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How to use sharkbite fittings for easy fix. Plumbing Tips!
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- Опубліковано 16 січ 2011
- 32 years in this business has shown me a thing or two.Using sharkbite fittings is quite easy to do for the average home owner....Please subscribe and have a great day.
Your video was a life saver. While trying to replace a soil pipe in a 90 year old home I accidentally put a small hole in my copper hot water pipe to the second floor - therefore, this was just what I needed. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. Have a great day!
I used the shark bite fitting on eight different occasions on copper pipe and did not remove plastic fittings! well it's been more than a year and have not had any leaks or trouble with them! So as my grandma always told me if it ain't broke do not fix it! Besides that great video and God Bless You!
Great job explaining! I work in a hardware store and yours is the video I show people who ask about Sharkbite fittings.
Hello Check,
Thank you!
I really appreciate that!
I was hesitant on using them at first, but did numerous tests with them and they have proven to be a very well made product! In one of my videos I did a test where I added 275 pounds of weight to the end of three couplings using copper and pex pipe. The more weight I added the deeper the teeth dug in. If anyone tells you they will pop off; they definitely didn't have them on the proper distance. They also make them up to two inches in size. I have used a valves where water was an issue and they worked remarkably well!
They state they can be used underground, but I prefer solid connections in those applications myself.
Would never hesitate to use them for a quick repair!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al
Very nice demo, thankyou. One of the comments gave a heads up on plastic insert as stated by Sharkbite that is not necessary to remove for copper. He had a problem. Yes some times, the odd time it can be hard to insert with plastic inside onto copper it might cut down pressure on heating pipes and then try to pop it off, you will work up a sweat trying to get it off, not fun. So remove them. Thanks
Hello Michael,
You're welcome!
I really appreciate your input. Since I found the problem I remove them whenever I use them on copper. Sharkbite's site use to say that it was not necessary to remove them on copper, but it was up to the individual doing the work.
They MUST stay in place when using them on Pex as you know.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al
Al, you saved the day for me. I had a pin hole leak and couldn't fix it. So, I got on UA-cam and found your video. I literally followed all of your instructions, went to Home Depot and picked up the supplies you recommend and within an hour I had fixed. Sliding that shark bit back up into position took some time, but it eventually gave and snapped right into place. Thanks a million, now I can watch the Super Bowl today.
Regards, Gary
I learned of these one day when I went to home depot to get some supplies to replace valves underneath a kitchen sink, I was dreading having to take out the torch and make a mess... now I use them all the time, in my rental properies as well. Worth every cent.
Hello bandit123kat;
They are very common now and work very well.
Biggest thing is to make sure they go on all the way. This is the most important thing to remember.
I have used them as big as 2" in size and they were most impressive.
Ideal for a quick fix!
Thanks for commenting and have a great week! Al
I used these to install a hot water heater. What a life saver, not having to use solder. Saves a lot of time, and they are so easy to install.
Thank you for these excellent videos! Because of you, I was encouraged to fix some serious plumbing issues using SharkBite fixtures and PEX with confidence in your instruction and the products.
Hello Alan,
You're welcome!
I am glad everything worked out for you! Congrats on the repair!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your day! Al
I am re-plumbing my house in Detroit. I was warned to not use copper as they will break in and steal the copper. This is the best option. I was afraid of taste and smell from the pex. This is straight forward and looks easy.
I have used sharkbite fittings for most of the plumbing in my house,been in there 5 years and they work great.
Hello MetaView7;
Sorry if I don't come across clear on the explanation of the sleeve removal, I will make a video on this topic for you very soon.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your day! Al
Thanks for the demo and tips. Now I just have to figure out how to desolder the joints and work in extremely tight spaces in the hard to access area behind the water heater without starting the damp wood on fire! Fun, fun, fun!
Hello Joel,
You're welcome!
A set of mini pipe cutters may help you out in that tight space. They could save you some time and effort if a set of regular cutters won't fit. Well worth the cost.
If you have to use the torch and the area is difficult to unsolder; be sure to have a spray bottle handy. I always have one handy for projects such as these.
Thanks for commenting and best of luck with the repair! Al
If you don't have the removal clip I have found that a crescent wrench adjusted just tight enough to touch the pipe works just as well to remove the fittings.
Hello FlyBoySlim,
You are definitely right on that. Used it a number of times myself.
