Cash Acme has integrated push-fit technology into its new Sharkbite Gauge Kit. Photo courtesy of Cash Acme.

Much like the ever-updating Web browser and operating system your computer uses, innovations in plumbing are expanding into areas as fast as they are evolving.  
    It’s no longer enough to offer the latest technology. Manufacturers now have to expand its applications. Case in point: push-fit connections. Sure, it was nice when push-fit fittings were introduced a while back. But what has the technology done lately?
    Glad you asked.
    This system of making connections, which scoffs at requirements like tools and fire, is broadening its horizons.

Getting a Grip

“Quick-Connect” ball valve manufacturer Watts Regulator says its one valve “does it all.” Photo courtesy of Watts Regulator.

Valves have recently been getting the push-fit treatment. Many are removable, reusable, and adaptable. With the growing popularity of plastic piping, the market is wide open for devices that can accommodate the latest materials, like PEX, as well as the more seasoned copper types. This calls for some serious flexibility, and that’s where the new technology comes in.   
    Elkhart Products Corp., in Elkhart, Ind., is on the case with push-connect ball valves. “Push-connect ball valves essentially are line extensions or product enhancements of the traditional ball valve that utilizes the new technology,” said Jeff Jasuta, Elkhart’s marketing manager. “This allows you to connect a ball valve without the use of torch or solder or threading in an adapter to the valve.” Perhaps more important is the system’s compatibility. “You can have copper, PEX, CPVC tube, and you can go from one technology or type of material on one side of the valve to a different material of tube or pipe on the other side of the valve and not have any issues,” Jasuta said.   
    No tools are required to connect Elkhart’s system but a tool is offered for removing the valve to make repairs. “What’s basically happening in the marketplace today is, as a manufacturer, we have chosen to marry the new technology to an existing product that has a continued value in the marketplace or in construction,” Jasuta said, adding Elkhart’s “TecTite” technology also enables connections in a wet system. “Although you have to turn the water off in order to relieve the pressure and not have water flowing in an open system, you do not have to dry out the tube and/or the area so that you’re saved time,” he said. “In a traditional solder type joint or a solder valve, you’d have to ensure that there’s no moisture in order for the solder in the heat to work to make the connection.”   
    The “Quick-Grip” mini-ball valve line from Dahl Brothers Canada Ltd. was introduced last June. The product line is based on a removable push-fit pipe connection that pushes on to copper, PEX and CPVC pipe. Vice president of marketing Patrice Bansa explained how its features ensure a reliable, leak-free connection.   
    “A seal is created with the pipe by means of a O-ring,” Bansa said. “A stainless steel grab ring makes the fitting blow-out proof.” And the installation can be completed in seconds. “An installer simply cuts and de-burrs the pipe, and pushes the mini-ball valve onto the pipe in accordance with our instructions.” Bansa said.   
    Bansa said the technology lends itself to any potable water or radiant heating application. “No matter what configuration, stub-out from wall or floor, tee off of a main line, single or multi-fixture installation, integrating a water hammer arrestor or not, Dahl has individual and packaged Quick-Grip solutions to suit.” The Quick-Grip includes a release collar and a removable locking clip to prevent inadvertent release of the connection. Bansa said the modular compact design allowed the company to offer a greater variety of SKUs than other companies. “Contractors benefit because their productivity is substantially increased.”   
    Watts Regulator in North Andover, Mass., recently brought its version to market. “We just launched Feb. 22 our new line of “Quick-Connect” ball valves,” said director of marketing Steve Barrett. Watts’ product is a full port valve with integral Quick-Connect connections, “which means that they’re actually built into the ball valve; they’re not add-on.” Barrett said it’s one of about 30 new products being launched this year with the Quick-Connect technology. With more to come.       
     “What we’re going to do over the next 18 months is, any of our core products that we already offer with a threaded or sweat connection we’ll eventually offer with a quick connection as well.”   
    Like its competitors, Watts’ new ball valve is versatile. Barrett said it works with copper, PEX, CPVC or polybutylene pipe. “So rather than having to have a separate ball valve connection for each one of those pipes, you can do all four of them with a single Quick-Connect ball valve.”        
    Its benefits are especially important, Barrett noted, when the labor pool is limited at the same time people are closely watching their inventory dollars. “Time really is money and this valve allows you to stock one valve and cover all of your connections.”   
    The new technology costs more initially but all manufacturers agree it saves money down the line. “It definitely is a little bit more expensive than the standard off-the- shelf valve, but again, you don’t have to carry threaded ball valves and sweat ball valves, and CPVC ball valves and PEX ball valves,” Barrett noted. “One valve does it all.”   
    Victaulic of Easton, Pa., offers a number of valve products that take advantage of the PermaLynx push-to-connect technology originally brought to market by Nvent, which was acquired by Victaulic about two years ago. The company’s lineup includes the Series 300 ball valves, the Series 510 check valves and both straight and angled supply stops marketed as Series 7120 and Series 7125, respectively.     Victaulic product manager for PermaLynx technology Tony Cuvo said the valves are part and parcel of the company’s strategy to bring a complete system of products using the technology to market.    
    “They became available in earnest during the fourth quarter of 2007,” Cuvo said. “Victaulic is currently offering a complete line of push-to-connect fittings and valves.”   
    The company said the complete PermaLynx system is rated to 200 PSI/1380 kPa and is recommended for use in potable hot and cold water distribution systems up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, PermaLynx products are recommended for use in ambient, oil-free compressed air systems.

