I have a 1/2in threaded piece of copper that I need to join to a 1/2in piece of copper tubing?

Question

I have to cut the 1/2in copper tubing going to my hot water heater (cold side) and insert a water sensor. the problem that I have is that the sensor (7in long) has 1/2in threads on each end. is there a way for me to connect threaded 1/2in copper to 1/2in copper tubing

Answer 1

either get 2 female adapters to thread onto the ends and then solder it in, or cut off the male threads that come with the sensor and just couple it on each side or use a union, the union would allow for an easier change out of the part in the future, that way would be best in my opinion and less trouble some of having the threads leak when you're done since the heat on the joint won't be good for the tefelon or pipe dope on the threads, the coupler could be copper or you could buy two shark bite couplers that simply snap into place - sounds cheap but actually holds just as good as solder, those are as easy as putting legos together. shark bite is a nammed brand you can ask for at the store. and the sensor could still be removed and the shark bites reused with that option.

Answer 2

Go to home depot and get two 1/2 in. gators teeth and as soon as you see how these work you will be able to figure out what else you may need. These things are just too easy.

Answer 3

I would go to the hardware store ask for a compression adapter with male threads( two of them) Then buy two 1/2" unions. You could skip the unions if you can get some flex out of your pipe.

Answer 4

Maybe the reason the sensor has threads is that it could be burnt out by the heat from soldering. Go with the threaded adapters and solder them on before you attach the sensor. Lowe's, Home Depot, etc all have the parts you need. Explain what you want to do and the guys there will know what you need. While you are there ask them about the solder less connectors, that is probably the way you should attach the sensor.