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.
That’s the move, honestly. I’ve tried using those heat shields too, but half the time I end up wrestling with the pipes just to get them in position. The soaked towel trick saves me more often than not, especially if you’re dealing with old wood cabinets that look like they’d catch fire if you stared at them too hard.
If you absolutely have to use a torch (like with old copper joints that just won’t budge), I’ll add one more thing: keep a metal baking sheet or even an old license plate handy as a quick barrier. Not pretty, but it’s saved me from scorching the inside of more than one cabinet. And yeah, always have that spray bottle ready—one errant flame and things get dicey fast.
Truth is, in those super cramped spaces, I’ve started reaching for push-to-connect fittings when possible. They’re not perfect for every job (some folks will say they’re not as reliable long-term), but for a quick fix under the sink where you can barely get your hands in? Way less hassle and no risk of setting off your smoke alarm at 11pm.
Curious—has anyone here actually had a cabinet fire from using a torch under the sink? I’ve come close (smoke, scorch marks), but never full-on flames. Wondering if it’s as common as people make it sound or just one of those plumbing horror stories that gets passed around...
Truth is, in those super cramped spaces, I’ve started reaching for push-to-connect fittings when possible. They’re not perfect for every job (some folks will say they’re not as reliable long-term), but for a quick fix under the sink where you can barely get your hands in? Way less hassle and no risk of setting off your smoke alarm at 11pm.
That’s a smart call, honestly. I’ve seen too many close calls with torches under sinks—smoke, scorch marks, even melted insulation. The push-to-connect fittings really do take a lot of the risk out, especially if you’re not super confident with open flame in tight quarters. Even if they’re not perfect forever, sometimes safety’s worth a little compromise.
Push-to-connect fittings have honestly saved my sanity more than once. I remember the first time I tried to sweat a copper pipe under my kitchen sink—thought I could handle it after watching a few YouTube videos. What actually happened was me, wedged halfway into the cabinet, sweating buckets (not just the pipes), and nearly dropping a lit torch onto a pile of cleaning rags. It’s just not worth it for me, especially in those tight spots.
The push-to-connect fittings really do take a lot of the risk out, especially if you’re not super confident with open flame in tight quarters.
That line hits home. I’m all for learning new skills, but there’s a limit to what I’ll risk for the sake of “doing it right.” Maybe some folks are more comfortable with fire and cramped spaces, but I’d rather not test my luck—or my homeowner’s insurance.
I get that some people say push-to-connect isn’t as reliable long-term, but honestly, if it means I don’t have to crawl around with a torch at midnight or call a plumber for every little drip, I’ll take it. Worst case, if it fails down the line, at least replacing it is quick and doesn’t require me to set up a fire extinguisher nearby.
My only gripe is the price—those fittings aren’t cheap compared to traditional ones. But factoring in peace of mind (and not burning down the house), it feels like a fair trade-off. Maybe if I had more experience or better access under my sink, I’d try soldering again... but for now, push-to-connect is my go-to move.
Curious if anyone’s actually had one of these fail on them? I’ve heard stories but haven’t seen it myself. For now, they’ve been solid for me—way less drama than my first DIY attempt.
I get that some people say push-to-connect isn’t as reliable long-term, but honestly, if it means I don’t have to crawl around with a torch at midnight or call a plumber for every little drip, I’ll take it.
Honestly, you nailed it. There’s a time and place for sweating pipes, but under a kitchen sink—crammed in there with your knees up by your ears—isn’t it for most folks. I’ve seen enough scorched cabinets and burnt fingers to know not everyone’s cut out for the torch routine.
Push-to-connect has come a long way. As long as you prep the pipe right (clean cut, deburred, no scratches), those fittings are pretty darn reliable. Pricey? Yeah, but like you said, peace of mind counts for something—especially when you’re not in the mood to gamble with water leaks at 2am.
I’ve only seen them fail when someone didn’t seat them all the way or tried to reuse one too many times. Otherwise, no horror stories from my end. For DIY fixes in tight spots, they’re hard to beat. Don’t let anyone give you grief for choosing the “easy” route... sometimes easy is just smart.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’m a little more cautious with push-to-connect for anything that’s tucked away and hard to monitor. Maybe I’m old school, but I’ve had one fitting start leaking behind a cabinet after a couple years—turned into a bigger mess than if I’d just sweated the joint to begin with. They’re super convenient, no doubt, but for anything permanent or hidden, I still lean toward soldering or even compression fittings. Just feels more bulletproof in the long run.
