I get the appeal of saving cash, but I’m honestly a bit wary about reusing those plastic push-to-connects. Tried it once when I swapped out a faucet, and it felt like the seal just wasn’t as tight the second time. Maybe it’s just me being paranoid, but I’d rather not risk a slow leak under the sink. For spots I don’t want to revisit, I still lean metal—even if my bank account hates me for it.
Tried it once when I swapped out a faucet, and it felt like the seal just wasn’t as tight the second time. Maybe it’s just me being paranoid, but I’d rather not risk a slow leak under the sink.
That’s not just paranoia—you’re onto something. Those push-to-connect fittings are super convenient, but they’re really designed for single use. The little O-rings inside can get nicked or compressed after the first install, and there’s no real way to know if they’ll hold up long-term once you pop them off and put them back on. I’ve seen a couple of slow leaks show up months later, especially in spots that get bumped around (like under a kitchen sink).
I totally get the draw of going metal for peace of mind. Compression or threaded fittings take more time, but I’ve never had one fail after a proper install. If you’re already under there swapping stuff out, it feels worth it to do it once and be done—even if your wallet complains.
But I’m curious: when you tried reusing the plastic connectors, did you check for any debris or damage on the pipe ends? Sometimes even a tiny scratch or leftover bit of old pipe can mess with the seal. Not that I’m defending them—I just wonder if that’s part of why they felt loose.
For me, if it’s a spot that’s easy to access or temporary (like a laundry hookup), I’ll risk a push-to-connect. Anything buried or hard to reach? Metal all the way. Learned that lesson after crawling into a cabinet at 2am because of a drip...
At the end of the day, it’s about balancing convenience, cost, and how much you trust your own work. But yeah, I’d rather pay a bit more upfront than deal with water damage down the line.
Honestly, I’ve reused push-to-connects a few times and never had an issue—maybe I just got lucky or was extra careful cleaning the pipe ends. Not saying it’s best practice, but sometimes the convenience wins out, especially for quick fixes. Metal’s great, but not always necessary if you’re checking your work.
Honestly, I’ve reused push-to-connects a few times and never had an issue—maybe I just got lucky or was extra careful cleaning the pipe ends.
I hear you on the convenience factor. I’ve seen folks get away with reusing them, especially if they’re careful about burrs and making sure everything’s dry and clean. Personally, I try not to push my luck—seen too many “quick fixes” turn into midnight leaks. But for emergencies or temp repairs? Sometimes you just gotta do what works. Metal’s solid, but not always worth tearing half the kitchen apart for a simple drip under the sink.
I get the appeal of just popping those fittings off and reusing them, especially when you’re knee-deep in kitchen chaos. I’ve seen them hold up fine, but also had a couple come back to haunt folks a few months later. Guess it’s a roll of the dice sometimes. For a quick fix? Sure. But if it’s behind a wall or somewhere you don’t want to revisit... I’d probably stick with new parts.
