The Advantages of Press Fittings: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover the key advantages of Press Fittings, including quick, flame-free installation and reliable, leak-proof connections. Learn more here.

Last Updated: Sep 5, 2024

Press fittings offer a modern, safe, and efficient alternative to traditional methods like soldering or welding. These innovative fittings create secure, leak-proof connections by using mechanical force. This comprehensive guide will explore what press fittings are, the different types available, and the numerous advantages they offer.

What are Press Fittings?

Press fittings are plumbing connectors designed to join pipes by mechanically compressing the fitting around the pipe using a press tool. Inside the fitting is a rubber O-ring, which ensures a watertight and airtight seal when the fitting is compressed. The press tool applies uniform force, crimping the fitting onto the pipe and forming a secure joint without the need for heat, solder, or additional sealants.

Key Components 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.

Types of O-Rings

Press Fittings come with different O-ring sealing elements designed for specific applications, including water, gas, and other industrial uses. The O-ring material varies depending on the application and can usually be identified by the O-ring’s colour, product markings, or packaging. The common O-ring materials used are:

EPDM (Black O-ring)
Applications: Potable water, heating systems and oil-free compressed air
Temperature: From –20°C to +110°C
HNBR (Yellow O-ring)
Applications: Gas applications
Temperature: From –20°C to +70°C
FKM (Green O-ring)
Applications: Industrial (Oils, hydrocarbons, solar installations, compressed air)
Temperature: From –20°C to +200°C
FKM (Red O-ring)
Applications: Steam
Temperature: From –10°C to +200°C

It is important to note that fittings are not interchangeable between these applications. Gas fittings, for example, contain O-rings specifically designed for gas that is unsuitable for use in drinking or potable water systems.

Advantages of Press Fittings

Press fittings offer numerous benefits that make them an attractive choice for a wide range of plumbing and heating applications:

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.

Variations of press Fittings

Press fittings come in a variety of materials and configurations, each suited to specific applications and requirements. We'll explore the most common types here:

Metal Press Fittings

Metal Press Fittings are available in Copper, Stainless Steel, and Carbon Steel, featuring either M or V profiles. Let’s explore these options further:

Copper Press Fittings

Copper press fittings are widely used in potable water, heating, and gas installations due to their excellent corrosion resistance and high thermal conductivity. They are often used in both residential and commercial projects and offer a clean, professional appearance.

Stainless Steel Press Fittings

Stainless steel press fittings are ideal for industrial and commercial applications, including chemical processing, food and beverage, and medical gas systems. These fittings offer superior strength, corrosion resistance, and a clean, aesthetic finish, making them suitable for high-demand environments.

Carbon Steel Press Fittings

Carbon Steel offers superior strength compared to other types of steel, allowing it to be manufactured with thinner walls, which reduces both cost and weight, making it easier to handle. This robust material is commonly used in a variety of applications, including closed-loop heating systems, commercial, residential, and industrial fire sprinkler systems (wet systems only), automotive oil and lubricant lines, and compressed air systems.

Metal Press Fitting Profiles

Metal Press Fittings are available in two profiles, M and V, with no significant differences in performance between the two. The main distinction lies in regional preferences, manufacturer standards, and installer familiarity, which have led to certain profiles being more common in specific markets. Over time, these factors have shaped the prevalence of M or V profiles in different areas, rather than any technical or functional superiority of one profile over the other.

M Profile Fittings

V Profile Fittings

Multilayer Press Fittings

Multilayer Pipe Press Fittings are specifically designed for use with Multilayer Pipes, which consist of an inner and outer layer of plastic (typically PEX or PE-RT) and an aluminium core. These fittings offer the flexibility and ease of PEX piping combined with the added strength and stability of the aluminium layer.

Multilayer Press Fittings provide a secure, leak-proof connections by mechanically pressing the fitting onto the multilayer pipe using a specialised press tool similar to the one shown above.

Advantages of Multilayer Systems

Flexibility and Stability
Multilayer pipes combine the flexibility of plastic pipe with the rigidity of an aluminium core, offering easy manoeuvrability around obstacles while maintaining shape stability, reducing the need for additional supports. This also reduces the number of fittings needs and joints made.
Excellent Thermal Performance
Multilayer Systems and pipes have good thermal properties, making them suitable for both hot and cold water systems, underfloor heating, and radiant heating and cooling. They maintain efficient heat transfer while minimising expansion and contraction.
Low Thermal Expansion
The aluminium layer in multilayer pipes significantly reduces thermal expansion compared to pure PEX pipes, and even performs better than copper and steel in this regard. This stability helps prevent issues like pipe sagging or the need for frequent supports.

Conclusion

Press fittings offer a modern, efficient, and reliable solution for plumbing, heating, and gas installations. With their flame-free, fast installation process, consistent sealing performance, and versatility across a wide range of applications, press fittings provide a high-performance alternative to traditional connection methods.

Whether you are working on a large commercial project, a residential installation, or an industrial system, Press Fittings deliver the speed, safety, and durability that today’s projects require. By choosing Press Fittings, you invest in a technology that simplifies the installation process and ensures secure connections that stand the test of time.