"Mike H" 1newsATstelliteDOTmailshellDOTcom wrote in message ...

I've used copper-bond epoxy on some of my copper plumbing. It's been 18
years so far with no problems.


In this case, you were damn lucky!

My I assume that you realize that if the completed joint leaks, there
is no way of repairing it?

By contrast, if a soldered copper joint leaks, you can always re-heat
it and pull it apart, clean it up, and simply resolder it.

Seriously, I cannot imagine anyone who would use anything but solder
to connect sweat type copper plumbing fittings. It makes absolutely no
sense to me.

With respect to compression fittings, you have to be extremely careful
not to put scratches into the pipe when using these things, otherwise
they will drip. I only use them when I have to, and then my leak-free
success rate is around 75%, roughly par for the course as I'm told by
my plumber friends.

Actually the only time that I now use compression fitting on 1/2" or
3/4" copper is where I need to install a cut-off valve up close to a
finished wall, where due to the proximiity of a finished or
combustable surface, the use of a torched sweated fitting is
impossible or impractical. Even then the use of a compression fitting
involves some degree of risk and luck...which I prefer to avoid.

Harry C.