SharkBite Universal brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, Copper, CPVC
Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride
Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is a thermoplastic produced by chlorination of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. Uses include hot and cold water pipes, and industrial liquid handling. Genova Products located in Michigan initially created the first CPVC tubing and fittings for Hot and Cold water distribution systems in the early 1960s.
High-density polyethylene
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene high-density (PEHD) is a thermoplastic polymer produced from the monomer ethylene. It is sometimes called "alkathene" or "polythene" when used for HDPE pipes. With a high strength-to-density ratio, HDPE is used in the production of p…
Do Sharkbite fittings really work?
SharkBite is also used in PEX tubing works with the same purpose. However, these two fittings have a few differences that you should consider before using them. Some of the key differences are: Longevity. PEX crimp and SharkBite, can both serve you for a long time. But the O-rings in the SharkBite are more likely to compress and leak earlier than the PEX crimp.
Are plumbers scared of Sharkbite?
· PEX crimp and Sharkbite tools are used for the same work. But there are essential differences between crimp vs. Sharkbite. Among the differences, one aspect is important, the cost. The Sharkbite is comparably costly to the PEX crimp. But the copper crimp is not durable like the Sharkbite. So, it is tough to choose the best one.
Is PEX piping better than CPVC?
Is SharkBite the same as PEX? SharkBite is a popular brand name for push-fit or stab-in plumbing fittings. With a bit of effort, the pipe pushes into the SharkBite and is held in place by tiny teeth. Between copper and PEX, SharkBite is the only connector that works either with copper pipe or PEX pipe. Click to see full answer.
Which is better Zurn PEx or wirsbo PEX?
· Push-fit or stab-in plumbing fittings are a popular type of PEX and copper fitting; SharkBite is a popular brand name of push-fit fittings used with pressure booster pumps. With a bit of effort, the pipe pushes into the fitting and is held in place by tiny teeth. Push-fit fittings are the only connector that work either with copper pipe or PEX pipe.
Can you use a SharkBite fitting on PEX?
SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, Copper, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE pipe. SharkBite fittings come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the fitting for PEX, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE. The PEX stiffener does not need to be removed for Copper or CPVC applications.
Why you shouldn't use SharkBite fittings?
A SharkBite fitting contains a rubber O-ring, which is not best for permanent connections. We don't recommend using a SharkBite fitting outside because sunlight can dry out the rubber O-ring and cause it to crack or split.
Do licensed plumbers use SharkBites?
To answer your question, no, Shark Bite fittings are not recommended by professional plumbers. Only because they can charge you much more for the installation if they have to sweat copper.
What is the life expectancy of a SharkBite fitting?
SharkBite fittings last a long time. In fact, SharkBite warrants the fittings for 25 years when used with SharkBite tubing.
Copper Pipe Pros and Cons
1. Recycled: About half of the copper used in this country—which would include plumbing pipe and fittings—is created from recycled copper, accordin...
Recommended: Pex Over Copper
DIY home remodelers may wish to use PEX pipe over copper for most of their plumbing work. PEX is easy to work with and has almost no learning curve...
Recommended: Sharkbites For Small Jobs and Barbed Hardcore Connectors For Large Jobs
PEX over copper is, for many amateur plumbers, a foregone conclusion. But the more difficult question is whether you should use SharkBite push-fit...
What color is PEX pipe?
For convenience, PEX comes in red for hot, blue for cold, and white for any temperature. These colors are only to aid in installing the product and in subsequent repairs; they do not confer any temperature-related qualities on the pipe. PEX pipe can make tight bends without being heated.
What is PEX tubing?
PEX is the shortened name for cross-linked polyethylene, a super-strong, semi-rigid plastic tubing. For convenience, PEX comes in red for hot, blue for cold, and white for any temperature. These colors are only to aid in installing the product and in subsequent repairs; they do not confer any temperature-related qualities on the pipe.
Is copper pipe more expensive than PEX?
About two-thirds more expensive than PEX, copper pipe is readily available at all home improvement and hardware stores. Copper's higher cost is mainly due to the price of bulk copper. One of copper pipe's strong points is its predictability.
Is PEX pipe cheaper than copper?
Low cost: PEX is substantially cheaper than copper pipe. Bendable: Half-inch diameter PEX can make 5-inch radius turns without the application of heat. On straight runs, it has a moderate amount of wiggle room without radius supports. More expensive fittings: No PEX fittings are as cheap as copper fittings.
Can you use PEX pipe over copper?
Do-it-yourself home remodelers may wish to use PEX pipe over copper for most of their plumbing work. PEX is easy to work with and has almost no learning curve. Just be sure to check your local codes to see if PEX is approved for use in your municipality. With copper, amateurs will find joints difficult to solder.
Is PEX harder to remove than copper?
Getting the PEX or copper stabbed into the fitting can be difficult. Surprisingly, PEX can be harder to stab in and remove than copper.
Can PEX be used for radiant heat?
More heat resistant: PEX is heat resistant and can even be used for under-floor radiant heating. But to connect to high-heat services, like your water heater, you need to make that final run with copper or special stainless steel braided connectors.
What is a sharkbite fitting?
SharkBite fittings, a kind of push-fit fittings, are very convenient tools. They allow you to connect two separate pipes without soldering them together. They’re easy, quick, and will save you a lot of time. However, many plumbers feel that there are times when you should use them, and then there are times when you shouldn’t.
Is Sharkbite fitting strong?
Another disadvantage to using SharkBite fittings is that many plumbers feel that these fittings simply aren’t strong enough to create a tough, durable connection. Although there’s no evidence to back that up, they simply trust soldering for their permanent plumbing projects.
Can you use Sharkbite for plumbing?
Most professional plumbers believe that SharkBite fittings and other kinds of push-fit fittings should only be used as an emergency, temporary fix, and not for any enclosed or permanent plumbing system. However, there is a growing selection of DIYers who would disagree. These select groups of homeowners feel SharkBite fittings are just as strong as ...
How many parts are in Sharkbite fittings?
Before we start, it’s important to have a good understanding of how they work. SharkBite fittings are composed of three parts, a collet, an O-ring, and a locking mechanism.
How does Sharkbite work?
SharkBite fittings are composed of three parts, a collet, an O-ring, and a locking mechanism. The collet has a ring of metal teeth that firmly grasp the pipe, the O-rings create a waterproof seal, and the locking mechanism keeps all components together.
What type of copper is used for sharkbite?
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?
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.
What is a sharkbite?
SharkBite fittings are made out of lead-free brass. This gives them a higher temperature and pressure tolerance than plastic quick-connect fittings, allowing them to be used in more situations. Lead-free brass also prevents a SharkBite fitting from cracking in freezing temperatures and makes them ideal for copper pipes.
What is a sharkbite fitting?
SharkBite fittings are quickly becoming the go-to for copper pipe repairs because of these reasons, as well as the rigid structure of their brass body which is similar to copper piping. A SharkBite fitting contains a rubber O-ring, which happens to the main concern regarding their use.
What happens when a pipe is slid into a fitting?
When a pipe is slid into the fitting, the nut is tightened down. As it is tightened, the compression ring is pressed into the seat which causes it to compress against the pipe. With the compression nut providing a watertight seal, the connection is complete.
Can you use a compression ring with a plastic pipe?
One thing to be aware of is the importance of not over-tightening the fitting when using a plastic pipe. Doing so could cut into the pipe, damaging it and creating a leak. You must also use a plastic compression ring with a plastic pipe and not a metal ring.