Commercial Copper Press Piping System

The commercial copper press system is the fastest way to install copper piping in occupied buildings, hospitals, schools, and commercial facilities where open-flame soldering is restricted or impractical. ApolloPress® copper press fittings and ball valves create permanent, leak-free connections in seconds — no torch, no flux, no hot work permit. PVFPro stocks the complete ApolloPress system including fittings, couplings, ball valves, and accessories.

What Is a Copper Press System?

A copper press system uses ASTM B88 Type K, L, or M copper tube with press-fit fittings that have an integrated EPDM or HNBR O-ring seat. A battery or electric press tool crimps the fitting onto the pipe in a single squeeze — mechanically deforming both the fitting and pipe to create a permanent, gas-tight, leak-free joint. The joint requires no solder, no heat, and no flux, eliminating fire risk and dramatically speeding up installation versus traditional sweat-soldering.

System Components

• ApolloPress Couplings — Full-size and reducing couplings for straight runs and diameter changes. Available 1/2"–4".
• ApolloPress Elbows — 90° and 45° elbows for direction changes. Available 1/2"–4".
• ApolloPress Tees — Equal and reducing tees for branch connections. Available 1/2"–4".
• ApolloPress Reducers, Caps, Adapters — Full range of transition and termination fittings including NPT adapters for connection to threaded valves and equipment.
• Apollo 77W / 77V Series Ball Valves — Full port bronze ball valves with ApolloPress press ends. Isolation valves within the press system — no soldering required at the valve. 1/2"–2".
• ApolloPress Strainers — Press-fit wye strainers to protect downstream equipment.

→ Shop ApolloPress Copper Fittings & Valves

Where It's Used

• Occupied buildings — hospitals, hotels, schools — where torch work is restricted or prohibited
• Domestic hot and cold water distribution, 1/2"–4"
• HVAC hydronic heating and cooling systems
• Chilled water and hot water coil connections
• Commercial mechanical rooms — fast installation on tight schedules
• Renovation and retrofit projects where pipe cannot be drained for soldering
• High-rise residential and commercial plumbing

Installation Overview

Step 1 — Cut and deburr. Cut copper pipe square using a pipe cutter. Deburr the inside and outside of the pipe end completely. Any burrs cut the O-ring and cause an immediate or early leak.

Step 2 — Mark insertion depth. Use a depth gauge or permanent marker to mark the correct insertion depth on the pipe. Confirm the pipe is fully inserted to the mark before pressing — the mark must not be visible after assembly.

Step 3 — Inspect the fitting. Verify the O-ring is seated correctly in the fitting groove. Replace any fitting with a damaged, missing, or displaced O-ring — never press a fitting without a properly seated O-ring.

Step 4 — Press. Position the correct jaw or head for the pipe size on the press tool. Compress fully until the tool releases. Inspect for the jaw mark around the full circumference of the fitting — incomplete jaw marks indicate an incomplete crimp.

Step 5 — System test. Pressure test the system before concealing. ApolloPress connections are rated for system test pressure — verify with the product data sheet for your specific fitting series.

Code & Certification

• NSF/ANSI 61 certified for potable water contact
• NSF/ANSI 372 lead-free certified on designated models
• Listed to ASME B16.51 for press-connect copper and copper alloy fittings
• Compatible with ASTM B88 Type K, L, and M copper tube
• Approved under IPC, UPC, and most state and local plumbing codes — verify with local AHJ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mix ApolloPress fittings with other press brands?

ApolloPress uses the standard M-profile press geometry. Most M-profile press jaws are compatible. Verify jaw size and profile with your press tool manufacturer before mixing brands on a critical system.

What happens if I press an un-pressed fitting?

Un-pressed ApolloPress fittings will leak immediately when pressurized due to the unseated O-ring. This is a built-in safety feature — any un-pressed connection is identified during system testing before the system goes into service.

What is the maximum operating pressure?

Pressure ratings vary by fitting series and pipe size. Standard ApolloPress copper fittings are rated to 200 psi cold water working pressure in standard sizes. Verify with the product data sheet for specific ratings.