Compression vs. solder vs. shark bite

[JackOfDiamonds]

I'm putting in a sink and need to install shutoff valves.

I usually like to solder things but I'm open minded about the push-type fittings. I never liked compression fittings because of how hard it is to get the ferrules off and they gouge to pipe so you practically have to trim back to replace them.

I guess another option is solder on threaded bushings then use valves with pipe threads and Teflon tape.

What's your favorite?

 

[egdede]

I prefer compression fittings. the older get, the less I seem to have tighten them to get them to work : ) I've always been afraid of sweating valves. I use bushings outdoors on Garden valves., 1" valves with a reducing bushing. I try to turn the valve and bushing at the same time stopping the valve were I want it, hoping it sealed.

 

[The Cobbler]

copper to copper soldered joint. no threaded bushings . good quality 1/4 turn ball valve, excersize it at least annually

 

[Kaizen]

I prefer threaded for future changes. I don’t think I’ve ever get a compression off with enough pipe/tube to reuse. Putting in a bathroom and all are thread on shut offs.



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[nadogail]

IMHO, they all have their advantages and disadvantages. I now use Sharkbite flex hoses on all the water heater change outs in all 6 of my rental houses. They are fast and easy, with no danger of fire from torch soldering.

For Angle Stops I have a good Ferrell puller and am now using only quarter turn angle stops. Again the ability to not have to use a torch is a plus.

For compressed air work I pretty much stick with 55/50 solder and acid flux.

When I halve to deal with a broken supply line from the meter to the house and a tenant who has no water I reach for Sharkbite flex hoses. My oldest and first Sharkbite repair has been in constant service for 20 plus years.

 

[matt_i]

My favorite is to solder an NPT-male fitting to the copper. Then get a quarter-turn valve with NPT-to-the-tube.

Its been a few years since I did another one but it resolved the issue of the stuck ferrule and made future changes (if ever) easier. I didn't ever get to the replace-someday part but someone else might appreciate it in the future lol.

 

[vavet]

I can make a functional, but not pretty soldered joint. When I replaced the water heater in the crawlspace of my rental house, I used shark bites. I did not trust myself to use a torch that close to wood 20+ year old wood structure.

 

[mmb617]

I replumbed my entire house with soldered copper close to 40 years ago but when anything needs updated or replaced now it's pex. I'll never go back to copper. I use sharkbites for the transitions.

 

[Jinks]

I've always hated compression (when is this thing going to seal, & how long is it going to last?) always seemed shaky to me. Solder works, but it's a PITA & I don't do enough to be professional & quick. Had to replace a gate valve last year. Tried my first Sharkbite. Quick, easy, no leaks, no problems!

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

I "WAS" always been a fan of solder and copper pipe because I am old....... I am now very impressed with PEX and Shark Bite fittings and started using them for transitions for outdoor spigots off my copper lines about 8 years ago.

Back to the OPs question: Shark Bite gets my vote..... Easy to use and proven reliability.

 

[purplezr2]

Seen sharkbites fail twice and make a huge mess.

I would no use them. Solder is so easy, it's seem best. Maybe propress if you can afford the tooling.

 

[rlitman]

Sharkbite type fittings leak when stressed and when pipe alignment is off. Perhaps they're still lower risk than compression, but in a sink cabinet above a finished floor, I wouldn't use them for the shutoff on the stub-out. My reasoning is that the stub-out is fixed to the wall, so anyone who bumps into that shutoff (stuffing something into the cabinet/vanity) is risking cocking it and letting some water out.

I do my stub-outs with 1/2" male NPT threads sweated on, and 1/4 turn ball valves screwed onto that. 1/4 turn valves do not need exercise, and have a better track record than other types of shutoff.

Saying all this, I do have some Sharkbite type fittings under my kitchen sink. But they're all on my water filter plumbing in the middle of lines. In that use, both sides of the connection are free to move, so there is no risk of leakage when touched. I'm also comfortable using them in a basement ceiling or crawl space.

 

[nadogail]

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Jackfre]

When I began my apprenticeship in the pipe trade, '70, it was all 1/2" chrome ****** to a threaded angle stop. A few years back when re-modeling the house I did what I knew and liked. Within 2 yrs half the new angle stops cracked. I had noticed how thin they were in the body and with the "no-lead" alloys, they are now just junk. I replaced all of them with compression and have had no further issues. Sharkbites I use in a pinch. I just roughed in a bathroom remodel this week at my daughters home and used a couple SB caps in moving a couple supplies. I cut them below the floor and popped the caps on. A quick temporary fix. I removed them on Wed and put the new copper supplies up into the wall. They worked and were fast but I would not use them where they are buried.

