Full Answer
What are the benefits of sweat connections?
Benefits. The main benefits of sweat connections include ease of installation for an experienced plumber and permanence. Contractors consider the ease of installation a major factor for large jobs. Compression fittings are a safe alternative for nonprofessional plumbers with limited confidence to make sweat connections.
How do sweat fittings work?
Sweat fittings have a nonthreaded joint with a diameter slightly larger than the pipe. They slip onto the pipe, then when hot solder is applied, the solder seeps into the gap and fuses the fitting to the pipe.
What is sweating a joint?
What is Sweating a Joint? “Sweating” and “soldering” are synonymous terms used to describe the process of using heat and solder to join copper pipe and fittings to one another. You can tell your neighbor you’re heading downstairs to “solder” a joint—but “sweating” makes you sound much more worldly and DIY hip.
How long do sweat connections last?
While sweat connections will last as long as the pipes, the same cannot be said for compression connections because the threads and the ring are subject to corrosion over time. For obvious reasons, never use a sweat fitting to join copper gas pipes. Also, when you make a sweat connection on a water line, get it right the first time.
What does sweat connection mean?
“Sweating” and “soldering” are synonymous terms used to describe the process of using heat and solder to join copper pipe and fittings to one another. You can tell your neighbor you're heading downstairs to “solder” a joint—but “sweating” makes you sound much more worldly and DIY hip.Mar 3, 2022
What does a sweat adapter do?
Sweat a male adapter into a copper fitting. Certified for use in potable water and hydronic heating systems. Made from lead-free DZR Brass. Connects to PEX pipe with copper crimp rings or stainless steel clamps.
What does sweat valve mean?
Sweating pipe is a term used to describe the process of soldering a pipe or joint. In improvement projects, this is a basic plumbing process.
Are compression fittings as good as soldering?
Compression fittings are not nearly as robust as soldered fittings making them much more sensitive to powerful stresses. They are not ideal for applications where they could be potentially exposed to lots of flexing, bending and excessive vibration or tube movement.
How do you install a sweat adapter?
0:151:41Connecting PEX Tubing to Copper Pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlso. Known as a female sweat adapter. The copper side will slide right over the copper pipe to beMoreAlso. Known as a female sweat adapter. The copper side will slide right over the copper pipe to be soldered. You should do the soldering first to avoid any risk of damaging your pecs tubing.
How do you do sweat fittings?
1:552:49Building Tools : How to Sweat Copper Pipe Fittings - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you remove the heat source you can actually just take the solder tip. And just walk it rightMoreOnce you remove the heat source you can actually just take the solder tip. And just walk it right around there and you see how the solder would just sucks right into the joint.
What is a nom sweat Inlet?
Nominal sweat inlet x 3/8 in. O.D. Compression outlet multi-turn angle valve with 5 in. Sweat extension tube controls water flow to household plumbing fixtures - faucets, toilets, dishwashers, icemakers, washing machines, etc. The angle valve is most often used where the water pipe enters the room from the wall.
Are compression fittings better than shark bites?
You can easily install SharkBite fittings by yourself. But they are quite expensive. On the contrary, compression fittings are super cheap but take a while to install. However, if you're looking for longevity, compression fitting is the way to go.Jul 15, 2021
Can you replace a sweat valve with a compression valve?
If you're replacing a sweat valve with a compression valve, sand off all traces of solder before adding the new escutcheon, nut and sleeve. Otherwise, remove enough old solder to allow the new sweat valve to slide onto the tubing.Sep 20, 2021
Do professional plumbers use compression fittings?
Compression fittings are required in both plumbing and electrical conduit systems to join pipework or tubing together. They are also used in toilet stop valves and hot and cold water taps in domestic and industrial settings.Sep 28, 2018
Do shark bites ever leak?
SharkBite fittings can leak due to one of these reasons: The pipe was not properly deburred prior to installation. The pipe was not properly inserted. The pipe was not squarely cut.
Why are sweat fittings not threaded?
Sweat fittings have a nonthreaded joint with a diameter slightly larger than the pipe. They slip onto the pipe, then when hot solder is applied, the solder seeps into the gap and fuses the fitting to the pipe. Compression fittings, on the other hand, have a threaded end with an attached nut.
Why use sweat connections?
The main benefits of sweat connections include ease of installation for an experienced plumber and permanence. Contractors consider the ease of installation a major factor for large jobs. Compression fittings are a safe alternative for nonprofessional plumbers with limited confidence to make sweat connections.
What is the difference between compression and sweat fittings?
They slip onto the pipe, then when hot solder is applied, the solder seeps into the gap and fuses the fitting to the pipe. Compression fittings , on the other hand, have a threaded end with an attached nut.
Why is there no water in the line when soldering a sweat fitting?
There must be no water in the line when you solder a sweat fitting, because the water will vaporize and prevent the pipe from getting hot enough to melt the solder. Chris Deziel is a contractor, builder and general fix-it pro who has been active in the construction trades for 40 years.
Can you use a sweat fitting to join copper pipes?
For obvious reasons, never use a sweat fitting to join copper gas pipes. Also, when you make a sweat connection on a water line, get it right the first time. If you make a mistake, the connection is difficult to redo. There must be no water in the line when you solder a sweat fitting, because the water will vaporize and prevent ...
Do water valves have sweat joints?
