The Merit Pipeline - November 2024

The Merit Pipeline - November 2024

Understanding the Differences: CPVC Pipe & Fittings vs. Press

At Merit Brass, we understand that as a wholesale distributor, you're looking to provide your customers with solutions that get the job done safely and efficiently. When it comes to choosing the right fittings for your plumbing projects, understanding the differences between CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) and press fittings is crucial.

CPVC fittings are known for their durability and resistance to high temperatures, making them a popular choice for hot and cold-water distribution. They are joined using a solvent welding process, which creates a strong, permanent bond. However, this method can be time-consuming and requires careful handling of chemicals.

On the other hand, press fittings offer a modern alternative that is gaining popularity due to their ease of use and efficiency. Press fittings are connected using a pressing tool that mechanically joins the fitting to the pipe, ensuring a secure and leak-proof connection without the need for soldering or adhesives. This method significantly reduces installation time and minimizes the risk of errors.

Benefits of Press Fittings

  • Speed and Efficiency: Press fittings can be installed faster than traditional methods, reducing labor costs and project timelines.
  • Safety: No need for open flames or hazardous chemicals, making the installation process safer for workers.
  • Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of applications, including potable water, heating, and gas systems.
  • Reliability: Provides a consistent and reliable connection, reducing the likelihood of leaks and maintenance issues.

For wholesale distributors in the pipe, valve, and fitting industry, offering press fittings can provide your customers with a modern, efficient solution that meets the demands of today's fast-paced construction environment. By understanding and promoting the benefits of press fittings, you can help your clients achieve greater efficiency and reliability in their projects.

Our press technology includes:

With press fittings and valves, you can feel a sense of peace knowing that you're providing your customers with products that complete projects safely, on time, and in full.

Compare CPVC vs. Press

In addition, our press fittings and valves (up to 2") have a Visual Indicator Press Ring® (VIPR®) which makes it easy for installers to identify the application and any unpressed applications. The VIPR® is a PVC band that can be easily removed by the installer once the press installation is complete. Additionally, for ease of receipt and to ensure a safe and proper installation, the VIPR® as well as the box and bag labels are color-coded to the application which indicates the sealing element material and application. EPDM fittings have a green VIPR® for water applications, FKM fittings have a white VIPR® for industrial applications, and HNBR fittings have a yellow VIPR® for gas applications.

HNBR CarbonPress® Tee with Yellow VIPR®

Explore Our Entire Press Offering Today


Copper Installation Just Got Easier

Are you looking to simplify your piping installations? Merit’s brand of copper press fittings and valves known as CopperPress® are designed to not only simplify the installation process, but to ensure safety and reliability in your piping systems. CopperPress® fittings and valves have revolutionized the PVF industry, offering a seamless and efficient solution for contractors and engineers. Some key benefits & features of CopperPress® fittings and valves include:

  • Enhanced Safety: No soldering or burn permit is needed when installing CopperPress® fittings and valves. This significantly reduces the risk of fire hazards on the job site and harsh chemicals disrupting air quality.
  • Visual Indicator Press Ring® (VIPR®): Provides additional safety and installation measures with an external visual confirmation of a pressed fitting from up to 60 feet in the. Our VIPR® technology, which features a thin, green (for EPDM) PVC band around the fitting, breaks once the fitting is pressed eliminating the uncertainty that arises with traditional press systems.
  • Ease of Receipt: The VIPR®, along with the box and bag labels, are color-coordinated to the application indicating the sealing element material. This allows for ease of receipt and ensures a safe and proper installation.

Learn More About CopperPress® Fittings & Valves

The installation process for CopperPress® fittings is remarkably straightforward, saving both time and labor costs. Using press fittings in your piping system requires minimal training; however, professional and durable results will still be achievable. This helps reduce the need for specialized labor and helps maintain project deadlines. Using the appropriate press tool and jaws, connections can be made in 30 seconds, all while providing a secure and leak-proof seal. This efficiency translates to faster project completion, increased productivity, and happy customers.  

Download CopperPress® Installation Instructions

For wholesale distributors, offering CopperPress® fittings & valves not only enhances your product portfolio, but they also meet the growing demand for efficient, safe, and reliable plumbing solutions. By stocking this innovative solution, you can provide your customers with the tools they need to succeed in their projects which help foster long-term business relationships and customer satisfaction.

In addition, the ease of installation and visibility of CopperPress® fittings and valves can significantly improve your counter sales, making them a valuable addition to your inventory. Along with CopperPress®, we’ve also designed other forms of press technology which include: CarbonPress®, our line of carbon press fittings, and StainlessPress®, our lines of stainless-steel press fittings and valves.


Customer Growth Opportunities for Wholesale Distributors & Their Procurement Teams

Copper tube coils have become an essential component in the pipe, valve, and fitting industry, offering numerous advantages that address the daily challenges faced by wholesale distributors, such as durability, flexibility, and thermal efficiency.

Copper can withstand harsh environmental conditions and resist corrosion, ensuring a longer lifespan for the products. This reliability reduces the frequency of replacements and maintenance, ultimately saving time and costs for both distributors and their customers.

Wholesale distributors can supply copper tube coils for a variety of applications, ensuring versatility and reliability in every project. Often dealing with the complexities of managing inventory for various applications, copper tube coils provide a versatile solution that can be used across multiple systems. This versatility simplifies inventory management and ensures that distributors can meet diverse customer needs with a single, reliable product.