 

[oldmachinenut]

I never really had any problems soldering copper with a propane torch, I am also old and grew up doing copper. I got a deal on a Prestolite torch/b-acetylene rig years ago, it makes a world of difference soldering copper.

Bill

 

[pizza]

I never liked compression fittings because of how hard it is to get the ferrules off and they gouge to pipe so you practically have to trim back to replace them.

I guess another option is solder on threaded bushings then use valves with pipe threads and Teflon tape.

What's your favorite?

you're familiar with ferrule puller tools, right? just checking.

also, i thought the pipe only gets gouged if you over-tighten the compression fitting. anyone know if that's correct?

i've only encountered a 'dented' pipe once (dent/gouge from existing ferrule), and it was a real pain in the *** because a new compression fitting and ferrule in the same spot would not seal adequately, and the stub out on the pipe was so short that it could not be repositioned. i ended up living with the slow drip (maybe a drop per hour or so?) and just letting mineral precipitation seal it up. fixed itself in a month lol.

 

[chinboys]

I am old school and like threaded or compression fittings or soldered connections.
These days, the valve will fail before the valve fitting will so buy an extra valve to have at hand.
I like to use Sharkbites or whatever brand when the above connections can't be used.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

copper- solder.

I'd never-ever rely on a SharkBite as a long term connection. They are great for an emergency, that's it.

Compression always seems to be hit or miss with me- sometimes they're sealed first go. Other times- not so much!

 

[56Mark]

IMHO, they all have their advantages and disadvantages. I now use Sharkbite flex hoses on all the water heater change outs in all 6 of my rental houses. They are fast and easy, with no danger of fire from torch soldering.

For Angle Stops I have a good Ferrell puller and am now using only quarter turn angle stops. Again the ability to not have to use a torch is a plus.

For compressed air work I pretty much stick with 55/50 solder and acid flux.

When I halve to deal with a broken supply line from the meter to the house and a tenant who has no water I reach for Sharkbite flex hoses. My oldest and first Sharkbite repair has been in constant service for 20 plus years.

I am not a professional plumber, but have soldered hundreds of joints over the years and replaced a lot of compression valves. Mostly running pex now when I need to. I had no idea there was such a thing as a ferrule puller! Learned something. Thanks.

I like sharkbites but only where I can get access to them.

 

[Los_Control]

I would solder on threads for future service. A sink should be a easy solder job, had some bad ones under the house that were a nightmare with dripping water ... I do not see that under the sink.

Compression fittings actually work pretty well for about ten years and you forget about them ... they will get you out of a jamb quick and easy.

I never used sharkbite. imho, same basic thing as a compression fitting. they may work when properly installed, they still have parts and seals that will dry shrink and harden over time.

I am working on old galvanized pipe in my house, replacing everything with pex tubing and brass fittings, all connections are clamped. some plumbers claim it will last 100 years, but it only has been around a few years.
If I had copper tubing, I would not be replacing it, I would just keep it original as it was made ... strange you do not already have shut off valves in place.

 

[speed bump]

I like compression fittings out of the 3 options. Worst case is you cut the ferule off with a Dremel or OMT then polish and replace. Brazing or soldering requires a torch under your sink and really doesn't gain anything other than you always start with an NPT fitting afterward. Shark bite fittings are fine in my opinion but for long term use I don't like them in an application that may move or be knocked around.

 

[egdede]

...I had no idea there was such a thing as a ferrule puller! Learned something. Thanks...

Neither did I. I believe I own one, purchased with an old tool box. I don't know where it is. There have been times I could have used it : (

 

[Retroman]

Getting ready to replace my angle stops on a vanity faucet in the morning. Has copper pipe with compression stops which no longer shut off completely. Need to change a cartridge in the faucet and figured I would replace the Angle Stops with the Shark Bite 1/4 turns while I am at it. I knew their was a ferrule puller but hate spending the money on one and can't seem to find one in the big box hardware stores. I will just try to be careful with the Dremel.

 

[SALIV8]

Ive replaced many of the old cheap stops that you have to turn like 4-5 times until it shuts with new 1/4 turn stops. I was able to reuse the compression nut and ferrele without even touching them.

Make sure its the same brand and it probably will work for you too. Not sure if I used brass craft or whatnot.

 

[Firebrick43]

Use Dahl ball stops. They are the best! Also skip the shark bites. They are an awesome quick repair solution, not a long term solution.

And their “25 year warrantee” is worthless if you read the fine print.