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PLUMBING CONNECTION
AUTUMN 2015
I
mproved on-site safety, enhanced joint performance
and finish as well as time-efficient installation are all
benefits that make it very clear as to why this joining
method is fast gaining ground on our shores.
Growing industry use of ‘press-fit’ technology has been a
major trend in Europe for over 25 years; however, Australia
has only been using press-fit since Viega introduced the
Propress system eight years ago.
Press-fit systems offer the advantage of flame free
installations, making soldering a thing of the past. Not
only does this make the job site safer by eradicating the
risk of fire, it also makes the job quicker, leading to greater
productivity and efficiency of labour.
Paul Mooney, Zetco Marketing & Business Development
Manager explains that, “The speed of installation is a
major benefit of press-fit. There are no hot work permits
required on major job sites meaning there is no need to carry
oxy and acetylene bottles and its performance is second
to none. There have been very few issues on job sites with
press-fit which gives the plumbers confidence that it is
a proven system. Another reason for the increased adoption
comes in the form of accessibility. Press-fit products
have grown dramatically with Reece, Plumbers Coop,
Samios and others all joining Tradelink with an offer in the
market place.”
The dramatic rise of press copper fittings has resulted in
them being the number one method for joining copper.
Adam Watson, Plumbing Business Development Manager
for Reece says, “We find that a lot of plumbers prefer to
use copper, however due to slower installation times they
have chosen alternatives. Now that there is a solution for
copper that is just as quick as the others it has been taken
to kindly.”
Systems are available for gas and water applications, both
of which are easily distinguishable via green (water) and
yellow (gas) indicators.
“The main difference between water and gas fittings is the
o-ring seal. The seal is the important part in this system. In
WITH SO MUCH ‘PLASTIC ADOPTION’ GOING ON IN THE INDUSTRY, IT MAY COME AS A SURPRISE TO HEAR THAT
COPPER PRESS-FIT SYSTEMS ARE GROWING IN POPULARITY WITH HYDRAULIC CONSULTANTS AND PLUMBERS
ALL OVER THE COUNTRY.
JUSTIN FELIX
REPORTS.
JOINING COPPER
THE PRESSING MATTER ON COPPER