When your business is pressing systems, it can be easy to forget that the technology is still relatively new in this country.
Pressing wins converts every day, but we realize that not everyone is familiar with it and the curious have a lot of questions. Here are our answers to some of the most common queries:
Q: What is pressing?
Pressing is a way of joining pipe with a metal fitting that is crimped onto the tube or pipe with a special tool. A specialized seal in the fitting prevents leaks.
Q: What are the advantages of pressing?
The primary benefits of pressing are speed, consistency and efficiency. A press connection can be made in as few as four seconds on a small pipe and in under 30 seconds on larger pipe, much faster than welding, brazing and soldering. The bigger the job, the greater the time savings. Presses are also consistent, regardless of the experience of the installer. The variables of making soldered, welded or brazed connections are removed with press technology.
Q: Is pressing safer than other methods of joining pipe?
Yes. Pressing does not require open flame, heat, or solder, which makes it safer in tight spaces and when working around flammable materials. The lack of flame also eliminates the need for a hot work permits and a fire watch, which saves time and money.
Q: Do I need special tools to press?
Yes. You can’t press Viega fittings with channel locks, no matter how strong you might be. Pressing fittings, even small sizes and on PEX, require battery-powered or corded tools, jaws and rings made specifically for the task. The tools, jaws and rings are made by a variety of manufacturers, including Viega, RIDGID, Milwaukee, Hilti, DEWALT, etc. Pressing 4" fittings can require the use of a tool actuator or booster. Viega fittings are compatible with all major manufacturers’ tools.
Q: What sizes do press fittings come in?
Viega makes fittings in sizes from ½" to 4", depending on the system, as well as hundreds of configurations, including elbows, tees, reducers etc.
Q: What types of pipe can be pressed?
Pressing can be used for nearly every material you’re likely to encounter on a job, including copper, PEX, stainless steel 304 and 316, carbon steel and black iron. Viega even makes fittings in copper nickel for use in marine environments and applications.
Q: What applications is pressing approved for?
Depending on the fitting, sealing element and pipe, pressing is compatible with water, compressed air, natural gas, hydronic heating, fire protection, fuel oil, diesel, hydraulic fluid, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and many other applications.
Q: Are Viega press fittings guaranteed?
Viega fittings are backed by industry leading warranties.
Q: How can I learn more about pressing?
Viega offers a great deal of information on its site, on this blog and on its YouTube channel. To contact Viega, customerservice@viega.us
