Over the past few years, there have been a number of new pipe joining methods that have either been introduced or accepted by the Plumbing Code. Virtually every plumbing piping material has seen the introduction of new joining methods.
One of the most exciting new pipe joints is press connect fittings for copper tubing. Before the introduction of press connect fittings, the only change to joining copper tubing has been the introduction of no-lead solder. The major effort to gain acceptance of copper press connect fittings has been by Viega. Their fittings are distributed by Ridge Tool Company. Two other major manufacturers of press connect fittings in Europe are IBP and Mannesmann. Both companies may soon have product available in the United States.