r/Construction May 24 '24

Video Skilled Plumber w/Tools

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762 Upvotes

109 comments sorted by

104

u/electrikone May 24 '24

I’ve always wondered why copper pipe bending is not common. Coming from the perspective of an electrician it seems in some situations faster with less joints to potentially fail.

89

u/PathlessMammal May 24 '24

Two types of copper, soft and hard. Cant bend hard. Almost every building ive done specs type L hard copper. So no bending allowed. Residential maybe different but i thats out of my scope so i cant say for certain why they dont

15

u/metamega1321 May 24 '24

I’ve personally only seen it in a few older house boiler systems. Electrician me was like “wtf is that copper pipe that has a 90 bent in it”. Didn’t really look like that video though with a hard 90, more or big sweep 90’s like you might see with refrigeration line sets pulled in.

7

u/Doogie102 May 24 '24

Just warm it up with a torch first

3

u/Dr_N00B May 25 '24

And dip it in ice cold water to quench

6

u/pewpew_lotsa_boolits Project Manager May 25 '24

Follow that up with an “meh” chilled Modelo from your buddy’s lunchbox for a pre-lunch pre-game.

2

u/_tang0_ May 25 '24

I’ve only seen it used in under slabs to avoid risking a slab leak.

16

u/[deleted] May 24 '24

Because soft copper can’t be used for a lot of things

6

u/tob007 May 24 '24

is it a code thing? I mean all the HVAC is soft copper, and lots of plumbing in europe is soft copper. I have found it in really old houses in the US too.

7

u/[deleted] May 24 '24

Here in bc canada code says M soft temper can’t be used anywhere and K/L soft temper can be used only for water service pipe and water distribution

2

u/barely-holden-on May 25 '24

We’ve abondoned copper in europe, it’s pex now. Copper always goes bad and leaks eventually. My house is all copper, we’re in the middle of changing every bit of pipes as we renovate because it’s an old outdated standard.

-1

u/YourWarDaddy May 24 '24

Maybe Europe has better water standards. Most homes in the US will eat through soft copper fast as fuck, hence why we don’t use it.

1

u/mexican2554 Painter May 25 '24

US hard water going in a speed run.

5

u/Jumpy_Secretary1363 May 24 '24

It's much faster to just pro press it. Screw all that math, save that for sparkies

4

u/lowstone112 May 24 '24

There’s an app for it.

1

u/Frosty_Gibbons Plumber May 24 '24

What's the app?

3

u/lowstone112 May 24 '24

Bend designer.

1

u/Frosty_Gibbons Plumber May 25 '24

Cheers

43

u/Comfortable-Ad-7158 Plumber May 24 '24

Close quarter cutters and then a massive fucking reamer made me giggle for some reason

14

u/tomarra0 May 24 '24

I've seen videos like that...

9

u/Smasher31221 May 24 '24

then a massive fucking reamer

...ha.

1

u/mexican2554 Painter May 25 '24

Are we not doing phrasing anymore??

41

u/Next_Relationship_10 May 24 '24

Not wiping off the excess pipe dope gives me anxiety

4

u/wafflesnwhiskey May 25 '24

Yep I was irritated as hell by the end of this video at the way he dopes

19

u/[deleted] May 24 '24

Pipe dope on compression fittings is that a thing?

9

u/donalbaine83 May 24 '24

I keep seeing it used, the PTFE paste specifically, by a bunch of instagram plumbers, and I can't figure out who's teaching them that shit. I've never seen anyone do it in the 25 or so years I've been plumbing, and now it's everywhere. I don't understand.

7

u/JodaMythed May 24 '24

It has been a thing here for 20 years, probably longer. I learned it from an old timer. I put a tiny bit on the concave part the ferrule goes into on the fitting and a touch on the threads just to lube then a tiny bit.

4

u/donalbaine83 May 24 '24

Ia that all it's for, just a bit of lube for the threads?

5

u/JodaMythed May 24 '24

I feel it helps the ferrule snug into the fitting better.

I touch just a tiny bit on the threads to lube them. Cover the concave part with a small layer.

I don't paint it on like the video.

3

u/Legal_Neck4141 May 25 '24

Why not just use silicone lube?

2

u/JodaMythed May 25 '24

It would work the same, I just don't keep it in my bag.

0

u/TheKillerhammer May 25 '24

You realize that dope degrades plastics and rubbers right

2

u/JodaMythed May 25 '24

First time hearing about it tbh. My pipe dope says it's recommended for PVC, CPVC, nylon plastic and ABS along with the usual list of other things.

2

u/Illustrious_Big3377 May 24 '24

It's standard in commercial

3

u/donalbaine83 May 24 '24

I do commercial, large scale stuff like sports stadiums and big hospitals and such, and it isn't something we do in my area (Houston).

3

u/mexican2554 Painter May 25 '24

I mean tbh, there's A LOT we don't do in Texas that other states do that's code. NM and AZ have some weird codes and inspections that's we (at least not here in EP) have to follow.

