Press fit fittings vs solder fittings

Help & Advice > Product Guides > Pipe, Tube and Fittings

22nd July 2026

Press fit fittings and solder fittings both have their uses in plumbing and general construction work. As technology improves and manufacturing methods evolve, soldering has become less common than new press-fit designs. This change is due to reasons such as ease of use, speed of application and more.

In this guide, we’ll present the differences between press fit and solder fittings to ensure you can understand what makes them appropriate for different tasks.

What are press-fit fittings?
What’s the difference between press-fit and solder?
Should I use press-fit fittings instead of solder?

What are press-fit fittings?

A press fitting is a mechanical method that creates a strong joint by pressing a metal ring around the ends of pipes.

Press fit pipe fitting examples

What is the “press-fit” method?

The “press fit” means no heat, flames or solder, typically used for traditional methods, is needed. This makes it a safer and tidier alternative for various applications across the country. It is done using press-fit tools with matching profile jaws. This means faster connection, which ensures a durable and long-lasting result.

How do press fittings work?

The modern range of press-fit fittings is mechanically squeezed to secure pipework without flame or adhesive. Typically, the process involves inserting the pipe into the fittings, followed by a press tool with a shaped jaw that compresses the outer sleeve to form a tight seal. This helps the fitting adapt to the wall thickness, protects the joint and prevents disruption in limited spaces.

This approach has been refined to create an easier, safer and more consistent experience with every task. In fact, press fittings are typically manufactured for wider applications to enable compatibility with prominent brands and accessories. From domestic to commercial plumbing, this durable mechanical seal offers long-lasting benefits, regardless of project size.

It’s also important to note that once a press fitting is installed, it becomes a permanent connection and cannot be rotated, disassembled, or reused.

Where can I use press fittings?

Press-fit tubes are available. However, you can use press fittings for the following systems:

Copper
Steel
Multilayer
Chrome tube (provided the chrome plating is stripped back to the insertion depth of the fitting that will be applied)

Press fittings can also be used in wet pipework. So, if the mains line won’t shut off, you can still perform the press method, which will result in a secure, watertight seal.

A broad range of sizes is available, with each meeting British Standards to ensure you can trust in the quality of the product. However, check the specifications of the fittings and pipes before usage, as compatibility may vary. That said, copper press fittings made to BS EN 1254-7 typically work with BS EN 1057 copper pipe.

If used on older pipes:

Surfaces should be prepared as if you were using a new pipe
There should be no corrosion
Tube dimensions must comply with EN 1057
If fittings are installed correctly, there should be no leaks

To test for leaks on unpressed fittings, pressuring the system will depend on whether you are testing for water or gas:

Water: A pressure range of one bar to three bars
Gas: A pressure range of 22 mbar to three bars

Regardless, refer to Water Regulations guidance and/or Building Regulations when conducting final testing.

If working on compressed air or oil lines, this will vary:

Compressed air (oil-free): Water fittings are recommended
All compressed air applications: Press fittings are suitable
Oil lines: Different seal rings required

Where NOT to use press fittings

Press fittings should not be used in applications where the pressure exceeds the manufacturer’s recommendations or when transmitting corrosive fluids or gases (including medical gases).

What’s the difference between press-fit and solder?

Feature	Press fit fittings	Solder fit fittings
Installation speed	Faster jointing using press tools	Slower process requiring heat
Flame requirements	No flame required	Open flame required
Preparation time	Minimal preparation needed	Extensive preparation required
Skill level	Moderate skill process using profile jaws	High skill process for application and strict process control
Wet pipework	Suitable for wet pipe systems	Not suitable for wet pipe joining
Joint consistency	Engineered force creates reliable, repeatable joints	Variable results depending on installation technique
Joint durability	Strong seal for long-lasting performance	Requires precise application to achieve lasting results
Labour efficiency	Reduced installation time and labour costs	Longer installation times increase labour costs
Consumables	Does not require flux, gas or additional consumables	Requires consumables such as flux and gas
Restricted space usage	Easy to install in confined areas	Challenging in limited access areas
Fire risk	No hot works or flame risk onsite	Required flame creates a fire risk onsite
Application flexibility	Suitable for various systems and pipe sizes	Limited across various applications

Why does having “no flame” for press fitting matter?

Among the obvious safety factors, it is actually convenient for standard requirements. Press fitting is classed as a “cold works” method, removing the need for a “hot works” permit. This permit is typically required for traditional pipework joining tasks and can be an expensive requirement. Moreover, the costs of typical safety gear required for such a task are reduced, especially as protective equipment for torches or high-temperature work is not needed.

Insurance premiums can also potentially be lower since press-fit fittings minimise fire hazards. Once again, making the plumbing environment safer using press tools and profile jaws for secure, consistent joints. This further results in faster, more time-efficient processes since heat isn’t involved in preparation, leading to more savings for said preparation and reduced project labour costs.

No consumables means cutting costs!

Press fittings eliminate the need for soldering materials, which significantly reduces costs. Typically for a traditional soldering job, you’ll need flux, solder, gas, torches and cleaning supplies. This can make expenses feel excessive over time. So, press-fit plumbing significantly reduces ongoing costs since the fittings and tools do not require traditional materials. Instead, you can create secure joints quickly without the hassle.

Now, when upfront costs are concerned, press-fit tools themselves initially have a high cost. However, long-term savings are worth the initial spend if you are in the trade, working on a large project or multiple projects in your day-to-day. That said, if you’re a homeowner working on one small task, this may not be your best option. This is because the initial cost is hefty compared to labour and consumable savings, despite its convenience as a tool.

You can explore our very own range of press-fitting tools here at PLUMBING SUPERSTORE!

Risk of human error is minimised

Since the press fitting process relies on special jaw profiles and press tools, this ensures a consistent squeeze, unlike traditional soldering methods or similar. Many tools specifically come with a built-in leak indicator. It lets you know when a fitting is correctly inserted. This helps prevent callbacks to problems that could occur later on and damage the pipes.

Moreover, press fit can be used on wet systems, often affected by human error caused by drained or partially filled pipes. This also means individuals with a moderate skill level can easily use the tool, leading to increased confidence in their ability and reduced loss to reworks or repairs.

Additionally, with moderate skill requirements in mind, the training needed for such tasks is not excessive. You and your team (if any) can quickly learn how to utilise press-fit plumbing in their daily tasks. Again, leading to easier and quicker joining of pipework. In fact, press fittings typically feature indicators to ensure jointing is secure and consistent.

Is press fitting also safer than brazing?

Similar to soldering, brazing requires a torch, which risks fire or burning. A press fitting allows you to work in areas with poor ventilation or tight spacing, e.g. cupboards, underneath floor boards or inside wall cavities. Additionally, if your environment is dimly lit, you can opt for a press-fit tool with LED lights to help navigate the space you’re working on. So you can continue to work more efficiently, quickly and without flux and propane consumables.

Should I use press-fit fittings instead of solder?

Solder still has its uses, so the method you choose will depend on your project requirements. Consider:

The size of the project: A large-scale project or a tight space can help reduce labour time and difficulty.
Budget: If you can’t afford the initial cost of press-fit tools, soldering may be a more friendly choice.
Skill required: If you or your team lack training in the soldering method, consider press fitting as a simple and safer option.
The building’s regulations and standards: Some buildings require one method over another, so enquire about the methods available before proceeding.

To summarise, soldering has its place, but press-fit is here to stay and is becoming the primary method for future plumbing endeavours. So, if you’re a plumber, heating engineer or similar trader, don’t wait to pick up your press-fit tool and fittings and improve your efficiency moving forward.