Basement bathroom install again. What are my alternatives to sweat soldering for the supply lines? I feel more confident in my ability to install a more mechanical connection. What is your recommendation, pros and cons of each?

1. Copper: Can I use compression fittings throughout instead of soldered connections? Are these as reliable as soldered connections?

2. PVC: I know I can do this, but what are the pros and cons?

3. Flxible Tubing: CPEX? Now able to carry hot and cold water because the tubing has more reinforcement that it used to? Connections can be compression fit or crimped? Able to be bent slightly around corners. So far I am leaning toward this option, but wanted theopinion of an expert.

4. Any other material ideas?

Thanks in advance!

I vote CPVC all the way. It's fast, easy and cheap... with really no cons. CPVC is far better in my opinion than compression fittings. I've seen too many compression fittings blow over the years.

#3 is fast and easy too, but expensive.

Hang tight, though. No doubt or resident Plumbing Expert will be along shortly.

Tom can give you the name of an epoxy product to use in place of soldered joints. I never see it at Lowe's or Home depot.

If you have a crimping tool, and perhaps training on its proper use PEX, cross linked polyethylene, may be the cheapest. Otherwise, the cheapest and easiest thing is PVC and CPVC for the hot. If you use the primer and the correct cement, they are as close idiot proof as anything. I made some changes in my original copper plumbing last summer and mostly used it with zero problems. I mostly used CPVC compression fitting to go from the existing copper to the plastic. They are cheap, about $2 for a 3/4'' at Lowe's. 3/4'' PVC is bigger than other 3/4'' pipe. Lowe's also has CPVC to PVC adapters. I also used a Shark Tooth tee in one spot, $10 at the plumbing supply. Slick. Just cut the pipe and slide it in. Push back a little plastic collar, and you can take it right out. You can use it with cooper, PEX, and CPVC. Ace Hardware also carries them. My local Lowe's had a better selection of fittings and lower prices than Home Depot.

Use ball valves for shut offs unless you want the appearance of the chromed 90 degree globe valves. They are easier to use and seldom leak either at the stems or through the valve when it is ''shut off''.

I didn't have any problems with the few soldered joints I used last summer, perhaps because I avoided doing any tees. Not always so in the past. I have had even worse luck with compression fittings that use brass ferrules. The plastic ones I mentioned above have nice rubber ones that seal the first time.

Any comments on this speedball?

Any comments Tom, I value your opinion as well.

You may use compression fittings but there's more chance for a compression fitting to develop a leak then a soldered joint plus compression fittings are more expensive.

2. PVC: I know I can do this, but what are the pros and cons?

I see PVC and CPVC as the coming thing. It will outlast copper and galvanized and is less costly then either one. Add to that the fact that it's easier to work with and you don't need special equipment or skills to install it makes plastic my recommendation.

3. Flxible Tubing: CPEX? Now able to carry hot and cold water because the tubing has more reinforcement that it used to? Connections can be compression fit or crimped? Able to be bent slightly around corners. So far I am leaning toward this option, but wanted theopinion of an expert.

While PEX has had its problems in the past, I understand they are all resolved now. Pex works on the manifold system and is the easiest to run the branches. It's between PVC and PEX in my book.

4. Any other material ideas?

What's left?

However if you wish a alterative to using heat to solder click on, Jackson Industries

Good luck, Tom