Push-fit systems
Push-fit systems: joining pipes by pushing – no soldering, no press tool
A push-fit system joins pipes by pushing the prepared pipe end into the fitting – pull-out protection holds it, O-rings seal, and the insertion depth is visible from the outside. No flame, no press tool, no thread cutting: the tools are a pair of pipe shears and the system’s preparation tool. These pages explain how the joint works, what sets it apart from other joining methods, and show step by step how typical projects succeed with it – from an additional water connection to a repair in an existing installation.
What a push-fit system is – and who it suits
The three classic ways of joining a water pipe – soldering, threading, pressing – need either a flame, experience with hemp and paste, or a press tool with matching jaws. A push-fit system needs none of that: the pipe is cut to length, the pipe end is prepared, pushed in – and the joint is finished and can be loaded immediately. The care lies in preparing the pipe end and in checking: insertion depth visible, leak test before closing wall or floor.
That makes push-fit systems strong wherever individual connections are created or changed: an additional tap, a relocated washing machine, a new radiator, a repair in an occupied house. It is quick, without hot work, and the parts can be put together in advance as a parts list.
The limits are part of the truth: push-fit systems for building installation end at small dimensions (d32 for the system we stock), at 70 °C and 10 bar, and every system is approved only with its own pipes. For large dimensions, compressed air or industrial applications, press and metal systems are the right choice – they are one door further on in the press systems overview.
The system we stock: GF iFIT
We stock the push-fit system GF iFIT: modules made of PPSU, polybutylene and multilayer composite pipe, dimensions d16 to d32, approved for drinking water, heating and cooling up to 70 °C and 10 bar (manufacturer information). According to GF the joint is detachable – the adapter is destroyed in the process, the module is reusable. How the system is built, which parts there are and how installation works: GF iFIT at a glance, step-by-step installation, parts and tools, operating limits.
Five projects, explained step by step
Project
Additional water connection
I want to connect an additional tap – how does that work with a push-fit system?
Project
Extend or relocate a pipe
Washing machine, dishwasher or outdoor tap: how do I extend or relocate a pipe?
Project
Connect a radiator
How do I connect a radiator with a push-fit system?
Project
Garden water line
Can I lay a garden water line with a push-fit system?
Project
Repair in an existing installation
A leak: how do I replace a section with a push-fit system?
Push, clamp or press – the short comparison
“Push-fit fitting” does not always mean push-fit system: there are systems with a separate adapter (like iFIT), brass push-fit fittings with a built-in grip ring, compression fittings and the press systems with a tool. They differ in tooling, preparation, approved pipes and in whether the joint can be undone again.
| Method | Tools | Detachable? |
|---|---|---|
| Push-fit system with adapter: grip ring and O-rings in the adapter, module separate (GF iFIT) | Pipe shears or pipe cutter, chamfering/calibrating tool per dimension – no power, no press tool | detachable – the adapter is destroyed in the process (according to GF), new adapter for the next assembly |
| Push-fit fitting with built-in grip ring (brass push-fit fittings from other suppliers) | Pipe cutter, deburrer – no power | detachable only if the supplier provides a release tool – the grip ring sits in the fitting itself, not in an adapter |
| Compression fitting | two open-ended spanners, pipe cutter, deburrer – no power | detachable, the compression ring stays on the pipe |
| Pressing (press system with tool and jaws) | Press tool with jaws or slings per dimension, pipe cutter, deburrer, calibrating mandrel for composite pipe | not detachable – the joint is cut out |
The full comparison with preparation, pipe types, reusability and visual checks is on methods compared; how the push-fit joint holds in detail is explained on how it works.
Connecting to what is already there
Almost every project starts at an existing pipe: copper, galvanised steel pipe, a different composite pipe. For each of these cases there is a transition – direct or via thread. How to identify and measure the existing pipe and which transition fits: transitions to other systems.
Frequently asked questions
Does it hold permanently? Can I undo it again? Does it work with my old copper tube? The answers to the most frequent questions are collected under frequently asked questions about push-fit fittings.
Supply from Zickwolff
The standard names dimensions. What is listed here we stock – from stock or to order; what is available how quickly we clarify on enquiry. We keep GF iFIT in stock – also individually packed, collection and dispatch. Tell us your project or send the parts list from the parts-list tool: we put together modules, pipe and tools.
Further reading
For planners and fitters: the technical page GF iFIT in the press systems section, the system finder (which system suits medium, pipe and dimension) and the joining methods comparison with all seven methods.
Push-fit system from stock
Tell us your project, the dimension and the quantity – we put together iFIT modules, pipe and tools, from stock, also individually packed.
Send an inquiryYour inquiry to Zickwolff
Send us what you have – designation, standard, quantity, date. We will clarify the rest with you.
One item or a question
Send inquiry
Not in stock? We procure it – single items too.
Designation, standard and quantity are enough.
Several items
Send bill of materials
200 items? One parts list is enough – we deliver complete.
Attach it as a file.
Helpful if already known: project and country, date needed, certificates, packaging and language of the packing lists. If anything is missing, we will ask.
It is urgent
Request express
When do you need it? Express delivery, to the site if required.
Tell us by when you need the material – we will tell you what is possible.
Technical basis: GF practice guide for installation and repair instructions (08/2026), GF iFIT brochure gfps-39052 (12/2023), GF iFIT product range (07/2025) – authorised-dealer material, use approved; market documents on push-fit fittings with grip ring and compression fittings. Availability according to Zickwolff stock management. Information without guarantee – the binding approval remains with the manufacturer.