A pex clamp also works just as well as the removal clamp when having to take the joint apart.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al
Try doing that in a tight spot, moron
we rip them off by hand once a year at work to winterize equipment and they have been holding up for 6 years now, they are amazing
Fantastic advice with products with pro's vs. con's depending on application. I am a small general contractor/plumber going back into business and need to get tooled up and educated in the pex world.
Hello Robert,
I am glad you enjoyed it.
There are a number of systems that are out there now. I am a Viega fan myself as the price is excellent as compared to Rehau.
I used rehau until the price went through the roof.
Big bonus of viega that I really like is the crimp rings are attached on most fittings which saves on chasing them around the floor.
Thanks for commenting and best of luck with the business. Al
Awesome, video! I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing, and this made it easy. Thanks again!
Hello Joseph;
You are more then welcome and thanks very much for the kind words!
Thanks for commenting and I am glad you got along well with your repair! Al
In general this is a very informative video and can be a great introduction to a DIY person curious about the products available to them for repairs!
Hello Ryan;
Thanks very much for the kind words! Much appreciated!
Have a great week! Al
@johnjces I agree. I've never removed the sleeve in the fittings I've used and never had an issue.
The only informative sharkbite vid I need to see. Thanks!
Hello DeMartin,
You're welcome!
Hopefully it helps with any future repairs!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al
Thank for this ! My husband has been looking for the measurement that is not included on the package and You mentioned it in your video! He said it was so easy . Thanks.
Yes, there's so much attention given to not using a language, that much information is missed. Here, the depth and the description to twist and push.
Hello mgrande11; Congrats on the repair! Nice to see it worked well for you. They are becoming more popular then ever. If it was a leak in the waterline itself; you may have to consider changing the waterlines sometime in the near future. Thanks for the comments and enjoy your week! Al
I was so focused on the bad pipe installation, I completely missed what the piping was attached to - the duct. I haven’t done the task yet. Thanks for catching that and thanks for the response.
The sharkbite fittings are great for repairing plumbing leaks. If you are planning on re-plumbing your house don't use the sharkbite fittings to join you pipe together but use pvc fittings instead. I just bought the short 3/4" sharkbite coupling to repair a leak under my house and the sharkbite coupling cost $7.95. I had to join pex pipe with cpvc pipe and the sharkbite is the best way to go for repairs.
Hello eastcobb;
That is the only reason why it would blow off and a little test may follow soon just to see what they will withstand.They are an excellent product and are now very popular.Over the last year they have increased tenfold according to the people I deal with in sales.I know alot of plumbers are not struck on them nor on plastic pipe at first, but I have had great luck and they are ideal for a quick fix.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy the week! Al
I installed a shark bite about 1 year ago on a copper pipe without removing the plastic inserts. It started leaking so I popped off and took out the plastic inserts as you recommended in your video and it stopped the leak. Thanks for this tip as sharkbite does not say anything about this on the package.
Hello Andrew,
It may not have been the insert that was the problem.
I always suggest marking the pipe the distance that it goes into the fitting.
7/8ths for 1/2" pipe fittings and 1 1/8th inches for 3/4 fittings.
You don't neceesarily have to remove the insert. The manufacturer states that it is up the the individual when installing it on copper only. It must be left in place when using them on pex and cpvc.
The only reason I remove them on copper is I came a across a situation on a 3/4 tee where the sleeve had been pushed back into the branch causing a restriction in the volume. I believe most people leave it in, but this is my decision to remove it. They do say it can be either taken out or left in.
Either way; I am glad you managed to stop the leak.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your weekend! Al
Hello lastfan;
I would recommend using a 3/4" blue pex waterline as your main supply that will give you added volume to your domestic water system. 3/4" pipe has twice the volume of 1/2" and you tend not to get big drops in pressure when using more then one faucet.
I would also use 3/4" to feed the hot water tank and come off the tank with multiple lines to every fixture immediately at the tank.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al
If I have a project that requires a lot of fittings I solder what I can on a bench then put it in place and use sharkbite fittings to finish the job, especially if the in place section would require soldering near wood. Work great for me.
Hello Frank,
Nice!
Great to be able to solder on the bench.
If a person is nervous soldering around wood; they are ideal for that situation.
