to make a watertight seal. That is also why it is hard to remove: after years in place, it grips the pipe tightly.

This guide shows how to remove one without cutting or heating the pipe.

Before you start

  • Turn off the water supply to that pipe and open a tap to drain it.
  • Put a towel or bowl under the fitting to catch any water left in the pipe.
  • If you are not confident working on plumbing, ask a qualified plumber.

Method 1: using an olive puller

An olive puller is a hand tool made for this job. It pulls the nut and olive off together without damaging the pipe.

  1. Undo the compression nut and separate the fitting from the pipe, leaving the nut and olive on the pipe.
  2. Check your pipe size. Most UK household copper pipe is 15mm or 22mm.
  3. Fit the puller over the end of the pipe and thread it into the compression nut.
  4. Turn the handle. The tool pushes against the end of the pipe and draws the nut and olive off together.
  5. Check the pipe end is clean and round before fitting a new olive.

Method 2: without a puller

Some people cut a slot in the olive with a junior hacksaw and then twist it open with a flat screwdriver. This works, but it is easy to cut into the pipe underneath. A nicked pipe may not seal properly with a new olive, so take great care if you use this method.

Fitting the new olive

  • Always use a new olive. A used one will not seal reliably.
  • Slide on the nut, then the olive, then push the pipe fully into the fitting.
  • Tighten by hand, then with a spanner. Do not overtighten.
  • Turn the water back on and check for leaks.

Our Olive Puller Tool fits 15mm and 22mm pipes. You can find more in Tools & Tech.

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