PEX expansion. Copper press: These are the two piping systems that are taking domestic water and hydronic heating and cooling applications to a new level. Both innovative solutions are providing builders, remodelers, engineers, and installers with systems that are easier to learn (to help with the skilled-labor shortage) and faster to install (to meet tight construction schedules).

PEX positives

With its flexibility, durability and long coil lengths, PEX is proving to be the smartest piping solution for risers, distribution piping and even direct-burial applications in sizes 3 inches and down.

PEX pipe resists corrosion, pitting and scaling, and its unique shape memory allows it to expand and retract back to its original size, making it highly resistant to freeze damage. In fact, piping professionals who have been staunch metallic system installers for decades are seeing the benefits of PEX when it comes to installation ease and also system longevity.

Because of its extreme flexibility (typically, three times the pipe’s diameter), PEX piping can simply bend with each change in direction, instead of needing a fitting. This can double or even triple the speed of installation in certain applications, such as a single-family home or in-suite plumbing in a multifamily or hospitality structure.

End-users are also noticing the longevity benefits of PEX. Its freeze resistance and corrosion resistance keeps the piping system intact for decades. Which is why when metal systems fail and need replacement, PEX is the go-to material for re-pipes. 

PEX is approved by all building codes, manufacturing standards and listings for installation in both residential and commercial applications, and the ASTM F1960 ProPEX expansion fitting system is the professionals’ choice for fast, easy and reliable connections.

A ProPEX expansion connection is actually the strongest part of a PEX system. If installed properly, it will not leak. In fact, pull testing shows that even 3,000 pounds of force with more than 13 inches of displacement does not compromise the integrity of the connection.

To make a connection, the installer simply places an expansion ring on the end of the pipe and then inserts an expansion tool into the pipe to expand the ring and pipe. After a few expansions, the installer removes the tool and inserts the fitting. As the flexible PEX pipe and expansion ring shrink back down to their original sizes, a strong, durable connection forms around the fitting.

Best of all, since ProPEX expansion fittings have a larger ID than standard PEX insert fittings, the connection is impossible to dry-fit. This eliminates the concern of blow-offs due to incomplete connections.

Copper press points

For pipe sizes larger than 3 inches, the flameless connection system that copper press provides eliminates solder, heat and flux from the job site, while offering contractors a system that is faster and easier to learn and quicker to install.

Copper press requires one tool that presses down on the fitting to make the connection. No additional tools or chemicals are required, and the training is minimal compared with the time it takes for a professional to master soldering.

Plus, think about how great it would be not to have the cost and hassles of fire watch requirements on a commercial job site. No more worries about the potential for a fire to start after you’ve left for the day.

So, imagine what would happen if you could combine the best of both worlds — PEX expansion and copper press — and get faster training for your workers along with quicker, easier installs to get the job done right in less time.

Now, you can.

PEX-to-copper press adapters

With the launch of the industry’s first ASTM F1960 ProPEX expansion to copper press transitions, professionals now have a completely flameless piping solution that eliminates the hassles, costs and hazards of soldering, while also providing faster, easier installs.

The new ProPEX lead-free brass copper press adapters are manufactured from high-quality, lead-free brass to meet all local and national domestic-water building codes. They feature a patented design for securely fastening the pipe and fitting together, eliminating the need for a stainless-steel ring.

Compared with soldering copper, these new adapters reduce an overall project timeline by an average of 71 percent, helping to manage project schedules and, ultimately, the bottom line. Best of all, for added peace of mind, the adapters are confidently backed by an industry-leading 25-year transferable, limited warranty.

If you’re like most construction professionals — feeling the crunch of the labor shortage, but wanting the quality of professional piping — check out the new hybrid PEX expansion and copper press system.

The end result will be money in the bank.

To learn more about the new ProPEX LF brass copper press adapters, visit uponorpro.com/copperpress_us.