plumbing solder replacement

[Mike Dobony]

Anybody have any experience with the epoxy replacement for traditional soldering of copper plumbing joints? If si, how well did it work for you? Any tips if you recommend it?

[Toller]

I used it for two joints a couple years ago. It was easy to use and has held up fine. But when I went to use it a year later it had gone bad. So, it was darn expensive for two joints. Solder doesn't have this problem, but I was right up against a stud.

Next time I am going to try some CA I bought at a going out of business sale.

[i-hate-email]

If you are too stupid to use solder, you need to hire a plumber. Use your yellow pages and look up plumbers.

[gfretwell]

I have used cpmpression fittings on copper pipe and it worked well but they are pretty expensive. I was in a place where any other method was going to be a problem. I was worried about fire and I wasn't sure epoxy would bond to that old nasty looking pipe.

[Toller]

Looks like you hate most everything! Probably best if you kept your thoughts to yourself.

[Frank]

I'd be leery of using it until it has passed the test of time. Accelerated ageing tests often do not predict lifetime of a product. Plastics usually fail catastrophically due to oxidation and I believe copper pipes have a 60 year lifetime. Also, the 20 minute set-up time is probably a gel time and full strength may take 24 hours to develop. You certainly would not want to use for all your joints and if there is a problem using a torch, use compression fittings as others suggested. Frank

[Mike Dobony]

I am building a manifold and am using Qest plastic valves. They are combo compression/NPT fittings and I want to attach the valves to the threaded stubs first and then have all the valves facing down. I do not want to torch after attaching the valves to the stubs, nor do I want to use long stubs to keep the heat away from the valves. I want only 1-2" stubs, hence the appeal of the epoxy. I do not need to use the joints immediatly after assembly and can wait several days if necessary. The other alternative is to go with 3-4" stubs and use a wet rag at the valve to keep the heat from reaching the valve.

[Bob]

HD has presoldered fittings. (An extruded ring filled with solder at each end of the fitting) Anyone have any experience with these? Since the solder is center of the joint, I don't see how you would know when it flowed.

[C.K.]

I like Elmer's Glu all myself. Work's like a charm!

[George]

Solder is a proven method with demonstrated endurance. Gluing fittings together is a DIY concept that may or may not stand the test of time.

What you are describing may look neat but it is a good idea to install stuff so it is serviceable. How will you replace a valve if there is interference with the other valves?

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Buy a few pieces and practice soldering. Once done properly, you know it is good for 100 years.

[gfretwell]

... or as long as the pipe lasts.

[Mike Dobony]

They will be stagered with plenty of room to replace them. However, the position of the valve handle might not end up in a good position.

[Mike Dobony]

You will see it just edge out of the joint. These should be easy to use, but with a little practice it is MUCH cheaper and just as good to do it the old fashioned way, with flux and solder.