Tricks of the Trade
The top 6 applications for press fittings
by Billy Stutz
For contractors who want to save time and money when repairing or installing a pipe system, the solution is simple: use press fittings. Compared to brazing, welding and soldering, you can make pipe connections in a fraction of the time and with significantly less effort simply by employing a press fitting system. Because they are available in carbon steel, copper and stainless steel, press fittings are an excellent pipe connecting method for a variety of applications. Discover why professionals across trade industries rely on press fittings to install pipe systems and learn about the applications in which they can be used.
Press fitting standards and certifications
Many press fitting systems are tested to ensure they meet the strict standards as outlined by leading certification organizations. While the specific approved applications vary from brand to brand, many press fitting systems meet the following organizations' standards:
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
- American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International
- National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)
- Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
Additionally, a number of trade organizations that outline building codes, including the Plumbing - Heating - Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), approve press fittings for use in select applications. These approvals and certifications mean that you can trust press fittings as a reliable pipe connection method.
Press fitting applications
1. Chemical lines
Industrial facilities can benefit from the chemical resistance of stainless steel press fittings. Depending on the brand and gauge of material, some stainless steel press fittings are approved for use in pipe systems that carry highly corrosive chemicals like nitric and phosphoric acids. Because press tools require no flame to create a secure connection, the potential hazard of exposing industrial chemicals to heat is eliminated.
2. Gas lines
Press fittings are well-suited for use in gas lines and compressed air systems. Depending on the type of gas, you can quickly install gas lines with stainless steel, carbon steel and copper press fittings. This can include natural gas lines for select types of carbon steel and stainless steel press fittings. When installed correctly with the appropriate sealing elements, press fittings yield an airtight pipe connection. This means you can assemble a virtually leak-free gas line in a fraction of the time it would take to weld or solder.
3. Hydronic heating and cooling systems
Investing in a press fitting system also pays off when it comes to hydronics. Select press fittings can be used in conjunction with chilled water and hydronic heat applications alike because of their chemical resistance to propylene glycol and ethylene glycol. Various manufacturers produce press fittings in copper, stainless steel and carbon steel that are approved for use in hydronic heating and cooling applications. This allows you to customize a climate control solution based on your customers' needs.
4. Greywater lines
Copper and stainless steel press fittings that are approved for use in greywater applications are an excellent solution for constructing a secure drainage system. In addition to saving time when installing new greywater lines, press fittings are also advantageous when completing repairs. The reason for this is because press fitting connections can be completed in wet conditions, which allows you to perform repairs fast and minimize damage from leaky greywater.
5. Fuels, oil and lubricant lines
Keep industrial and mechanical operations running like well-oiled machines by using press fittings for pipe connections. From fuels like diesel, butane, kerosene and propane to petroleum-based lubricants and heating oils, a wide range of press fittings are safe for use with combustible substances. Be sure to check manufacturer specifications to find the best stainless steel, copper or carbon steel press fitting for the type of fuel or oil line.
6. Potable water systems
Copper and stainless steel press fittings that are certified lead-free by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) are excellent for use in potable water systems. Whether in large-scale commercial applications or residential new construction building projects, press fittings make it easier for contractors to install hot and cold potable water lines. You can even use select stainless steel press fittings in reverse osmosis drinking water systems, which provides on-demand filtered drinking water for your customers.
Find a press fitting solution for every application with help from Ferguson. Our knowledgeable associates will help you select the best press fitting system based on your needs. Browse fittings and press tools online, or contact your local Ferguson for expert support.