I still solder wherever possible myself, but Sharkbite do have their place.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your weekend! Al
I have used a Shark Byte about 7 years back in the ground & so far no problem. I have also used in my slab leak about 4 years back where ever I had dry solder. These are now approved behind walls also per manufacturer. I have seen 10" fresh water plastic pipes being put underground & the thing that seals it is a big O ring in the bell shaped area. This was in year 2000 at Boeing company in Long Beach Calif.
Hello Manohar Menghani,
Since I made this video I did a few tests and they worked out well.
I have read where they can be used underground and behind walls.
They are ideal for places where water is an issue.
I try and stick to soldered joints wherever possible, but I have used these with no issues.
I have used them as big as 2" in size.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al
Those o rings eventually degrade and wear out and leak, stupid.
Hello Michael;
I had one experience with the sleeve being pushed into a copper tee and cutting off the pressure somewhat. Just my preference on the sleeve. I only remove it when installing them on copper.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al
Jello Jeff;
My thoughts exactly!
Pex will expand 5 times more then copper! The sleeve is not necessary for this reason alone when installing them on copper,but are a must on pex!
Thanks for commenting and have a great week! Al
I have been using shark bite fittings for 8 years and never herd of removing the sleeve for copper, and I never have removed it when I have used them with copper. I don't know that it is wrong to remove it or right, but the way I have been using them has worked.
Hello Paul,
According to the manufacturer; it is totally up to the installer if you remove the inner sleeve when using them on copper. No harm done if they stay in place. I ran into a situation once where a sleeve actually was pushed into the branch of a tee and reduced the flow so I have removed them whenever I install them on COPPER ONLY. I stress that because they MUST remain in place when using them on pex and CPVC.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al
@click411 Hello there;
The only reason that I mention depth is to make sure that your fitting goes on all the way. When you sometimes place them on the pipe they can feel like they are on all the way, but with a little more effort they actually go on farther. Knowing the depth and marking it on the pipe assures you that the fitting has been placed on the pipe properly.
That is why I mention the depths of the different size fittings.
Thanks for commenting and have a good day!!! Al
@jedediahbc Hey Jed;
You are correct on the soldering of the pipe being cheaper, but most homeowners would be able to handle this repair themselves rather then the soldering approach especially if your water doesn't completely turn off. No worries with the sharkbite as a little water doesn't play any kind of a part in your repair.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al
@Jdcap26 Hello JD;
These fitting have been around for a while and are becoming more popular for sure. I use them myself for a quick repair and have not had any trouble yet.
They have been in Australia for many years and made their way over to North America a few years ago and make things very easy for the average homeowner to repair.
I have not tried the solder fitting like that yet, but I believe they are are popular in Europe.
Best of luck and tks for commenting!! Al
Hello rob;
Thanks very much for the kind words and you hit the nail on the Canadian part!
Thanks for commenting and have yourself a great week! Al
@TheOldkid888 Hi Old Kid, I'm a plumber in England. The fittings with the solder already in are called "Yorkshire" fittings and they are pretty good. We also have (just to confuse things) Yorkshire push fit which are made of copper but have a grab ring inside. They are good for at least 8-10 bar. On the cheaper side of plumbing fittings we have plastic pushfit and they are overtaking copper purely for the reason of cost. Cheers, Nigel.
@cbhunter52 Thanks Hunter.I didn't really want to get into it to much with him, but sharkbite won't work on poly pipe anyway because it is a different size then regular water pipe. I am just trying to pass on some knowledge that I have accumulated over time. Any time I can help out I try my best to do so. Thanks for your comments CB and have a great week! Al
@johnjces hello John; I had one bad experience where the sleeve actually ended up going into a tee and mostly blocking the branch and the fixture had very little volume (flow). Only happened once, but I thought if it happend once there is a chance for it to happen again and the sleeve doesn't serve a purpose when using it on copper pipe.They work very well for sure and I have used them often. Thanks for your comment and have a good night!! Al
I have gone over the complete section on sharkbites. It says it is not necessary with CPVC or copper and maybe removed based on performance and local codes. Then it continues on to demonstrate and tell how to do so.
I am becoming more of a believer of these fittings as time goes on. I have installed a few where water was a big issue.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your weekend! Al
Just did some new cpvc pluming. Broke an existing cpvc joint repaired with a shark bite in 5 min. workrd great,
Hello Joe,
They work very well on CPVC, Pex and copper.
