XPress fittings, pros and cons. Opinions please.

[Old Account]

i have never had that problem and have used thousands of them in commercial boiler houses and systems over the years.

That’s fine, I never said that no one should use them. I decided otherwise due to my experience. But you can see the difference if you hold two different fittings in your hand ( viega and xpress ).

 

[Deleted member 96286]

My understanding of the XPress fittings is that they are deliberately not made round and made triangular. This is a feature called LBP, or leak before pressing so that they intentionally leak if not pressed so that you can confirm that it hasn't been pressed. I'm a complete novice with press fittings, so all info is appreciated.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

You sure you pressed it with m jaws and no a different type

As m type presses a hex in the fitting a pipe so it's physically impossible to turn it without disforming the hex

 

[ABK]

Apart from price, a couple of things to consider:

Working in tight spaces and trying to get the crimper in can be tricky, and could crush the fitting if not on properly, so you must plan ahead. The mini rems is better for tight spaces imo, and alot lighter.

Also, not sure if you would use the fittings in concealed places as they are sealed by a rubber o ring, which I heard will degrade after time.

Other than that, they are quick and easy to use, with no mess from flux or heat mats needed etc.

 

[Welder]

Also, not sure if you would use the fittings in concealed places as they are sealed by a rubber o ring, which I heard will degrade after time

Interesting point, well from an engineering perspective anyway...

My, albeit limited, knowledge of o-rings is that certain ones do degrade over time due to oxygen and also uv light. I'd be interest to know what they use.

If people recall, the org JG pushfit inserts had 2 nitrile o-rings. They then had failures so changed one to blue (viton)...

 

[ShaunCorbs]

One point to add they don't count on the oring it's only there for a secondary seal

I've removed one and pressure tested upto 14 bar no leak

 

[Welder]

One point to add they don't count on the oring it's only there for a secondary seal

I've removed one and pressure tested upto 14 bar no leak

So how do they seal? Why put an oring if not needed?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

So how do they seal? Why put an oring if not needed?

A back up I guess

It's a copper seal like compression

 

[Deleted member 96286]

A back up I guess

It's a copper seal like compression

So there is no movement in these joints and can't be rotated like pushfit? Reason I'm asking is that I've cut into lines in boiler rooms with these fittings already on the pipe work and they have rotated, but still kept their seal.

 

[ABK]

One point to add they don't count on the oring it's only there for a secondary seal

I've removed one and pressure tested upto 14 bar no leak

Interesting. I have seen a crushed fitting pass a pressure test before lol.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Correct they can't rotate due to the m profile

I'm not saying you can't force them round but I wouldn't like to

 

[ShaunCorbs]

So there is no movement in these joints and can't be rotated like pushfit? Reason I'm asking is that I've cut into lines in boiler rooms with these fittings already on the pipe work and they have rotated, but still kept their seal.

I've seen them pass a test but not been pressed

 

[ABK]

Also, I wouldn't bother with the corded versions as they are much heavier, bulkier and even slower than the cordless.

 

[Ric2013]

Ah. So press fittings are a metal to metal seal? Perhaps I'll withdraw my main objection then.

That said, the fact that there is an o ring is a concern as how will you ever know if the copper seal if doing its job or if you are relying on a bit of rubber that will eventually degrade?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Ah. So press fittings are a metal to metal seal? Perhaps I'll withdraw my main objection then.

That said, the fact that there is an o ring is a concern as how will you ever know if the copper seal if doing its job or if you are relying on a bit of rubber that will eventually degrade?

Yes

Geberit have a 25 year warranty on the fittings so if anything goes wrong it's upto manufacturer aslong as it's fitted to spec

Most schools and hospitals are plumbed hot and cold services in press now

 

[Ric2013]

Hep has a 50 year warranty, or is Geberit also warranting against consequential loss?

 

[quality]

In a commercial environment its a no brainer but when used in domestic applications it has its limitations

 

[Deleted member 96286]

Bought a second hand REMS Akku - Press machine with 15mm, 22mm, 28mm and 35mm and I've placed an order for 15mm and 22mm XPress fittings.

I've also been given a Geberit ACO 102 Press Tool on loan to try out on a try before you buy, which has the same tongs as above but for Viega fittings. I'm waiting on these fittings being delivered.

Both machines are in tip top condition and come at under £500 each.

Once I've tested both out and formed an opinion over a month, I'll post up my findings and views on what system I prefer.

 

[Deleted member 96286]

Loving the machine. Took a bit of getting used to, especially as the Akku Press is very heavy. It's great for radiators in 15mm and a big bonus is that Xpress is available in Chrome fittings and these press directly to chrome pipe without having to file off the chrome plating. The machine I bought was an EBay purchase and cost me £450 including 15mm to 35mm tongs, two batteries and a charger. It's perfect for starting me off, but I'll upgrade in the New Year to a smaller lighter one like the aco 102 or REMS mini press S type.

 

[MOSSEP]

I’ve had no leaks with xpress fittings, but I can confirm that you can rotate the pipe in the fitting after pressing, although it takes a fair bit of force to do it.

I use a REMS mini press and it gets a lot of use, especially on repair works when I don’t have ages to wait for water to fully drain from pipework. I rarely do domestic jobs but have used it in those situations a few times.

 

[MOSSEP]

I get most of my fittings from Williams, they have express on the shelf and the prices are pretty good

 

[BYP]

I’ve considered press myself, although as others have said I can’t see it being worthwhile on domestic work. The cost is a issue too, as this will have to be passed on to customers.

 

[island fling]

I am using a Geberit/Novo press & we have 3 in the company.
Find them brilliant but as other say they can be a bit bulky, Used them from bathroom/kitchen refurb to domestic new builds to commercial boiler house work.
I buy 90% of my fittings from william wilson & the other 10% from BES if i am putting an order in anyway. I haven't found anyone that can compete with WW yet.
We still solder occasionally & get apprentices to solder until year 3 at least, this way we should keep options open & training to a good standard.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

I am using a Geberit/Novo press & we have 3 in the company.
Find them brilliant but as other say they can be a bit bulky, Used them from bathroom/kitchen refurb to domestic new builds to commercial boiler house work.
I buy 90% of my fittings from william wilson & the other 10% from BES if i am putting an order in anyway. I haven't found anyone that can compete with WW yet.
We still solder occasionally & get apprentices to solder until year 3 at least, this way we should keep options open & training to a good standard.

Have a look at pipekit