Are compression fittings as good as soldering?
- Thread starter Smhowell
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Frenchie
Jack of all trades
I don't even trust comp fittings to hold the shutoffs under a sink, though. I recently discovered most pro's disagree, even Terry uses comp shutoffs all the time.
I still wouldn't ever bury a comp fitting in a wall, though.
I still wouldn't ever bury a comp fitting in a wall, though.
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Master Plumber Mark
Sensitivity trainer and plumber of mens souls
they are ok but....
I use compression couplings when I am
in trouble with water and I cant solder
the work looks a little shoddy if you are useing
tees and compression elbows....
but its probably ok if pipe dope has been used
and they are wrenched down tightly...
Flareing copper fittings was the rage back in the
50s around here......
they still hold up
I use compression couplings when I am
in trouble with water and I cant solder
the work looks a little shoddy if you are useing
tees and compression elbows....
but its probably ok if pipe dope has been used
and they are wrenched down tightly...
Flareing copper fittings was the rage back in the
50s around here......
they still hold up
Gary Swart
In the Trades
As far as durability, I think it's a toss-up as long as the compression fitting is installed right. Other than that, I think it's largely a matter of personal choice.
I'm not a pro but -
I would probably not want to put a compression fitting inside a wall, since it could have a slow leak and not be detected for quite some time.
If, however, you do use a compression fitting inside the wall, at a bare minimum it needs to be tested under pressure to look for leaks before covering it up.
I would probably not want to put a compression fitting inside a wall, since it could have a slow leak and not be detected for quite some time.
If, however, you do use a compression fitting inside the wall, at a bare minimum it needs to be tested under pressure to look for leaks before covering it up.
hj
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fitting
ANY movement can cause a compression joint to leak. I would never put one where it was not visible, or even where it would be difficult to replace it some time in the future. So to answer your question, they are not as permanent as solder, or flare for that matter, connections.
ANY movement can cause a compression joint to leak. I would never put one where it was not visible, or even where it would be difficult to replace it some time in the future. So to answer your question, they are not as permanent as solder, or flare for that matter, connections.
Sharktooth fittings?
Thanks for the help. I talked him out of the compression fittings.
He found these fittings at Home Depot called Sharkbite fittings. They look like they're almost foolproof, and the salesman says they're pass code for inside the walls. Any thoughts/experience with these?
Thanks for the help. I talked him out of the compression fittings.
He found these fittings at Home Depot called Sharkbite fittings. They look like they're almost foolproof, and the salesman says they're pass code for inside the walls. Any thoughts/experience with these?
Last edited:
GrumpyPlumber
Licensed Grump
Here, compression is supposed to only be used on soft, annealed copper..like soft roll & flexable feeds.
OK on 3/8" feeds, not ok on 1/2" type "L".
I have yet to see an inspector call someone on it, but then, I have only seen one shop do it regularly.
Personally, I only use compression on soft...less to worry about at night.
In the end...yup...I guess it's personal preference.
OK on 3/8" feeds, not ok on 1/2" type "L".
I have yet to see an inspector call someone on it, but then, I have only seen one shop do it regularly.
Personally, I only use compression on soft...less to worry about at night.
In the end...yup...I guess it's personal preference.
Mckeand13
Engineer
How about this as a reason NOT to use compression fittings
I don't like waking up in the middle of the night to spraying HOT water.
I don't like waking up in the middle of the night to spraying HOT water.
GrumpyPlumber
Licensed Grump
Strange coincidence...did a job today where a compression nut had been overtightened years ago on installation and it had a hairline crack...veeerrry slowly it weeped onto the valve & pipe and finally pitted through the copper pipe.
First thing I did was to try to tighten the nut...it went 1/4 turn and popped loose, had been cracked all these years.
First thing I did was to try to tighten the nut...it went 1/4 turn and popped loose, had been cracked all these years.
Molo
Member
Hey Smhowell< Are You The "husband" You Keep Referring To The Pros On This Site Help Men Too
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