A SharkBite fitting creates strong connections with simple installation. SharkBite push-to-connect fittings grip pipes and tubing with a ring of teeth to seal connections and prevent leaks. John Woodard, our Master Water Specialist, answers whether or not SharkBites are reliable and where to use them.
Quick answer: SharkBite fittings are brass push-to-connect plumbing fittings that join copper, CPVC and PEX pipe without soldering, glue or clamps. Push the pipe in until it stops, and a ring of teeth grips it while an O-ring seals it. Installed correctly, they’re reliable and approved for permanent use, including behind walls. Leaks almost always come from a bad cut, a burr or pipe that isn’t pushed in all the way.
What are SharkBite fittings?Sharkbite fittings are push-to-connects for plumbing fittings. Recently, many plumbers have gone from pulling out their torch and soldering copper pipe together to pushing a SharkBite fitting onto a pipe. SharkBite fittings save time, they're easy to install, and they're reliable.
SharkBites are simple to use. You push the pipe or tube into the fitting until it stops, and the teeth grab hold of it. The O-ring inside creates a watertight seal.
Inside, a ring of stainless steel teeth (the collet) grips the pipe so it can’t pull out, and the O-ring makes the watertight seal. Learn more: How quick-connect fittings work
Are SharkBite fittings reusable?SharkBite fittings are reusable. Keep in mind that each time you use one on plastic pipe, the pipe may get scratched. If the scratches are deep enough, the pipe will bypass the seal inside of the fitting and create a leak. So yes, they're reusable, but reuse them with caution.
The installation is straightforward. Inside of a SharkBite fitting is a tube stiffener or an insert. If you're using PEX, make sure this insert is in the fitting when you push in the tubing. SharkBite offers a tool that deburrs the end of the pipe to make sure the end of your pipe is smooth and even. If there's a sharp point on the end of the pipe, it could lacerate or take a chunk out of the O-ring seal.
You can also use the deburring tool as a depth gauge. Make a small mark on the tubing so that when you insert it into the fitting, you know the tubing is all the way in and that you've got a good seal. To remove SharkBite fittings, you need another special tool. One reason SharkBite fittings are so reliable is that they can't come apart without a tool. A SharkBite disconnect tong goes onto the fitting and the tube and allows you to compress the ring, which pushes the gripping teeth out of the way so you can pull the tubing out. You can also use a disconnect clip that fits onto the tube. The clip works like the tongs except you use a clip to pull the tubing up and out of the fitting.
Are SharkBite fittings rated for water and air?SharkBite fittings are rated for drinking water and hydronic heating systems. They are not rated for gas, fuel oil or compressed air.
Can you use SharkBite fittings underground?Whether or not SharkBites are rated for underground use or even behind the wall use has to do with the application they're used for. If you’re going to put SharkBite fittings underground, SharkBite offers a tape to wrap the fittings and keep moisture, dirt and debris out. Check your local plumbing code first. SharkBites are also rated for behind-the-wall use, but if you use them behind the wall, make sure you have an access panel. That way, if anything should happen, you can take care of the problem.
SharkBites are rated for copper, CPVC and PEX, and many also work with PE-RT. These fittings work great with copper, whereas, some other push-to-connect fittings work better with plastic connections. SharkBite fittings also work with PEX tubing. When you use them with PEX, however, you need to use the tube stiffener because you don't want the fitting to give way because the tubing size flexes.
How can SharkBite fittings be used?SharkBite fittings are most commonly used in household plumbing. Common household sizes include 1/2", 3/4" and 1", and SharkBite makes sizes from 1/4" up to 2". As long as you’re installing the fitting onto copper, CPVC or PEX, you can use them for water anywhere in your plumbing system.
How long do SharkBite fittings last?SharkBite fittings last a long time. In fact, SharkBite warrants the fittings for 25 years when used with SharkBite tubing.
Are SharkBite fittings reliable?Yes. When they’re installed correctly, SharkBite fittings are reliable, and they’re approved for permanent installation, including behind walls and, when properly wrapped, underground. In our experience, leaks are almost always caused by installation mistakes, not the fitting itself. Because a hidden leak can do a lot of damage, it’s still smart to keep fittings accessible, with an access panel when they’re inside a wall.
SharkBite vs. John Guest quick-connect fittings
SharkBite and John Guest fittings work the same basic way: a collet of teeth grips the pipe and an O-ring seals it. Both brands are now owned by Reliance Worldwide Corporation, but they’re designed for different jobs.
| SharkBite | John Guest | |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Lead-free brass | Plastic |
| Best for | Copper, CPVC and PEX home plumbing | Plastic tubing on filters, RO systems and fridge lines |
| Heat and pressure | Higher tolerance; good for water heater connections | Lower tolerance with hot water |
| Removal | Needs a disconnect clip or tongs | Press the collet by hand |
| Repairable | No | Yes, collet and O-ring can be replaced |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
Installation do’s and don’ts
- DO cut the pipe square with a tube cutter or pipe cutter.
- DON’T use a hacksaw. It leaves burrs and scratches that keep the O-ring from sealing.
- DO deburr the pipe and mark the insertion depth, then push the pipe in until the mark reaches the fitting.
- DON’T use bent, scratched or dirty pipe. Clean it first so the O-ring can seal.
- DO keep the PEX stiffener in place when using PEX.
- DO use the right size disconnect tool, with the correct side facing the fitting.
Yes, SharkBite fittings can spin. The teeth grip the pipe and the O-ring seals it, but they still allow the fitting to rotate. One of the benefits of SharkBite fittings is that you can put plumbing pieces together and rotate them into place to make the installation easier. You can rotate the fitting without any problems.
If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Comments
Does the SharkBite connector work with Bow Super Pex pipe???
I seem to have a problem pushing it in.
Will a shark bit work where there is a coupling already there
Can half inch copper be on a slight angle going into a shark bite fitting?
Hi , I tested my 3 way by inserting a copper pipe. But I can’t un install the pipe even as I am using the tool. What could be the reason.