A shutoff valve connects to copper plumbing pipes in one of two ways: Compression fitting; Sweat fitting. Identify the connection type used in your home by referring to the photos below. If you ...

PEX connects to fittings, valves and manifolds by simple compression. The plastic used to make PEX has a memory. ... That’s impossible to do if you’re trying to solder a copper pipe joint.

Q: I have to install some new water supply lines in my home. My current home has copper water supply lines. I’m intrigued by the plastic PEX material, but it seems too good to be true. Using PEX ...

Dear Brianna: Trying to solder copper pipe fittings for the first time can be intimidating. It actually is quite easy to do with proper preparation of the pieces.

Copper piping is generally more difficult and time-consuming to install than pex piping due to its rigidity and the fact that it requires specialized tools and fittings. Copper piping must be cut ...