I'm running copper pipes to add a shower onto an existing bathroom. I have a T sharkbite to split water running to sink and also to shower. I need to lower the level of the pipe to run below the subfloor. Do I need to add a 90 angle sharkbite to turn it downward then another to run it parallel to the floor? Or can I gradually lower pipe (sharkbites seem to allow so play) or am asking for trouble by angling the pipe down?

Hi kboullie:

I would add the 90. No need to stress the joint if you don't have too...

Good luck.

MARK

SharkBites are great fittings - but from my experience, rigid copper pipe has to go straight in for it to seal properly. They may produce leak if you apply continuous downward pressure on one end.

Could be just my age but I prefer to not use a Sharkbite inside a closed wall cavity which will never be viewed again. I assume you are wanting to avoid sweating a fitting which would be about $5 per fitting cheaper. I think your plan does ask for trouble and I'd suggest you pick up some copper sweating skills. It is not rocket science. How to Sweat a Watertight Copper Pipe Joint - Plumbing Basics Step-by-Step - Popular Mechanics

I agree with balllengerb1 about the sweat fittings. I have worked on houses that were built in the 1930's with copper pipe and they have never had problems with the sweat joints.

I have seen Sharkbite fittings that have been in less than ten years and they started leaking and when pulled apart the neoprene O-rings were flattened.

It stands to reason that if you can't use a compression fitting inside a wall , why would we consider a sharkbite? They sure are quick but they cost 10x a sweat fitting and can't be as reliable.

Hello Bob,
Your concern is about the price or the reliability, Sharkbite coupling are approved to be used inside the wall. I send a privet message please respond, Thanks.

John

Yep approved but no one knows if they will last 50 years. Building codes are not physical laws that are proven, they aren't much more than current best practices. Codes are changed every yerar when it is found that the current code is failing too often. I know the Sharkbite appeals to many folks because they are so easy anoyone can do them. I have been sweating fitting for 45 years for about 50 cents a fitting, why switch to something that closts $5? Just my old grumpy self talking.

Thanks Bob,

Yes I agree with you no body knows how long would Sharkbite lost a year or 50 years, and I agree with you about the cost 50 cents a fitting, but every one is not Bob with 45 years experience, that you have gone through all the sweating I have seen people doing sweating burn himself or done damage to the house. When I first start sweating 15 years ago I had very hard time it took me a while to learn the tricks, Thanks.

Regards,
John