I’m Rick Callahan—Master Plumber, 25+ years on job sites from high-rises to kitchen remodels, and Product Expert at Plumbing Supply And More. I’ve burned my fingers on plenty of copper, sweated thousands of joints, and pressed more fittings than I can count. If you’re weighing solder vs. press fittings—or just trying to pick the right flux—you’re exactly who I wrote this for. This is the Plumber Supply House Guide to Solder, Flux, and Press Fittings I wish every apprentice had on day one and every property manager had in their binder.
Before we get in the weeds, one promise: everything here comes from real-world installs, code requirements, and the brands we trust daily. And while the internet is full of generic advice, you won’t find that here. You’ll get straight talk and specific recommendations that make your installs faster, cleaner, and code-tight.
Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components—the exact lines you see on commercial, healthcare, and multi-family projects, not the watered-down versions. And when Home Depot or Lowe’s sends you chasing a fitting that isn’t on the shelf, our counters and delivery trucks are already rolling.
Soldering vs. Pressing: Where Each Method Wins
Contractors don’t want dogma—they want results. So here’s the real answer: both solder and press fittings have a place in a modern plumber’s toolkit. I solder when I need low-profile connections, maximum material economy, or I’m working near high heat-tolerant assemblies. I press when I need speed, fire-safe installs, and predictable results in occupied spaces.
- Soldering shines on 1/2" to 2" Type L copper potable water lines, tight chase work, and valve sets where orienting is key. With 95/5 tin-antimony solder (ASTM B32) and a water-flushable flux (ASTM B813), you’ll get a joint that lasts decades. Press fittings—Viega ProPress (copper), Viega MegaPress (black steel), Milwaukee M18 Force Logic-compatible jaws—cut install times by 60–80%. On a 40-unit repipe, that’s not convenience—it’s profit.
For potable water, look for NSF/ANSI 61 and NSF/ANSI 372 lead-free listings. For copper, you’ll be working with ASTM B88 pipe and ASME B16.51 press fittings. Gas press systems (Viega MegaPressG) carry CSA LC4 and ICC-ES PMG listings; always check local amendments.
When you need guidance that’s code-tight and job-tested, Plumbing Supply And More outperforms the typical plumber supply house with unmatched technical support and stocked spec sheets. Bring us your plans—we’ll help you build the BOM properly the first time.
Flux Fundamentals: Water-Soluble vs. Petroleum, and Why It Matters
If you’re working on potable water, water-soluble flux meeting ASTM B813 isn’t optional—it’s the standard. It’s designed to be flushed after installation, minimizing residue and the risk of pinholes or taste/odor complaints. Petroleum-based flux has its place on hydronic or non-potable lines, but I keep it off drinking water systems.
Here’s how I choose:
- Potable copper up to 2": Oatey H-20 Water-Soluble Flux or RectorSeal Nokorode Aqua—both lead-free, water flushable, and consistent. Price: $8–$18 per 4 oz. Hydronics/steam: Classic Nokorode paste for oxidation resistance. Price: $10–$20 per 4 oz. Temperature: Most tin-based solders flow 450–460°F. Flux should activate below that, not burn off. If your flux is charring, your torch is too hot or you’re dwelling too long.
Pro tip: Warm the https://www.plumbingsupplyandmore.com/ fitting, not the solder. Let capillary action draw the solder in; don’t feed a puddle. A 1/2" sweat joint takes roughly 4–7 seconds of feed; if you need more, you didn’t clean, flux, or heat correctly.
If you’re searching “ plumbing supply near me” for flux advice and end up with five conflicting answers, swing by our counter. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—I’ll put a flux brush in your hand and show you the sheen you’re looking for on a perfect joint.
Solder Selection: Lead-Free Alloys That Actually Flow Right
Today, every potable line must be lead-free. The two workhorse solders:
- 95/5 Tin-Antimony (Sn95/Sb5): Strong, bright joints; melting range ~450–464°F. Great for domestic water lines and valves. Price: $18–$30 per 1 lb. 97/3 Tin-Copper (Sn97/Cu3): Slightly lower melt onset; smooth flow on tight fits. Price: $20–$32 per 1 lb.