I am glad it worked out well for you!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al
I can understand your concern. Sharkbite mentioned in their videos that the fittings can be used inside wall cavities. Also, the plumber at Home Depot recommended the fittings as well. The problem is, how long do they last since they have been only around for a short period of time. If I try to go in from the back, I would have to open a wall to gain access. Not really sure I want the extra work. Even cutting an opening large enough in the shower I can't see as being enough to change it out.
@BenjyBronky Hey Ben;
Poly pipe has a different outside diameter then copper or pex.
When I am using poly I only use nylon or brass fitting with stainless steel clamps that are entirely made of stainless. You can tell this by the markings on them. They will say All SS(only ones to buy). The cheaper clamp is stainless, but the screw is steel and is only a few cents cheaper. To many problems with the this style.
Thanks for commenting and have a happy New Year!!! Al
I believe you when you say soldering is best but I don't have the tools or much money so I followed the package (and your) instructions: I cut the pipe section with the hole out and used a metal file the best I could to clean and even the cut as best as possible. Hopefully it will hold for a while. My next project will be to follow your video and replace the toilet mechanisms (the toilet, like everything here, is ancient so I'm not looking forward to it). Again, many thanks.
Greatest thing for easy repair, saved me 275$
Hello Joseph,
Nice to save a few dollars!
They worked very well and are exceptionally easy to install for sure!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your weekend! Al
@TheOldkid888 just used 3 gator bites ( 1 elbow ,2 straights ) on my Simer water pressure pump install , did 2 off site in vise solders ( used lead free small diameter solder) for it as well. back to report the gator bites holding 90 psi an working nicely ! happy old guy . cheers
@plumberx Hey Plumberx;
Sorry for the late reply as your message didn't show on my comment list. The sharkbite fitings certainly give the average homeowner a good chance of making a quick repair and allow them to get the water back on. They are pretty amazing and appear to be working exceptionally well!
Thanks for commenting and have a great day!!! Al
Hello RDB;
Since making this video I have come across Sharkbites installed in many places and have used some myself.
I have to say they are an excellent product!
I would NOT use them underground although the company says they can be used there.I have seen them in places now for about 6 years with no problems at all.
I am from the old school and was a little skeptical at first,but have done some serious tests with them and they have proven out quite well.A video to follow soon about the testing!
Hello cuff links;
You are more then welcome. I hope this helps you if you ever require these fittings for a repair. They are becoming very popular and as you can tell are quite easy to use.
I was a little skeptical myself when they first came out, but have since become a believer. They are ideal for that quick fix.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy the week! Al
I had a professional Plummer give me a quote for a whole house repipe for $5500.....yea right! I repiped my whole house with pex and shark Bite for $800. It's been 3 years and works fine for me. I guess plummers would be afraid of losing business!
+Billy Ayoubi
Certainly saved yourself a good chunk of change.
They do work well. How long they last...time will tell. They have been around since 1999.
I have done a number of tests on them myself. They do work well and are becoming very popular.
Thanks for commenting and have a great week! Al
Billy Plumbers are nothing but ripoffs.
thery pop up when the water is cold / frozen
im not a plummer and people need to realize they do charge more than doing it yourself project but, a plummer, just like an electrician, roofer, landscaper, mechanic, etc. also charge for their time it takes to do the job, for the experience, for the material, for insurance, licenses, training, fees, taxes and sometimes warranty.
i love seeing people complaining about what they get charged versus DYI. it is always cheaper to do it yourself so if you don't wanna pay go ahead and do it but sometimes all of the other things i mentioned about come into play, specially the most important and expensive one. TIME.
in australia and how it should be worldwide plumbing is licensed meaning joe blow cant touch a gas line and blow up the house or flood it with water
Hello Brandyredwine;
Like the UA-cam name as I can relate!
I have read the full booklet on sharkbite and they say that is up to the installer if they want to remove the plastic sleeve or not when it is being used on copper pipe. It has to remain to remain in place when using it on pex! I had one bad experience with a copper installation and I have removed the sleeve every since. Just my own preference.
Thanks for the great comments and enjoy your weekend! Al
@ccmtor Hello there; the fitings are a little expensive for sure and I am a believer in them for a quick fix to hold you over. I have found them in places now where they have been in for 3 years now. They do work, but I have to agree with you on the soldering part; you can't beat it.
