Need some advice on choosing new plumbing fixtures
I get the appeal of push-to-connect - especially when you’re dealing with old, unpredictable copper. But I’ve seen a couple of those fittings fail after a year or two, usually when the pipe wasn’t perfectly clean or had a tiny dent you couldn’t even see. Compression’s a pain, sure, but at least you know exactly what you’re getting if you take your time. Maybe I’m just paranoid, but I still trust a good old-fashioned compression fitting for anything behind a wall. For exposed stuff or quick fixes, push-to-connect is hard to beat... but I’m not ready to give up on the classics yet.
Compression’s a pain, sure, but at least you know exactly what you’re getting if you take your time.
I hear you on that. I’ve had push-to-connect fittings leak in rentals after a year or two, usually because the pipe wasn’t spotless or had some weird nick. Compression is more work, but at least you can see if it’s tight. Curious - have you ever tried PEX with crimp rings for behind-the-wall stuff? I’ve found it more reliable than push-to-connect, but not as “classic” as compression. Wondering if anyone else has had luck with that combo.
PEX with crimp rings has been a game changer for me, especially when running lines through tight spots. I used to be all about compression, but after sweating over a few tricky connections behind drywall, I switched to PEX for those runs. Never had a crimp ring leak yet, as long as I double-check the tool calibration and make sure the pipe’s square-cut. Only thing is, it doesn’t have that “old school” feel - just feels less hands-on, if that makes sense. Still, for reliability and speed, it’s tough to beat.
PEX is definitely faster, I’ll give you that. I’ve had a few tenants who can’t help but hang things off exposed pipes, though, and I do sometimes worry about long-term durability compared to copper. That said, for runs behind walls or in those awkward corners, PEX makes my life a lot easier. I miss the satisfaction of sweating a joint, but my back doesn’t! Just make sure to keep track of tool wear - I’ve seen a couple folks get lazy and end up with slow leaks months later.
Just make sure to keep track of tool wear - I’ve seen a couple folks get lazy and end up with slow leaks months later.
I get the concern about tenants hanging stuff on pipes - seen it happen in my rentals too. For exposed runs, I still lean copper, just for peace of mind. Behind walls though, PEX is hard to beat for cost and flexibility. I always double-check fittings and use pipe supports, especially where someone might be tempted to hang a towel or two. Tool maintenance is key, like you said - one bad crimp and you’re chasing leaks months later.