Coburn's Plumbing Digest 2024

THE DIVISIONS DIGEST

TO SWITCH OR NOT TO SWITCH:

TOP FACTORS PLUMBERS SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE CHANGING TO A VIEGA PRESS FITTING SYSTEM In recent years, usage of press fittings has boomed across the plumbing and HVAC industries. The most popular options are produced by Viega—the ProPress® and MegaPress® and MegaPress G® fittings systems. For contractor converts, the consensus is that these systems solve a variety of day-to-day project challenges, even despite the hurdles they had to overcome in the beginning.

For those still on the fence, however, there may be lingering concerns. If you’re in this boat, let’s take a closer look to see whether switching to press fittings is the right move for your business.

1. PRESS TECHNOLOGY: Viega fittings utilize press connection technology, eliminating the need for soldering, threading or welding. This makes installations faster, safer and more reliable. What’s more, press connections can be made wet or dry in seven seconds or less on copper, carbon or stainless steel pipe in a range of diameters. 2. VERSATILITY: Viega fittings are available in a variety of materials, including copper, stainless steel and PEX, allowing contractors to work with different types of systems such as potable water, gas, radiant heating and industrial applications. 3. SECURE SEALS: Viega offers fitting options that include an EPDM, FKM or HNBR sealing element that creates a secure, long-lasting, leak-proof connection. This minimizes the risk of future leaks or failures. 4. SMART CONNECT FEATURE: Viega fittings have a Smart Connect feature that allows installers to quickly identify unpressed fittings during installation, reducing errors and improving safety. 5. WIDE RANGE OF SIZES: Viega offers fittings in a wide variety of sizes, from small residential systems to large commercial or industrial applications. 6. CODE COMPLIANCE: Viega products meet or exceed various local and international codes, including ASME, ASTM and UL certifications, ensuring they meet the highest standards for safety and performance.

How Does a Press Fitting System Compare to Traditional Methods?

For soldering, threading and welding work, your main benefits lie in the low material costs and fact that you don’t need proprietary tools to get the job done. After all, these are tried and true methods for a reason. However, what contractors don’t spend on materials and tools often gets lost in the long labor times involved with these methods. There may also be safety concerns with heat application for soldering, and any one of these approaches runs the risk of leaks if not done properly. On the flip side, Viega press fittings offer more pipe fitting configurations approved than any other brand. There are special tools needed to get started, though, which comes with a sizable price tag and learning curve for beginners. But don’t let that worry you—product trainings are offered across the US, including at Coburn Supply locations, so hitting the ground running is more than doable for proactive businesses. Once those hurdles are cleared, the real competitive edge of a Viega system shines. Here are the biggest differentiating features to consider when comparing press fittings to your standard approach for connections:

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