In 1994, Uponor set a milestone in the HVAC industry with the introduction of the Quick & Easy
system. By utilizing the unique material properties of PEX-a pipe, it was possible to create pipe
connections that were stronger than the pipe itself – a groundbreaking innovation for installers
worldwide. Three decades and over 500 million fittings sold later, Uponor Quick & Easy
remains the preferred choice of professionals who value ease of installation and exceptional
durability.
In 1972, Uponor (now GF Building Flow Solutions) launched the world's first PEX pipes on the market,
revolutionizing an entire industry. The plastic pipe system for drinking water and heating installations
meets all the requirements for hygienic installations. Made of high molecular polyethylene plastic, the
pipes do not release any taste, odor, heavy metals or substances into the drinking water; the durable
material is not affected by high flow speed or water with a low pH value. The memory effect and the
high resilience of the pipes form the basis for Uponor Q&E (Quick & Easy) connection technology, with
which Uponor set a new standard for pipe connections in 1994.
Innovative connection technology with minimal installation effort
With Uponor Quick & Easy, the name says it all, because the fittings are connected to the pipe in three
simple steps: Expand the pipe and the fitted Q&E ring. The expanded pipe is then pushed onto the
end of the fitting. The final step is performed by the material itself; the connection is made in seconds
as the pipe is shrinking. “Our Uponor Q&E fittings require no solder, torches, fluxes or solvents for the
installation. The pipes' unique shape memory forms a tight seal around the fitting, creating a strong,
reliable connection in seconds,” says Charlotta Persfell, Chief Marketing Officer, GF Building Flow
Solutions. “And with minimal effort, saving installation time and costs.”
The combination of the unique jointing technologies and the proven performance of the Uponor PEX
pipes is one of the reasons for the success of the PEX pipe system around the globe. Charlotta
Persfell says: “In North America, Uponor is recognized as a leader in flexible polymer piping solutions
with the industry’s most tested, listed, and code-approved PEX piping product on the market. Based
on the same principle of PEX expansion connection like Q&E, the jointing system ProPEX® compliant
to F1960 standard provides pipe connections our customers rely on for decades.”
Ongoing product development as part of the success story
Driven by the ongoing pursuit of innovation, GF Building Flow Solutions continuously invests in the
development of its solutions, introducing new features and improvements based on customer
feedback and market requirements. “In 2023, we launched the world’s first bio-based PEX pipe1 and
with this, reducing the carbon footprint up to 90% compared to fossil-based PEX pipes,“ says Charlotta
Persfell. “With this product we have made a major step forward to serve the emerging need of
sustainable construction, supporting our customers to make sustainable choices, set new standards
and achieve their environmental goals. “
Customer satisfaction that convinces – for 30 years
With over 500 million fittings sold, Uponor Quick & Easy is one of the systems that professionals rely
on when it comes to reliable, easy-to-install and durable pipe connections. “Our proximity to our
specialist partners and their practical expertise are key drivers for our product development. The
positive feedback from our specialist partners confirms our commitment to products that enable
efficient, safe and stress-free installation,” says Charlotta Persfell.
Alberto Tejero from Istalaciones (Spain) says: “For over 20 years, we have relied on Uponor’s Quick &
Easy system for our installations. The system’s speed, cleanliness, and safety – especially compared
to our previous work with copper – have made it our preferred choice. The flexibility of the pipes, along
with a wide range of accessories, allows us to work even in hard-to-reach spaces.”
Sig. Halvorsen from Sandnes (Norway) says: “We’ve relied on the Quick & Easy system since 1998,
initially choosing it for its safer connection technology compared to the commonly used screwed
systems of the time. What stands out to us is the system's reliability - leaks are rare, and the design
makes incorrect installation nearly impossible, ensuring safety on every project.”
Advantages of the Uponor Q&E system at a glance:
• Proven quality: Known for reliability and innovative performance for over 30 years
• Strong connections: Permanent tightness thanks to the memory effect of PE-Xa pipes
• Easy installation: Significantly reduced installation time and costs
• Long-lasting: No pitting, scaling or corrosion
• User-friendly and safe: Low-error, self-explanatory system, no O-rings or other movable parts,
reducing risks of leakages, no solder, torches, fluxes or solvents required for the installation
• Versatile: Suitable for water and heating installations in residential, commercial and industrial
buildings
More about Uponor Quick & Easy 30 Years: Uponor Quick & Easy Fittings | Uponor
