Propresser May 2026
Have you made the switch to ProPress? Or are you still soldering until the bitter end? Drop a comment below—let’s hear the debate. And don’t forget to check your local code amendments before pressing that first fitting. Disclaimer: Plumbing codes vary by jurisdiction. Always consult local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) before using alternative joining methods.
The liability of fire alone justifies the tool cost. Being able to press a valve onto a live 2" main line without shutting down a 40-story building is a superpower. propresser
Flux is acidic. If you don’t wipe it off after soldering, it can corrode the pipe over time. ProPress uses no flux, meaning cleaner lines and less risk of pinhole leaks years down the road. Have you made the switch to ProPress
If you do a lot of remodels, owning a ProPress allows you to have your laborers do basic water line moves without needing a licensed plumber for every tiny joint. However, check local code first. And don’t forget to check your local code
Unless you find a screaming deal on a used tool (and you verify the jaws are calibrated), stick to soldering or use push fittings (SharkBite) for your one-off repairs. You will never recoup the cost of a ProPress rig.
Soldering requires: cutting, reaming, cleaning (abrasive cloth), fluxing, assembling, heating, applying solder, wiping, and cooling. ProPress requires: cutting, reaming (deburring is critical), marking depth, pressing. A skilled fitter can press a fitting in 5 seconds versus 60 seconds for solder.