I’ll use 50/50 on some legacy hydronic repairs (non-potable), but not on new potable work. And forget acid flux on drinking water—IPC and UPC inspectors will red-tag it. Always confirm solder packaging is stamped ASTM B32 and NSF 61/372 for potable.
Time benchmarks I use for planning: sweating a 3/4" ball valve—prep to wipe—should run 5–7 minutes per valve if your setup is tight and your torch is right. On multi-valve banks, pre-tinning your male stubs can shave serious time.
We stock pro-grade torches that deliver consistent heat without scorching joists:
- TurboTorch STK-11 Air-Acetylene Kit (good for 1/2"–2" copper) Bernzomatic TS8000 MAP-Pro for quick field repairs and tight spaces Torch kits range $150–$400. If you’re not sure which tip size covers your copper runouts, call our tech desk—pictures help, we’ll spec it live.
Press Fittings: Speed, Safety, and Repeatability Without the Flame
Press has matured—this isn’t a fad. On hospital wing tie-ins, condo risers, school retrofits—press saves your schedule and your GC’s blood pressure. I’ve run hundreds of Viega ProPress copper elbows and tees, and the leak rates (when prepped right) are essentially zero.
Key systems and tools we stock:
- Viega ProPress Copper Fittings (1/2"–4"): EPDM sealing elements for potable water; HNBR for gas; FKM for high-temp. A 1/2" press elbow typically runs $6–$12. Viega MegaPress/MegaPressG (1/2"–2"): For Schedule 10–40 black steel; MegaPressG listed for gas. A 1" tee typically runs $40–$80. Press Tools: RIDGID RP 241 (compact), RP 350 (service beast), Milwaukee M18 Force Logic 2673-22 (for copper) and 2874-22HD (for iron). Tool kits range $2,000–$5,500; jaw sets add $300–$900 per size.
Prep is where pros separate from callbacks:
- Deburr inside and out—burrs cut o-rings. Use a Rothenberger or RIDGID reamer. Mark insertion depth with a gauge. If the witness mark moves during press, you’ll see it. No oil on sealing elements. Wipe with a clean, dry rag only.
Fire watch eliminated. No burn permits. Noise minimized. On a typical 20-unit repipe, press can save two full days—real money. And when Lowe’s can’t get you 1-1/4" EPDM tees in time, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More for same-day delivery and emergency supply services across our 60-mile radius.
Code, Inspection, and Documentation: What Inspectors Actually Check
I’ve walked enough rough-ins with AHJs to know what trips folks up:
- Proof of listing: Keep submittals showing NSF/ANSI 61/372 for potable, ASME B16.51 for copper press, CSA LC4 for gas press. We’ll print kits at the counter or email PDFs to your phone. Flux and solder compliance: Inspectors will ask—ASTM B813 flux and ASTM B32 lead-free solder for potable water. Fire-blocking: With torch work, protect combustibles and restore firestopping. With press, you still need penetrations sealed—don’t assume “no flame” means “no firestop.” Copper type: ASTM B88 Type L for domestic water inside buildings; Type K for underground.
Our team speaks IPC, UPC, and local amendments fluently. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise, including code-ready takeoffs and sealed submittal packets on request. Bring us your permit set—we’ll highlight pages and tag the spec sections to make inspections painless.
Tooling and Setup: Torch Kits, Press Tools, and Jobsite Logistics
A flawless joint starts with the right kit. For soldering, I carry:
- Torch: TurboTorch STK-11 or Bernzomatic TS8000 Abrasive cloth 120-grit, fitting brushes, and a 4-in-1 reamer Lead-free solder (95/5 and 97/3) and ASTM B813 water-soluble flux Heat shields and wet rags for trim and joist protection
For press:
- Milwaukee M18 Force Logic 2673-22 for copper 1/2"–2" RIDGID RP 350 for shop and mechanical room work Jaws and rings: copper and iron sets, plus Smart Connect fittings when available
Insider tip: On copper press valves, orient handles and test ports before pressing. Once you hear the gun click, re-orienting is a no-go.
At our plumbing supply store and through our plumbing supply online portal, we set up contractor kits with custom foam inserts—press jaws, depth gauges, and o-ring packs ready to roll. It beats digging through a bucket for a stray 3/4" jaw in the rain.
