Aqualock pipe fittings

[PeterN]

Anyone ever use these type of quick connect fittings for a plumbing job?
https://www.watts.com/aqualock

They can be used with a variety of tubing materials. I was thinking of using them to add on to the copper I have for my compressed air in the shop. They are a little pricey but there's an area I want to install some tube where I really don't want to use a torch to sweat on some fittings.

 

[allinon72]

Looks like Watts’ iteration of Sharkbite and John Guest/Legris fittings. Not new technology. If they’re pressure rated, go for it.

 

[tipsy]

That's one of the brands that Menards sells. I've used them and never had a problem. As always with this type of fitting, don't bury it behind drywall etc.

 

[PeterN]

That's one of the brands that Menards sells. I've used them and never had a problem. As always with this type of fitting, don't bury it behind drywall etc.

Why's that. Are they known to eventually leak?

 

[allinon72]

Why's that. Are they known to eventually leak?

Not really, but as a general rule avoid burying quick connect fittings because it isn’t really known how they hold up long term.

 

[PeterN]

The pressure spec for the brass Aqualock is 200psi which is higher than my operating pressure but the spec that concerns me is that the min temperature is 33 deg F. My air compressor is in an unheated garage that gets colder than that. Wonder if it has to do with the internal sealing o-rings losing there seal at cold temps.

 

[Broken_Hammer]

Although I have used these in my own home (4 of them with easy access on 3/4" pex), I've always wondered about their durability. At work we use these type of fittings (not exactly the same, but the same in principal) for air delivery. After so long the o-ring that the hose is sealed against dries out and begins to leak. We are also now going to the crimped copper fittings for water delivery with an o-ring installed. I personally with over 30 years of maintenance work have never seen an o-ring that didn't dry out and fail.

I agree with allinon72, If you do decide to go with these, make sure you can get at them if you ever need to.

 

[tipsy]

Pretty sure code does not allow it to be inaccessible when used for water connections. Having said that, I suppose with airlines you can do whatever you'd like since a failure would not be catastrophic in result.

 

[reader2580]

I would not use the plastic versions of these. I bought a plastic end cap at Menards and it never did seal right. I only bought it for temporary use. I’m would have spent more for a Sharkbite at Home Depot otherwise.