It’s inevitable that at some point your plumbing or irrigation system is going to need repaired. Instead of spending your time draining the system completely dry, use push-on fittings. Push-on fittings are a quick and easy to use fitting that do not require adhesives to keep in place because they use little spurs to grip the pipe. With an O-ring seal to make the fitting watertight, push-on fittings are a go-to choice for plumbing and irrigation repairs.
How Push-On Fittings Work
Push-on fittings are a type of fitting that require no adhesive or welding. Instead, they have a ring of metal spurs inside that grip the pipe and keep the fitting in place. To install the push-on fitting, you first need to ensure the pipe has been cut straight and there are no burrs on the end. You will then need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how far the fitting should be pushed on. For example, if your copper tube is ¾”, the insertion depth should be 1 1/8”.
Push-on fittings come equipped with an O-ring inside to keep the seal watertight. Since they do not require adhesives or welding, push-on fittings are the quickest and easiest fitting available.
Push-on fittings are available in both PVC and brass. PVC push-on fittings (such as these) can be used to join PVC pipes together, while brass push-on fittings can be used to join Copper, CPVC, and PEX pipes. You can also find push-on versions of most standard fittings including tees, elbows, couplings, flexible couplings, and end caps.
Can You Reuse Push-On Fittings?
It is possible to reuse certain types of push-on fittings; however, PVC push-on fittings are permanent. Once they are in place you will have to cut them off. Brass fittings on the other hand are removable and can be reused. You will need to buy a brass push fitting demount clip to remove the fitting. There is a lip on the fitting that you slide the clip over and push on to release the fitting.
Whether the fitting is reusable also depends on the brand. Here at PVCFittingsOnline we stock Tectite brass fittings which can be reused. It is recommended before you reuse a fitting to check and ensure it is not damaged.
Can You Use PVC Push Fit Fittings on Irrigation Systems?
When your irrigation system is in need of repair, push-on fittings are an excellent choice and you can use them for just about any irrigation application. Not only are they easy to use, but they do not require the system to be dry for installation. This means you don’t have to worry about draining your irrigation system. All you will need to do is ensure the water supply is turned off and clean the area you are connecting the fitting to. Additionally, the O-ring inside offers a watertight seal, and like comparable products, they hold the same pressure ratings. For PVC, the pressure rating is 140psi, and for brass fittings it is 200psi.
Benefits of Push-Fit Fittings
The ease of convenience is push-fit fitting’s greatest benefit. Other fittings require adhesives or welding and require that the system be completely dry before installation, rendering your system out of service for long periods of time. With spurs inside to grip the pipe and an O-ring sealing any openings, push-on fittings eliminate the need for adhesive, keep piping systems watertight, and are the new repair must-have for both plumbing and irrigation.