BUILDER TIP: Push Fit plumbing, a Cost Saving Solution

Push fit plumbing is a modern, user-friendly method of joining pipes and fittings in a plumbing system without the need for soldering, gluing, or clamping. This innovative technique involves the use of push-fit fittings, which are designed to easily connect to various types of pipes, such as copper, CPVC, and PEX. The primary advantage of push fit plumbing is its simplicity and speed, making it an ideal solution for both professional plumbers and DIY enthusiasts who seek a quick and reliable way to repair or install plumbing systems. In this publication we focus on the John Guest Speedfit variety.

A quick and easy way to get the job done.

The operation of push fit fittings is straightforward: a specially designed fitting is pushed onto the end of a pipe, creating a secure and leak-proof connection. These fittings contain an internal O-ring and gripping teeth that ensure a tight seal and hold the pipe in place. Some common examples of push fit fittings include couplings, elbows, tees, and valves. Renowned brands in the push fit plumbing market include SharkBite, John Guest, and Speedfit, each offering a range of fittings that cater to various plumbing needs and pipe materials. Parts also come in all of the standard pipe sizes, so you’ll be sure to find exactly what you need.

Push fit PEX pipe

Push fit plumbing is particularly advantageous in situations where access is limited, or time constraints are critical. For instance, emergency repairs often benefit from the quick and mess-free application of push fit fittings, reducing downtime and water damage. Additionally, these fittings can be easily removed and reused, providing flexibility in plumbing modifications and maintenance. This reusability not only saves money but also reduces waste, contributing to more sustainable plumbing practices.

Innovative Technology

The push fit connectors solve a wide variety of plumbing requirements. Parts include couplers, elbows, tees, manifolds and even stop ends to cap off a water supply flow at the end of the pipe work. They also have ‘screw on’ tap connector parts that can be screwed directly onto a tap thread or even onto a standard existing copper isolator value, where you may have isolated the water flow from and wish to start a new run of pipework off.

The parts also require push fit pipe inserts, which are to be inserted inside the ends of a cut PEX pipe. These inserts simply strengthen the end of the PEX pipework for the connector part to bite sufficiently on.

Pipe inserts are not required, if you are connecting push fit connectors onto copper piping. As with all plumbing work, the copper pipe needs to be deburred and cleaned, free from debris prior to attaching any connectors to.

A push fit tap connector part

PEX pipe cutter

Easy Fitting to New of Existing Copper Pipework

Conclusion

Despite its many benefits, push fit plumbing does have some limitations. For example, it may not be suitable for high-temperature applications or for use with certain types of pipe materials not specified by the fitting manufacturer. Furthermore, while push fit fittings are reliable, they are generally more expensive than traditional soldered or glued joints. However, the labour savings and ease of use often justify the higher initial cost, making push fit plumbing a popular choice in modern plumbing installations and repairs.

Always follow the manufacturers guidelines and instructions and seek a competent installer if ever unsure.

Here’s 2 SUPER helpful YouTube Tutorial on Push Fits!

POUSE around the HOUSE Tutorial

Speedfit Plumbing DIY | The Carpenter's Daughter

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