Yeah, sweating copper’s one of those things that looks easy on YouTube until you’re wedged under a cabinet with a torch in your hand. I’ve found that cleaning the pipe and fitting way more than you think is necessary makes a huge difference. Did you use flux on both the pipe and the fitting? Sometimes I’ve seen folks just do one side and it never seals right. Curious if anyone’s tried those push-to-connect fittings instead—worth the extra cost for tight spots, or nah?
Push-to-connect fittings are handy, but I’m not totally sold on them for every situation. They’re great in a pinch or if you’re working in a spot where swinging a torch is just asking for trouble, but I’ve seen a few leak over time—especially if the pipe isn’t cut perfectly square or there’s any debris left. Honestly, I still trust a properly sweated joint more for long-term reliability, even if it’s a pain under the sink. Anyone else notice push-to-connects can be a bit bulky too? Sometimes they just don’t fit where you want them.
I hear you on the bulkiness—sometimes those things just don’t want to fit behind a tight vanity or under a crowded sink. I’ve run into leaks too, especially if the copper’s got even a tiny burr or isn’t cut dead straight. Honestly, I still keep some push-to-connects in my kit for emergencies, but if I’ve got the time and space, sweating the joint just feels more solid. It’s a pain lying on your back with a torch, but at least you know it’s not going anywhere. You’re not alone in being picky about where you use them.
I get what you mean about sweating joints feeling more permanent, but man, I tried it once and nearly set my cabinet on fire. Ended up with scorch marks and a lot of cursing. Push-to-connects saved me that day, even if they do feel a bit like cheating. I guess I’m still figuring out where to draw the line between “good enough for now” and “do it right so I don’t have to touch it again.”
Here’s what I’m stuck on: when you’re under the sink and there’s barely any room to move, how do you even get a torch in there safely? Do you just clear everything out and hope for the best, or is there some trick to not melting the pipes or burning the house down? I keep thinking maybe I should just call a pro next time, but part of me wants to learn.
when you’re under the sink and there’s barely any room to move, how do you even get a torch in there safely?
Honestly, it’s a pain. I usually lay out a soaked towel behind the pipes as a heat shield and keep a spray bottle handy. Clear out anything flammable first—old sponges, cleaning products, whatever. Sometimes I’ll use those little heat shields from the hardware store, but even then, it’s tight. If you’re feeling nervous, push-to-connects are way less stressful in cramped spots. No shame in that.
