Guess it’s all about what you trust more... or what you’re less likely to mess up.
That’s pretty much it. I’ve had push-to-connects leak on me once, but only because I didn’t deburr the pipe enough—user error, classic. Sweating pipes still makes me nervous, though. The smell of burning insulation is never a good sign...
Sweating pipes still makes me nervous, though. The smell of burning insulation is never a good sign...
Man, I hear you on that. First time I tried sweating a joint, I scorched the heck out of the wall behind it—didn’t realize how quick that heat spreads. Ended up with a black mark and a grumpy landlord. Push-to-connects are great for speed, but yeah, if you don’t clean and deburr, they’ll bite you. I still double-check every connection, no matter how “foolproof” it’s supposed to be. Sometimes the old ways feel safer, even if they’re slower.
I get the appeal of push-to-connects, but I’ve seen more leaks from those than from a properly sweated joint. Had a tenant call me at 2am once because a SharkBite fitting let go under their sink—water everywhere. I’ll take a little scorched paint over a flood any day. Sometimes the “foolproof” stuff just gives you different problems...
- Had my share of SharkBite headaches too—seems like they’re great until they aren’t.
- For quick plumbing answers, I usually check Terry Love’s forum or r/Plumbing on Reddit.
- Old-school copper joints might take longer, but I trust them more for long-term rentals.
- If you do use push-to-connect, double-check the pipe’s clean and fully seated...learned that the hard way once.
I hear you on the SharkBite stuff—used them in a pinch when I was redoing a laundry room, and they were a lifesaver...until one started weeping behind the drywall a few months later. Had to cut it all open again. Not fun.
Old-school copper joints might take longer, but I trust them more for long-term rentals.
Same here. Soldering takes more time and patience, but I just sleep better knowing it’s done right. That said, sometimes I’ll use PEX with crimp rings if I’m in a tight spot or working somewhere that’s tough to reach with a torch.
Curious—has anyone tried those new press-fit copper fittings? They look promising but the tool is pricey. Wondering if they’re worth it for someone who only does a few jobs a year, or if it’s just overkill for DIYers like us.