Have a great weekend and thanks for commenting!!! Al
Hello Otto Mendez;
You are more then welcome!
I hope you enjoyed the video!
Thanks for commenting and best of luck with any future projects! Al
Hello GalaXy808;
Hopefully it helped a little.
No problem!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your day! Al
@whiskeyandashes Hey Whiskey;
I am sure that the sharkbites will last for a long time. I found some that were put on 4 years ago and were still water tight. They are a very good product and work well. No worries there as long as they go onto the pipe the proper distance.
Thanks for commenting and have a great day!!! Al
@Jdcap26 Hey Jd;
That is great to know. Gators are just like sharkbites and work just as well. 90 psi is up there for sure in pressure. Great to hear everything is going your way. Nice to hear about the leadfree as well.
Thanks for commenting and all the best!!! Al
Hello GalaXy808;
I have read about the sleeve removal by the manufacturer. It is optional to the installer. The only thing to remember is that the sleeve has to be installed when using it on Pex pipe. On copper; it is optional. I ran into a situation where the sleeve actually went into the branch of a copper tee and restricted the flow. That is the only reason that I personally remove it when installing it on copper.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your day! Al
Man I love those Sharkbite fittings.
Hey thanks for the video. I have heard about shark bite but never actually saw one until now. There are other products out there which function the same and do do the same thing. BUt nice to see the video all the same.
FYI, you do not need to remove the sleeve when using on copper per Sharkbite's own instructional videos. I don't think it would make a difference either way on copper but I mention it to ease the minds of people who left the sleeve on.
Hello Kevin,
That is correct!
Thanks for that!!
You do not have to remove the sleeve when using it on copper pipe.
As stated in the manufacturer's guidelines; it is up to the individual.
I had an experience where the sleeve went into the branch of a tee and that is why I remove the sleeve when installing it on copper.
The sleeve MUST be left in place when using it on pex or cpvc.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your weekend! Al
+TheOldkid888 Definitely glad to hear that you can remove them when needed. Thanks for the great video, it helped me a bunch.
Thank you for clarifying that. I'm about to use it to replace my water heater and after watching this video was in doubt as to remove it or not. Thank You.
OId guy thanks for the post from another old guy, bought them today at the box store
,but forgot the 1 inch wort nipples ( female and male ) for my water house pressure pump set up . They also have the fittings that are already have the solder in them as well could not get any of them there, cheers
@306foxbody Hey there;
I have never hear of these fittings blowing off if they are bottomed out,but it may have.
I know I dive into other repairs around my house that should be done by other tradespeople,but reality is that many people cannot afford for someone to do these repairs especially with the tough economic times we are experiencing.Modern technology keeps on improving and we have no control over these products whether they be good or bad.
Thanks for commenting and have a good day! Al
@assemblyguy Hello Guy;
Sharkbite have been around for a while now and another product which is almost the exact fitting is gatorbite. They work on the same principal. Victaulic also make a fitting that you slide on just like this style only it cannot be removed once it is installed as these fitings can.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy the weekend!!! Al
Glad
@whiskeyandashes Hey Whiskey;
Glad everything worked out for you. They are very handy and I am hearing more and more positive things about them all the time. They have not been out for many years, but are ideal for a quick fix as far as I am concerned.
Thanks for commenting and have a great day!!! Al
@arnoldcustom hello Arnold; If you watched the entire video; I did mention that I would only use them as a temperary repair and I would not use them underground. As far as compression fittings go; they have been around since god was a little fella and if installed correctly; work fine for many, many years. There are millions of basins, sinks and toilets in North America that have them on them and they work very well. Thanks for commenting and have yourself a great day!!! Al
@harveybirdmannequin.It is possible to cut a section of copper out and use 2 sharkbite couplings using the slip style coupling and once it's placed on all the way you can take the plastic clip that comes with the fitting and push back the plastic on the end of the fitting that will release the stainless ring inside it and slide it back onto the pipe.If the water main is old and split I would look at replacing the entire line in the near future.Little hesitant to use sharkbite underground.GL
@atlantiscats Hello Cat;
Glad you like it. They are very simple to use and work very well. I have used some in the past and have great luck with them. They do save a lot of time on any small repair around the house.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your day!!! Al
I have never heard of hot water being run to a fridge myself. It may have been done some where, but I have never seen it. If the hot water or cold water was running steady the line would not freeze, but where the dispenser will shut off and have no water flow, you will have a freezing issue and it wouldn't be pretty.
