The new NIBCO PC585-70 cast bronze ball valve features a new design that allows a leak to occur during testing, if the press connection is not properly crimped. Other NIBCO Press System fittings and valves will feature this new leak detection technology using a phased-in approach. Naomi Greene, NIBCO senior product manager, metal fitting systems, said that the new design would make an installer’s job easier because it would provide immediate results in a testing environment. By designing a leak path into the valve connection, uncrimped joints can be identified during testing, preventing potential damage to the building after project completion. The ball valve features threaded-in female press-to-connect end connections with an inboard bead and interface O-rings for fast and easy connection to the piping system. Properly applying pressure from a press-fit tool tightens the O-ring onto the tube, ensuring a clean, permanent, watertight seal in seconds, with no flame, solder or flux. When properly crimped a unique “N” witness mark is clearly visible. The valves are manufactured in an ISO 9001 certified facility in North America.