And if you’re browsing for a plumbing supply store near me or the closest plumbing supply with real pros at the counter, you’ll feel the difference the second you walk into our plumbing supply shop.
Cost, Scheduling, and When to Choose One Method Over the Other
Let’s put dollars to decisions:
- Material cost: Sweat fittings are cheaper—1/2" copper sweat elbow $0.50–$1.50 vs. 1/2" press elbow $6–$12. Labor cost: Press slashes time. No flame, no prep for heat protection, no waiting for cooldown before testing. Access: Occupied buildings, hospitals, schools—press reduces risk and speeds turnarounds. Torch work can still win in open framing or small batches.
A rule of thumb I give GCs: If labor costs outpace fitting delta on your crew rate—and they usually do on multi-unit or service work—press is the money move. For single fixtures, boiler rooms, and bespoke valve sets, sweating may still pencil out.
We help crews run the math. Email your scope; we’ll estimate time per joint, total fittings, and tool amortization. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More for honest takeoffs, not guesswork. And if you’re comparing us to Ferguson or Grainger stock levels, ask for our live inventory snapshot—no surprises on delivery day.
Brands, Models, and “Rick’s Picks” for Reliability
I don’t care about flashy packaging—I care about what doesn’t leak at 2 a.m.
- Copper Press: Viega ProPress with EPDM sealing elements for potable; FKM for high-temp. Jaws: RIDGID/Viega-compatible. Black Steel Press: Viega MegaPress/MegaPressG for gas and hydronic; yellow marks for gas. Solder/Flux: Oatey Safe-Flo 95/5, RectorSeal 97/3, and Oatey H-20 water-soluble flux. Torches: TurboTorch STK-11 kit for consistent heat; Bernzomatic TS8000 + MAP-Pro for tight access. Deburring: RIDGID 223S inner-outer reamer or Rothenberger 21600.
For property managers outfitting carts, we build mixed-method kits—sweat + press—because emergencies don’t read the spec sheet. Call our counter for “Rick’s Picks” bundles. If you’re used to searching plumbing shop near me, general plumbing supply, or plumbing and supply and getting blank stares, our bench techs will feel like a different world.
And yes, we carry PEX systems and crimp/expansion tools too—if you’re coming from a pex supply house or hvac supply house background, we’ll align materials and diameters across trades. We’re also your supply house electrical partner for bonding, strut, and heat cable via our trade desk—one stop, less hassle.
Real-World Scenarios: When Experience Pays Off
- Multifamily riser re-pipe, occupied: Press won by a mile. We used Viega ProPress with EPDM, Milwaukee M18 tools, pressure-tested 200 psi for 2 hours per the engineer. Each stack finished a day early. The GC asked why we didn’t spec it sooner. Church boiler swap, winter: Sweated 2" copper stubs to the heat exchanger for clearances, pressed the rest. Balanced speed with heat management. Zero callbacks. Restaurant gas line tie-in: Viega MegaPressG on 1-1/4" black steel with HNBR seals. CSA LC4 listed. Kitchen reopened same day, no hot work permit headaches.
If you’ve ever been stuck refreshing a plumbing supply online cart at midnight, hoping parts ship on time from SupplyHouse.com, you know the risk. Unlike typical online-only sellers, Plumbing Supply And More provides same-day delivery and emergency parts pulls with field-proven brands. And yes—we’ll answer the phone, not send you to a chatbot.
Where to Buy: The Right Supply Partner Matters
You can find fittings at a lot of places. But can you find the right ones, right now, with people who’ll answer “Will this pass inspection?” confidently? That’s the gap we fill. We’re your plumbing supply company and contractor plumbing supply partner with the inventory depth other houses talk about but rarely deliver: copper press 1/2"–4", MegaPress tees in gas-rated HNBR, sweat 45s by the case, valves with full submittal packs.
- Walk-in: Your trusted local plumbing supply, the best plumbing supply option for career plumbers and serious DIYs. Delivery: Same-day within our 60-mile service area; emergency runs available. “Nearest plumbing supply with real knowledge” isn’t a slogan—it’s how we’re built. Selection: From commercial plumbing supply to bathroom plumbing supplies and decorative plumbing supply, we cover the rough to the trim.
