My son in law just told me he used “cold copper connections” in his bathroom redo. I have not heard of such. Anybody heard of this or used it and had good results? I don’t understand how copper connections can be made without soldering. Sounds like a miracle for plumbing.
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Replies
Could he have used compression fittings ?
There is a glue being marketed for use in plumbing connections - I think it was worded along the same lines.
Tu stultus es
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Look, just send me to my drawer. This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.
Thanks for the quick note. I am going to look for it for those really tight spaces where I am always concerned about starting a small fire. Hope it works. I'll let you know.
Maybe the ProPress system?http://www.viega.net/943.htm'Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it' ~ Chinese proverb
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I think there was a tool review in either FHB or JLC a couple months back that talked about a new gun or tool that crimped on fittings similar to ipex fittings. If memory serves me the tool was more than a grand.
Have a good day
Cliffy
SharkBite fittings perhaps?
Copper pipe to copper pipe, no soldering. I think they will also join to PEX and some other types - not sure about other than Cu to Cu.
Readily available, even at the BB stores - pricey when compared to sweated fittings, no matter where you buy them. Several dollars each - but no solder, and no special tools!
Jim
Edited 3/2/2009 2:42 pm ET by JTC1
Sharkbite does copper to cooper.
Tu stultus esRebuilding my home in Cypress, CAAlso a CRX fanatic!
Look, just send me to my drawer. This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.
He knew that, he said "not sure about other than cu to cu"
http://tinyurl.com/sharkbitefitFor those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
You're right, I read COMPLETELY opposite of what he wrote.
Sharkbite will connect Cu, PEX, and CPVC.
Tu stultus esRebuilding my home in Cypress, CAAlso a CRX fanatic!
Look, just send me to my drawer. This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.
Glad you guys got that straightened out.
I knew that SharkBites would work for cu; thought they would work for pex; and was unaware of cpvc.
See, ya' learn sumptin' everday!
JimNever underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
I often do the same.
"Sharkbite will connect Cu, PEX, and CPVC", and in any combination.
Heavy Duty Tools.net is going to start stocking them.
I hope they are better (sure they are) than the little plastic ones they use on ice maker filters and water coolers. I just replaced a water cooler at our church and the donated new (to us) one had a strainer reducer connecting 3/8 to 1/4 copper and it leaked if it was in a bind, also had a 1/4 coupling with similar problem. The copper had corroded and the little seal just could not hold it. Went back to the old fashioned compression.For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
Sharkbites are good for copper to pex also
SharkBite and other brands. Getting fairly good reviews, though they don't have a real long track record yet.
I wouldn't trust glues or epoxies for plumbing connections... but that's just me.
I have used SharkBite stuff and it has worked well so far... no special tooling required like the Pro Press system.
The only drawback with SharkBite is the fitting does not lock onto the pipe- the assembly can be twisted.
Both systems mentioned above rely on the integrity of an O ring to make the seal. Last I heard, Pro Press had a 50 year warranty on the product. Soldered joints can last longer than 50 years.
I was on a big commercial job and the potable systems 1" and up were done with Pro Press.
Your SIL may also be referring to Just-For-Copper (https://commerce.vertex.net/justforcopper/default.asp). I have not used JFC, but I learned of it about a year ago.
Thanks. That maybe it. Does it come with a double barreled syringe like some epoxies? Does it set up very quickly? Is it O.K. with plbmg code?
From the website it appears that it comes in a simple glue bottle and that it sets within seconds. I don't know that it is approved for use in all jurisdictions, but the company claims it will meet all code requirements. For myself, I will still solder copper, but it sounds like it would be handy to have for an emergency repair since it can be used even when the pipes aren't completely dry.
I used compression fittings for some copper I did in the attic but it was just because I didn't want to be laying on my belly in shredded newspaper insulation with a torch.
Just for everybodys info.. There's a product called PermaLynx put out by Kimball Midwest that is a simple push together fitting for copper. No real special tools, just ream the end of the pipe for burrs and push it on. It has approvals from NSF/ANSI 61, IAPMO, CSA, ICC, and NSPC. If anyone uses it, it works on CPVC as well. You can move the joints around before pressure is put on them; then they stiffen right up.
Thanks for the info. This discussion has been thorough and very informative for me. i appreciate all the responses and have some good ideas to follow through on. I rely on the discussions here in Breaktime for much of my work. Thanks again.
I seem to remember seeing an adhesive for "soldering" copper pipes at Ace or HD. Have never used it, myself. Your SIL might be thinking of Shark Bites (mentioned here already) Those I've used when I installed my new HW heater. So far 3 years and no leaks.
SteveVA
"If we knew what we were doing it wouldn't be called research."
Albert Einstein