How Pressing Tool Saves Time Compared to Traditional Pipe Joining Methods
Pipe fittings are a vital part of plumbing. They ensure that water flows to homes and sewage gets expelled through septic tank pipelines. Apart from that, they also prevent drainage issues, like clogging of septic tanks. In industrial settings, pipe fittings also prevent accidents due to their leak-proof nature.
However, traditional methods of pipe pressing, like welding, for example, are both labor- and time-consuming. That’s why you should opt for modern pipe pressing tools like a copper pipe pressing tool, for example.
These offer a faster, safer, and more efficient way to create secure pipe joints. Let’s explore more about this below.
What Are Traditional Pipe Pressing Methods?
Traditionally, pipe pressing methods involve welding, soldering, or threading.
1. Soldering
Soldering involves using an oxy-acetylene or propane torch to heat the pipe and then using solder to join the pipes. Plumbers need to cut the pipes, deburr and clean them, apply flux, assemble the pipes, and then begin the process.
This process involves the use of the heat from the torch and a solder, which joins the pipes. The solder is the filler metal.
Even after that, the plumbers have to manually check for any imperfections.
2.Welding
Welding involves using a welding machine to melt and join two pipes together. Plumbers need to choose the equipment, clean, and bevel the pipes to start the process. The equipment is chosen as per the type of welding, namely GTAW, SMAW, and GMAW.
3.Threading
Threading involves using pipe threading tools to create grooves or threads to join pipes together. Plumbers need to do multiple things before threading.
These involve fixing the pipes, cutting off unwanted pipe sections, choosing the threading die size, positioning them, applying oil, and then threading. This process, as you can see, takes a lot of time.
What Are Modern Pressing Tools and How Do They Work?
Pipe press tools refer to equipment that is used for joining pipes with the help of pressure, electricity, or hydraulic force. Unlike traditional methods like welding or soldering, they do not utilize fire or extreme heat.
As for how it works, let’s consider two pipes, X and Y. Let us say that X is the pipe that is to be joined to Y.
Pipe pressing tools will compress pipe Y when pipe X is joined with it. This compression pushes air forcefully out of pipe Y, creating a vacuum, which creates a leak-proof bond.
How Do Pressing Tools Compare To Traditional Pipe Pressing Methods?
Pipe pressing tools, like copper pipe pressing tools, differ from traditional pipe threading methods, as seen in the table below:
| Method | Avg. Time Taken For Pipe Fitting | Requirements of This Method | Downtime Required After the Method |
| Soldering | 10 minutes (with prep) | Flux, torch, cooldown | 20-30 minutes or more |
| Welding | 1-3 hours (with prep) | Welding machine, beveling tool | 20-40 minutes or more |
| Threading | Few minutes | Die head, oil, prep | Depends on poipe diameter |
| Pipe Pressing Tools | Up to 6 seconds* | Tool, fitting | Minimal |
Table: Pipe Pressing Tools vs Traditional Pipe Pressing Methods
*Note: Value provided is for electric-powered pipe press tools
What Are The Other Benefits of Using Pipe Pressing Tools Apart From Speed?
Speed isn’t the only benefit of using pipe pressing plumbing tools. The other advantages include the following:
1. Safety
Pipe pressing tools do not utilize fire or excessive heat through propane or acetylene torches. This ensures that plumbers are not exposed to temperatures between 1982 to 3300 degrees Celsius (3600 to 5972 Fahrenheit).
The lack of fire also means that plumbers do not need to apply for tedious fire permits, saving time. Apart from that, using pipe pressing tools helps plumbers comply with regulations by bodies like OSHA.
That’s why pipe pressing tools are used in confined or indoor spaces.
Plumbers also do not need to bend awkwardly for long when using pipe pressing tools. This prevents musculoskeletal issues like cervical disks.
2.Consistent Force and Precision
Pipe pressing tools can be used to apply a uniform force on the pipes when joining them. This means that plumbers do not need to manually adjust pipes continuously during the pipe pressing process.
The lack of manual adjustments ensures a high degree of precision and reduces the chances of human error. So, using pipe pressing like copper pipe pressing tools ensures that pipes are ready for testing immediately.
3.Skill Requirements
Plumbers do not need to be certified experts to use pipe pressing tools. That’s because the tools will do all the job for them. So, anyone can use these tools to press pipes and complete operations within a short amount of time.
4.Can Be Used on Damp or Moist Pipes
Traditional pipe pressing methods is that they cannot be used to press wet or damp pipes. However, plumbers can use pipe pressing tools to press them easily.
Are There Any Drawbacks of Pipe Pressing Tools?
One of the apparent disadvantages of using pipe pressing tools is their initial investment cost. They can cost more than traditional pipe pressing tools. However, their high costs are offset in the long run.
That’s because investing in pipe pressing tools is a one-time investment. Apart from that, using these tools reduces the need for multiple personnel. Plumbers can also increase the number of pipes they press with these tools.
This increases their operational efficiency.
Another drawback is that pipe pressing plumbing tools can be used only for copper, stainless, or hardened PVC pipes. That’s because pipes made from other materials can deform under stress.
In Review
Pressing tools offer faster, cleaner, and safer pipe connections compared to soldering or threading. While the initial cost may be higher, the time saved and reduced labor make them a smart choice for modern plumbing.
Are You Ready To Optimize Your Plumbing Operations?
Thinking of upgrading your toolkit? Book a demo with your local pipe pressing tools supplier today!
Also Read–Perfect Side Dishes to Complement Pizza at Gilbert’s Authentic Pizzerias
