PIPES, VALVES & FITTINGS


Why press-fit training is moving up the commercial agenda


www.heatingandventilating.net


Lewis Kyte, BSS commercial category manager - press and valves, explains why changes to press-fit standards makes training more important than ever


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ommercial plumbing and heating installers are increasingly being asked to prove they have completed manufacturer-specific


press-fitting training before stepping onto certain sites. While some will see it as a burden, for


contractors that prepare early, it is an opportunity to stay compliant, protect quality and strengthen their position when tendering for work. Press-fitting has become the dominant


installation method across much of the commercial market. Widely adopted over the past two decades, it is valued for being quicker, cleaner and safer than traditional soldering or brazing, while also reducing the disruption and the insurance requirements of hot works. Traditional jointing methods still have their place, particularly in domestic or specialist applications, but where multiple pipes must be connected quickly and consistently, press-fitting offers obvious advantages. Many installers will already have heard discussion around changes linked to BS EN 13480- 5, the industrial piping standard covering inspection and testing. The amendments place greater emphasis on ensuring anyone carrying out press- fitting is trained to do so correctly and safely. That means installers may need evidence that


they have received press-fit training relevant to the systems and equipment they are actually using, rather than relying purely on general experience. In practice, many national contractors are already moving in this direction by asking for proof of


24 August 2026


product-specific training and, in some cases, testing records before appointing installers to a project. Those without the right credentials risk falling behind as expectations rise. Inspection requirements are also becoming more


structured, with testing language broadening so press-fitting is considered more formally alongside other jointing methods. For contractors, this means some important


practical considerations. Press-fit work should be carried out to a defined process and supported by a clear written specification so there is no ambiguity around products, tools, jaw profiles, testing and sign-off. Installers must also follow the inspection and


installation methods set out in the manufacturer’s instructions and the completed system should undergo the appropriate pressure testing regime before being put into service. These checks are in place to verify integrity, reduce call-backs and provide confidence at handover. Most installers appreciate the simplicity and speed of press-fitting, and the point of these changes is not to create unnecessary barriers. It is to make sure everyone on site has the right knowledge before work begins, improving consistency, safety and accountability. Some may see this as extra bureaucracy, but


organising the required training is relatively straightforward. At BSS, for example, we work with industry-leading partners such as Geberit and Pegler Yorkshire to help customers access the support they need.


Geberit and Pegler Yorkshire technical and sales teams work closely with BSS branches to arrange product-specific sessions for contractors and installers, from introductory overviews to hands-on practical training and support around live specifications. These training programmes are designed to


do more than tick a compliance box. They help installers understand best practice, avoid common errors and build confidence in the systems they are expected to use on site. Training typically covers the practical steps needed to align with current expectations, including correct tool selection and calibration so pressing jaws deliver the required compression every time. It also looks at good preparation of the pipe, including deburring, cleanliness checks and protecting the internal sealing element, as well as compliant pressure-testing sequences to help ensure a leak-free installation before commissioning. For employers, the value goes beyond passing


an audit. A trained and verified workforce is better placed to reduce installation errors, avoid remedial costs and demonstrate competence to main contractors, consultants and end clients. As with many changes in the industry, the best


advice is to get ahead of the curve. Rather than waiting for requirements to become mandatory on every project, contractors can act now to coordinate certified training and make sure their teams are ready.


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