Press Fit Copper

A Copper Press Fit fitting is a specially designed connection that joins copper pipes through a mechanical press rather than soldering. Each fitting contains a precision-engineered O-ring seal and a formed socket into which the copper pipe is inserted. Using a compatible pressing tool, the fitting is crimped around the pipe, compressing the seal and forming a robust, permanent connection in seconds.

Copper Press Fit fittings provide a modern, safe, and efficient alternative to traditional soldered or brazed copper pipe connections. This process removes the need for flux, solder, or naked flames, meaning no hot works permits, no cooling periods, and no risk of fire or heat damage to surrounding materials.

Press Fit technology represents a major advancement in pipe jointing systems, offering several key advantages over other options:

• Faster Installation: Joints are completed in seconds, significantly reducing installation time compared to manual soldering.
• No Hot Works: As no heat is used, Press Fit eliminates the risks associated with flames, sparks, and combustible materials, making it ideal for occupied or confined spaces.
• Consistency and Reliability: Each press produces a uniform joint with consistent sealing pressure, reducing human error and the risk of leaks.
• Clean & Hygenic: No flux or solder means a cleaner installation, perfect for potable water systems.

Copper Press Fit fittings are designed for long-term, maintenance-free performance, with an expected service life of 50 years or more when installed correctly and used within their rated conditions. The lifespan is comparable to, or often longer than, that of traditional soldered joints, as there is no heat damage or flux residue left over from the installation process.

To ensure these fittings perform well for years to come, there are some things to keep in mind:

• Material Choice: Ensure the correct material is used for the system. If the media is gas, for example, the AquaGas system would be more suitable.
• Operating Conditions: To ensure long-term performance, these fittings should be used only within their specified limits, a temperature range of -30°C to +120°C and a pressure rating of 16 bar.
• Installation Quality: Proper pipe preparation, correct insertion depth and using the right pressing jaws are critical to ensuring the joint is fully sealed and mechanically sound.
• System Design: Press Fit joints are resistant to vibration and thermal expansion, but using suitable clips and expansion loops to allow for movement improves durability.
• Maintenance & Inspection: Press Fit systems are largely maintenance-free; however, it is good practice to:
  • Visually inspect joints during scheduled maintenance
  • Avoid chemical exposure that might degrade o-rings (e.g. certain cleaners or solvents)
  • Replace any disturbed fittings rather than re-pressing them; these fittings are designed for a single use. Slip couplings can be useful for repairs in tight spaces.

When a copper press fitting is installed, the pressing tool mechanically deforms the fitting’s collar around the pipe, permanently compressing the O-ring and locking the pipe in place. Because this deformation can’t be reversed, the joint cannot be reused or re-pressed; any fitting that’s been pressed must be discarded once removed. To remove a press fit fitting, use a pipe cutter to cut through the copper pipe a short distance away from the fitting, then remove the entire section, including the fitting, and dispose of it.

There are some important notes to keep in mind when removing and replacing fittings:

• Never attempt to repress or reuse a fitting; it will not seal properly and may fail under pressure, which can be dangerous and costly.
• Check that the system pressure is fully released before cutting into the pipe to prevent pressure discharge and injury.
• Inspect the pipe after removal. If the surface is scored, dented or deformed, it should be cut back further to a section of undamaged pipe before attempting reinstallation.

15mm is the smallest and most commonly used size of copper pipe and fittings in domestic and light commercial installations. It's often used to carry hot and cold water as well as for heating. Typical applications include:

• Water Supply: Feeds to taps, sinks, baths, showers and toilets.
• Central Heating: Connecting radiators, towel rails, and boilers.
• Commercial Buildings: The small bore is ideal for branch lines and terminal connections.

22mm is a slight step up from 15mm and is commonly used in places where higher flow rates are required. Some use cases are:

• Main Domestic Feeds: Ideal for connecting to hot water cylinders, combi boilers or distributing to multiple outlets.
• Heating Circuits: Used for flow and return lines on larger radiator loops and underfloor heating manifolds.
• Plant Room Connections: For small boilers, pumps or expansion vessels.
• Small Commercial Systems: Offices, shops or flats where the demand exceeds what a smaller bore can handle.

 28mm copper is commonly used in larger domestic and commercial plumbing or heating systems, where higher flow rates or longer pipe runs require a wider bore to maintain pressure and efficiency. Some common applications are:

• Main Distribution Lines: Connecting larger homes, apartment blocks and smaller commercial buildings.
• Boiler and Plant Room Connections: Linking to heat exchangers, pumps and hot water storage cylinders.
• Hot and Cold Water Risers: In small to medium commercial installations like schools, offices and retail units.

35mm is typically used for medium-sized commercial, industrial and multi-residential systems, where flow demand is higher and the network services larger plant and distribution layouts. Typically, 35mm is used for:

• Plant Room Distribution: Used to connect boilers, chillers, pumps and head exchangers in medium-scale systems.
• Heating and Chilled Water Loops: For office blocks, schools, hotels and hospitals.
• Closed-Loop Systems: Cooling or process systems for industrial and mechanical plants.

42mm press fit fittings and pipe are great for large commercial, institutional and lighter industrial systems, where substantial water or heating flow is required. Applications include:

• Main Water Risers: Hot and cold water supply to large buildings like hotels, hospitals, schools and offices.
• Primary Heating and Cooling Circuits: Linking larger circuits containing boilers, chillers, pumps and manifolds.
• Plant Room Pipework: For main flow and return lines supplying multiple zones or systems. 

54mm is great for higher volume systems in larger installations, usually industrial and commercial. Often, this size is used for:

• Main Distribution Headers: Used in heating, chilling or boosted cold-water systems.
• Primary Pipework: Linking major equipment within an industrial or commercial system.
• Risers and Service Mains: Great flow rate to supply large buildings and sites.

67.7mm is a large-bore size that is designed for systems that demand very high flow rates. Combining robust performance with modern press-it installation. Some typical applications are:

• Main Headers & Risers: For central plant rooms that serve large commercial and institutional buildings.
• Heating & Chilled Water: Systems supplying multiple zones, air handling units and fan coil circuits.
• Industrial Process & Cooling Systems: For large-scale projects requiring high, reliable flow.

76.1mm is ideal for major distribution networks, plant room mains, and riser systems where performance, reliability, and installation speed are priorities.

• Primary Flow & Return Circuits: In central plant rooms for large heating and cooling systems.
• Main Distribution Lines: In hospitals, universities, factories and data centres.
• Water Mains: For large buildings or multi-block developments.

108mm is the largest common size offered in copper press-fit, often found in large installations as a part of the main supply chain.

• Main Distribution: Used for heating, chilled water and drinking water in large-scale developments.
• Risers & Trunk Mains: Helping to supply water to hundreds of floors in high-rise developments.
• Sector-wide Use: Often used in a variety of sectors, such as commercial, industrial and public-sector buildings.