Especially for glycol in copper propress pipe fittings

[mjwalsh]

It just seems that if we ever needed to redo our copper pipes that have glycol in them propress could be the best way to go? I wonder what the going rates tend to be for renting the tool is though? I remember it being tougher to solder once glycol was in the copper line on some redo work. Thoughts ... there is no substitute for some "hands on experience" sometimes?

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Viega-Propress-Fittings-892000

 

[Earl Weiss]

I have been using "Shark Bite fittings. Big Box stores carry them. Not Cheap but great to use. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEsqtSA7HsM

 

[Eric H]

I just finished a remodel where the plumber used propress for nearly everything. It cuts down on labor cost but the fittings are pretty expensive. I'm not convinced that the rubber o-rings will last as long as a soldered joint, but I'll have to wait 20 years to find out.

 

[mjwalsh]

I just finished a remodel where the plumber used propress for nearly everything. It cuts down on labor cost but the fittings are pretty expensive. I'm not convinced that the rubber o-rings will last as long as a soldered joint, but I'll have to wait 20 years to find out.

Eric, Earl & others,

I am thinking it is a step above shark bite because of the up to 4" vs much smaller for the shark bite. I have not compared fittings cost with shark bite but the propress possibly over $50 tool rental per day should be factored in also. As in needing to be super organized if going that route. I just found something relevant in terms of pump performance & heat transfer when it comes to antifreeze solutions:

https://www.obernel.com/ethylene-glycol-is-best-for-hvac/

 

[Earl Weiss]

Eric, Earl & others,

I am thinking it is a step above shark bite because of the up to 4" vs much smaller for the shark bite. I have not compared fittings cost with shark bite but the propress possibly over $50 tool rental per day should be factored in also.

If size eliminates an option you have to go with that. If size allows being able to throw a shark bite on there and not needing a special tool is a wonderful thing.

 

[Main Street Carwash]

I was going to install a solder type ball valve on a 1/2" copper water line and when I went to buy the ball valve I actually ended up buying a sharkbite style valve because it was cheaper. No brainer there, easy peasy.

 

[OurTown]

Sharkbite makes 1 1/2" and 2" fittings. The question is would the o-rings on them and the Propress fittings hold up to glycol over the years?

 

[Main Street Carwash]

O rings are used extensively in automobile cooling systems and last for years.

 

[OurTown]

O rings are used extensively in automobile cooling systems and last for years.

Those are made to hold up in that environment but what about the ones that are assumed to only be subjected to water? Not all o-rings are made the same.

 

[OurTown]

I just looked up the propress fittings and it looks like they are approved for ethylene glycol:

https://www.viega.us/content/dam/viega/aem_online_assets/download_assets/us/service_chart_english_wpex_0418.pdf

 

[OurTown]

It looks like Sharkbite fittings are only good for water.

 

[br549ms]

I have been using "Elopress" Compression Fittings on my Geothermal system for years. we run around a 30% glycol mix and have never had one of the fittings fail, installed in 2001. According to what I have read they can be used on Copper pipe.

 

[Earl Weiss]

It looks like Sharkbite fittings are only good for water.

Is there a warning or disclaimer for this somewhere?

 

[OurTown]

Is there a warning or disclaimer for this somewhere?

I found it on their website:

https://www.sharkbite.com/resources/faqs/universal-brass-push-fittings-faqs

 

[Earl Weiss]

I found it on their website:

https://www.sharkbite.com/resources/faqs/universal-brass-push-fittings-faqs

"Not certified" for anything other than potable water and radiant heat. Doesn't raidiant heat contain some sort of alcohol to keep it from freezing if there is a failure?

 

[OurTown]

"Not certified" for anything other than potable water and radiant heat. Doesn't raidiant heat contain some sort of alcohol to keep it from freezing if there is a failure?

I thought that they just usually use water but after doing a little poking around it looks like sometimes propylene glycol is added. It is odd that Sharkbite does not specifically mention that.

 

[Earl Weiss]

I thought that they just usually use water but after doing a little poking around it looks like sometimes propylene glycol is added. It is odd that Sharkbite does not specifically mention that.

It may be more of a question about what they wanted to spend the time and money to get "Certified" for as opposed to what you can use it for.

 

[cap732000]

My best friend is a large commercial plumber they are using propress in skyscraper applications these days. I’ve had experience with them and they are the cats meow .......But as mentioned the fittings are not high there REALLY high I’m not sure if it’s would be cost effective in a mom and pop operation but worth exploring I suppose.