Plumbing – use compression connections on rigid ā€œLā€ copper

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I'm running 1/2 inch "L" copper to plumb my bathroom. I was intending to use the same pipe for the risers and stubs, which will connect to shutoff valves with compression fittings.

I was going to use the standard Brasscraft valves available from HD. Someone told me that I can only use these types of valves with "M" copper.

Is this true? Should I buy some M pipes just for the stubs?

Best Answer

Compression style stops work the same on Type M and Type L, they both have the same outside diameter (O.D., 5/8").

Type M is thinner walled and (IMO) substandard. It is cheaper for a reason, you should use Type L.

As a sidebar: it seems you are familiar with soldering since you are plumbing the bathroom yourself, so why would you use compression (or "Sharkbite") connectors? It will just set you up for difficulty when (not if) the stops start to leak-by later on and you have to replace them. Solder male adapters to your stub-outs and use thread-on stop valves.