When planning a plumbing system with SP piping, one of the most important decisions is choosing the connector system. SP Industries offers three different systems — crimp, threaded, and Push-Fit EF-SP — and each is suited to different conditions and uses. Important to know: you must not mix two systems in the same apartment (except for exposed connections such as water meters, manifolds, and hot-water heaters).
Quick Summary
- Crimp: the most common solution, fast and reliable — requires a dedicated crimping tool
- Threaded: suitable for exposed connections and repairs, no special tool required
- Push-Fit EF-SP: detachable and reusable, no crimping tool needed
- Single use only: a crimp fitting that has been crimped cannot be crimped again
- Detachable: Push-Fit only
⚖️SP crimp connectors
✅Advantages
- •Fast installation — one crimp and you're done
- •High reliability — double EPDM sealing in larger diameters
- •Color code by diameter: white = 16, green = 20, black = 25, brown = 32
- •Suitable for large diameters 40/50/63 mm
- •25-year warranty
❌Limitations
- •Requires a dedicated crimping tool (manual or electric)
- •A fitting that has been crimped cannot be crimped again — it must be replaced
- •T-fittings are not allowed in bathroom floors in concealed installations
Crimp connectors are the most common solution in Israel for concealed installation. They are marked with a colored plastic ring according to the pipe diameter, and the same colors are used on the crimp jaws — to prevent identification mistakes.
⚖️SP threaded connectors
✅Advantages
- •No crimping tool required
- •Suitable for exposed connections and repairs
- •Can be used with different pipe types
- •Standard BS threads — broad compatibility
❌Limitations
- •Not allowed in concealed installations (floors, walls) — except in defined cases
- •Nipples, bushings, and couplings are not allowed in concealed installations
- •Cannot be used together with crimp connectors in the same apartment
Threaded connectors are mainly suitable for exposed connections — water meter connections, manifolds, and hot-water heater connections. In concealed installations, threaded connectors are allowed only in specific locations: double/triple faucet brackets, manifolds, and direct connection to a concealed shower mixer.
⚖️Push-Fit EF-SP fittings
✅Advantages
- •No crimping tool — simple hand installation
- •Detachable and reusable — cost savings
- •Suitable for repairs and replacements
- •New generation — simpler and smarter
❌Limitations
- •Do not pull the sleeve before installation — it causes damage
- •For reuse: seals and spiral teeth must be checked
- •For reuse: cut 1.5 cm off the end of the used pipe
Push-Fit EF-SP represents a new generation of fittings. 5 mandatory installation steps: (1) clean cut with suitable scissors, (2) chamfering with the dedicated SP chamfering tool only, (3) wetting the seals and pipe end with soapy water, (4) making sure the pipe is visible through all inspection holes, (5) for 32 mm — locking ring in the fully open position before insertion.
Comparison of common connector prices (SP 2026 catalog)
| Connector type | Size | Part no. | Price (₪) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crimp – straight | 16-16 | 780102 | 28.80 |
| Crimp – straight | 20-20 | 780104 | 39.30 |
| Crimp – T | 16-16-16 | 780301 | 40.40 |
| Crimp – elbow | 16-16 | 780201 | 28.40 |
| Push-Fit – straight | 20-20 | 7881104 | 31.20 |
| Push-Fit – T | 16-16-16 | 7881301 | 34.80 |
| Threaded – adapter + nut | 16-½" | 770042 | 20.30 |
| Threaded – double nipple | ½"-½" | 770051 | 11.70 |
Crimping machines – tools and prices
| Product | Part no. | Price (₪) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red manual crimping tool (up to 25 mm) | 780953 | 1,400 | Includes 16 / 20 / 25 crimp jaws |
| Professional blue manual crimping tool (up to 25 mm) | 780952 | 2,982 | Includes 16 / 20 / 25 crimp jaws |
| KLAUKE micro rechargeable crimping tool | 780957 | 10,040 | Includes battery and case |
| KLAUKE electric crimping tool | 780958 | 9,380 | Includes 16 / 20 / 25 / 32 jaws |
| 40 mm jaw | 780946 | 1,545 | For large diameters |
| 50 mm jaw | 780947 | 1,698 | For large diameters |
| 63 mm jaw | 780948 | 1,763 | For large diameters |
Prohibited: do not mix connector systems
It is strictly forbidden to combine crimp connectors and threaded connectors in the same apartment in concealed installations. The only exceptions are water meter connections, manifolds, and connections to hot-water heaters. Using other fittings voids the 25-year factory warranty.
📋How to correctly install an EF-SP Push-Fit fitting
Cut the pipe
Cut the pipe using scissors suitable for multilayer pipes only — to create a clean, straight cut perpendicular to the pipe axis.
Chamfer the pipe end
Use the SP chamfering tool matched to the diameter to create an internal and external chamfer. Do not use the old-generation reamer.
Wet with soapy water
Wet the seals (O-rings) and the pipe end with soapy water before insertion. (A soapy-water spray bottle is supplied in every fittings carton).
Check insertion
Make sure the pipe end is visible through all inspection holes at the end of the sleeve before finishing the installation.
Locking (32 mm only)
For 32 mm: make sure the locking ring is in the fully open position before inserting the pipe. After insertion — tighten with an open-end wrench.
Frequently asked questions about SP connectors
Can a crimp fitting that was not crimped properly be crimped again?
No. A fitting that has already been crimped cannot be crimped again. If a fitting is leaking, you must replace the fitting together with the pipe section connected to it.
What is the thread standard used by SP?
All SP connectors (across all three systems) use standard BS (British Standard Pipe) threads.
Is Push-Fit suitable for concealed installation?
Yes. The concealed-installation instructions for EF-SP Push-Fit fittings are identical to those for crimp fittings, according to SP Industries' instructions.
What color is the disc on a 25 mm crimp fitting?
Black. White = 16 mm, green = 20 mm, black = 25 mm, brown = 32 mm.
Conclusion
Choosing the right connector system affects installation ease, project costs, and future repair options. For most concealed installations, crimp is the most common and reliable choice. For repairs and exposed connections, threaded is an excellent fit. And for anyone who wants maximum flexibility without special tools, Push-Fit EF-SP is the innovative solution. Our tool will help you choose the exact connector.