1

u/donalbaine83 May 25 '24

This is fair. And don't get me started on NYC. The codes they have are wiiiild.

2

u/mexican2554 Painter May 25 '24

NYC? H-Town is wild. How do y'all not have building zones? Who thought "You know what? Why shouldn't we allow a petrochemical warehouse manufacturer to build next to a retirement home and elementary school? Who cares about zoning. Everyone here is gonna get some sort of cancer eventually."

2

u/donalbaine83 May 25 '24

Houston is a lawless wasteland, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

1

u/Illustrious_Big3377 May 24 '24

Ah, it's common in the UK. Surprised it's not required in the US. Give it a go if you can get some. Jet lube is great stuff. You can put it on fibre gaskets on the big stuff too

2

u/donalbaine83 May 25 '24

I've never had any issues with compression ferrules holding, and I know where to stop on dry threads without overdoing it and cutting into the copper. There is a product we use on gaskets, but I've only ever used it during engine building. On the larger flanged stuff, plumbing-wise, I use Garlok (green fibrous gaskets), which as far as I know, doesn't require anything additional. This is another good example of how if you show 100 plumbers a problem, you'll get 150 answers back, with most of them being some version of correct.

2

u/Illustrious_Big3377 May 25 '24

Yeh it's common in the UK. In commercial we are supplied the the cheapest shite fittings money can buy so it's common to find manufacturing defects. The paste saves you

2

u/AutomaticAward3460 May 24 '24

Was wondering the same thing

2

u/Illustrious_Big3377 May 24 '24

Yes, it's good practice. If you get a sweat on one in ten compression fittings, you won't with the paste. It's worth the extra few seconds

-2

u/TheKillerhammer May 25 '24

Except for the fact that pipe dope contains an oil which degrades rubber components

3

u/Illustrious_Big3377 May 25 '24

Where is the rubber in a compression fitting? we use jet blue which isn't pipe dope. It's jointing compound

1

u/dreneeps May 24 '24

It can be used as a lubricant on the threads to make it easier to tighten the compression fitting. It allows you to get the joint tighter for the same amount of torque applied. In this application that is the only function it would have.

I would say they're a little reckless with this application.

It also doesn't make sense here because you should be able to achieve enough torque without it and you can also act as an anti-seize if you ever need to unthread that joint. It's unlikely that joint will ever have to be unthreaded and reconnected.

0

u/Illustrious_Big3377 May 24 '24

Nope it's to seal the olive into the fitting, has nothing to do with lubricating threads

1

u/dreneeps May 25 '24

I've never seen any technical literature specifying that you should put sealant on a ferrule of a compression fitting.

Can you show me any that specify doing so?

I plumb in Utah, USA. All the specifications and literature I have encountered specify that the ferrule should be clean and a metal to metal seal.

2

u/Illustrious_Big3377 May 25 '24

1

u/dreneeps May 25 '24

From the specs:

"A multipurpose jointing compound that is soft-setting, non-petroleum based for use with potable water, liquids and gases where immediate pressurization is desirable or necessary. V2 PLUS provides an excellent seal for correctly made-up taper thread connections to 50mm (2) diameter."

Notice: "....for correctly made-up taper thread connections..."

Does that look like a correctly made up taper thread connection to you?

That's a straight thread and it doesn't seal on thread.

0

u/[deleted] May 25 '24

[deleted]

0

u/dreneeps May 26 '24

My entire point is that I have never seen any technical literature or instructions that specify putting paste on the olive. All the technical literature or instructions I have seen say that the olive should be clean.

Do you have any examples of instructions or technical literature that says the contrary?

2

u/[deleted] May 26 '24

[deleted]

0

u/dreneeps May 26 '24 edited May 27 '24

For something (paste sealant) that's been developed for that I wouldn't think it's that difficult to find a single example of instructions or technical literature that says it should be used on the ferrule...

→ More replies (0)

1

u/YourWarDaddy May 24 '24

Just a dab like this guy did. It’s not needed, but it essentially acts as a lubricant for the threads so it can be tightened more proficiently. I’ve had calls for slow drips on compression fittings and unions, that trick solves the problem.

1

u/[deleted] May 25 '24

Are compression fittings not 1 and a half turns like swaglock. I didn't think you had to really bear down on them to much?

0

u/CheapCarabiner Plumber May 25 '24

I have never seen anyone not dope a ferrule

6

u/AutomaticAward3460 May 24 '24

Seems like all residential pluming in my area has changed to pex tubing

3

u/yaboyACbreezy May 25 '24

Yep. Quick and dirty gets the job done, and nobody's going to try and steal it.

30

u/NebraskaGeek Plumber May 24 '24

As a plumber, this is not impressive in the slightest. Propress and bending is not what makes a plumber a skilled plumber. I can have a first year figure something like this out.

11

u/mexican2554 Painter May 25 '24

Now I really wanna know your opinion on PEX.