Keep me posted! Al
Part 2;
Like I said, I was a little skeptical, but a great product. I know a plumber who installed them in a home and did all the waterlines over in the home with them. They are not cheap and it did cost more to install the Sharkbite rather then using a system such as Viega , but that is what the customer wanted he told me. He thought it was great as they are exceptionally easy to use as you can see.I personally would not do a whole house above ground, but it would work.
Tks 4 commenting! Al
Teaching people just enough to be dangerous, keep up the good work!!!
I just finished watching an introduction video at the SHARKBITE website and they say there is no need to remove the white sleeve inside the fitting like you mentioned in this video. The sleeves are designed for copper pipes
Hello Gfromlowell;
Glad I could help!
That sleeve coupling can be a little tricky, but it works very time!
Glad you could catch the game! It was a barn burner for sure!
You are more then welcome!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your weekend! Al
Hello Ashley Lauer;
They have not been around for all that long, but are catching on very quickly.
The verdict is still out on how long they last, but I know they are becoming very popular.
Ideal for a quick repair for sure.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your day! Al
Hello PapaNingas;
They will work on both pex and copper quite well. The verdict is still out on the length of time they last. They are made of brass and as you saw; can be installed easily. I know some places where they have been in for about 5 years with no problems.
I use them for a temperary repair myself. I prefer a solid connection, but many people are using them for new installs.I take it you don't get any cold temperatures as you are running the line in the attic.
Tks 4 commenting! Al
Hello dmana3172;
They are great for a quick fix.I have seen them installed in places for over 5 years now without any problems at all.As for putting in a concealed wall,I am a little hesitant.Solid connections such as copper and pex have been proven for many years with a good track record.Sharkbite fittings have been around since the 80's,but have not been that long in North America,although they have been proven.I made a few videos on testing myself.
Tks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al
Bought an unoccupied 1990 mobile home back in January and of course, it was 100% polybutylene. Almost every supply line was chewed in half by wood rats so my dad and I bought some 1/2" pex and reconnected with both Sharkbite and plastic couplings. We began with the cheaper plastic push fittings and when the local hardware ran out, moved on to Sharkbite. I have no intentions of paying a plumber thousands of dollars to replumb my an entire mobile home with Pex. It's now August, and so far no problems out of the Sharkbite or plastic fittings. Out of every tutorial I've read online, none have let on that the Sharkbite could not be used as a permanent solution, although I can understand why the "experts" wouldn't want you to. Hello, bad for business. Lol.
I'm no plumber myself but I can offer you this bit of advice. If you can spring a few more dollars for these fittings, bypass the plastic ones altogether. They're a headache. With the fact that your pipe just slides right down into these with no twisting, it makes them the perfect choice for a novice who needs to do a quick leak fix! Even if your job is HUGE like mine was, go for the Sharkbite. If I had it to do over, I would have chosen them simply as a time saver. The money would have been totally worth it.
+Vanessa Rutherford
It has been about 5 years since another plumber I know did an entire house with two baths using sharkbite fittings. The homeowner wanted that; he installed them and has had no problems with them this far. They have been around for a few decades now and are becoming very popular. I have used them on a few jobs myself where water was an issue and as you know they simply slide on that is it. Very easy to use....
As far as how long they will last...the jury is out. Hopefully for a very long time.
Biggest thing you must be certain of is to make slide the pipe goes into the fitting the full distance. Once they take a bite; they are not going to blow off. I performed a few tests with them and they have really impressed me.
I definitely prefer these to the grey plastic acorn fittings that were out years ago.
Thanks for commenting and the input.
Congrats on the job! Al
And thank YOU for the vid brother. Very informative!
You are more than welcome!
