We like to use the Viega blog to answer questions from contractors, provide information about our products and pass along tips and tricks we think you’ll find useful on the job.
We know you’ve been busy this year -– maybe too busy to have read every post -– so here’s a recap of the year’s 10 most popular posts:
1. Tips and Tricks for Better Pressing
Every skill has insider tips that make it easier and pressing pipe is no different. Our instructors share these hacks on their monthly TechTalk LIVE! shows. Here’s a few: It’s not always necessary to upsize when replacing copper with PEX and the sealing elements in Viega fittings are not O-rings. Want to know the rest?
2. Does Pressing Take the Skill Out of the Trades?
Like virtually every other trade, plumbing has evolved to use better tools, materials and techniques. Pressing, which is faster, safer and cleaner than traditional methods of joining pipe, is part of that evolution, but that doesn’t mean it hurts the trades or takes the skill out of plumbing.
3. Plumbing and Pressing 101
Did you know pressing can be used on copper, PEX, stainless steel 304 and 316, carbon steel and black iron? Or that Viega makes fittings in sizes from ¼" to 4"? Want to know the answers to some of the most common questions about pressing?
4. How to Use MegaPress Fittings for Steam
Viega offers two types of factory-installed sealing elements in its MegaPress carbon steel fittings for steam pipes: EPDM and FKM. One sealing element is approved for residential applications up to 5 psi while the other is for low-pressure applications up to 15 psi. Want to know which is which?
5. Can Press Fittings be Used Underground?
Shiny new Viega press fittings are almost too pretty to be buried, but it’s perfectly safe to do so (depending on local code requirements). Here’s what Uniform Code and International Code listings have to say on the subject.
6. Why You Should Choose Viega
Since Viega introduced pressing to North America more than 20 years ago, other companies have joined the field, giving contractors a choice on whose products and technology to use. Why choose Viega? Experience and versatility are two good reasons. Want to know the others?
7. Where to Rent a Press Tool
A press tool is an investment that pays off in productivity, the ability to take on new jobs etc. However, not every contractor is ready to make the outlay without more hands-on experience with pressing. Many distributors rent tools to contractors looking to try pressing or to companies that need additional tools for the short term.
8. How to Transition Galvanized Steel to Copper
PEX to copper, copper to galvanized: knowing the correct method for joining dissimilar pipe materials is one of the most important things contractors must learn. In this post, we explain how to transition galvanized steel to copper using a dielectric union.
9. Spotlight: Women Leaders in Plumbing and HVAC – Erica Levasseur
Viega Technical Consultant Erica Levasseur is best known for dropping “knowledge bombs” on contractors through the Viega Works online training program. She also has helped recruit the next generation of tradespeople through the Press Into the Trades vocational education program.
10. What Is a Swing Joint and Can You Press It?
Plumbers know ground isn’t always stable. Freeze-and-thaw cycles, settling and other factors can exert pressure on buried pipes. Swing joints provide some “give” in pipe joints which can prevent leaks.
Hope you enjoyed the recap. In 2022 we’ll continue to provide useful information in the blog, as well as project highlights and more. Thanks for reading!