How good in the long term are compression fit shut-off valves (for toilets and bathroom sinks) vs. good old threaded fittings for leaking? I have always used threaded fittings on 1/2" copper and wrenched on threaded 1/4 turn valves but in my new install am considering 1/2" compression for the 2 units for ease of install and final valve orientation. I'd love to know from the pros how good compression fittings really are and how much you trust them.

Thanks.

I am a big fan of ball valves. Have been ever since in a clever bit of industrial marketing where some business was actually conducted at a Christmas party.

On the other hand, the chromed, compression angle stops are great in exposed locations. They are not used that much and seldom leak. Hidden in a vanity, with a compression connection to the faucet, I would go with the threaded ball valves.

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Originally Posted by nervous

How good in the long term are compression fit shut-off valves (for toilets and bathroom sinks) vs. good old threaded fittings for leaking? I have always used threaded fittings on 1/2" copper and wrenched on threaded 1/4 turn valves but in my new install am considering 1/2" compression for the 2 units for ease of install and final valve orientation. I'd love to know from the pros how good compression fittings really are and how much you trust them.

Thanks.

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It depends upon the material that's stubbed out. For PVC and galvanized Iron pipe I would use threaded and for copper I would install compression angle stops. That's all we ever used in our new construction when I was out in the field.

I put 1/2 inch male pipe thread copper addapters on the supply lines and then used 1/2 inch female pipe thread angle stops with 1/4 turn valves made by brasscrafters... they sell them at homedepot.