
How to install a shark bite valve?
Thread the connector onto the fixture. Measure the distance between the two connectors and add 2 inches. Transfer this measurement to the PEX tubing and cut to length. Push the tubing into the stop valve and fixture connector. A third option offered is a stop valve with an integrated supply connector.
How to disconnect Sharkbite valve?
- Cut the ring perpendicular to the pipe.
- Use a flat head screwdriver and place it between the cut and twist to open the crimp ring.
- Using pliers bend to remove the crimp ring, or you can slide it off the pipe if the pipe end is not connected to anything.
How to install a Sharkbite slip ball valve?
Slip Ball Valve
- No Tools. No special tools, crimping, glue or soldering required.
- Wet or Dry. Can be installed in wet lines.
- Quick Installation
What are Sharkbite valves?
SharkBite offers a full range of valves for controlling water flow. Our line of valves include ball valves, pressure regulating valves, thermostatic mixing valves, temperature & pressure relief valves, check valves, outlet boxes, and stop valves. SharkBite valves feature push-to-connect ends that make them quick and easy to install.

How do SharkBite valves work?
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.
Why do plumbers not like SharkBite fittings?
Jamming them in too quickly could cause damage to the O-ring resulting in a leaky pipe. ☆ If your pipes are PEX, then you'll have to use a special insert. This insert keeps the pipe from collapsing. The good news is that if you're using SharkBite, the insert is already built into the fitting.
When should you not use SharkBite?
6:428:12Sharkbite Fittings: Why I Don't Use Them on My Plumbing JobsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut for an emergency installation. Or an emergency. Situation. That's not a bad deal. But that isMoreBut for an emergency installation. Or an emergency. Situation. That's not a bad deal. But that is the only time that I would ever use it. So for emergency uses if you've got a flood.
Are SharkBite valves any good?
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.
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.
Is SharkBite plumbing up to 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.
Are SharkBite fittings safe for drinking water?
SharkBite fittings contain less than 0.25% lead content per the wetted surface, which is required of all potable plumbing products, and they meet all national plumbing product certifications (as applicable), including: ASSE 1061: Performance Requirements for Push-Fit fittings.
Are SharkBite fittings good for hot water?
Yes, you can use SharkBite fittings on hot water lines. Remember, however, that they only work with copper, PEX, and CPVC pipes.
Should I sand copper pipe before SharkBite?
Do not sand the copper pipe – while it's the easiest way to smooth out the edge of the pipe, this practice should be avoided whenever possible since it disrupts the otherwise even pipe surface and may compromise the seal.
Do plumbers trust SharkBite fittings?
John Guest quick-connect and SharkBite fittings are both reliable and awesome fittings for emergency fixes. Even though Quick-Connect and SharkBite fittings are rated for use underground and behind walls, soldering pipes may be the smarter choice.
Can you use a SharkBite on copper?
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.
What is the difference between PEX and SharkBite?
How Copper and PEX Fittings Work. 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.
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 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.
What type of fittings work with PEX?
PEX piping, on the other hand, requires crimp, clamp, or SharkBite fittings. SharkBites are the only kind of fittings that work with both copper and PEX pipes. Check out: PEX vs PVC: Pros, Cons, and Important Facts You Should Know.
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, ...
What tool do you use to cut pipe?
In this case, a great tool you should pick up is a deburring and gauge tool. This tool does an excellent job of smoothing the end of the pipe. The gauge is used to mark the depth to insert the pipe into the fitting. When cutting pipe, never use a hacksaw. What you’ll want to use is a pipe/tubing cutter.
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 shark bite?
SharkBites are just one type of push-fit fitting sold on the market. There’s many, but whether you’re using copper or PEX, you may have to use a different kind of fitting.
How long has Sharkbite been around?
You see, SharkBite connections have only been around for about 15 years. Furthermore, the internal rubber gasket for a water seal has some experts questioning their reliability. The name SharkBite has also been brought up in class action lawsuits associated the Pex installations.
Do it yourself sharkbite fittings?
SharkBite fittings have been used quite frequently by do-it-yourselfers in order to accomplish small plumbing tasks. Although they are more expensive than regular connections, the simplicity of pushing these pieces on rather than using solder makes for a hassle free installation.
Can you use Sharkbite connectors on a water heater?
Builders of course should never use these connectors as they are too expensive, but the data is just not there yet either. However, SharkBite connections are perfect for water heater installs and small projects for homeowners where if a leak were to happen, you can easily see it.
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.
How does compression pipe leak?
The other way that leaks will occur is by the movement of the pipe, separating the seal between fitting and tube. Compression fittings do a poor job at keeping a pipe in place, therefore if your pipe turns, twists, or pulls, it can work free the compression fitting. If the tubing is not solidly clamped down, this can cause a leak where ...
What is compression fitting?
Compression Fittings. A compression fitting is a type of coupling that connects two pipes together, or a pipe to a fixture or valve. Consisting of three parts, a compression nut, compression ring, and a compression seat, to create a connection and seal. When a pipe is slid into the fitting, the nut is tightened down.
Is Sharkbite a good fit?
SharkBite fittings are new to the market and offer an easy installation. Compression fittings, when applied to a pipe with minimal movement, are a great choice for a tight hold. When it comes to which is better, popular opinion is that they are both a good choice for quick repairs. As long as you secure the pipe from movement and apply ...
