Had the same debate with myself last winter when my water heater started dripping from the cold inlet. I grabbed a push-fit to get things sealed up fast, but I was side-eyeing it the whole time. Ended up swapping it for a compression fitting a week later, just for peace of mind. Push-fits are great in a pinch, but like you said, I wouldn’t trust one buried in drywall. Too easy to miss a slow leak until it’s a real mess.
Push-fits are great in a pinch, but like you said, I wouldn’t trust one buried in drywall. Too easy to miss a slow leak until it’s a real mess.
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I’ve seen push-fits outlast some compression joints—especially when folks don’t torque the nut right or forget the ferrule. Not saying they’re perfect, but if you follow the install instructions to the letter, they can be pretty bulletproof. Still wouldn’t bury one behind tile though... that’s just tempting fate.
Honestly, I’ve had mixed luck with push-fits. Here’s how I see it:
- Push-fits are quick, but I’ve had one start weeping after a year—just a tiny drip that took ages to notice. Maybe I botched the install, but still.
- Compression joints can be finicky, sure, but at least you can re-tighten them if something shifts or settles.
- For anything hidden (behind drywall or tile), I just bite the bullet and sweat copper. It’s a pain, but I sleep better.
- If it’s exposed—like under a sink or at the water heater—I’ll use push-fits for speed, but I always check them after a few days.
One time, I used a push-fit on a rental property’s water heater supply line. Came back six months later and it was bone dry, no issues. But I still worry about the ones I can’t see... Maybe that’s just me being paranoid, but water damage is no joke.
I hear you on the paranoia—water sneaking around where you can’t see it is basically my nightmare scenario. I’m all about saving a buck, but I’ve learned the hard way that a “quick fix” can turn into a wallet-drainer if it goes sideways. Push-fits are tempting, especially when you’re staring at a mess and just want it done, but I’ve had one pop off under my kitchen sink. Not a full-on geyser, but enough to make me question my life choices.
Compression joints are fiddly, but at least you can baby them along if they start acting up. I’ll admit, sweating copper is a pain (and I’m not exactly a pro), but I trust it more for the stuff I never want to see again. For exposed stuff, I’ll risk a push-fit, but I’m checking it like a hawk for the first week. Maybe it’s overkill, but I’d rather be paranoid than broke from water damage.
Man, I totally get the paranoia. The first time I used a push-fit, I kept peeking under the sink every hour like it was a newborn or something. Ever tried to explain to your partner why you’re crawling around with a flashlight at 2am? Not my proudest moment. I’m with you—compression joints are fiddly but at least you can tweak them if they start weeping. But sweating copper... do you ever worry about burning something you shouldn’t? I’ve singed more insulation than I’d like to admit. Maybe I’m just too cautious, but water damage just freaks me out way more than a little extra work.
