What should I look for when buying fitting types & connection methods?

Push-fit for repairs and tight spaces. Soldered or crimped for new full-line installations. Always deburr pipe ends before any connection method. Burrs cause leaks. Keep spare push-fit caps and couplings for emergency repairs.

What are common mistakes when buying fitting types & connection methods?

Soldering with water in the pipe. Even a trickle prevents the solder from bonding. Skipping the deburr step on push-fit connections. Burrs cut the O-ring. Using the wrong crimp ring size. 1/2 inch rings on 3/4 inch pipe will not seal.

Fitting Types & Connection Methods | The Plumbing Directory

Overview

Every pipe connection is a potential leak point. The connection method you choose affects reliability, ease of installation, cost, and whether you can DIY the work. Push-fit fittings need no tools. Soldering requires skill and a torch. Crimp and expansion need specific tools. Threaded connections are the oldest and most universal.

What to Know

Soldered (Sweated)

Copper pipe: flux, solder, and propane torch create a permanent metal-to-metal bond. The strongest and most reliable connection for copper. Requires skill and a dry pipe (no water). Clean, flux, heat, solder, cool.

Push-Fit (SharkBite)

Push pipe into fitting -- teeth grip, O-ring seals. Works on copper, PEX, and CPVC. No tools needed. Removable and reusable. Most expensive per connection but fastest installation. Approved for behind-wall use in most codes.

PEX Crimp & Expansion

Crimp: copper ring crimped over the PEX and fitting barb with a crimp tool. Expansion (PEX-A only): expand the pipe, insert fitting, pipe shrinks back. Both are permanent and reliable. Each requires a specific tool ($30-100).

Threaded & Solvent Cement

Threaded: pipe threads into a fitting with Teflon tape or pipe dope. Used for galvanized, brass, and some PVC. Solvent cement: chemical bonding for PVC and CPVC. Permanent -- mistakes require cutting and redoing.

Buying Tips

Push-fit for repairs and tight spaces. Soldered or crimped for new full-line installations.
Always deburr pipe ends before any connection method. Burrs cause leaks.
Keep spare push-fit caps and couplings for emergency repairs.
PEX expansion connections are the most forgiving -- the pipe self-heals minor misalignment.

Common Mistakes

Soldering with water in the pipe. Even a trickle prevents the solder from bonding.
Skipping the deburr step on push-fit connections. Burrs cut the O-ring.
Using the wrong crimp ring size. 1/2 inch rings on 3/4 inch pipe will not seal.
Not marking insertion depth on push-fit connections. Under-inserted pipe leaks.

Bottom Line

Push-fit for DIY repairs and transitions. Solder for copper new work. Crimp or expansion for PEX new work. Each method is reliable when done correctly -- the key is proper preparation.

Fitting Types & Connection Methods