25
votes
Accepted
Why do I have extra copper tubing connected to each bathroom sink supply line?
That's a manifold and those other pipes go on to feed other devices.
Very likely that the plumbers ran one 3/4" copper tube to the room, then branched off there and ran the other 3/4" and 1/...
- 6,714
15
votes
Why do I have extra copper tubing connected to each bathroom sink supply line?
I don't have code requirements handy, but there was another question here recently that was similar, and the answer there was that plumbing code did not allow copper pipe joints to be embedded in ...
- 3,793
9
votes
Accepted
Why does a water line behind wall of home have capped off areas above supply area that heads out to wall?
Sometimes we put in up stubs, they fill with air and act as a surge arrestor (helps to reduce pipe chatter).
- 102k
7
votes
Should I upgrade to 3/4" pipe all the way to my new pex manifold?
Is the manifold 3/4? If you have easy access to do it, then you are correct that now is the time to do it.
- 21.1k
5
votes
Accepted
Can electrical solder be used for joining pipe?
My understanding is that plumbing flux is more aggressive (acidic) and will damage electronics, but that you can go the other way and use flux-core solder on plumbing in a pinch. A few caveats:
...
- 130k
5
votes
Accepted
How were these copper pipes attached to the T&P discharge valve likely connected?
That fitting is called a union, it was installed to allow for the T&P and/or the entire water heater to be replaced without needing to cut and resolder the relief valve discharge line.
As for ...
5
votes
Accepted
Should I paint copper pipes exposed to nature?
I would not paint the copper. If you ever need to repair it, paint would be one more problem on making a good leak free connection. If you want to cover the pipe, use foam. Remember, copper water ...
- 102k
4
votes
Accepted
Why does water come out of the hot supply line when I open the cold?
My sink has a hot faucet on the left side of the sink. It also has a cold faucet on the right side of the sink. If you want warm water, you have to mix it in the basin.
If every faucet in your ...
4
votes
Copper line to fridge
If you have a saddle valve clamp that is closed yet still letting water through, you may simply have to turn the handle a bit more with force to drive the pin tighter to the copper pipe.
HOWEVER: If ...
- 99
4
votes
Accepted
Can I install a wall valve for a refrigerator water line?
Yes, since you are working on the walls anyway, you can install something like this box:
Depending on the new layout of your kitchen, you can connect to a pipe coming up from below (through the floor)...
3
votes
how do I remove copper stain coming from plumbing?
There are products sold for your specific issue. Check your local hardware store or home improvement center for CLR (Calcium-Lime-Rust) cleaner. CLR is a specific brand name but there are many ...
- 11.2k
3
votes
Accepted
How can I cut copper water pipe to add a fitting?
All depends on you. You can cut the pipe with a hacksaw, Sawzall, a copper tubing cutter like these:
You might have to cut a length of pipe out to fit your valve.
You could also use a piercing valve.
...
- 4,417
3
votes
What to use a 90 and when to two 45s in copper piping?
When to use a pair of 45° versus one 90°? Most in the construction trades work according to these guiding principles:
Use as few parts as possible, because handling more parts takes more time
Get the ...
- 27.9k
2
votes
Why would you use copper electrical conduit?
It's most likely something like Pyrotenax. Copper covered fireproof cable.
2
votes
Are galvanised steel pipes suitable for supplying hot water?
Some plumbers and the posts above suggest replacing galvanized pipes should almost always be done. In my case, I believe that SOME of the replacement was a mistake.
I replaced my galvanized steel ...
2
votes
can I mount a copper pipe to stone with an epoxy?
Yes, you can. In fact, this is exactly how anchor bolts are placed into concrete and stone for posts. A hole is drilled, filled with epoxy, then the bolt is inserted.
Keep in mind that slate is ...
- 24.2k
2
votes
How to seal PVC-U and copper pipes together
I too have struggled with gluing copper and PVC for certain experiments. Silicone is an ok choice, depending on the pressure, but white silicone just happens to be less effective for sticking to stuff ...
- 6,212
2
votes
Accepted
Do I need to separately bond sections of copper pipe connected by push-to-connect fittings?
According to the SharkBite® Installation Instructions (PDF), you have to install a jumper to "ensure proper grounding".
- 131k
2
votes
Does Pex tubing have any advantages over copper?
From comparing chart PEX vs Copper
PEX tubing has much much better freeze burst resistance properties than copper. Its very important especially for people who lives in cold climate areas.
- 71
2
votes
What threading type is my ice maker shut off valve?
As @jimmy Fix-it said, I would just replace the valve or you could go to the "big box store" and ask for a 1/8" or a 1/4" female X 1/4 OD compression fitting. These are a standard fitting and easy to ...
- 12.4k
2
votes
Accepted
What threading type is my ice maker shut off valve?
One side of your needle valve is 1/4" compression thread, that is the side with tubing connected to it. The watertight connection is accomplished when the compression nut squeezes down upon and ...
- 35.1k
2
votes
Accepted
Soldered copper vs threaded copper at shower valve
In all my years, threaded or soldered, I've never replaced a valve with the same valve, and definitely not with the threaded connections. If you think about the logistics of unthreading a shower valve ...
- 2,006
2
votes
Accepted
Copper NPT male fitting: accepted practice to sweat to the inside?
I would not call it a hack it is more expensive and due to the metal thickness takes a bit longer to sweat but works fine. Possibly a little better as the brass will hold up better than a copper male ...
- 102k
2
votes
Accepted
Crooked compression fitting: leave be or replace again
If it doesn't leak it's OK. It looks square where it goes into the compression fitting.
BTW you didn't need any Teflon tape, but leave it alone now. Teflon tape or pipe dope is used to seal pipe ...
- 20.9k
2
votes
connect copper without soldering
To avoid soldering I would use either a compression elbow or a push-fit elbow. But it depends on what the pipe is carrying (water or gas).
Useful tools include pipe-cutters and appropriate sized ...
- 24.2k
2
votes
Accepted
connect copper without soldering
There is a system for connecting copper tubing and copper fittings that does not use solder. Just google "Propress" for an example. Some places rent the tool or you can purchase one. Before I retired ...
- 12.4k
2
votes
Accepted
how do I remove copper stain coming from plumbing?
Vinegar should be able to dissolve copper stains. Those stains are commonly copper hydroxocarbonate AKA copper carbonate hydroxide, which easily dissolves into copper acetate.
- 242
2
votes
Can you repair a kinked copper pipe?
If you can drain the pipe, then you could heat the pipe with a blow torch and using some long handle pliers or pipe grips gently "persuade" the kink out... You have to have patience.
But if it is not ...
- 26.3k
2
votes
how do I replace a single union pressure reducing valve?
A slight hack job, but you should not need a torch, unless the new valve does not have the same thread options.
Wrench big enough to grab the body of the valve itself. To begin with, hold it still.
...
- 202k
Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible