Copper water pipe connectors

[Lubener]

Dielectric unions and a quick connect coupling stripped of its O-rings, soldered to the pipe.

No o rings but a rubber gasket-washer and a teflon sleeve.

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

No o rings but a rubber gasket-washer and a teflon sleeve.

Sorry, wrong nomenclature, AGAIN!
It's still stripped of it's "inner parts" to be soldered to the copper pipe. Can we agree on that?

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

That solder job is hideous, for one. I am actually in the EXACT same boat, as near identical happened. The solder jobs on my former piping were absurdly clean. Artwork. ABSOLUTE ARTWORK! Now look what has been introduced into the system.

Original work:


View attachment 27176


Replacement:

View attachment 27177


That said, I was installed the same make and capacity hot water heater as what went bad, and all parts and labor total was only $100 service fee. It is 30% more efficient, as well. I looked it up and the unit was $700ish. My home warranty really pulled weight. The guy just asked how old the heater was (15 years), and he said "Yup, you probably need a new one regardless, I'll order it". and that was that.

Whatever you do, don't walk too close to that solder joint. It will DEFINITELY snatch your drawers out of your pants!

 

[tom slick]

I wouldn't trust those press fit couplers in my home. I can't figure out why people try to tackle these jobs, don't have the skills to do it and have to rely on rinky dink devices to make it all work. Wait till that rubber o ring starts to break down.

Experience or Neophobia?

 

[Duffyjr]

Thanks for all the replies, I will keep an eye on it, I walk right by it to get to the TV room. I can't help but think he wouldn't use them if he was constantly having to go back and fix leaks from using them.

The old solder you see in that picture was done 20 years ago when the AO Smith was installed. He was a retired plumber and a friend of the family so he kept us on his list of preferred customers. It was the last job he did for us and I noticed he was shaking pretty good but as ugly as they are they never leaked a drop in 20 years plus the insulation hides that section.

And there is no flex pipe, it's all solid copper.

So far I'm happy, I haven't got the bill yet but I"m planning on giving him a pretty good tip since he came out the same day I called.