When compression, soldered, push-fit and press joints suit a job, and the strengths of each.
Choosing the right joint is about matching the method to the pipe material, the location and whether the joint may need to come apart later. Here are the common options and where each shines.
Compression joints use a nut that squeezes an olive onto the pipe to seal it. They need no heat, can be undone and remade, and suit awkward positions or jobs where a flame is not wanted, though they are bulkier and rely on correct tightening.
Soldered, or capillary, joints draw molten solder into the gap between a copper fitting and pipe by capillary action. They give a neat, strong, permanent connection that is ideal for runs of copper, but they need heat and clean, properly prepared surfaces.
Push-fit joints have an internal seal and grab ring so the pipe simply pushes home. They are quick, need few tools and work well with plastic and copper, which makes them popular for speed and for working near flammable materials.
Press (press-fit) joints use a special tool to crimp a fitting permanently onto the pipe with a seal inside. They are fast and flame-free, which suits sites where hot work is restricted, but they need the right tool and jaws.
Whatever the method, the joint must suit the pipe material, be made on clean, correctly prepared pipe, and use fittings suitable for contact with drinking water. Confirm material and fitting suitability against current guidance.
Something wrong, unclear or out of date? Report an issue with this note.