One of the most tedious parts of the job for a plumber can be correctly and securely connecting and fitting pipes. There are plenty of methods that can be applied; it is up to the contractor or plumber to properly determine which method is best.
“These methods include a solder connection, pipe thread, push-to fit connections, cold expansion fitting sleeves, cold expansion with PEX reinforcement ring, and copper press adapters, just to name some,” shares Ollie Carman, technical team leader at Rehau. “Usually it’s the preference of the contractor and depends on the types of piping configurations they are used to. You also need to consider the temperature and pressure ratings in the system and the type of fluid that is inside the pipe.” That being said, each type of connection does have a preferred application.
When the conversation shifts to press fittings, the main difference is the installation method. “Traditional fittings require an open flame; press doesn’t,” shares Marilyn Morgan, senior product manager of metal fittings at Nibco. “This is most beneficial for flame-free solutions such as retrofitting older buildings or any remodelling project.”
In addition, the press fitting process typically takes less time and is cost-efficient, due to the fact that it requires less labour. Another benefit is that, “It also leads to improved worksite safety and lower insurance costs when you consider the physical implications of traditional methods,” explains Adam Botts, product manager at Viega.
Press vs. traditional connections
When it comes to choosing press or traditional connection methods, it depends on a variety of factors, including regional skilled labour and the type of application. Every situation is different and as such, every situation requires its own solution. “The main barrier to entry is the initial investment of the press tool technology and the fittings. It will require a pretty good investment if someone wants to start using press. The initial cost of press tools are considerably higher, and you also have to consider potentially replacing the tool,” explains Morgan.
While there are initial upfront costs, both Morgan and Botts add that these upfront costs are almost immediately paid back in labour savings.
Additionally, the actual size of the press tool is another consideration. “We all know how tight some mechanical rooms can be and there are some situations where being able to press with the tool in an already developed and designed space can be challenging,” shares Morgan. It should be noted that the tooling industry has made advancements in this regard and have created smaller and more lightweight tools that allow for broader access.
One element to look for when choosing any type of piping connection, whether it may be press, push, soulder, etc., is for the proper certification label on the product. “Whether it’s press or push-to-connect, it is all certified the same,” shares Matt Glenn, senior product manager for SharkBite.
Connecting different types of piping is commonplace within the industry. One of the methods is push-to-connect fittings. “If you’re coming in with copper and then moving to PEX, it’s more flexible,” explains Glenn.
At the end of the day, it’s about meeting plumber and contractors needs, shares Morgan. “If someone wants to braise, solder, or press, there are products available.”
Comfortability on the job is key. “You need to take into account the entire project cost. It may not be as evident on a small project one time, but in the long term, the financial benefits of press is significant,” shares Botts.
More and more brands
For a long time, the industry standard for fittings and pipe connections has been the use of copper. “As its very malleable and very useful. Copper also has a lower melting point, making it easily produceable,” says Carman. Or as Morgan states, “It can be used in a variety of applications from plumbing to mechanical to HVAC/R to gas.”
In the press market, there has been an increase in the number of brands entering the market. “The tool manufacturers have done a really good job with keeping up with the growth in press tool products and applications,” explains Morgan.
While copper has been the standard, “It is expensive and fluctuates in price. So, with people trying to keep costs in mind, they are moving to PEX,” explains Glenn. “PEX is a lot easier to use, it’s more flexible, and you can also use fewer fittings. PEX has definitely taken over the market within the last 10 years.”
Material compability also comes down to “each project, environment, as well as what is flowing through your system, the temperatures, and the pressures,” adds Botts. Regardless of whether the plumber/contractor is using press, push-to-connect, or traditional methods, the pipe needs to be properly sized and fitted.
To ensure a leak-free connection, “You need to start by knowing the capacities of the system and know what you are trying to provide, for example, flow rates, pressures, and things of that nature,” shares Carman. “When it comes to head floss flow rates, you will need to conduct some calculations, which will dictate the size of the piping system. Now, as you go further and further away from your source and want to maintain the same pressure, you may have to drop down the pipe size to help maintain that same pressure.”
“This may restrict flow rates. So, it’s not a quick and easy fix when picking the right fitting. You must really look at the whole system to find out how you want it to perform,” says Carman. It’s important to ensure that lay lengths are designed correctly and that accurate reduction for all tees and configurations have been put in place, shares Botts.