Enjoy your week! Al
Hello Marlene cifra;
Thanks for watching and have a great day! Al
@jqaces hello; No idea where he came up with 98% leaks. I have had great success with them. I know a few people that even did their entire waterlines in their house over with pex and ALL sharkbite fittings. They have been around for a while and will be for many, many years. The tool you are referring to costs 35 dollars at all hardware stores around here. You will be all set with the sharkbite as long as the fittings go on all the way. Thanks for commenting and have a good one!!! Al
I know the manufacturer says that 1/2" pipe should go into the fitting 1 inch, but if you take a piece of pipe, slide it into the fitting and place a mark on it once it has bottomed out; then remove it and measure that distance. It will actually be only 7/8ths of an inch.That is where I came up with that measurement at....that's all. I do appreciate your comments and have yourself a great day.
@ruudyc Hello;
I agree that they are designed for copper pipes.I had one incident where I used a 3/4" tee on copper pipe and the sleeve actually went into the branch of it and blocked the supply of water off to the it to the point where there was very little water coming out of the faucet.It was very difficult to find,so now I just remove the sleeve which is my own choice.
It is up to the homeowner for sure,but that was my experience.I ALWAYS leave the sleeve in for pex pipe.
All the best! Al
Hello rlambert94;I ran into a issue with the plastic sleeve being pushed into the tee and blocking off the branch of the fitting giving very low pressure.The company doesn't say anything about having to remove it,but I do when I am using it for a quick repair on copper only.My preference only.
I will add an annotation to the video about that price. When I made the video the price at Home depot was $35. As of today,the price now is 18 and tax. A total of $21 now. Much better
Tks 4 commenting! Al
@escosnicest Hello;
They are very helpful in many ways, especially if you can't shut your water off completely. Great product when it comes to that because there can be water there and you join the pipe and not worry about the water. they are very handy. I am seeing alot of them being installed now and am becoming more of a believer myself. Time is the true test when it comes to these fittings, but they have been around for a while now. Great for a quick fix.
Tks for commenting!!! Al
Ok, thanks. I'm starting to think this was a bad idea. But I think you right. Running thru the cabinets could be a problem because of the location of the fridge.
Let me know what you think and we will figure something out. You could run a 1/4" plastic line in the back of the cupboards. I know this maybe a bit of work, but it will be a no worry thing once it is done.
Drop me a line! Al
THANKS! I hope to get this project done by July 4th weekend.
Hello Mike;
You are more then welcome!
I hope you get along well with the project !
Thanks for commenting and have a great day! Al
Thank you. It was good advice before I went to the hardware store.
Hello Richard,
You are more than welcome!
Hopefully your repair will go well for you!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al
Hello tegan71969;
I am a little nervous about installing them in a wall cavity. I guess it doesn't matter where they are installed, but inside a wall I would pass on.I am a big fan of them for a short fix,but am still a solid connection plumber.I have changed moen through the hole on the front of an acrylic tub. They do work well, I can say that.
It is your choice as far as the install goes,but I personally would not use them there.
Thanks for commenting and best of luck with your repair! Al
Have been using them for home repair for over 5 yrs and have never had a problem with them.
Hello jiggy loo,
Great!
They are a very good product!
I have used them up to 2" in size with no issues.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al
@Hucklebillyjones Hey Billy; Did you watch the entire video.I said I would not recommend them for underground work or as a permanent solution to repairing a leak.I stated that it was a quick fix.That's all.I have had places where I had to use them and they were installed for a period of time,but went back later and replaced the entire domestic water system. And I have been in this trade long enough to know what is a solid installation. Have a good day....Al
1 year has passed since i replaced a soldered cast iron drop ear elbow that i cracked with a shark bite alternative. NO LEAKS, yet. drywall access hole is still exposed and not plastered, i'm getting ready to bury it for good. but that skepticism, and a rubber o-ring factor never leaves my mind for a reason. a brand new 40k kitchen below it.
maybe sharkbite is a nationwide experiment, and one day all sharkbite fitments, like ever-running glass, will all blow simultaneously, and plumbers everywhere will have a single, neverending service call.
+Nearfaded
I recently read their website again just to keep the brain fresh. It states on their website that they can be installed behind walls and underground. I wish I could give you a length of time they last, but only time will tell with this product as it is relatively new to our area. It has been around since the 80's in Australia I believe. I believe I read that it is being produced in the U.S. as well.
I have done a number of tests on them and they have impressed me very much. In one test I added a number of couplings together using pex and copper. I attached the copper to a beam above and added 275 pounds to the end of the pipe with the couplings in between. The only thing the couplings did were bite in harder and they were much more difficult to remove. As far as them ever blowing off; I would say that if the pipe was installed properly into the fitting, the chances are slim to none. Most impressive.
