Press Technology: Answering Contractors’ Top Questions About Speed, Productivity and Labor Savings

As press technology continues to gain traction across plumbing and mechanical installations, contractors are increasingly evaluating where it fits within their operations. The discussion often centers on practical business considerations: Can pressing help crews work more efficiently? How does it affect installation timelines? And what impact can it have on labor requirements and overall project delivery?

In this article, RIDGID^® addresses these common questions, including how pressing can help contractors complete installations faster, improve crew output, reduce downtime, and keep projects moving on schedule.

How Much Faster Is Pressing Than Soldering?

Quick answer: Pressing can significantly reduce connection times compared to traditional soldering methods and is often cited as being up to three times faster in many installation scenarios.

Traditional soldering requires pipe preparation, heating, applying solder, cooling, and verifying the joint. Press technology simplifies the process by mechanically creating the connection in seconds without the need for an open flame.

While actual time savings vary based on pipe size, accessibility, and jobsite conditions, contractors frequently adopt press technology to accelerate installation work and increase the number of completed connections per shift.

How Many Connections Can I Make Per Hour with Pressing?

Quick answer: Press connections are typically completed in seconds, allowing installers to move quickly from one connection to the next.

Actual productivity depends on factors such as:

• Pipe diameter
• System design
• Accessibility
• Material staging
• Crew experience

However, because pressing eliminates many of the intermediate steps associated with soldering, brazing, or threading, installers can generally spend more time making connections and less time preparing or waiting between them.

Can Pressing Reduce Overall Project Schedules?

Quick answer: Press technology can help accelerate project timelines by reducing the amount of time required for pipe installation.

Every connection completed more efficiently contributes to overall project progress. On larger projects where hundreds of connections are required, cumulative time savings can help contractors advance installations more quickly and keep project milestones on track.

Shorter installation durations can also help projects move more rapidly into testing, inspection, and commissioning phases.

Does Pressing Actually Improve Crew Productivity?

Quick answer: Yes. Faster connection times and fewer installation steps can help crews accomplish more work during the same shift.

Productivity improvements often come from several factors:

• Faster connection completion
• Reduced setup requirements
• Elimination of hot-work procedures
• Improved access in tight spaces
• Reduced physical strain associated with traditional joining methods

When crews spend less time on each connection, more time can be allocated to installation, testing, commissioning, and project completion activities.

What Types of Jobs Benefit Most from Pressing?

Quick answer: Press technology can provide productivity advantages across commercial, industrial, residential, retrofit, and service applications.

Some of the most common applications include:

• Commercial plumbing systems
• Mechanical piping systems
• Healthcare facilities
• Educational facilities
• Multifamily housing
• Industrial facilities
• Tenant improvements
• Retrofit projects
• Service and repair work

Projects with large numbers of repetitive connections often experience the greatest productivity gains.

Key Takeaways on Press Technology Speed and Labor Savings

• Press technology can significantly reduce connection times compared with traditional joining methods.
• Faster connections help crews improve productivity and complete more work during the same shift.
• Flame-free installation eliminates many hot-work requirements.
• Reduced interruptions help maintain project momentum.
• Large projects often see the greatest cumulative labor savings.
• Press technology can help contractors improve schedule predictability and workforce efficiency.

Related RIDGID Tools: RP 350 Press Tool, RP 351 Press Tool, RP 251 Press Tool, RP 115 Mini Press Tool

RIDGID Pressing Promotion

Contractors looking to improve installation speed and jobsite productivity can take advantage of the current RIDGID pressing promotion. With solutions designed for residential, commercial, industrial, service, and retrofit applications, RIDGID press tools help crews make faster connections, reduce downtime, and complete more work with the same team.

Promotion runs through October 16, 2026.

Related Article: How to Choose a Plumbing Press Tool