Some of the applications where copper tube coils are used include:

  • Heat Exchangers: Copper's heat transfer properties make it the preferred material for condenser and evaporator coils. Copper coils help ensure systems maintain optimal temperatures with high efficiency.
  • Plumbing Systems: Copper's resistance to rust and corrosion makes it a reliable choice for water supply lines. Their flexibility allows for easier installation with fewer fittings, suitable for both residential and commercial plumbing applications.
  • Water Supply Lines: Provide a reliable and long-lasting solution for both hot and cold-water distribution, ensuring the system remains strong and performs consistently.
  • HVAC Systems: Used for their efficiency in transferring heat and their ability to withstand various environmental conditions.
  • Refrigeration: Copper coils are essential components in refrigeration systems, offering superior performance in handling refrigerants and maintaining system integrity over long periods.
  • Industrial Piping: Copper coils are used in industrial piping systems to transport gases and liquids. Their durability and reliability make them suitable for various industrial applications, including chemical processing and oil and gas.

Explore the Benefits of Copper

Benefits of Using Copper Tube Coils

Copper tube coils offer numerous benefits that make them an excellent choice for wholesale distributors in the PVF industry:

  • Durability: Copper's natural resistance to corrosion ensures that the pipes remain intact and functional for many years, making them a cost-effective long-term solution.
  • Thermal Efficiency: Copper's excellent thermal conductivity ensures efficient heat transfer, which is critical in HVAC, refrigeration, and heat exchanger systems.
  • Flexibility: Copper is highly malleable and flexible, making it easy to shape, bend, and install. This reduces labor costs and installation time, especially in tight spaces or complex layouts.
  • Health and Safety: Copper’s natural antimicrobial properties help reduce the risk of bacterial contamination in water supply systems, promoting safer drinking water.
  • Eco-Friendly: Copper is 100% recyclable, adding to its long-term value and sustainability in the market.
  • Compact: Coils are used to minimize the amount of space needed to store large lengths of tubing.

By understanding and leveraging these benefits, wholesale distributors can better serve the diverse needs of their customers and provide reliable solutions to everyday challenges. Copper tube coils not only meet diverse needs but also enhance the efficiency and safety of various systems, making them an indispensable part of your inventory.

Lastly, the ease of installation associated with copper tube coils cannot be overstated. These coils are flexible and can be easily bent and shaped to fit specific requirements, reducing the need for additional fittings and connectors. This flexibility not only speeds up the installation process but also minimizes the potential for leaks and system failures. For wholesale distributors, this means fewer returns and complaints from customers, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty. By incorporating copper tube coils into their offerings, distributors can provide a high-quality, efficient solution that addresses the everyday challenges of their industry.

Learn More About Our Copper Tube Coils


Merit Cares: How Our Family Reaches Communities

Since 2011, our community outreach program, Merit Cares, has been a cornerstone of our commitment to giving back. Our program began with a simple mission: to extend the fundamentals that guide our family business into the communities around us. As a family-owned and operated business, we understand the importance of community and the power of coming together to support one another. Merit Cares is more than an initiative; it's a family effort. We believe that just as we take care of our customers, we must also take care of our neighbors.

Together, we've provided support, resources, and love to those who need it most. We strive to make a meaningful difference in our neighbors' lives. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with local organizations, schools, and charities to make a positive impact in the areas we serve. Some of the organizations we have supported over the years include:

  • Bishop Cosgrove
  • Rainbow Babies and Children’s Ronald McDonald House
  • Make a Wish
  • Harvest for Hunger
  • And many more

Fourth Generation, Kyle Schlessinger & Kevin Lipp
Merit's fourth generation, Kyle Schlessinger & Kevin Lipp (left to right)

Through Merit Cares, which is currently led by Merit’s fourth generation (Kevin Lipp & Kyle Schlessinger), associates are not only given the opportunity to give back to local communities and those in need, but also to engage with associates from different departments giving them the chance to learn more about one another. Merit Cares encourages our associates to live out our fundamentals including collaboration, showing gratitude, and being respectful. It is these fundamentals and more that are a reflection of how we treat not only our associates and our neighboring communities, but our customers as well.

To our valued customers, we want you to know that our dedication to community service is an extension of our dedication to you. We see our customers as part of our extended family, and we strive to build relationships based on trust, care, and mutual respect. Just as we are committed to providing you with the highest quality products and services, we are equally committed to making a difference in the communities we all call home. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future, one act of kindness at a time. Let’s keep making a difference, together.

Learn More About Merit Cares


Meet the Merit Family: The Faces That Care for Our Customers

Meet James Westbrooks, Pipe Specialist, at our Cleveland Headquarters! James has been a member of the Merit Family for over 25 years. James plays a key role in not only receiving our pipe but helping load our flatbeds as well. His unwavering commitment to being a team player and delivering legendary customer service has been instrumental in driving our company’s success. His passion and dedication inspire us all, making him a true asset to Merit Brass. Get to know more about James today in our Meet the Merit Family video!  

Meet the Rest of the Merit Family

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Ernest Coutermarsh

Principal Consultant @ Wholesale Distribution | Process Improvement Expert

2d

Another very informative and instructive newsletter from Merit! I look forward to these and always learn from them. Happy Thanksgiving to the Merit Team.

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