The plumbing, heating and HVAC industry has always relied on tried-and-tested installation methods like soldering and threading. These approaches have built decades of reliable systems, but today’s market demands faster, safer, and more sustainable solutions. That’s why press fittings are quickly becoming the go-to choice for installers across the UK. In this article, we’ll look at how press fittings compare to traditional methods, and why so many professionals are making the switch in 2025.
The Old Ways: Soldering & Threading
or years, soldering copper pipe and threading steel were standard practice. While both methods are reliable, they come with challenges:
- Soldering requires heat, flux, and a naked flame, introducing fire risk on site. It also demands time and skill, especially in awkward spaces or where water can’t be fully drained.
- Threading involves cutting precise threads on steel pipes. It’s a heavy, noisy process that requires specialist tools and significant labour time.
In an era when project deadlines are tight and labour costs are rising, these traditional methods often slow things down.
The Rise of Press Fittings
Press fittings are designed to connect copper, stainless steel, or multilayer pipe using a specially engineered press tool. Instead of applying heat or cutting threads, the installer places the fitting onto the pipe and uses a press tool such as the Z-Press MP-1930 to create a permanent, leak-proof connection.
Key advantages of press fittings include:
- Speed: Joints can be made in seconds.
- Clean installation: No flux, solder, or cutting oils required.
- Flexibility: Suitable for heating, cooling, potable water, and gas.
- Consistency: The press tool delivers the same reliable result every time.
This innovation has changed the way contractors work on both residential and commercial sites, offering a modern solution that aligns with today’s efficiency demands.
Time and Cost Savings
One of the biggest drivers behind the adoption of press fittings is the time saving. Studies show that press technology can reduce installation time by up to 70% compared with soldering. That translates directly into lower labour costs, fewer delays, and more projects completed on schedule. For contractors working in commercial environments such as hospitals, offices, or schools, reduced downtime is a major advantage. Pipework can be installed quickly without disrupting occupants or needing costly shutdowns.
Reliability & Safety
Press fittings don’t just save time they also provide peace of mind. Once pressed, the joint is permanent and highly resistant to leaks. In fact, many fittings are designed with “leak before press” features, such as the PRESS-TITE range of fittings and valves, so any unpressed joint is immediately visible during testing.
Safety is another critical factor. With press systems, there’s no open flame, no hot work permits, and no need for fire spotters. This makes them especially well-suited for sensitive environments like hospitals, schools, and care homes, where soldering could present unacceptable risks.
Additionally, gas-approved press fittings allow heating engineers to work safely and efficiently without reverting to traditional threaded steel.
Sustainability Benefits
Sustainability is now a key driver in construction. Press fittings support this shift by reducing waste, minimising consumables like flux and gas, and extending the lifespan of pipe systems. Copper and stainless-steel press systems are also fully recyclable, aligning with circular economy goals and supporting the industry’s Net Zero commitments.
By cutting installation energy use and avoiding harmful residues, press fittings offer a cleaner, greener alternative to plastics or energy-intensive soldering.
Why Installers Are Switching
In short, press fittings deliver:
- Faster installations
- Lower labour costs
- Safer working conditions
- Reliable, leak-proof joints
- A more sustainable choice for the future
For many installers, the question is no longer if they will switch, but when. With reliable press tools like the Z-Press MP-1930, professionals can take advantage of the speed, safety, and sustainability that modern projects demand.
Ready to upgrade your installations?
Explore the full range of Z-Press press tools and discover how you can work faster, safer, and more sustainably in 2025. All details are available via the website www.zpress.co.uk and also there is a full database of stockists, enabling installers, plumbers, underfloor specialists and engineers to find a local independent stockists of Z-Press tools.