Copper press fittings are becoming increasingly popular in the plumbing industry due to their ease of installation, reliability, and longevity. The ability to install pipes without soldering, welding, threading, or any fire or heating methods significantly reduces fire hazards and removes the requirement of a hot work permit to be installed.

On top of that, copper press fittings are also extremely durable, corrosion-resistant, and long-lasting. Their strong, leak-proof connections can withstand high pressure, vibration, and thermal cycling, making them ideal for use in a wide range of applications.

Whether for hot and cold water supply, heating systems, or even gas distribution, copper press fittings offer an effective and efficient solution that meets the needs of plumbing contractors.

In this article, we will take a closer look at copper press fittings and their advantages over traditional plumbing methods.

What are copper press fittings?

Copper press fittings are a popular choice in plumbing applications due to the strength of copper. Known as a strong metal that can withstand a significant amount of force without breaking or deforming, it has been applied to plumbing systems for centuries.

While copper pipes have momentarily lost market share for PEX, they made an astounding return in the early 2010s with the invention of the copper press fittings. Being easily installed with a press tool, it requires a single hand to be clamped over the joints of an existing plumbing system - with the single press of a button.

Copper press fittings can be applied for both gas and water systems, with each being differed by indicators that are green for water and yellow for gas. The most prominent distinction between both is their o-ring seal, with each application having its unique features.

For instance, the EPDM water o-ring possesses optimal hygienic characteristics for drinking water, the HNBR gas o-ring has ceramic elements to uphold the seal in case of fire, and the FKM red o-ring works best under higher temperatures.

Benefits of copper press fittings

Easy installation

Copper press fittings are incredibly easy to install, reducing the time and labour required for a plumbing project. With the use of a pressing tool, you can quickly and easily create a tight seal between two pipes, reducing the risk of leaks or other issues.

Reliability

There’s a reason why copper has been applied to plumbing systems for thousands of years. The properties of copper and its widespread availability made it an obvious choice for most plumbing applications. Working with established copper suppliers can help provide access to materials that are suitable for the intended application.

Versatility

Copper press fittings can be applied to systems with different pipe materials, including PEX, and stainless steel - allowing it to be easily integrated into most plumbing systems and designs. Furthermore, the wide variety of sizes and shapes of press fittings available on the market allows for greater customisation and adaptability to any specific plumbing needs.

Longevity

While other metals such as steel or iron are highly susceptible to rusting, copper withstands the test of time. Regardless of external conditions of temperature, pressure and moisture, copper won’t wear or tear - making it far less likely to require any repair or replacement over its lifetime.

Why choose Forge Plumbing for your copper press fittings?

At Forge Plumbing, we are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality products and services. As a direct-to-contractor plumbing products supplier, we offer a comprehensive range of high-quality products, including copper press fittings, directly to Australia's plumbing contractors.

Our user-friendly online presence and personal service ensure that you have the support you need to complete your project quickly and efficiently.