Valves and Fittings

Brass compression and flare fittings with the valves that go on the end of them: adapters, couplings, unions, caps and sleeves in 3/8 and 1/2 in., plus Arrowhead garden valves and washing machine valves. Compression and flare are not interchangeable — compression uses a sleeve and nut on plain tubing, flare needs the tube end formed with a flaring tool, and a flare nut on a compression fitting will leak every time. Thread call-outs matter as much: FIP and MPT are pipe threads, MHT is the hose thread on a spigot or a washer connection. Quarter-turn washing machine valves are what to fit when you want the machine shut off between loads rather than left under pressure.