With a special tool, SharkBite fittings can be removed and reused if you ever switch out your plumbing. SharkBite fittings can be used on both hot and cold water lines. The fittings are durable enough to be installed on plumbing inside walls, and last as long as copper fittings.
How did you get the Sharkbite fitting on your water line?
The main water line happened to be on top of the ground in our crawl space and was a blue plastic line with a fitting which connected to the copper line which supplies our house with city water. Initially the leaking plastic fitting was removed but there was not enough copper pipe from the copper elbow to slide the Sharkbite fitting on.
What can you use Sharkbite fittings for?
Sharkbite Uses. SharkBite fittings can be used on both hot and cold water lines. The fittings are durable enough to be installed on plumbing inside walls, and last as long as copper fittings. SharkBite couplers are used to connect long lengths of pipe, while the valves are often installed on irrigation systems.
Can you use Sharkbite on PVC pipe?
Sharkbite lets you work with copper, Pex, and PVC even if you have never done plumbing before. You will need the appropriate pipe cutter for the job if you have either copper or plastic line and then the right size Sharkbite fittings. The fitting we needed was under $20 and the actual repair took less than an hour.
Can sharkbites be used to solder plumbing pipes?
However, sometimes it is not possible to do the solder job due to water coming out of the pipe. This is when sharkbites comes in handy, but not when it is installed inside the wall.
How to use sharkbite?
How to clean sharkbite line?
Do you need a plumber to fix sharkbite?
Can you fix sharkbite?
See 1 more
Are SharkBite fittings approved for underground?
Pros often ask: Can SharkBite push-to-connect fittings be used underground? The answer is yes. All SharkBite fittings are tested and approved for underground use.
Do SharkBite fittings meet code?
Approved by the Uniform Plumbing Code, International Plumbing Code, and National Plumbing Code of Canada, properly installed SharkBite fittings offer permanent connections, says Product Manager Michael Kornegay.
What kind of pipe does SharkBite work on?
SharkBite couplings with a tan collar are designed to work with CTS pipes like PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT or (CTS SDR-9) SDR-9 HDPE tubing.
What is the lifespan of a SharkBite fitting?
SharkBite fittings last a long time. In fact, SharkBite warrants the fittings for 25 years when used with SharkBite tubing.
Do shark bites ever leak?
SharkBite fittings are designed to create a leak-proof seal. When a SharkBite fitting does leak, the first thing you'll want to do is see if the pipe is correctly connected to the fitting. By disconnecting and reconnecting the pipe, you may fix the problem.
What is better PEX crimp or SharkBite?
For situations where you are looking to implement a temporary fix, Sharkbite is the better choice. Sharkbite is also great in situations where crimping is not possible due to tight spaces. For situations where you are looking for a permanent solution, a crimp is a better choice due to their long-term reliability.
How reliable are SharkBite plumbing fittings?
Another downside to using SharkBite fittings is that lots of plumbers feel that these fittings merely aren't strong enough to create a hard, durable connection. There's no proof to back that up, they simply trust soldering for their irreversible plumbing jobs.
Is soldering better than SharkBite?
Generally, soldering copper pipe is the better, more reliable option, especially for a professional. However, push-to-connect SharkBite fittings do have their place and have a good reputation, as long as they are installed properly.
Are SharkBite plumbing fittings reliable?
When Sharkbite is and isn't a good option. Many professional plumbing technicians think that SharkBite fittings and other sort of push-fit fittings need to only be utilized as an emergency situation, temporary repair, and not for any enclosed or permanent plumbing system.
Can SharkBite fittings be used in commercial buildings?
And as they are made from brass, they blend well with metal pipes like copper, chromed copper and carbon steel which are commonplace in commercial projects. Available in all domestic and commercial sizes, from 10mm all the way up to 54mm, SharkBite fittings are also compatible with PEX and polybutylene pipes.
Is SharkBite better than soldering?
Generally, soldering copper pipe is the better, more reliable option, especially for a professional. However, push-to-connect SharkBite fittings do have their place and have a good reputation, as long as they are installed properly.
Can SharkBite fittings be used on copper?
SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, copper, CPVC and HDPE pipe. They come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the fitting for PEX and HDPE, and the stiffener doesn't need to be removed for copper or CPVC applications.