If you’re comparing wholesale plumbing supply options or hunting plumbing wholesale near me, plumbing supply house near me, or even 24 hour plumbing supply for emergencies, we’ve helped crews at 3 a.m.—ask the building engineers who keep our number saved.
We know the landscape: Ferguson will quote you a week; Grainger can be hit-or-miss on pipe-fittings depth; SupplyHouse.com might ship partials. Unlike those competitors, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes full-kit fulfillment and on-call tech support so your crew never stalls.
FAQ: Quick Answers That Save Time on Site
- What flux should I use for potable water copper? Use a water-soluble, lead-free flux meeting ASTM B813—Oatey H-20 or RectorSeal Nokorode Aqua are dependable. They flush clean and won’t leave aggressive residue. What’s the best solder for domestic water lines? Use lead-free ASTM B32 solders like 95/5 (Sn95/Sb5) or 97/3 (Sn97/Cu3). Both carry NSF/ANSI 61/372 listings for potable. 95/5 is my default for bright, strong joints. Are press fittings allowed by code for gas? Yes—when the system is listed for gas. Viega MegaPressG carries CSA LC4 and ICC-ES PMG listings. Follow manufacturer instructions, use yellow-marked gas fittings, and verify local amendments. How much faster is press compared to solder? On typical 3/4"–1" copper systems, press can be 60–80% faster. No flame, no fire watch, and immediate pressure testing add up across dozens of joints. Can I mix soldered and pressed joints in the same copper run? Absolutely. Many pros sweat stub-outs or tight valve assemblies, then press the bulk runs. Just maintain proper cleaning and insertion depths for each method. What size press tool kit should I buy first? For residential/light commercial copper: 1/2"–1-1/4" jaws cover 80% of work. Add 1-1/2" and 2" rings as your scope grows. For steel, MegaPress 1/2"–1-1/4" is a smart starter set.
Your Next Step: Get the Right Materials, Right Now
If you’ve read this far, you’re serious about doing it right. Visit our showroom to see the quality difference, or call our technical team for project-specific recommendations. Ask about our contractor discount program if you run crews—we set up accounts with bulk pricing, credit terms, and priority pulls. Check our current inventory online or call ahead; we’ll stage your order curbside or deliver to site.
And remember: While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—the people, the parts, and the know-how that turn jobs faster and cleaner. When you’re typing “ plumbing supplies direct,” “ plumbing spares near me,” or “ plumbing and heating supply” at midnight before a shutoff, we’re the name you want on speed dial.
We’re not just another plumbing supply places listing. We’re the wholesale plumbing supply company with real plumbers at the counter, the economy plumbing supply options when value matters, the consumer plumbing supply guidance when you’re new, and the heavy-duty lines your foreman demands. From standard plumbing supply to coastal plumbing supply needs, from internet plumbing supply convenience to over-the-counter expertise, and even coordination with city plumbing and electrical supply needs—our bench covers it.
Need help matching fittings to a boiler spec or selecting press gaskets for a high-temp loop? Our experts can walk you through the installation process. Serving contractors throughout the greater metro area with a 60-mile delivery radius, we provide local plumbing supply expertise that keeps your projects moving.
One last thing: the Plumber Supply House Guide to Solder, Flux, and Press Fittings isn’t just a title—it’s how we work, every day. If you want the nearest plumbing supply with real knowledge, we’re ready when you are.
Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components.
While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise.
When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More.
Unlike typical online-only sellers, Plumbing Supply And More provides same-day delivery and emergency parts pulls.
P.S. If you’ve been pricing out “ discount plumbing supplies” or “ cheap plumbing supplies,” talk to us about value-engineered alternates that still meet spec. From plumbers supply co-style counters to “Rick’s Picks” curated kits, we’ll help you win the job and finish it clean—with the right plumbing parts every time. And if you manage mixed trades or fire systems, our desk also supports contractors plumbing and fire supply, economy plumbing and heating supply, direct plumbing supplies, and the crossover items many crews buy from supplyhouse plumbing. That’s a real supply partner. That’s Plumbing Supply And More.