I need to join a half inch copper pipe to a half in polybutelyne pipe. Is the white plastic insert supposed to go inside the polybutelyne pipe for support before the two pipes are joined with the Gator Bite? Thanks!

Hello Ehrlich,

The Gator bite or sharkbite fittings works the same for Copper, CPVC and Pex pipes no support is needed, open the link below and watch the clip, Thanks.

John

‪How to use Sharkbite Plumbing‬‏ - YouTube

*WARNING*...PLEASE READ ENTIRE POST HERE

Hi all:

Actually, the white insert is used and inserted into the plastic pipe to add rigidity to plastic pipes prior to inserting into the gatorbite fitting... ;) Here, sharkbite fittings come with the insert already inside the fitting. With gatorbite fittings you need to install the insert only if using pex.

Check it out at this video:



Go to the end at about 4:10 onward to see discussion of the insert!

With that being mentioned, however, I don't think gatorbite fittings are meant to be used on polybutylene pipe. I believe they are only listed to be used with copper tubing, CPVC and PEX pipes. I would suggest double checking with the manufacturer to be sure here, OK?

Mark