Honestly, I get the love for compression fittings, but I’ve seen push-to-connect hold up just fine—even with a little fridge shuffling. Maybe I’m just lucky, but I’ve yanked my fridge out for cleaning more times than I care to admit, and the line’s still bone dry. I do double-check the connection every now and then, though… paranoia or wisdom? Hard to say. Water alarm’s a solid call either way—those things have saved my bacon more than once.
PUSH-TO-CONNECT VS COMPRESSION: WHICH ONE'S REALLY BETTER FOR FRIDGE LINES?
I get where you’re coming from—push-to-connect fittings are super convenient, and I’ve used them on a couple of quick fixes myself. But I’ve always wondered if they’re really as reliable long-term as compression fittings, especially in spots where there’s any kind of movement. Like, sure, they seem to hold up fine for a while, but is it just a matter of time before that little O-ring inside gives out? Maybe I’m just old school, but I’ve seen a few push-to-connects start to seep after a year or two, especially if the line gets bumped around.
That said, I totally get the paranoia about leaks. Water alarms are a must—saved me from a warped floor once when my old copper line split behind the fridge. Still, I can’t help but wonder: does checking the connection every time you move the fridge mean you don’t fully trust the fitting? Or is it just good practice no matter what type you use? I’m guilty of giving mine a wiggle test every now and then, but with compression fittings, I feel like I can set it and forget it (well, mostly).
Also, has anyone actually had a push-to-connect fail catastrophically? Or is it usually just a slow drip that sneaks up on you? I’ve heard horror stories about both types, but never firsthand. Maybe it’s all just luck of the draw... or maybe it depends on how careful you are during install.
Anyway, curious if anyone’s actually done a side-by-side over a few years. Sometimes I think we all just stick with what hasn’t failed us yet, even if there’s something better out there.
Still, I can’t help but wonder: does checking the connection every time you move the fridge mean you don’t fully trust the fitting? Or is it just good practice no matter what type you use?
I’m totally with you on the “wiggle test.” I’ve got a push-to-connect on my current fridge line (went that route for the eco-friendly PEX), and I do check it every time I slide the fridge out. Had a slow leak once—nothing catastrophic, but enough to make me paranoid. Compression fittings never gave me that kind of anxiety, but I do like that push-to-connect is easy to swap out if you ever need to. Maybe it’s just habit, but I don’t think I’ll ever fully trust any fitting behind an appliance that can flood my kitchen.
Honestly, I think you’re spot on with the paranoia—after dealing with a couple of water leaks over the years, I don’t trust any fitting 100%, no matter how well it’s installed. Push-to-connect is convenient, but I’ve seen them drip if they get bumped just right. Compression fittings feel sturdier to me, but even then, I still check every time I move an appliance. It’s just one of those “better safe than sorry” habits that sticks after you’ve had to mop up a mess or two.
Push-to-connect is convenient, but I’ve seen them drip if they get bumped just right.
Funny you mention that—last year I got called out to a place where the push-to-connect fitting behind the fridge had popped loose after someone nudged the appliance back into place. Whole kitchen floor got soaked. Compression fittings are my go-to for ice makers, but like you said, I still double-check ‘em. Water’s sneaky... it’ll find any little gap if you give it time.