Should I replace my main water valve with a SharkBite shut off valve?
@Ecnerwal True that. To me, growing up, shutting off the main water valve meant going out to the front property line with a crescent wrench, taking off the round steel city water meter cover and reaching a couple of feet in there where I couldn't see, usually in water since the city's valve leaked when it was only half open.
How to use sharkbite?
There are Youtube videos showing you how to use the Sharkbites but there are 2 important tips that you must do: 1 the line/pipe (whether it be copper or plastic) must be cut straight and enough line for the Sharkbite to slide on; and 2 clean the line using steel wool and soften the newly cut end with the steel wool so it is not too sharp for the Sharkbite fitting to slide on. (There is an O ring which seals the 2 connections together)
How to clean sharkbite line?
clean the line using steel wool and soften the newly cut end with the steel wool so it is not too sharp for the Sharkbite fitting to slide on. (There is an O ring which seals the 2 connections together)
Do you need a plumber to fix sharkbite?
How did we find out about this awesome thing? We asked a contractor if he knew a reputable plumber and he said “you don’t need a plumber, it is a simple cheap repair. Go to Home Depot and buy Sharkbite and fix it yourself”. He also told us that we could easily turn off the water at the main valve at the street too and save ourselves a ‘couple hundred bucks’.
Can you fix sharkbite?
This is a home repair that you can do yourself. If you mess up putting the Sharkbite fitting on, there is a release tool that comes with many of the fittings or you can purchase it separately for under $2. You can do this. Patience and Youtube are all you need.
Can you have your water tested for purity?
You can have your water tested for purity. I’ve seen very few shark bite fittings that leak if installed correctly. These fittings should remain accessible (all valves need to be accessible). Make them solder all fittings if that’s what they agreed to doing.
Can sharkbite be removed?
Sharkbite’s can be a temporary fitting as they are easy to remove or they can be left as permanent in our jurisdiction. Check with your building dept as local codes may vary in your area. irvplumbing March 23, 2018, 10:57pm #3.
Can you use sharkbite on poly water lines?
Using a sharkbite on poly water line is fine. As long as it is installed correctly you shouldn’ t have any problems with it. I would use in my own home. I have used plenty of them and haven’t had any problems. If trying to use them with copper lines, you must pull out the inserts that come inside the sharkbite.
How long do shark bite fittings last?
Shark bite fittings work great when the pipes are properly seated in fitting. They have a 200 psi air/water rating on them and a 25 year warranty, and can be used above/underground. If used underground they must be wrapped with their silicone tape to protect the brass to preserve the warranty.
Do you have to shut off water to spray out valve stem?
No, you need to have the water shut off or it will be spraying out the valve stem.
Can you use shark bite valve on copper pipe?
Shark bite valve will be fine. Just make sure you clean the copper pipe thoroughly so there are no rough edges or bits of solder left. Have you tried tightening the valve stem on your existing valve? Often this is all that is needed.
What is sharkbite used for?
SharkBite couplers are used to connect long lengths of pipe, while the valves are often installed on irrigation systems. SharkBite can be used on copper, CPVC and PEX pipes, making it one of the most versatile types of fittings available.
How to install Sharkbite fittings?
To install a SharkBite fitting, center it over the opening of a pipe and press down. The pipe slides into the fitting about 1/2 inch and then stop. The plastic teeth grip the pipe in place and the O-ring forms a watertight seal. To remove a SharkBite fitting, place a specialized SharkBite removal tool around the base of the fitting and apply pressure with two fingers against the fitting. A plastic seal around the base releases the compression grips, allowing you to pull the pipe out without damaging it.
Does Sharkbite work with hot water?
Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Sharkbite fittings work with hot or cold water. SharkBite is a brand of push-to-fit plumbing fittings that can be used in a wide range of plumbing applications. SharkBite fittings can be used on residential or commercial buildings, and can be used with a variety of materials.
Can sharkbite be used on copper pipes?
SharkBite couplers are used to connect long lengths of pipe, while the valves are often installed on irrigation systems. SharkBite can be used on copper, CPVC and PEX pipes, making it one of the most versatile types of fittings available. The fittings also can connect different types of plumbing materials together, making them extremely useful for repair work.