Some valves, particularly in-line water shut-off, also have sweat joints. Compression fittings also work for these purposes, but their main use is for connecting valves and flexible water supply lines at the end point of use. Thus steel or rubber water-supply lines, some angle stops and all gas supply lines have compression ends.
Why is it called a sweat fitting?
It's called that because the process of joining the various elements using solder involves heating them with a propane torch until they seem to sweat.
What is a sweat pipe?
Sweating pipe is another term for soldering a pipe or joint for the purpose of sealing a new joint or mending a fault. This is a basic plumbing process frequently used in improvement projects.
What is the difference between compression and sweat fittings?
They slip onto the pipe, then when hot solder is applied, the solder seeps into the gap and fuses the fitting to the pipe. Compression fittings , on the other hand, have a threaded end with an attached nut.
How to sweat copper pipe?
how do you sweat a copper pipe? Heat the ends of the copper pipe with the propane torch to melt and remove the old solder. Carefully wipe away any solder with your dry rag. Take care not to burn yourself when wiping the solder away from the pipe.
What is a sweat pipe?
Sweating a pipe is a slang term for soldering a pipe or joint for the purpose of sealing a new joint or mending a fault. This is a basic plumbing process frequently used in improvement projects. Sweating a pipe and connector involves proper preparation of the surface, heating the cut end of a copper pipe and the connecting piece, which will cause the solder to melt and create a leak-proof union. Correctly soldered piping can last for years or even decades.
How to sweat a copper pipe?
Having your equipment at the ready will ensure your pipe-sweating job goes as smoothly and quickly as possible. To properly sweat a copper pipe, you'll need: Copper connectors. Copper pipe. Insulated gloves (optional; recommended) Lead-free plumbing solder. Pipe cutter.
How to protect copper joints from heat?
To protect any joints you have already soldered, place a thoroughly damp cloth on the parts you have already soldered, then carefully apply your torch to the part yet to be done.
Why does my fitting glow blue?
If your fitting glows or turns blue, you have applied too much heat and will have to wait for it to cool before trying again.
Where do you start a T-junction?
If the joint forms a t-junction, begin at the base, move up to the top, and then down the other side.
Can you tell your neighbor you're going downstairs to sweat?
You can tell your neighbor you’re heading downstairs to “solder” a joint —but “sweating” makes you sound much more worldly and DIY hip. Sweating involves multiple steps, each of which must be done correctly to ensure a water-tight joint.
Can a plumber sweat a joint?
Professional plumbers—because they sweat hundreds of joints in a year—are fast, precise and rarely err. But with practice, even confident beginners can “sweat a joint.”. There are many YouTube videos describing this process in detail.
How are ABS pipes joined together?
They are joined together using a primer that cleans and pre-softens the plastic, and a glue that binds pipe and fitting together , making one piece out of two. Due to its chemical composition, ABS does not require the primer step.
What is compression fitting?
Compression fittings are one of the quickest and easiest ways to join two lines. These connections are typically used on hard copper pipe and soft tubing that has a 3/8" or smaller outside diameter (like faucets and icemakers). Compression fittings are sized according to that outside diameter: a 1/2" OD pipe would require a 1/2" compression fitting. A sleeve ("ferrule") is placed over the pipe (use a plastic sleeve for plastic tubing), which is placed inside the fitting. A nut is placed over that, which when tightened, creates a seal. These fittings must not be overtightened - once resistance is encountered, go no more than a half-turn further.#N#Though regularly used instead of soldering, compression connections should only be installed in stationary situations with little movement or impact on the plumbing. If such activity is expected, soldering is recommended. Compression fittings are intended for one-time use only, and are not to be used in gas applications.
Do fittings fit?
Fittings fit, it's true. But how? There are a number of connection types and standards, and many of them don't make much sense; shouldn't something that measures 1/2 inch be referred to - in physical reality - as being 1/2 inch? Alas, plumbing is its own game with its own rules, which extend to measurements and dimensions. Seemingly arbitrary units are the norm; what does "nominal" refer to, anyway?
What is the key to sweating a watertight joint?
Preparation, not the flame, is the key to sweating a watertight joint.
How does solder work?
Solder, which melts at low temperatures, wicks into a joint by capillary action and bonds with copper at the molecular level. But first, the joint must be cleaned, abraded to remove oxidized copper, and shielded against heat-induced oxidation by flux, an acidic, water-soluble paste.
What is union connection?
Union connections employ a female threaded collar nut that threads on to a male threaded end connection of the valve. Typically union connections fasten stubs of another connection type, like welded, glue, or threaded, onto the valve. Those connections then are attached to the pipe. Once installed, the valve body can easily be removed from the pipe using the threaded union connections. This connection type allows for fast and easy removal of the valve for cleaning, replacement, or repair.
What is threaded connection?
Threaded connections are very common. They provide a compact and streamlined connection between the valve and pipe. The valve typically has female threaded end connections, into which the male threaded pipe fits. There are valves with male threaded connections as well, and even valves with one female end and one male end.
What is a barbed hose?
Barbed hose connections are a simple and fairly primitive way of connecting soft hose ends to a valve. They are commonly found on low presure systems including air lines for an aquarium. The valves have long end connections that have barbs on them. The hose gets stretched over them when inserted and due to their shape go on far more easily than they come off. In many case this is a sufficient connection as-is, however, a hose clamp can be used to strengthen the connection if needed.
