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    Lars W's Avatar
    Lars W Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Dec 17, 2008, 03:45 PM
    Gator bite plumbing connectors
    Can anyone tell me if these connectors meet code? How effective are they? Could I replace old copper lines using these connectors?
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
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    #2

    Dec 17, 2008, 03:54 PM

    I can not tell you about code, but I have used them dozens of times and love them. For someone with little experience using other methods ( the home do it yourself person) they seem very good.
    afaroo's Avatar
    afaroo Posts: 4,006, Reputation: 251
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    #3

    Dec 17, 2008, 04:06 PM

    I think you are talking about "SharkBite" fittings. If so, than they are approved in So. California for use for hot and cold water installations

    Welcome To Cash Acme
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
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    #4

    Dec 17, 2008, 05:22 PM

    Agree with John...

    They are great invention. Hopefully, they will replace soldering in the near future...
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
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    #5

    Dec 17, 2008, 05:36 PM

    Yep, great fitting, and allowed by most if not all codes. I believe shark bite started this awesome trend, gator bite is the same thing with a different name. We shall see how well they hold up over the next ten to twenty years, but as of now they are trouble free(mostly). And when they do replace soldering, us guys that know how to solder will make a killing when soldering is required.LOL.
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
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    #6

    Dec 17, 2008, 05:39 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by mygirlsdad77 View Post
    yep, great fitting, and allowed by most if not all codes. I beleive shark bite started this awesome trend, gator bite is the exact same thing with a different name. We shall see how well they hold up over the next ten to twenty years, but as of now they are trouble free(mostly). And when they do replace soldering, us guys that know how to solder will make a killing when soldering is required.LOL.
    Good comment. We use SharkBite fittings in emergency repair work and only in areas that are not enclosed and are accessible for service. They are life-savers, that's for sure... (... especially where main shut off valve doesn't close all the way... :D)
    afaroo's Avatar
    afaroo Posts: 4,006, Reputation: 251
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    #7

    Dec 17, 2008, 05:42 PM

    I love them I am not so good with soldering, just kidding.
    cnbeatty's Avatar
    cnbeatty Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #8

    Dec 26, 2011, 08:39 PM
    Gator bites can be used with Pex line, hard copper tubing and CPVC line. They cannot be used with schedule 40 white PVC because the diameter is based on the inside diameter of the material and not the outside diameter(which is how PVC is measured. The others are measured O.D. in order to correspond with gator bite I.D. compatibility. The 3 aforementioned types can be used in any combination on any one Shark Bite or Gator Bite fitting ; i.e. a 1/2 x 3/4 T-shaped bite could be used with all 3 different water carrying line variations; PEX on one end, copper in another and CPVC in another. However, if the supply line is a hot water line, only CPVC can be safely used. All parts are available at your local or area Home Improvement and plumbing contractor/supply stores.
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
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    #9

    Dec 27, 2011, 05:00 PM
    cnbeatty, what makes you say only cpvc can be use on a hot water line safely? I actually would say either pex, or copper would be better than cpvc, although all three are rated for domestic hot water applications. Copper would have the highest temp rating, but pex is the easiest to work with and has a max temp rating of 180 degrees, witch is more than enough for domestic hot water. I definitely agree about the rest of your post on push-fit fittings, they won't fit pvc. There are actually a number of push-fit fitting manufactures now, and most all of them are allowed by code even in enclosed areas.
    afaroo's Avatar
    afaroo Posts: 4,006, Reputation: 251
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    #10

    Dec 27, 2011, 05:24 PM
    Hello Cnbeatty,

    Welcome to this website, You responded to a 3 years old post, please check the date on left upper corner before you respond to any thread, Thanks.

    John
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
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    #11

    Dec 27, 2011, 06:51 PM
    Thanks John.
    afaroo's Avatar
    afaroo Posts: 4,006, Reputation: 251
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    #12

    Dec 27, 2011, 07:16 PM
    You are welcome lee.
    MIcahhandyman's Avatar
    MIcahhandyman Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #13

    Dec 5, 2012, 01:05 PM
    The little white insert that go in the tubing was not place in there. The plumber just did not insert them. WIll this be a problem. It has been a week and the connect is holding good. I was just wondering of any problems later. The Gator bites were place on PEX and Copper
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
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    #14

    Dec 5, 2012, 04:35 PM
    No need for the plastic inserts on copper. It is recommended for pex, however I have used many of the push fit fittings on pex without the insert with zero problems to date. Only place I see a real need for the inserts is on pex pipe that may be out of round (ovaled) or on old quest plastic (that stuff is really thin-walled).

    PS.
    I would suggest using the inserts on pex. Just because I have done it without with no problems doesn't mean I endorse it. As long as the plumber is willing to stand behind his work, I would think you are okay as is.

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