Why plumbers still rely on fire to seal copper pipes
In short: While modern technology offers clever ways to join copper without heat, the traditional flame remains king. From expensive crimping tools to finicky brass rings, every method of plumbing carries a trade-off between speed, cost, and structural strength. Discover the mechanics behind the most common watertight connections.
For decades, the gold standard for copper plumbing has been the soldered joint. As plumbing expert Richard Tretheway explains, this process involves applying pipe flux and heating the joint until solder flows between the fitting and the pipe. While this remains the most economical choice for professionals, it carries a specific risk: the use of torches near wooden framing lumber can be hazardous, prompting some installers to seek alternatives.
Solderless technology has introduced several mechanical workarounds. Pro-Set fittings use an internal o-ring to create a seal, squeezed onto the pipe with a specialized crimping tool. While these joints are structurally strong and fast to install, the required equipment is notably expensive. In contrast, push-on fittings are more accessible for homeowners. These utilize a stainless steel ring with angled teeth that bite into the copper, paired with an o-ring. Although easy to remove with inexpensive tools, they lack structural strength and require additional pipe hangers to remain stable.
The oldest of the solderless options is the compression fitting. This method relies on a small brass ring wedged between a nut and the pipe; as the nut tightens, the ring compresses against the copper. While more affordable than push-on or clamp-on options, they are notoriously finicky, often requiring the installer to manipulate two wrenches simultaneously to achieve a perfect seal. Despite these innovations, Tretheway suggests that because soldering is the most affordable and versatile method, it is unlikely to be replaced anytime soon.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How to Fit Copper Pipes | Ask This Old House
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