Compression vs Press Fittings

When it comes to plumbing and heating installations, choosing the right type of fitting is critical for ensuring a secure, efficient, and long-lasting connection. Two popular options, Compression and Press fittings, offer distinct advantages and are widely used for various applications.

Understanding the differences between these fittings can help you make an informed decision that best suits your project requirements. This guide provides an in-depth comparison of Compression and Press fittings, detailing their features, benefits, installation processes, and ideal use cases.

What Are Compression Fittings?

Compression fittings are widely used in plumbing, heating, and gas installations because of their simplicity and reliability. They consist of three main components: a compression nut, a compression ring (also known as an olive), and a fitting body. The olive compresses against the pipe and the fitting body as the nut is tightened, forming a watertight seal.

Compression

Flowflex Compression fittings, including Type A, Type B, PEX, and Large Bronze Flange Fittings, offer secure, leak-free connections, easy installation, and durability. They ensure flexibility in plumbing, are corrosion-resistant, and provide robust performance, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of HVAC systems.

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Key Components of Compression Connection

• Compression Nut: A threaded nut that tightens over the fitting body.

• Compression Ring (or Olive): A metal ring that compresses between the nut and fitting body to form a seal.

• Fitting Body: The main part of the fitting that connects to the pipe.

• Pipework: Copper, Plastic or Steel Pipe.

How Compression Fittings Work

When the compression nut is tightened, the olive compresses between the pipe and the fitting body, creating a leak-proof seal. The seal is formed by metal-on-metal contact, making it robust and durable without the need for heat or solder.

Advantages of Compression Fittings

1. Heat-Free Connections
   Compression fittings do not require soldering or welding, making them ideal for construction sites where hot works are restricted or where open flames are not safe.

2. Ease of Assembly
   Compression joints are easy to understand and install, making them suitable for both DIYers and professionals. Simply slide the pipe into the fitting, add the olive, and tighten the nut.

3. No Special Tools Needed
   Only basic tools, like adjustable spanners, are required to install compression fittings - no expensive or specialised equipment necessary.

4. Easy to Disassemble
   If maintenance or disassembly is needed, compression fittings can be undone and reassembled without damaging the connection.

5. Reusable Components
   Compression fittings can be reused in future installations. Simply replace the olive with a new one from the same manufacturer, as the old olive remains fixed to the original pipe.

6. Installation in Wet Conditions
   These fittings can be installed in wet environments, speeding up repair times and making them ideal for leak fixes.

7. Environmentally Friendly Materials
   Copper alloys are sustainable and recyclable materials, making Compression Fittings an environmentally friendly option.

8. Compatible With Multiple Types of Pipe
   Compression fittings are not limited to copper; they work with plastic, carbon steel, and stainless steel pipes, making them adaptable to multiple systems.

Best Use Cases For Compression Fittings

1. Demountable Installations
   Compression fittings are ideal for installations that may need to be disassembled occasionally or even frequently, offering a reliable and easy to connect/disconnect solution.

2. Mixed Material Connections
   Compression fittings are versatile and can connect copper, plastic, and steel pipework, making them an excellent choice when you need to mix different materials within your installation.

3. Heat Free Installations
   Compression fittings are a great option for installations where open flames are prohibited, providing a safe and efficient connection without the need for soldering.

4. Low Skilled Installations
   Compression fittings are perfect for both DIY home projects and commercial applications that require less specialised skills. Their ease of use, straightforward connections, and minimal tooling make them an ideal choice for a wide range of users.

What Are Press Fittings?

Press fittings are modern plumbing connectors that use mechanical force to create a seal between the fitting and the pipe. These fittings are installed using a specialised press tool, which compresses the fitting around the pipe, creating a leak-proof seal without the need for heat or solder.

