Fitting Type

Average Cost
22mm Elbow

Tools
Required

Average
Time
per joint 

Is joint
Re-makable

Copper
End-Feed
Solder

£ 0.35

Solder & Flux
Blow Torch
Cleaning Cloth

60 sec.

No

The cheapest type of fitting with the largest range of available shapes & sizes.

Copper
with Solder

£ 0.70

Flux
Blow Torch
Cleaning Cloth

50 sec.

No

The same as copper end-feed with the addition of a set amount of Solder provided within the joint. Helps ensure that excess solder is not used.

Allows joints to be easily taken apart and re-tightened. A jointing compound such as PTFE tape should be used to ensure a reliable seal. Fittings are available in standard brass, or de-zincified DZR brass for an extra cost.

Plastic
Push-Fit
Grab-Ring
& O-Ring

Very quick making of highly reliable joints.  Pipes may also be rotated once made without affecting the seal.  A proprietry tool is not usually required to break the joint, and joints are completely re-makable. The use of plastic has resulted in a much larger range of fittings than for brass push-fit, however the plastic fittings are weaker than the brass.  Plastic also provides some degree of resistance to heat transfer and electrical conduction along pipework.

Brass
Push-Fit
Grab-Ring
& O-Ring

Very quick making of highly reliable joints.  Pipes may also be rotated once made without affecting the seal.  A proprietry tool may be required to break the joint, however joints are completely re-makable.  Fittings are far stronger than plastic push-fit.  Typically available in DZR brass.