Lead-Free FAQ: Materials, Installation, Standards

Probite™ Lead-Free Product Materials

Q: What materials are present in Probite™ Lead-Free products and do you manufacture compliant brass fittings?

A: The fittings are forged 36,500 Brass, as well a 69,300 Lead-free Brass(ASTM B-283), the gripping ring is made of a proprietary Stainless Steel, and the o-ring is EPDM pre-lubricated with an NSF-61 approved lubricant. We also manufacture a complete line of AB1953, lead law compliant Brass push fittings, and unlike our competitors, ProBite™ utilizes an integrated brass o-ring guide that allows for full flow without plastic inserts.

How To Connect Tubes/Pipes

Q: Do ends connect the same way a solder joint connects?

A: Yes. Just like sweat copper fittings, tube ends should be chamfered, de-burred and reamed. These steps are essential to ensure the proper connection of your PROBite™ push-to-connect fitting. Also, be sure to draw an insertion mark on the tube to indicate proper insertion of the tubing into the fitting.

Q: Can PROBite™ fittings be connected to copper?

A: Yes, as well as CPVC and PEX tubing. When connecting to PEX tubing, a tubing insert stiffener is required.

System Installation & Maintenance

Q: Can a PROBite™ fitting blow off a water system?

A: NO, the grip ring technology utilizes an opposing force principle, which simply put, the higher the force used to pull the fitting, the deeper the fitting bites into the tubing.

Q: How much pull force and to what temperatures have PROBite™ fittings been tested?

A: PROBite™ fittings are factory tested to over 900 PSI force and temperatures of 200 °F. View Probite™ Certifications.

Q: What support hanger spacing must I use with my PROBite™ System?

A: Support is identical to a sweat system and should adhere to local codes. Always fully support heavy loads on your plumbing system.

Q: How do I test my PROBite™ System?

A: Pressure-tests should be conducted the same way as you would with a Copper sweat system. The system should be installed, pressurized and then held under pressure for a period determined by the local plumbing regulations.

Q: Do I need to lubricate the joint when installing?

A: No, ProBite’s seals are factory-lubricated with an NSF-61 approved lubricant.

Q: Do I still have to flush my system?

A: Yes, but the system will be cleaner and faster to flush since there is no solder or flux.

Q: Is testing of my PROBITE™ System the same as testing a Copper system?

A: Yes, PROBite™ is tested the same way as a sweat Copper system.

How To Adapt ProBite™ System to Other Systems

Q: Are valves and specialty items available for my PROBite™ push-to-connect system?

A: Yes, please see our product catalog for more information.

Q: Can I use my own valves?

A: Yes, with two PROBite™ male threaded connectors.

Q: Can my PROBite™ system connect with existing threaded systems?

A: Yes, with the use of a PROBite™ male threaded connector.

Q: Can I solder directly into a PROBite™ push-to-connect fitting or valve?

A: No, open flames should never be applied to the fitting or any surface within 10” of the installed connection.

Q: Should I use glue when installing PROBite™ fittings?

A: No, glues, adhesives or sealants are not required and should never be applied to the connection, fitting or tubing.

PROBite™ Standards and Approvals

Q: Is the PROBite™ system certified to NSF-61 standards?

A: Yes.

Q: What approvals does PROBite™ have?

A: Manufactured by the world’s originator and largest producer of push-to-connect fittings, PROBite™ is certified to NSF-61. Additional certifications include: British: BS EN 1294/BS 864 Part 2: Copper and copper alloys: Copper fittings, British: WRAS approval, Netherlands: NF-EN 1254-1, German: DVGW GW 8.

PROBite™ System Design

Q: Are the “pressure drops” and “frictional loss” the same for a PROBite™ as well as Copper sweat systems?

A: PROBite™ fittings are full flow (unrestricted) fittings offering superior flow characteristics. The pressure drops and friction loss are similar to that of sweat copper fittings.

Q: Can PROBite™ push-to-connect fittings be rotated?

A: PROBite™ fittings can be rotated 360 degrees (as long as the system is not under pressure).

Q: Do PROBite™ products work with water charged system?

A: Absolutely. PROBite™ fittings can be easily installed on wet or dry applications as long as the system is depressurized prior to installation.

Q:Are PROBite™ connection fittings reusable?

A: PROBite™ quick connection fittings can be simply removed and reused as long the o-ring seal is in-tact.