As far as the o-ring lasting...Like I say time will tell, but I will say that they are becoming very popular. I can't see them lasting as long as they have if they had problems with them.
This is the video I made with the test if you are interested.....Sharkbite Fittings. Size and Weight! Weight Test! Plumbing Tips!
Thanks for commenting and have a great week! Al
I love the sharkbite. Saved me big time twice already in the last few months. Although I wonder how the quality compares to Gatorbite which has been my only option at times when a Lowe's instead of a Home Depot has been the only store around.
Hello truawad;
These fittings will not fit on black iron, galvanized or brass. If the nipple is cpvc and is broken cleanly, I believe the sharkbite fittings will fit. Don't quote me on that, but I believe so!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your evening! Al
Hello kevins7;
Sharkbite are becoming more and more popular every day. I was talking to a plumber who has been in the trade for a few more years then me and he loves them. It usually takes a lot to get the older crowd on board, but not this guy.
They are great for a quick repair for sure.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your day! Al
Hello Neil;
You are probably correct as far as the too cautious part goes. I am a little hesitant, but probably have no reason to be so.
Thanks for commenting and have a great week! Al
@RStrapple Hello there;
I couldn't agree more.What I say in the video is a quick fix as I wouldn't use them as a prermanent thing,but as soon as someone hears something they don't like that is where they stop viewing.
One other person mentioned about they should only be used on poly pipe,but if they had done a little homework;the outside diameter of poly is not the same as copper or pex.
Not a lot of people like change, but that is how it is.
Tks for commenting and enjoy your holidays. Al
Hello evildug b;
I am glad you enjoyed the video!
They do work well and are becoming very popular!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your day! Al
I have an unusual situation where I need to know if a 3/4"-to-1/2" reducer (Sharkbite) allows water to move in both directions or whether water only flows from the 3/4" side to the 1/2" side.
I want to drop down a ceiling water line from a 3/4" copper pipe to a 1/2" drop down (using 1/2" pex pipe) to direct water to a hose bibb. I shopped for Sharkbite fittings because I like that it's re-usable. My current water situation will change as we get this house together.
The hose bibb for 1/2" sure looked small and when I got it home, the garden hose adapter didn't fit the garden hose I wanted to use - it was too small. I'm not sure what to do next but if the "reducer" allows flow in both directions, I'd be happy to put a 3/4" hose bibb on that so I can attach a regular garden hose.
If I'm planning something that will blow up, please tell me, I'm just a DIYer, not a plumber! :D
well when in doubt blow into fitting each way, but yes they flow either way
Hello ghorner11;
The wording from the company says it is optional to remove the sleeve when using it on copper. So it is up to the individual.
I wouldn't worry about it myself. As long as the joint is made and the flow of water is fine; you should have noi worries at all. They are becoming very popular!
The sleeve is necessary when it comes to pex. It is a must!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your day! Al
Hello badbob85037;
For testing purposes; these would be the only way to travel. Ideal for that. The bonus part is the removal of the fitting afterwards, the time it would take to install a cap or valve and being able to use it again on the next test.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your day! Al
Hello Vince;
Thanks very much for the kind words!
Your comments are greatly appreciated!
Enjoy your evening and may you have a happy and healthy New Year!
Al
Hello lastfan;
1' would be better for sure, but if it is in your home where you are doing this work there is more then likely a 3/4" main coming into it. By increasing your pipe size after the 3/4 line to 1 inch it will not make any difference in your volume as the water has to come threw the 3/4 anyway. If you are on a well; you can increase it to 1". To be honest with you 3/4 should be more then sufficient if it is your home depending on the number of fixtures.
Tks for commenting! G.L. Al
@aletubecordoba hello;
If you are talking about a water cooled system; I would use it. if you are talking about the gas piping for a system then the answer would be no. I only use soldered fittings around an air conditioner on the waterlines and silver solder on the gas.. Just my preference.
Thanks for commenting!!! Al
@madatown Hello;
I had one experience hwere the sleeve was pushed into the branch of a tee when I was attaching it to a piece of 3/4 copper pipe. Since then I remove the sleeve when I am attaching it to copper pipe only.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy 2012! Al