Imagine buying a phone charger that only works with one brand of phone — frustrating, right? That's the situation in plumbing today: pipe connectors only fit specific pipes from specific manufacturers. A Spanish company developed universal push-fit connectors made from advanced plastics that snap onto any pipe, regardless of material or brand. It's like creating a USB-C for plumbing — one fitting that works everywhere, saving time and eliminating compatibility headaches on construction sites.
Plumbing and heating installers currently face a costly compatibility problem: pipe fittings only work with specific pipe materials and specific manufacturers. This forces contractors to stock multiple fitting systems, increases waste, slows down installation, and locks customers into single-brand supply chains. There is no universal connector that works across pipe types and brands.
The project developed a complete family of universal push-fit fittings and flow regulators using advanced polymeric materials and a patented snap-connection technology (WO/2014/072539). A first pilot installation was assembled for demonstration, covering potable water, plumbing heating, floor heating, and radiator systems.
If you are a plumbing contractor dealing with the headache of stocking different fittings for different pipe brands — this project developed universal push-fit connectors that work with any pipe material and any manufacturer. The system covers potable water, floor heating, and radiator installations. The EU-backed pilot installation has already been assembled for demonstration.
If you are a plumbing wholesaler struggling with massive SKU counts because every pipe brand needs its own fittings — HTPush offers a single family of push-fit fittings and flow regulators that replace dozens of brand-specific connectors. This dramatically simplifies inventory. The technology is backed by patent WO/2014/072539 and targets a 2.4% market share.
If you are a property developer looking for faster, more versatile plumbing installations that cut construction time — HTPush push-fit fittings snap together without specialized tools or brand-locked components. The system works for complete fluid transport from the water network to discharge point. The project estimates 42.75 M€ in savings for end users across the EU from reduced waste and energy use.
The project data does not include specific unit pricing. However, the objective states that end users can expect significant savings — the project estimates 42.75 M€ in induced benefits for the EU derived from savings for end users, energy, and waste reductions. Based on available project data, pricing details would need to come from the coordinator.
The project included assembly of a first pilot installation for demonstration, indicating the technology has moved beyond lab-scale. The coordinator is an SME specializing in plastic systems manufacturing. With EUR 1,140,230 in EU funding and a target to multiply sales by 10, the project was explicitly designed with commercial-scale production in mind.
The technology is protected by patent WO/2014/072539, owned by Hita Technology of Plastic Systems S.L. Any licensing or distribution agreement would need to go through the patent holder. The company aimed to commercialize the product directly during the project period.
According to the objective, HTPush fittings work with potable water, plumbing heating, floor heating, and radiator systems. The key selling point is compatibility with any pipe material and any manufacturer's pipes — eliminating the current limitation where fittings are brand-locked.
The project specifically targets potable water applications, which means the fittings must meet drinking water safety standards. Based on available project data, specific certifications achieved are not detailed in the objective. Interested companies should verify current compliance status with the coordinator.
The project ran from April 2015 to November 2016 and aimed to introduce the product to market during the project period, including exploitation and diffusion activities. The project status is closed, so the technology should be at or near commercial availability. Current market status should be confirmed with the company.
This is a lean, industry-only consortium of 3 Spanish SMEs with no universities or research institutes — a clear signal that the project is commercially driven rather than academic. All partners are private companies, which means decisions are made with market reality in mind. The 100% industry ratio and SME-2 funding instrument confirm this is a near-market innovation play. The single-country setup (Spain) may limit initial market reach but simplifies coordination. With EUR 1,140,230 in EU backing, the consortium had meaningful resources to move from patented concept to pilot demonstration.
Hita Technology of Plastic Systems S.L. (Spain) — contact via company website or SciTransfer can facilitate introduction
Want to explore licensing, distribution, or integration of universal push-fit fittings into your product line? SciTransfer can connect you directly with the development team.
