In article , "Robert11" wrote:
Hello:

Have done a fair amount of home plumbing type of work, but, surprisingly,
have never had need to use a "union".
[...]
Any thoughts on this ?
Safe to use ? Proven in practice pretty well ?

Unions are absolutely standard equipment in hooking up natural gas appliances
(have a look at the line to a NG water heater, for example). Typical
arrangement is
supply pipe -- shutoff valve -- union -- short pipe -- appliance.

That good enough for ya?

Are there any other types, or brands, besides the HD ones that are perhaps
of better quality ?

Undoubtedly. The fittings sold at HD are IMO pretty much the bottom of the
barrel, and you'll almost certainly find higher quality at a plumbing supply
shop.

--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)

It's time to throw all their damned tea in the harbor again.