For the Plumbers out there...a question

[rbattelle]

You guys who have experience with plumbing, in your opinion what's better: braided stainless flexible lines or solid copper lines?



I'm asking because I'm having a plumber install new supply lines in every sink and toilet in my house. I want solid copper, but they claim braided stainless is better.



Any advice is very much appreciated.

 

[TORQUE THIS]

I would agree!

 

[rbattelle]

I would agree!

Do you mean you agree that braided stainless is better than copper? Why?

 

[HOBrian]

I am in the middle of my new bathroom in my new house. I just got done putting all new copper lines up through the wall and will be putting ss lines from the copper to the sink and toilet. I like the ss lines because you do not have to be perfectly lined up to keep from leaking. The compressions fittings are good but if you were to hit one line with something you put under the sink you could loosen it up. The ss lines will give. Just my . 02

 

[Headshot zod]

I'm an electrician... ... ... .



... ..... but I just replaced the pipes under a few sinks in the house. The braided steel screws in, which takes seconds. The copper must be measured, cut and then flanged and then hope that it doesn't leak. Which it shouldn't if he is a professional. I don't see the difference, the water still comes out. jmho

 

[rbattelle]

My concern with braided stainless lines is the leak potential at the crimps. Is this an unreasonable concern?

 

[rbattelle]

My house was destroyed (quite literally) by a plastic supply line nut that cracked 5 days after closing while the home was unoccupied. That was 21 May of this year. They are still fixing the house. NEVER again will I have ANY plastic anywhere near any water line (except drains). Told my contractor I wanted METAL everywhere, and they installed braided SS lines everywhere. All the toilet supply lines have PLASTIC nuts on them. Now the plumber has to go back in, remove everything he spent all day plumbing, and replace with solid copper and brass... all at their expense.

 

[TORQUE THIS]

I like the ss lines because you do not have to be perfectly lined up to keep from leaking. The compressions fittings are good but if you were to hit one line with something you put under the sink you could loosen it up. The ss lines will give. Just my . 02

That's what I meant...

 

[CTait]

That fix it quick crap has made everyone a plumber. Look at what the real craftsman uses. It will be copper everytime.

 

[Sojourner]

There is a sure-fire 'hot-tip' solution for those concerns about getting the flare or compression fittings on copper not to leak, ever. It is a pipe dope called Rectorseal #5 and you can find it at Home Depot or plumbing supply houses. I have used Rectorseal #5 for over 30 years and it has saved me major grief on innumerable occassions, especially on copper and brass fittings. It is pretty incredible stuff. Use it liberally and you will never have a problem. I have also used it in a number of automotive applications such as leaky coolant hose connections and t-stat housings. It works on all liquids and gases except oxygen. Once you try it you will never use anything else, including teflon tape.