Press Fitting vs. Solder

Copper press fitting, also known as crimping or press-connect joining, can securely connect pipe without using such heating-based methods as soldering, brazing or welding.

Press fitting requires hydraulic tools to press specialized fittings to standard pipe. The connectors contain sealing elements that, when pressed, create an even and reliable connection.

Press fittings can be used in most locations, including underground and under slabs. Confirm with your local jurisdiction that underground use is permitted.

As an alternative to soldering, press fitting has the following advantages:

• No required soldering or welding experience
• Less preparation necessary given its effectiveness on wet, damp or dry pipes
• Can take up to 95% less time to install than soldering
• Durability to last the life of the pipe under standard plumbing pressures and temperatures
• Availability in stainless steel, carbon steel and copper

Press fitting is also a safer installation method. Gas tanks, fire extinguishers and open flame permits are not required. The absence of fumes and emissions allow Pros to work in enclosed spaces without respirator masks.

Pro Tip: Press the connectors with care as excessive pressing can result in squared, less reliable connections.

Soldering is the process of joining two metal components with solder, a metal alloy with a lower melting point than the components.

Soldering copper pipe involves “sweating the fittings,” or using a soldering torch to heat solder in the fitting between two pieces of pipe. (See our guide How to Solder Copper Pipes.)

Effective soldering requires training and such safety practices as securing open flame permits, stocking fire extinguishers and wearing personal protection equipment.

Bad solder, old protective flux or overheating can produce faulty connections.

These are the advantages of soldering:

• Less expensive compared to press fitting, which requires a hydraulic pipe crimping tool and specialized connectors
• Reliability, with properly sweated fittings lasting the life of the pipe under standard plumbing pressures and temperatures
• Requires a lower temperature than brazing or welding, and the base metal is not melted in the process

Pro Tip: Lead-free plumbing solders are required in pipes that carry drinking water.

There are several alternatives to soldering copper pipe, including brazing, welding and cold adhesive bonding.

These are some factors that distinguish brazing vs. soldering:

• Soldering usually takes place at temperatures below 840 degrees, while brazing requires higher temperatures.
• Brazing requires solder and protective flux to be formulated to withstand higher temperatures for stronger bonds when cooled.
• Brazing is preferable to soldering in situations that require stronger joints for higher pressures and temperatures, such as refrigerant piping systems.

Welding joins two pieces of metal directly to each other (or with a filler metal) under extreme heat to form tighter bonds than either soldering or brazing. Welding is more challenging, expensive and potentially hazardous than soldering or brazing.

“Cold” copper bonding involves using an adhesive agent at room temperature instead of solder at high heat. It requires evenly applying the bonding agent where the pipe meets the fitting and letting it dry. It’s quicker and less expensive than other methods but the bonds are not as strong.

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