For the first time I had to remove a leaky shutoff valve that attaches to
brass pipe with a compression fitting, and then put in a new shutoff valve
that also has a compression fitting.

I hate this compression fitting thing.

Firstly, removing the old ferrule (ring) from the pipe was quite a task. The
ring has almost embedded itself into the pipe. After that, I had to polish
the pipe. The new ferrule fit very loosely over the pipe -- I can probably
wrap a sheet of paper on the pipe and the ring would still slide on.

Needless to say, the nut had to be turned many times, with wrenches. Who
said it can be hand tightened?? In addition, if the valve is accidentally
turned slightly (with the non-moving wrench), the seal may break. I only
tightened the nut until water stopped leaking. All the while I was worrying
I might over-tightened. Now I'm worry it may leak, or the water pressure
might "shoot" the valve off the pipe and flood the house.

Then I read that this fitting is a nice because it allows the valve to be
removed and the pipe reused. Yeah right. The old fitting dented the pipe I'm
lucky the pipe wasn't grinded to even smaller diameter when pulling the old
ring out.

I guess other people must have more positive experience working with
compression fitting; otherwise it wouldn't be in so widespread use.

Are there indoor shutoff valves that can be solder on brass pipe? In
retrospect, I think I would have spent less time and sleep more at ease if I
solder on the new valve. Though, the valve is under a kitchen sink, so
perhaps it's not a good place for soldering.



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