Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask

Sharkbite connectors

Asked Feb 27, 2012, 10:02 AM — 5 Answers
Thanks to "MASSPLUMBER"'s excellent advise I have successfully removed our old jacuzzi and also old shower stall. Now am going to repair holes in flooring which I had to cut to facilitate accessing drains and water supply pipes for old above units.Then install new sub floor over original 1"x12"plank flooring and then tile same. BUT..before I do the floor reconstruction I'm going to have to re-route the water supply lines to a new location for a new soaker tub and also a new shower. I'm thinking of going from the existing copper to "Pex", using (new to me) "Sharkbite" connectors. I have read many reviews on them, some con. But great majority positive. I have no problem with "sweating joints but due to the floor cavity being extremely tight and surrounded by dry 100 yr. Old dry woodwork I'm hesitant to introduce my torch into it...My question is..would you seal these "Sharks" into an inaccessible area under a tile floor or behind drywall.
Thanks for any advise or suggestions.....CORNEY

5 Answers
massplumber2008's Avatar
massplumber2008 Posts: 10,534, Reputation: 5087
Plumbing Expert
 
#2

Feb 27, 2012, 11:47 AM


Hi again Corney

Great question! I'm sorry to say that I cannot advise you to install sharkbite fittings in an inaccessible area...at least not until we have a few more years under our belts with these things...

You would be better off, in this case, soldering on a transition fitting and adapting over to CPVC or PEX tubing...just do it using the correct transition fittings and you should be all set.

Back to you...

Mark
Helpful  (1)
ma0641's Avatar
ma0641 Posts: 6,206, Reputation: 2489
Plumbing Expert
 
#3

Feb 27, 2012, 03:20 PM
Agree with Mark. I only use in exposed areas.
Helpful
mygirlsdad77's Avatar
mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,518, Reputation: 1645
Plumbing Expert
 
#4

Feb 27, 2012, 03:58 PM


I also agree here. Even though push fit fittings (sharkbite, gatorbite,etc) are allowed to be installed in concealed areas under most codes in most areas, I still wouldnt suggest installing them unless they are easily accesable. They seal with a simple rubber o-ring, and just not sure how thats going to hold up over the years as Mark mentioned. Sweat on a conversion fitting and go from there.

I will mention that I have had almost 100% success with push fits, but I also havent had any out there for more than three years or so. For now, stick with the tried and true. In another five years or so, we should have a pretty good idea about the endurance of the push fits.
Helpful  (1)
diamondbus's Avatar
diamondbus Posts: 1, Reputation: 5
Junior Member
 
#5

Mar 2, 2012, 01:37 PM
The O'ring used in the SharkBite fittings are not just any o'ring. they are chloramine and chlorine resistant. they should totally outlive that water system. besides the fittings have a 25 yrs warranty on them. I think you should definitely use them w/o any concerns. they are approved for behind the wall and underground.
Helpful  (1)
massplumber2008's Avatar
massplumber2008 Posts: 10,534, Reputation: 5087
Plumbing Expert
 
#6

Mar 2, 2012, 02:08 PM


Hi Diamondbus

I'm on board with all that you presented...just not ready to give these 100% approval for awhile, yet! While the ORING may be chemically resistant...installation practices vary between individuals and if they don't properly debur the pipe ends, for example, and catch that ORING in any way, I'm betting there could be a failure down the road...

As me and the others indicated, we're going to wait a few more years here until we start using them in concealed areas. I don't care what the engineers have to say on it either...they have been wrong more often than right, I swear!!

Hey, thanks for posting your info.!! Glad to chat back and forth over it...obviously you know the product!

Mark
Helpful  (1)

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.

Remove Text Formatting

Undo
Redo
 
Decrease Size
Increase Size
Bold
Italic
Underline
Align Left
Align Center
Align Right
Ordered List
Unordered List
Decrease Indent
Increase Indent
Insert Email Link
Wrap [QUOTE] tags around selected text
Wrap [CODE] tags around selected text
Wrap [HTML] tags around selected text
Wrap [PHP] tags around selected text
Wrap [YOUTUBE] tags around selected text
Notification Type:



Check out some similar questions!

Romex connectors [ 2 Answers ]

Does anyone know if push in type romex connectors can be used to enter a load center in NYC

PS/2 connectors [ 1 Answers ]

Hi Again! Matt here, I've just installed a new motherboard in my computer everything works great except that I can't use my keyboard or my mouse unless I use the USB ports. I would rather use the PS/2s but can't figure out why they won't work. I tried looking for and adding drivers to no avail....

Check out these fittings: Sharkbite connection system. [ 8 Answers ]

My maintenance sales guy stopped in this morning and showed me this...and I'm still wowing over it: http://www.cashacme.com/sbpush.php No heat, glue or tools needed - and use the same fitting for whether you're using copper, cpvc, cts or pex - or even going from one to the other. I will...

Crimp connectors [ 1 Answers ]

What


View more Plumbing questions Search