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Copper Press Fittings That Visually Confirm a Pressed Connection

Never miss a connection or deal with expensive callbacks again.

Copper press fittings

with visual indication you can trust.

SurePress® is an innovative line of press fittings that visually confirms a pressed connection.  Green indication fills windows once pressed, confirming a successful seal. This allows installers and inspectors to quickly identify if a fitting has been pressed prior to pressure testing.

Simply press the fitting, see green and go!

  • Green indication visible up to five feet away
  • Compatible with leading hydraulic press tool brands
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • SurePress® technology streamlines installation – simply press, see green, and go!
  • Increase efficiency on the jobsite, saving time and labor cost
  • Approved for hot and cold potable water, rainwater/gray water, chilled water, and residential steam (5 psi maximum) applications

Resources:

See Why Professionals Love Our Copper Press Fittings

Engineered for contractors who demand reliability, efficiency and peace of mind on every job.

Zero Callbacks

Visual indication prevents missed connections, saving you time and money on callbacks and claims

5-Foot Visibility

Easily confirm pressed connections without climbing, reaching, bending or trusting a permanent marker “X”

Improved ROI

Product pays for itself by streamlining installation and saving time on labor and inspection cost

Explore Brass and Copper Press Fitting Types

Copper Press Fitting CouplingsCopper Press Couplings

Joins ½”–4″ pipe fast—stop, no‑stop, straight, or reducing options.

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Copper Male Adapter FittingsCopper Press
Male Adapters

Press‑to‑NPT male adapters convert copper to threaded lines quickly.

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Copper Female Adapter FittingsCopper Press
Female Adapters

Press‑to‑FNPT female adapters for pumps, valves, and manifolds.

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Copper Tee Press FittingCopper Press
Tees

Copper press tee fittings—straight, reducing, and drop‑tee options.

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Copper Press 45 Degree ElbowCopper Press
45° Elbows

45‑degree copper press elbows in standard and street styles.

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Copper Press 90 Degree ElbowCopper Press
90° Elbows

90‑degree copper press elbows in standard and street styles.

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Copper Press Reducer FittingsCopper Press Reducers 

Copper press reducers (FTG × P) step ½”–3″ lines easily.

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Copper Press Fitting End CapsCopper Press
Caps

Copper press caps seal test points, stubs, and future tie‑ins.

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Brass Union Press FittingsBrass Press
Unions

Lead‑free brass press unions (male & female)

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Brass Press Fitting Ball ValvesBrass Press
Ball Valves

Full port brass press ball valve (P × P) isolates lines instantly.

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Brass 90 Degree Drop Ear ElbowBrass Press 90°
Drop Ear Elbows

Press × FNPT brass drop‑ear elbow anchors fixtures.

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Water Heater ConnectorsWater Heater Connectors

Stainless flex water heater connectors with brass valve.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about press fittings, copper pipe installation, and repairs

Will SurePress work with my existing press tools?

SurePress is compatible with all major press tool brands:

  • Ridgid RP 340/341
  • Milwaukee M12/M18 Force Logic

No special requirements:

  • Use your existing standard jaws
  • No adapters or modifications needed
  • Same pressing force and cycle time

Is the installation process different from standard press fittings?

The installation process is exactly the same as standard press fittings.

  1. PREPARE: Cut and deburr copper tubing
  2. INSERT: Push fitting onto tube to the correct insertion depth
  3. PRESS: With appropriate jaw size

The SurePress Advantage: While the installation process is the same, SurePress technology visually verifies a connection has been made – no more guessing or hoping. Streamline your next installation and save time and money.

How does the green indication technology actually work?

We’ve added visual indication as a feature to the press fitting’s body without modifying the leakproof sealing properties you’ve come to know and trust from press fittings. This indication feature includes 360-degree windows and an additional green indication ring that expands into the windows once compressed by a press tool. Simply press the fitting, see the green indication, and go!

What Is A Press Fitting?

Press fittings are plumbing connectors that use a mechanical pressing tool to create a permanent, leak-proof seal between pipes without soldering or welding.

SurePress® Advantage

QuickFitting’s SurePress® fittings feature patented visual indication technology – green windows confirm proper pressing, eliminating guesswork and preventing costly callbacks.

How To Solder Copper Pipe?

To solder copper pipe, clean the pipe and fitting, apply flux, heat the joint evenly with a torch, and apply solder around the entire circumference until it flows into the joint by capillary action. The process requires cutting pipe square, removing burrs, cleaning until shiny, applying flux, heating the fitting evenly, and applying solder when hot enough.

SurePress® Advantage

QuickFitting’s SurePress® fittings Significantly reduce installation time, eliminate the need for open flames, and improve job site safety by switching to press fittings. SurePress® press fittings offer consistent, reliable seals that takes the guesswork out of installation due to its patented visual indication technology.

How To Connect Copper Pipe Without Soldering?

Connect copper pipes without soldering using press fittings, push-to-connect fittings, compression fittings, or flare connections – each offering flame-free installation for different applications.

