Compression fittings and brass pipe

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Hi, I was going to install shutoff valves on existing 1/2" brass cold and hot water lines. Can I use valves with 1/2" compression inlets? Do they play nice with brass pipe? Or should I use 1/2" sweat connection?

If I sweat it, is there any need to modify my copper pipe soldering technique for brass pipe?

Thanks!

And before anyone mentions it, I know PEX is awesome and the greatest thing since sliced bread, blah blah blah but it isn't in the budget for this renno.
 

Terry

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A threaded brass nipple needs threaded stops.
1/2" copper can use either sweat on stops, or compression.

1/2" copper is 5/8" OD

angle_stops.jpg
 
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Thanks for the response, Terry.

As a hypothetical, what if I cut back existing brass pipe with a sawsall and there was no threaded end left? Could you use compression on that?

Thanks again.
 

Terry

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Thanks for the response, Terry.

As a hypothetical, what if I cut back existing brass pipe with a sawsall and there was no threaded end left? Could you use compression on that?

Thanks again.

I would not do that.
I'm not aware of a compression fitting for those. There are plenty of stops that thread on though.
It's an easy job to spin on a new stop.
 

hj

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There are no "compression", or solder, fittings for brass pipe. They are threaded and screwed. What are you trying to do? How about a picture, in case you are describing the task improperly?
 

Dj2

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I suspect that the OP cut off the thread on the brass nipple.

If that's the case, unscrew the brass nipple and replace it with a new one.
 

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Thanks guys. I'll just spin on a new top as Terry suggested.

I am actually just in the planning stages of a small kitchen renno and the 1/2" cold and hot water pipe under the sink is brass so I was just wondering if I could just cut the pipe back with a Sawsall and get new shutoffs with 1/2" compression fitting connections to be used on the brass pipe. I know enough about plumbing to be dangerous but everything in my house is so different from modern construction standards that I always make sure I come here before putting saw to pipe!
 

Jadnashua

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What is the OD of the brass pipe? The stuff is pretty stiff, so a compression fitting probably wouldn't seal, even if the size was okay.

FWIW, in MA, doing ANY plumbing without a license and a building permit can get you into hot water, so beware.
 
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