The professional technical specialist who staff our Tech Support hotline can answer most questions off the tops of their heads, but occasionally, they get an interesting request.
For example, there was a call about whether cow bile is an approved application for Viega fittings. That one required a little research, but as it turns out, yes, cow bile is an approved application.
Hundreds of applications
Due to the specialized nature of their work, individual mechanical contractors tend to work with a limited number of mediums (water, natural gas, steam, refrigerants etc.). As such, many are unaware of the incredible versatility of MegaPress and ProPress fittings. That can cause them to miss out on the benefits of pressing for some jobs.
Viega versatility is owed to the fact that we offer three different sealing elements for most fittings: EPDM, HNBR and FKM. Each is particularly well suited for different applications. In total, they cover a wide range of uses, from paraffin wax and butane to ammonia and acetone.
The best way to check Viega approved applications is by starting with this chart, which has 38 approved uses. From there, they are broken down by:
- Medium
- Temperatures
- Pressures
- Sealing elements
It covers the most common applications, but just because something is not on the chart doesn’t mean it’s not approved. There are many, less common mediums and applications that aren’t listed.
If an application isn’t listed on the chart, the next step is to ask the experts at Viega Tech Support. They have evaluated more than 3,000 piping applications. In addition, they can evaluate other project parameters, such as unique project installations, temperatures, and elevated pressures.
Local plumbing codes
Tech Support also fields a lot of questions about what’s permitted under local plumbing codes. Plumbing codes aren’t universal. Some states follow IPC; others use UPC; and some states have their own codes based on one or the other with amendments. What’s approved in one place is not necessarily allowed in another, particularly when it comes to transition fittings between pipes of different materials.
Code comments are always part of audience interaction during our TechTalk LIVE! episodes as viewers from different parts of the country jump in to declare something is or isn’t allowed where they work. Tech Support can advise on different code requirements, listings, and approvals from industry performance standards.
Training
Another way to learn about the full versatility of Viega pressing systems is by taking a training class at one of our seminar centers in Colorado or New Hampshire or by scheduling a 30- to 60-minute custom training session online through Viega Works. Here’s a guide to what’s available.
If you have a question about an application for our press systems, call Viega Tech Support at 1-866-838-8714 or email at techsupport@viega.us. Chances are we can give you an immediate answer; if we don’t know, we’ll research it and get back to you quickly.
Pressing offers so many benefits that it would be a shame not to use it whenever possible. We’ll do whatever’s necessary to give you the information you need to do so.