Solderless Connection Methods:

Method Cost Speed Pressure Removable Code Approved
Press Fittings $$$ Fast 300 PSI No Yes
Push-to-Connect $$$$ Fastest 200 PSI Yes Yes*
Compression $$ Moderate 150 PSI Yes Limited
Flare $$ Slow Varies Yes Yes

*Check local codes for concealed locations

SurePress® Advantage

Visual confirmation prevents missed connections – the only press fitting with green indication technology

Best Choice: For professional installations, press fittings offer the best combination of speed, reliability, and code compliance.

How To Repair Copper Pipe Leak?

Repair copper pipe leaks by cutting out the damaged section and installing a coupling using either press fittings, push-to-connect fittings, soldering, or temporary repair clamps.

Repair Methods:

1. Press Fitting Repair (Recommended)

  • Works on wet pipes
  • No flame needed
  • Permanent solution
  • SurePress® Benefit: Green indication confirms proper repair

2. Solder Repair (Traditional)

  • Must drain and dry pipe completely
  • Requires torch and flux
  • Fire hazard in occupied spaces
  • Time-consuming process

3. Push-to-Connect Repair

  • Quick emergency fix
  • More expensive per fitting
  • Good for accessible locations
  • Removable if needed

4. Temporary Solutions

  • Pipe repair clamp (15-30 minutes)
  • Epoxy putty (pinholes only)
  • Rubber and clamps (emergency only)
  • Compression coupling (semi-permanent)

Step-by-Step Permanent Repair:

  1. Turn off water and drain system
  2. Mark 1″ beyond damage on each side
  3. Cut out damaged section with tubing cutter
  4. Measure and cut replacement piece
  5. Deburr all cut ends thoroughly
  6. Install couplings using chosen method
  7. Turn water on slowly and check for leaks

How To Measure Pipe Size?

Measure copper pipe size using the OD (outside diameter) method – wrap a tape measure around the pipe’s circumference, divide by 3.14, then reference a copper pipe sizing chart to determine nominal size.

Copper Pipe Sizing Chart:

Nominal Size Outside Diameter (OD) Circumference
⅜” ½” 1.57″
½” ⅝” 1.96″
¾” ⅞” 2.75″
1″ 1⅛” 3.53″
1¼” 1⅜” 4.32″
1½” 1⅝” 5.10″

Measuring Methods:

  • Direct OD Measurement: Use calipers for most accurate reading
  • Circumference Method: Wrap string, measure, divide by 3.14159
  • Fitting Test: Try known fittings to confirm size

Copper Types & Wall Thickness:

  • Type K – Thickest wall (green marking)
  • Type L – Medium wall (blue marking)
  • Type M – Thin wall (red marking)
  • DWV – Drainage only (yellow marking)
Pro Tip: When ordering press fittings like SurePress®, always specify both nominal size and copper type for proper fit.

How Long Do Copper Pipes Last?

Copper pipes typically last 50-70 years in normal conditions, with Type L copper lasting 50+ years and Type M lasting 20-50 years, depending on water quality, installation quality, and usage patterns.

Copper Pipe Life Expectancy:

  • Type K
    • 100+ years
    • Thickest wall
  • Type L
    • 50-100 years
    • Standard residential
  • Type M
    • 20-50 years
    • Thin wall
  • DWV
    • 50-80 years
    • Drainage only

Factors Affecting Lifespan:

  • Water pH and chemistry
  • Installation quality
  • Water velocity and pressure
  • Environmental conditions
  • Dissimilar metal connections

Signs of Aging Copper:

  • Blue-green stains (patina)
  • Pinhole leaks
  • Reduced water pressure
  • Discolored water
  • Visible corrosion
Modern Alternative: Press fittings like SurePress® can extend system life by eliminating flux contamination and ensuring consistent, reliable connections.

How To Cut Copper Pipe?

Cut copper pipe using a tubing cutter for the cleanest, most accurate cuts – place pipe in cutter, tighten slightly, rotate around pipe, gradually tightening with each revolution until pipe separates.

Cutting Methods Ranked:

1. Tubing Cutter (Best Method)

How to Use:

    1. Mark cut location accurately
    2. Open cutter wider than pipe
    3. Position cutting wheel on mark
    4. Tighten knob until it grips
    5. Rotate 360° around pipe
    6. Tighten ¼ turn after each rotation
    7. Continue until pipe separates

Advantages:

    • Square, clean cuts
    • No debris or filings
    • Smooth edge finish
    • Professional results

2. Pipe Cutter Tool (Tight Spaces)

  • Ratcheting action
  • Works in confined areas
  • Takes more time
  • Good for repairs

3. Hacksaw (Alternative)

  • Use fine-tooth blade (24-32 TPI)
  • Requires miter box for straight cuts
  • Needs extensive deburring
  • Not for finish work

Critical Steps After Cutting:

  1. Remove burrs – Inside and outside edges
  2. Check squareness – Use square or level
  3. Clean end – Remove any debris or filings
  4. Measure twice – Confirm correct length

Pro Tip:

For press fittings like SurePress®, square cuts and proper deburring are critical for O-ring seal integrity and leak-free connections.

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