When Should You Use SharkBite?from innovativebuildingmaterials.com
Most skilled plumbers agree that SharkBite fittings and other types of push-to-fit fittings should only be used as a last-resort, emergency fix and not as part of a permanent or enclosed plumbing system.
How to use Sharkbite fittings?from h2ouse.org
To use SharkBite fittings, you simply have to push them into the ends of both pipes that you want to connect. It’s that easy. There are no tools needed, and connecting them takes seconds. This is much faster than soldering your pipes together.
How does Sharkbite work?from h2ouse.org
Very simply, SharkBite fittings work by pushing teeth onto pipes that then seal a rubber gasket around the connection. This creates a water-tight seal and a connection that is difficult to pull off without the use of a special tool.
What kind of fittings can you use for PEX?from h2ouse.org
When it comes to copper pipes, the only kind of fittings you can use are copper and SharkBite. PEX piping, on the other hand, requires crimp, clamp, or SharkBite fittings. SharkBites are the only kind of fittings that work with both copper ...
What type of copper is used for sharkbite?from h2ouse.org
SharkBite fittings work well with PEX, CPVC, and hard drawn copper. If you’re using SharkBite fitting with hard drawn copper, make sure the copper is a K, L, or M type. To use SharkBite fittings, you simply have to push them into the ends of both pipes that you want to connect. It’s that easy. There are no tools needed, ...
When were sharkbite fittings invented?from h2ouse.org
SharkBite fittings are a name brand that was created in the mid-2000s, but push-fit fittings were invented about 30 years ago . Over the years, different brands popped up, including SharkBite fittings, John Guest fittings, and more.
Do sharkbite fittings have a twist and lock?from h2ouse.org
The “twist and lock” technology was common on the John Guest fittings. It’s important to note that SharkBite fittings don’t have this technology. Lastly, to make your push-fit fitting more secure, you can use optional locking clips. These little devices clip between the fitting body and the collet.
Where to find water main shut off key?
You need to find the access port, it will be somewhere between the street and your house in the lawn or yard covering. It a usually about a 4inch round metal cover. It has and odd shape nut, ( 5 sided i believe ) so a normal wrench or socket will not work on it. Channel lock pliers or vise grips may work.
What happens if you can't get water on?
If you can not get it on then you have full city water pressure pumping water into your house. There are ways to interrupt a live water pipe, but they are complex. Essentially you have to construct a bypass with a shutoff, then pinch the main line. Trust me, you don't want to go there if you don't have to.
Can you cut a water pipe and still have water?
I'd say no, not a chance in my opinion. City water pressure will flood you and spray hard once you cut that pipe. You need the water shut off. From my experience with much lower pressure fitting failures and unsuccessfully trying to push a fitting back on to a running pipe.
Can you get a sharkbite while water is running?
The possibility probability for not being able to get the sharkbite on while the water is running is a concern. If you can not get it on then you have full city water pressure pumping water into your house.
How to use sharkbite?
There are Youtube videos showing you how to use the Sharkbites but there are 2 important tips that you must do: 1 the line/pipe (whether it be copper or plastic) must be cut straight and enough line for the Sharkbite to slide on; and 2 clean the line using steel wool and soften the newly cut end with the steel wool so it is not too sharp for the Sharkbite fitting to slide on. (There is an O ring which seals the 2 connections together)
How to clean sharkbite line?
clean the line using steel wool and soften the newly cut end with the steel wool so it is not too sharp for the Sharkbite fitting to slide on. (There is an O ring which seals the 2 connections together)
Do you need a plumber to fix sharkbite?
How did we find out about this awesome thing? We asked a contractor if he knew a reputable plumber and he said “you don’t need a plumber, it is a simple cheap repair. Go to Home Depot and buy Sharkbite and fix it yourself”. He also told us that we could easily turn off the water at the main valve at the street too and save ourselves a ‘couple hundred bucks’.
Can you fix sharkbite?
This is a home repair that you can do yourself. If you mess up putting the Sharkbite fitting on, there is a release tool that comes with many of the fittings or you can purchase it separately for under $2. You can do this. Patience and Youtube are all you need.