Push!

BrassCraft’s “SureConnect” system features dual O-rings for a double seal. Photo courtesy of Brasscraft.

BrassCraft’s SureConnect system is made up of the stop, cap and stub-out. Dual O-rings in the housing provide a double seal and an anti-rotation feature prevents movement of the stop on the stub-out after installation. The stub-out inserts with a push to the stop in seconds, said Geri Kostello, communications and promotions supervisor for the Novi, Mich.-based company. “Lock the stop into position and then simply walk away.”   
    Kostello listed “No sweating, crimping, gluing or risk of fire,” among the benefits. “The patented lockable housing lets plumbers see, feel and hear the connection as it’s installed to assure a leak-free connection every time.”Though the system only works with other BrassCraft products, the stub-outs attach to PEX, CPVC and copper in elbow, straight and short configurations.   
    ACCOR is an old hand at tool- glue- and solder-free technology. Its PUSHON system has been around since 1988. So, what’s new? The FlowTite R-SERIES supply stop came out in November. Jerry O’Neill, president and CEO of the Bellevue, Wash., company, described its design.   
    “It can be used for old compression stop valve replacements as well as new pipe installations for copper and CPVC. The service plumber simply pushes the FlowTite R-SERIES valve directly over the existing brass ferrule that is stuck on the pipe.” O’Neill said the design allowed the ferrule to stay on, eliminating the need for pullers. “The old nut is pushed into the wall and covered with a PUSHON escutcheon that sits flush with the wall.” The gripper teeth and O-ring hold the valve on the pipe to create a solid seal.   
    The valve can be removed by screwing it off the pipe like an iron pipe thread. The same valve can then be reinstalled.

Another Use for Plastics

The Angle Stop Adapter is the newest valve from John Guest, in Fairfield, N.J. The polypropylene valve, powered by “Speedfit” technology, takes the place of brass and copper. Maribel Pagan, marketing communications manager, said no tools are required to make a connection. “Our valves connect your valve riser and the main water supply line for applications in reverse osmosis, filtration systems, ice makers, pumps, water softeners and instant hot water heaters.”   
    According to its promotional materials, the new product is interchangeable with other brands and can be easily removed. Just make sure the system is depressurized before removing the tube. Then push in the collet against the face of the fitting. In this position, the tube can be removed and the fitting can be reused.

Gauging Conditions

The FlowTite R-SERIES from ACCOR can be used to replace old pipe or install new. Photo courtesy of ACCOR.

Cash Acme in Cullman, Ala.,is a familiar name in the push-fit category. Its Sharkbite system dates back to 1999. John Brill, OEM Sales Manager, said the brand name is not only about push-fit technology, “it’s about integrating this technology into other products that are commonly used in the plumbing industry.”    
    The company’s newest push-fit entry, the Sharkbite Gauge Kit, was introduced about eight months ago. “This allows a contractor to easily install either a temperature or pressure gauge into ½-inch, ¾-inch or 1-inch line.” Brill said. “There are situations in which it is beneficial or necessary to install a gauge to monitor pressure or temperature. The Sharkbite Installation Kit makes this process quick and easy.”    Like its push-fit competitors, Sharkbite technology works with copper, PEX or CPVC piping. And breaking up (okay, removing) isn’t hard to do. “All Sharkbite products can be easily removed by using a horseshoe-shaped clip to retract the stainless steel grab ring.” Brill said.   
    As with any union, it works best when all participants are adaptable and can be taken out now and then.