This Old House plumbing & Heating Expert Richard Trethewey discusses the modern ways that pipes are being fitted and connected these days.
Like with any tool or technique, you need to pick the right one for the right application. There are still places where Richard recommends opting for soldering, but these new connections are great solutions that are going to withstand the test of time.
Alternative Pipe Fitting Methods
Soldered Connections
In most settings, soldered connections are still the plumber’s preferred method of fitting copper pipes. By applying pipe flux and heating the joint, solder flows between the fitting and the pipe to create a watertight seal. While this is an economical method for soldering pipes, there can be issues with using torches near framing lumber, meaning some plumbing installers might opt for solderless fittings.
Pro-Set or Clamp-on Fittings
Pro-Set fittings clamp onto the copper pipe. These fittings are pre-made, and instead of solder, they have an o-ring inside. Using a special tool, the installer can squeeze the fittings onto the pipe, creating a solid structural connection with the o-ring making it watertight. These joints are fast and strong but require a special and expensive tool to crimp them in place.
Push-on Fittings
For another method of solderless connection which might be a bit more homeowner-friendly is push-on fittings. These fittings feature an o-ring and a stainless steel ring with angled teeth.
Once the installer pushes these fittings onto the pipe, the teeth bite into the copper, and the o-ring seals around the pipe to create a strong, watertight connection. These fittings are also easy to remove with an inexpensive tool. The downside of these fittings is they’re expensive and don’t provide any structural strength, requiring more hangers than a traditional fitting.
Compression Fittings
Compression fittings are some of the oldest solderless connections, and they work by compressing a small brass ring between the fitting and a nut. The brass ring wedges against the pipe to create a watertight connection when the installer tightens the nut.
These fittings are more affordable than push-on or clamp-on fittings, but they can be a bit more finicky to install as the user needs to turn two wrenches at once for a perfect seal.
Solder is Here to Stay
Even with the invention of these solderless connections, Richard believes solder isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. As the most affordable plumbing connection, plumbers will continue to rely on solder when they need to make quick connections or when they don’t have a solderless fitting on hand.