11-12-2011, 08:12 PM
Heh, I had to do some plumbing work, so I bought a torch and some solder and flux and a length of copper pipe and a bunch of fittings, and I practiced. I thought it would be fun. It was a disaster. Twenty elbows, eight feet of pipe later, I hadn't made a single good fitting.
Being a little bit obstinate, I went back and bought another 8' of pipe, determined to master such a basic skill. The first attempt was good. The second was beautiful. The third made me weep, it was so perfect. It turns out, the first 1/2" pipe I was practicing on was a little smaller than 1/2". Funny, right? I had no idea that could happen.
Anyhow, it's a handy skill. But when I needed a new water heater I called a pro to install the beast and vent it properly, and replumb the rats nest in my garage. He did a fine job. And you know what? In a couple places he used sharkbite fittings. If it's good enough for him...
Being a little bit obstinate, I went back and bought another 8' of pipe, determined to master such a basic skill. The first attempt was good. The second was beautiful. The third made me weep, it was so perfect. It turns out, the first 1/2" pipe I was practicing on was a little smaller than 1/2". Funny, right? I had no idea that could happen.
Anyhow, it's a handy skill. But when I needed a new water heater I called a pro to install the beast and vent it properly, and replumb the rats nest in my garage. He did a fine job. And you know what? In a couple places he used sharkbite fittings. If it's good enough for him...