Copper Press Reducer

This fitting is handy whenever you want to reduce pipe size directly at a fitting socket. For example, say you have a 1″ press tee but need one branch to drop to ½″ – you could insert a 1″ x ½″ street reducer into the tee’s branch outlet and press it, instead of using a 1″ x ½″ reducing tee or adding a separate reducer coupling. Street reducers are often used in tight spaces or to minimize components. They save space by eliminating an extra piece of pipe between fittings. Plumbers choose FTG x P reducers when they want to maintain the same fitting-to-fitting spacing as the leading press system (SurePress street reducers are dimensioned to match competitor takeout lengths, so they fit seamlessly into designs).

Installation involves two steps: First, insert the FTG (male) end of the SurePress street reducer into the larger press fitting’s socket. For instance, push the male end into a ¾″ press coupling or tee where normally a ¾″ pipe would go. Make sure it’s fully seated against that fitting’s internal stop. Then press that joint using the larger fitting’s press sleeve (essentially, you press the outer fitting which in turn crimps onto the reducer’s male end, sealing it via the O-ring in the outer fitting). Next, insert the smaller copper pipe into the reducer’s press end and press that side as usual. After both press operations, you’ll have a secure reduction. It’s crucial to press the outer fitting onto the reducer and the reducer onto the smaller pipe to complete the assembly.

Yes. Once installed, a SurePress street reducer is as secure as any other press joint. The male end relies on the O-ring inside the mating fitting for its seal, and the female press end has its own O-ring – both ends are crimped tightly. The result is two press seals achieving the reduction, both capable of holding the full system pressure (300 psi for water applications). These reducers are made of the same high-grade copper alloy and EPDM sealing technology, so there’s no compromise in reliability. In essence, a pressed-in reducer bushing becomes an integral part of the larger fitting. As long as you press all connections fully (and see the green indicator in the SurePress press end), the assembly will be leak-free and code-compliant.