I have this gray pvc looking compression union connecting two pieces of copper tubing on top of my water heater, it’s cracked and dripping. Do I have to replace with the same style pvc fitting? Or will a regular copper compression union work? Not sure how to post picture of it but I do have a pic.
What’s this fitting? And do I have to get the same style?
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Can't see it from here but from what you described, it's probably not a common thing.
Right next to post reply is a box labled " upload a file " use that to post a picture.
Best to shrink the picture file size down below 500 KB before you upload.
Right next to post reply is a box labled " upload a file " use that to post a picture.
Best to shrink the picture file size down below 500 KB before you upload.
Sorry bout that I found it. The line that has this fitting has hot water running thru it, the other line is cold. I noticed the other cold line that’s not leaking has normal copper compression fittings on it, and the line with hot water has these PVC fittings on it. So I just wonder if it had the pvc fittings on it to allow for thermal growth, or growth and shrinkage from heating.
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Was going to get regular copper fitting tomorrow but after I noticed the cold line has copper fittings and the hot line has pvc fittings, i better look into seeing if I should get pvc for some reason since all the other fittings on the line are pvc
Regular copper will work fine. What is there now is a jack legged atrocity.
Jamesplumbing06
Well-Known Member
Yeah that’s a quest fitting. Back in the 90’s mobile home manufactures got sued heavily for using those. Get 2 sharkbite and a short 6” of pipe. Copper will be the most recommended because old plumbers can not accept new technology. But pex will work beautifully till your ready to rip that junk out.
Jamesplumbing06
Well-Known Member
I looked again. That’s going into a water heater. Get yourself a sharkbite water heater supply kit for 1/2” copper. Turn off electric to heater and water to house. Turn a outside faucet on to drain and have clean work area. Cut open both hot and cold below the 90 and get both supplies while your at It. Turn water back on and be happy. When your ready for new heater within a couple years. Just turn the valves and unthread thread braided lines. Slide in new heater and you just saved a $1000
Thanks guys i appreciate it, I will be getting the shark bite kit. I’m no plumber, but I never realized these existed, as I do have experience in tubing and compression fittings and such. These are awesome!! Thanks again
Another quick question, I have a shut off valve right before my water heater, can I shut that off? Or do I need to go outside and shut off the main water? I’ve used the valve before my water heater to change faucet and tub valves before with no problem. I guess the main concern is getting water drained from that line going into the top of water heater. I do believe it’s a hot water line as the line is always hot
Jamesplumbing06
Well-Known Member
If that valve turns everything off then yes use it. I always turn off at meter just to be sure.
