Neil Gaffney, Managing Director, Instantor, explains why press solutions are the way forward when undertaking plumbing work in both improvement projects and custom new builds…
Instantor manufacturers superior heating and plumbing products for merchants, specifiers and installers and is renowned for its press solutions, which place ease of installation at the forefront of thinking. Having undergone a huge research project last year, we understand what matters most to professional builders and plumbing installers – reliability, easy installation, and quality after-sales service when needed.
Time saving solutions are key for professional builders and a significant way to improve timescales is to increase the speed of heating and plumbing installations. One of the main challenges in the industry is the increasing shortage of heating and plumbing engineers. This means that there is a greater focus on time saving technology so that engineers can get more jobs done, without compromising on the quality of their installation service.
This trend is leading a move towards press fit solutions, whether it is copper, multilayer pipe or stainless steel, and Instantor is driving that change.
Instantor’s press fittings, pipes and tools are designed as a flame-free, quick and reliable solution for plumbing projects on any scale. The installer simply crimps the fitting securely on to the pipe in a couple of seconds. This can save up to 35 per cent of the installer’s time compared to more traditional methods.
Further benefits of press fit solutions include:
Flame-free: As a press tool is used to crimp the fitting securely and safely onto the pipe, the need for heat-based methods, such as welding and soldering, is removed. This also eliminates the risk of scorching or heat marks, resulting in a neater appearance.
Highly reliable: Press fittings are known for their robust design. Following years of rigorous research, testing and development, the Instantor Press System, which is an all-in-one solution combining press fittings and multilayer Pex-Al-Pex pipe, now comes with an extensive 50-year warranty.
User-friendly: Press fit solutions are installed using press tools, which are typically designed to be easy to operate, with features like ergonomic grips and clear displays.
Cost-effective: Reduced labour time and potential material savings as less fittings are required when compared with traditional plumbing methods.
Sustainability
The sector is also embracing the importance of sustainability in manufacturing; Instantor were early innovators in this regard, launching a full ESG programme a few years ago. Copper press fittings have gained popularity among merchants, specifiers and installers who prioritise environmentally conscious solutions thanks to copper being a highly recyclable and durable material.
Extending product lifecycles is another way for the industry to embrace sustainability. Instantor understands this and ensures that its products are designed to stand the test of time, exampled by the 50-year warranty on the Instantor Press System, providing long-term reliability and assurance.
Durable designs reduce the frequency of replacements and the associated environmental costs, ensuring that customers receive high-quality solutions while contributing to a more sustainable future. In addition, a review of packaging choices, with a focus on reducing environmental impact, is a top priority for manufacturers.
Furthermore, Instantor is genuinely committed to customer feedback and values the input from partners and customers, using it to continually enhance products and services. Collaboration is essential and it’s important that the industry works together to create a more sustainable future.
Accreditations and testing
For professional builders, it’s important to work with manufacturers that supply robust solutions that reduce maintenance needs, extending product longevity. One way of ensuring that the products that builders and installers select are of the highest quality is to look out for accreditations and certifications. The Instantor Press System has WRAS, KIWA and NSAI Approval on the press fittings and Pex-Al-Pex pipe.
It’s also important to consider the materials that have been used to manufacture the products. Instantor Press Fittings are manufactured using high-grade CW617N brass and 304 stainless steel, which are corrosion-resistant materials that are built to be long-lasting and reduce the risk of leaks or contamination. Taking care to research the finer details like this can be a very rewarding practise for builders and installers and help to eliminate any future issues with the plumbing work undertaken.
Product testing is an important aspect of achieving durability and long-term performance and manufacturers should prioritise this. Products are rigorously tested both in-house, at the Instantor Works Design & Testing Lab, and in the field, before any launches to ensure unrivalled performance and reliability.
The Works Design & Testing Lab was created to give full control of the product development and testing process. It features 20 test machines, which are comparable to the same plant used at European test centres, such as TUV and KIWA. What’s more, having held Discovery Days for installers in its Design & Testing Lab, Instantor is committed to listening to industry feedback. After all, nobody can provide insights on what products or applications work the best quite like the end-users.
For further information on Instantor visit Sanbra Fyffe – The Makers of Instantor Superior Plumbing Products.