Press

Discover Flowflex Press fittings, ideal for domestic, commercial, and industrial applications. Offering heat-free, aesthetically pleasing joints, our independently approved fittings ensure speedy installations. Available in sizes from 15mm to 108mm, they provide a cost-effective and reliable solution. Click to explore our comprehensive range of M-Profile Copper Press fittings.

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Key Features of A Press Connection

• Fitting Body
  Made of brass, copper or steel, designed to fit snugly around its respective pipe.

• Pipework
  Copper tube manufactured to EN 1057 standards, steel tube manufactured to EN 10305 or EN 10312 standards, or multilayer pipe manufactured to ISO 21003.

• Seal
  Utilises a rubber O-ring, typically made of EPDM or similar, which is compressed against the pipe during the pressing process to form the seal.

Advantages of Press Connections

• Fast and Easy Installation
  The installation of Press Fittings is very quick, saving time compared to other methods like soldering, brazing or using Compression Fittings.

• Minimal Training Required
  Unlike more traditional methods, Press Fittings are easy to learn and use.

• No Flame Required
  Since no heat is used, Press fittings are ideal for installations in areas where flames are restricted or pose a fire risk.

• Reliable and Leak-Proof
  When installed correctly, Press fittings provide a secure, leak-proof connection that meets industry standards.

• Can Be Installed When Wet
  No need to drain water out of the system during installation

• Environmentally Friendly
  Copper, Brass and Steel are all highly recyclable materials, making metal Press Fittings an environmentally friendly option for your project.

• Neat, Aesthetic Appearance
  Press fittings offer a sleek, professional look that is great when aesthetics are important. Their streamlined design blends seamlessly with the pipework, making them suitable for visible applications in both residential and commercial settings.

• Versatile Applications
  Press Fittings are suitable for hot and cold water, heating systems, compressed air, and some gas applications (depending on the type of o-ring used).

• Reduced Risk of Installation Errors
  The precision of the press tool minimises the risk of errors during installation. The tool’s built-in safety features, such as press indicators, ensure that each fitting is correctly compressed, resulting in a secure and leak-proof connection.

Disadvantages of Press Connections

• Higher Initial Cost
  Press fittings and the required press tool are more expensive upfront compared to other more traditional methods.

• Tool Dependency
  A specialised press tool is necessary for installation, which can be costly and requires maintenance.

• Limited Access in Tight Spaces
  Press tools may have difficulty accessing fittings in confined spaces, making installation challenging in certain scenarios.

Best Use Cases For Press Fittings

1. Commercial and Industrial Plumbing
   Press fittings are perfect for large-scale installations where speed and consistency are essential, providing a quick and reliable connection with minimal effort.

2. Heat Free Installations
   Press fittings are an excellent choice for installations where the use of an open flame is not permitted, ensuring a safe and efficient connection without the need for soldering.

3. Low Skilled Installations
   Press fittings are perfect for commercial applications that require minimal specialised skills. Their user-friendly design and simple, secure connections make them suitable for a broad range of users.

Compression Fittings vs. Press Fittings

Which Fitting is Right for Your Project?

Choosing between Compression and Press fittings depends on your project needs, budget, and the environment where the fittings will be used:

Choose Compression Fittings if:

• You prefer a straightforward fittings that requires simple tools and a low skill level.

• You need a flexible, reusable option for adjustments or maintenance.

• You need to connect to several different types of pipe material.

Choose Press Fittings If

• You’re working on a large-scale installation where speed and reliability are critical.

• You want a fitting that is aesthetically seamless with the Copper Tube.

Conclusion

Both Compression and Press fittings offer distinct advantages, catering to different needs within plumbing and heating installations. Both offer flame-free, safe installations. Compression fittings provide a versatile, reusable solution that’s easy to install with basic tools, making them ideal for quick repairs and mixed-material connections. Press fittings, on the other hand, offer speed and consistency that’s perfect for commercial projects, and time-sensitive jobs.

By understanding the unique benefits and limitations of each fitting type, you can make the best choice for your project, ensuring a secure, efficient, and professional installation.