copper compression vs sweat vs flair

Cosmo

Whenever I am out on a service call, or remodel and see compression fittings on copper water piping, I rip it all out if I can. Sweat it and forget it. Where access is needed in the future, using a flare fitting is MUCH stronger than compression. I was always taught that real plumbers use compression fittings extremely sparingly, and then only on faucet supply tubes. I have yet to see a compression fitting using hard drawn (M, L, or K) copper not to show signs of leaking after a few years.

Just my Opinion,
Cosmo

Mark J Strawcutter

I dislike compression fittings

I have some 1/4od and 3/8od soft copper water supply lines to deal with. They are currently installed with compression fittings (ferrule ring) which I dislike.

Do they make sweat fittings/adapters to connect these sizes to 1/2 hard copper? Or would flairing be a better way to go?

Mark

hot_rod

Solder fittings

are available in all sizes and shapes. Sometimes soft copper tube is sort of "egg shaped" and takes a little work to get a sweat fitting to slide on.

Plumbing and refigeration supply houses should have what you need. Online Barnett Brass has a good selection, as does Johnstone Supply locally or online.

hot rod