Stainless Steel Press Fittings: Frequently Asked Questions

The popularity of press fittings is growing, bringing new products to market and giving plumbers more choice than ever before. As one of the UK’s leading stockholders and distributors of pipeline products, we are often asked specific product questions. We thought we would share the most common ones with you on our latest blog.

What applications can stainless steel press fittings be used for?
As well as traditional plumbing applications such as heating, and cold and hot water systems, stainless steel press fittings have many other uses. These include specialist applications such as air conditioning, solar heating and rainwater harvesting systems as well as fire suppression pipework and sprinkler systems. Furthermore, with the correct seals, they can be used effectively in buildings where hygiene is a priority such as hospitals. This is because stainless steel does not allow bacteria to grow inside the tubes, which could affect the quality of drinking water. Stainless steel can also prevent the growth of the legionella bacteria, which can reach into waterpipes and air conditioning units.

Can stainless steel press fittings be used for thick walled steel tubes?
Yes, they can be used for thick-walled steel tubes, so there is no need to rely on welding or threading. Press fittings designed for this purpose will feature a cutting ring within the fitting that grips the tube’s surface when pressed ensuring a safe and secure connection.

What are the benefits of pressing the fitting?
When the fitting is pressed with an appropriate crimping tool it can be easily and quickly sealed.
A blue press indicator will break off once a full seal has been achieved. This provides assurance that the joint is fully formed and won’t leak. It also eliminates the risk of under or over tightening.

What tooling should be used for pressing?
Any hand-held crimping tool with the correct jaw profile can be used.

What operating pressure and temperature can the products be used at?
The products have a maximum operating pressure of 16bar and a temperature range of -35°c to +135°c, using EPDM Seals and -20
to +200ºC using optional FPM seals.

Can I assemble stainless steel press fittings in situ?
Yes, the concept and ease of these fittings means you can cut the tube to length and compress once assembled.

How quickly can stainless steel press fittings be installed?
Compared to more traditional methods such as welding, press fittings can be installed 50 per cent more quickly. For thicker tubes, the time saving is even more significant as the installation can be up to 80 per cent faster.

What products are available in the range?
Nero’s Press Fittings range includes elbows, couplings, bridges, adaptors, tees, valves and reducers, from 15mm up to 108mm all complemented by tubes in all sizes to fit. All our fittings and tubes are 316L /1.4404 and WRAS/DVGW approved, and an ‘M Profile’ jaw collar can be used for all sizes. Other manufacturers may require different profiles.

Hopefully we cleared up a few queries, but feel free to get in touch with one of the sales team if you have any further questions.