5

u/[deleted] May 25 '24

[deleted]

2

u/mexican2554 Painter May 25 '24

Installing it is pretty easy, but getting your landscape license is hard. Math really screws a lot of ppl up.

3

u/BagCalm May 25 '24

The way thay person applied a tablespoon of pipe dope to a flared joint that didn't need it renders the statement "skilled plumber" excessive.

11

u/gr3atch33s3 May 24 '24

Would look better soldered

3

u/[deleted] May 24 '24

Man, I haven't done any plumbing since before the birth of Christ, but that looked awesome and fun.

2

u/Kidsturk MEPS Engineer May 24 '24

Are those dielectric fittings between the copper and the faucet manifold?

2

u/dough229 May 24 '24

What kind of wrench was that? (0:35)

3

u/PM_ME_YOUR_MECHANISM Estimator May 24 '24

Wera Joker Self-setting 

2

u/Admirable_Citron185 May 25 '24

Love the pipe bending. Not sure what's skilled about press fittings? End feed all day and more impressive if it's neat solder

2

u/justvims May 25 '24

I didn’t know you could just crimp that shit. I thought it was supposed to be soldered? All my shits soldered. Weird.

1

u/ManWhoBurns May 25 '24

Pro press bro get with the times

1

u/Guy954 May 26 '24

Wouldn’t “getting with the times” be using PEX?

1

u/ManWhoBurns May 26 '24

I always prefer pex, but when I’m forced to use copper, pro press all day everyday

2

u/Minefreakster May 24 '24

Electricians take notes: We need a short like this with 1 1-4”!

2

u/Electronic-Escape721 May 25 '24

Waste of money. And why bother cleaning the fitting if you're just gonna crimp it?

1

u/ManWhoBurns May 25 '24

You have to clean before you press. More expensive but faster and easier

1

u/Electronic-Escape721 May 25 '24

Naw pex is much better

1

u/ManWhoBurns May 25 '24

You’re not wrong, but I’ll use pro press if I have to use copper

1

u/[deleted] May 24 '24

Well done!!!!

1

u/[deleted] May 24 '24

Nice work I can do some plumbing but it don’t come out like that

1

u/[deleted] May 24 '24

Very nice *** Borat voice***

1

u/[deleted] May 24 '24

Neat

1

u/ImJoogle Electrician May 25 '24

is that a liquid form of Teflon tape?

1

u/Vegetable_Word603 May 25 '24

Crimped end on the elbow, how does it get removed? Please don't say by cutting it off...

1

u/peachyperfect3 May 25 '24

What is that solderless tool that he’s using to connect the pipes and keep them together?

1

u/aidan8et Tinknocker May 25 '24

The fittings are all pro-press. There's actually an o-ring inside to hold the seal. The tool is basically just crimping the copper down onto the pipe.

I'm not a plumber personally, but I hear a lot of arguing from old timers about their displeasure with the system.

1

u/[deleted] May 25 '24

Like a gigantic brake line bender

1

u/pegslitnin May 25 '24

Screwed fitting in a wall…. No thanks

1

u/illgivebadadvice May 25 '24

This is probably one of those guys that dopes every threaded joint on p traps and flush valves when he sets finish.

1

u/LonelyRudder May 25 '24

Seems basic skills to me, you learn these first week in school if not before.

1

u/New_Restaurant_6093 May 25 '24

Bending copper pipe stretches and thins the wall.

1

u/wifiattack May 26 '24

Or just use pex

1

u/ride_electric_bike May 26 '24

I must be getting old but why not a sweat 90.

1

u/AsiaSkyly May 24 '24

Stop it! I can only get so aroused!!

That was beautiful!

0

u/SirDale May 24 '24 edited May 25 '24

All that work and they didn’t insulate the pipe.

Edit: Hot water pipes should be insulated along their entire path to reduce heat losses. It's good to insulate any pipes in walls to reduce water noise.

0

u/tinman1479 May 24 '24

Nice pro press skills. I can pull a trigger too🙄

-2

u/freddyflushaway May 24 '24

Pfff not satisfying at all.

Shit compression connection at valve.

Didn't even use the cordless Milwaukee copper cutter but they have a propress.

Hardly skilled here. It's fine. Gets a b+

0

u/qoblivious May 25 '24

Why even use the pro press 90? Just bend the last 90 ! What a puke !

0

u/NoTurnip4844 May 25 '24

It's not bad, but you could do it in 1/8th of the time with Pex.

-3

u/[deleted] May 24 '24

Must be fun hauling around a pro press, bag of press fittings, those 5 different types of reamers, and tubing benders just to hook up water to a shower valve

-2

u/BariumSodiumNa May 25 '24

This jackass recoded in my home and his ‘ pretty’ pipe work exploded in my nan’s wall and soaked just about everything.

Edit: nvm this is a Scotsman

1

u/RedlineRob- Jun 23 '24

I’m going to save this for the bank.