sharkbite fittings

[Tony Rowella]

does anyone no if you can change copper to cpvs, in the wall, with sharkbite fittings? i'm in Tampa,Fl and dont know if there is any code on the use of this product.

[Trent Tarter]

Yes in most cases you can use Sharkbite fittings to connect copper to CPVC.

[Tony Rowella]

Can you close them up in the wall with no access?

[Jerry Peck]

The Sharkbite web site ( SharkBite Fittings | SharkBite Plumbing Fittings (http://www.sharkbite.com/usa/en/about-sharkbite) ) states that the fittings are certified and listed to ASSE 1061 / NSF 61.

The Florida Building Code, Residential, in P2904.6 Fittings, states:
- P2904.6 Fittings. Pipe fittings shall be approved for installation with the piping material installed, and shall conform to the respective pipe standards listed in Table P2904.6. Pipe fittings used in the water supply system shall also conform to NSF 61.

The ICC Evaluation Service ES Report states ( http://www.icc-es.org/criteria/pdf_files/ac311.pdf ):
- 3.2 Push-fit Fittings: Push-fit fittings shall be tested according to the requirements in Section 3.2.1 for copper tubing, Section 3.2.2 for CPVC and or Section 3.2.3 for PEX.
- - EXCEPTION: Push-fit fittings successfully tested according to ASSE-1061 may be recognized for use with copper tubing, CPVC and or PEX.

The above indicates that the Sharkbite fittings are approved and listed for use as potable water fittings, and that the fittings are suitable for connecting CPVC - copper tubing - PEX, in any combination.

I also see no prohibition against using them inside a wall ... not saying I would want to use a push-in fitting inside a wall, but then glued-together fittings are allowed and used inside walls every day, as are soldered copper fittings, and both can leak at fittings if not done correctly.

[Dom D'Agostino]

There are several brands of push-fit plumbing connections on the market, and not all of them have been tested and approved. Check the brand on the fitting, and look up the specs for that type.

[Jerry Peck]

There are several brands of push-fit plumbing connections on the market, and not all of them have been tested and approved. Check the brand on the fitting, and look up the specs for that type.

Excellent point, Dom.

[Tony Rowella]

Thank you for the response and info, greatly appreciated.

[Garry Blankenship]

Shark bites defy logic, but they work and they're awesome. I do not even know, if shark bites are made to fit onto any PVC products, but I would be skeptical of that due to the softer surface for them to "bite".

[Garry Sorrells]

Garry,
The fittings have an O-ring that does the sealing and a ring of SS teeth that jam into the pipe being inserted. Before you saw the SharkBite a similar design concept was being used on the transmission cooler lines going to your radiator. AC lines on cars use an O-ring seal but use a jamming ring spring to lock it on.

SharkBite has come up with a lot of uses and combinations of dissimilar product materials. Have been using them for years with only one failure and it was my fault.

Have only had/seen a failure as a result of incorrect installation. But the same is true for every other joint/connection ever installed.

[Benjamin Thompson]

I've used them but I don't really trust them. anything that uses a rubber O ring for a seal is going to fail at some point. I would recommend not using them in inaccessible places (like inside walls).

[Garry Sorrells]

Ben,
I can understand your reservations. I also have reservations on concealed joints. But, on the other hand I have seen every other type of joint fail at some time and for various reasons. Some were installation failure related others were environmental and others were from use. Hey no guts no glory. I have not seen any failure studies of Sharkbite in comparison other joint methods. Would love to see them.

[Steven Turetsky]

Just bear in mind that you lose continuity with Shark Bites (and when adding cpvs).

[Don Hester]

Garry,

It was good to see your opinion on them. Because I have had some reservation about them also. But I sure love the concept.

I had a conversation with one of my local plumbers and they say in their shop they can only be used as a temporary fix. If they catch one of their plumbers using them as a permanent connection they will fire them.

Pretty harsh for an approved product.

How long have you been installing them for now?

[Garry Sorrells]

Don,
Started using them several years ago (7+?). Started using them as a quick way to cap lines when tearing out a kitchen or bath rather than sweating on a cap. Then long unions as a repair for freeze breaks in copper lines when damage is small. Then other fittings over time, 90s - unions - valves - etc. Still a little concerned long term, 30yrs.

I can understand a reluctance to use them as a replacement to sweating on a fitting as old school and known problems. As to the long term potential.

I learned plumbing cutting and threading pipe. Sweating copper was a dream by comparison. PVC & CPVC is childs play, PEX is like pulling wires (spaghetti work). What is next, plasma field shielded water? No covering just an energy field.

[Ken Amelin]

I've used them but I don't really trust them. anything that uses a rubber O ring for a seal is going to fail at some point. I would recommend not using them in inaccessible places (like inside walls).

I agree with Ben on this one. The rubber "O" ring will never last as long as a soldered joint. Rubber (or other synthetic) will break down over time. It is a "FACT."

[Garry Blankenship]

Don,
Started using them several years ago (7+?). Started using them as a quick way to cap lines when tearing out a kitchen or bath rather than sweating on a cap. Then long unions as a repair for freeze breaks in copper lines when damage is small. Then other fittings over time, 90s - unions - valves - etc. Still a little concerned long term, 30yrs.

I can understand a reluctance to use them as a replacement to sweating on a fitting as old school and known problems. As to the long term potential.

I learned plumbing cutting and threading pipe. Sweating copper was a dream by comparison. PVC & CPVC is childs play, PEX is like pulling wires (spaghetti work). What is next, plasma field shielded water? No covering just an energy field.

I know electricity, not plumbing. With shark bites I do not need to know plumbing. Experienced three leaks at home all at the floor plate due to a plumber w/ a 20oz hammer, nail straps and a small brain. Hard to sweat in existing tight spaces of wood surround, but shark bites make it a cake walk. the dry wall C&P was the work part.

[Benjamin Thompson]

Ben,
I can understand your reservations. I also have reservations on concealed joints. But, on the other hand I have seen every other type of joint fail at some time and for various reasons. Some were installation failure related others were environmental and others were from use. Hey no guts no glory. I have not seen any failure studies of Sharkbite in comparison other joint methods. Would love to see them.

That never seems to happen until there is a lawsuit. That's the problem with this stuff, we never hear about the failures until there is a class action.