For more than 40 years, a simple connecting solution has enabled a host of different sectors to realise new developments and apply new systems all with the swift action of a push-fit fitting.

A simple, yet sophisticated piece of technology, the idea of the push-fit fitting evolved after addressing the needs of the pneumatics industry back in the 1970s. The push-fit concept was then crucially recognised later on as an aid to the plumbing and heating industry thanks to its original collect-gripping mechanism which remains the critical component of the push-fit today.

So, with billions of push-fit fittings used globally in a wide variety of applications, what should installers seek out to differentiate the copycats from the genuine innovation that is push-fit technology? Nigel Sanger from JG Speedfit explains what to look out for…

Why is the push-fit beneficial to the way plumbers install systems?

Increasing demands of new technologies and the need for faster installation of reliable components has led to the adoption of push-fit solutions. Introduced at the Interbuild Exhibition in 1987 by John Guest, plastic piping provides an easy and time-saving way to conduct installation, with less tools and the ability to establish an instant tube-coupling systems within minutes.

In the past plumbers have had little choice but to use the products and materials that were available to them. For many years lead was the only material available, but was later replaced by copper following the awareness of the health risks posed by lead. However, concerns are now growing over the long-term risks to health posed by the use of flux when preparing copper joints, as inhaling harmful fumes cannot realistically be avoided.

Health issues aside, building practices have also changed considerably in the last 20 years with most of the new homes being built having pre-fabricated joists rather than the traditional solid wooden joists used in the past. There are many reasons for this – sourcing such large amounts of lumber is not ecologically sustainable and the twisting that occurs during the drying out period also causes many issues.

The use of this type of joists has prevented the old-fashioned installation methods where the plumbers had to balance on open joists and install the “First Fix” plumbing. The systems now need to be installed from below, meaning they need a flexible system that can be easily threaded through joists. Speed and reliability also play a factor in today’s workplace and push-fit plumbing delivers these qualities.

End users are another factor in the increased popularity of push-fit fittings. No longer is it acceptable to have exposed pipes, as well as creaks and groans from metal pipework as they heat up and cool down from either hot water or heating systems. With plastic pipework, vibration noises are a thing of the past with push-fit technology playing a key role in securing systems thanks to its easy locking mechanism.

How does the market fare when it comes to providing genuine and reliable push-fit technology?

In today’s plumbing arena the combined use of plastic and copper pipes with push-fit fittings has become the ‘go-to’ option for many. However, installers need to be aware that not all products that boast push-fit technology are going to provide quality or reliability. Word of mouth is one way that people become aware of a good product; bad news always makes an impact.

However, with so many push-fit fittings claiming to be the best, cheapest and most effective it can be down to the quality of the manufacturer, the standards met by manufacturers (such as BSI Kitemark British standards) and the science within the fitting itself.

The science behind the push-fit concept is well hidden and often not fully acknowledged. Yet, there are subtle differences between each manufacturers push-fit fitting, with JG Speedfit providing a twist and lock multi-sealing – a feature that no other competitor can match.

What makes the twist and lock mechanism stand out?

There is an awful lot of subtle and hidden technology within the JG Speedfit Twist and Lock fitting. Most fittings on the market have two elements to them: the ability to seal water and the ability to grip the pipe in order to prevent the fitting and the pipe parting.

JG Speedfit fittings also do this, but in addition, have the twist and lock element. When inserting the pipe, the fitting is placed in its open position; the pipe can then be easily inserted as the ingenious collet system allows for extremely low insertion forces. Once the pipe is fully home the nut is rotated and all the internal components are clamped firmly together using the science of levers. By utilising such a design, compression around the ‘O’ ring seal is secure, a firm grip is achieved and with the seal in place the installation eradicates any leakage risks. It is this that sets the twist and lock system apart from others – part push-fit part compression fitting.

To find out more about the science and benefits behind the push-fit fitting visit www.speedfit.co.uk