Are you tired of dealing with corroded, clogged, and damaged pipes? Do you wish you could install a new burst pipe or casual joint without having to learn how to fix the full length? You don’t need a crimper when repairing or installing copper pipes, at least. Not unless you’re going to install the pipes into the walls where everyone will see them. However, if you want to install copper pipes into the wall, it makes sense to explore other options.
Using shark bite fittings between two pieces of copper pipe can highly improve the flow of water. This is a simple, yet effective piece of plumbing equipment designed to reduce joint processes and increase efficiency in the field. It provides a durable joint, without having to wait for material or labor. It is extremely effective on corroded or damaged copper pipes where conventional methods have failed.
SharkBite fittings are truly revolutionary products that allow you to easily connect copper pipes. Installing SharkBite fittings on the copper pipe is easy, and a do-it-yourself project. You can tackle it at home, even if you aren’t an experienced DIYer. All you need is a pair of pliers to cut the copper pipe to size and pop them into the fittings.
Sharkbite Fittings are made by experts who have spent years using specialized tools to cut, mount and seal copper surfaces safely and efficiently.
Often when working with copper pipes, there are tears, cuts, and nicks in the pipe, which in most cases results in uneven surfaces. These cuts and tears can cause leakages or bends. Shark Bite Fittings make it easy to mount and provide the superior gluing ability to ensure your work is done safely.
Sharkbite Fitting will not only ensure a perfect seal but will add minimal movement to your job site. This reduces the potential for damage and downtime. When installed correctly, it provides comfort and precision throughout your entire installation process.
How Shark bites Works?
It allows you to connect copper tubing to other copper fittings using its advanced push-fit connection system. It works in two stages.
The first stage involves inserting the copper pipe into the outer casing of the fitting, created from plastic. When the pipe is partially pushed in, a release collar will slide over the end.
In the second step, you push the pipe into an O-ring protector that will align it. The O-ring protector causes the pipe to seal through compression by the fitting. This, therefore, creates a watertight fit before any tightening is necessary. This means no waiting for tape or gaskets to dry and no more leaks.
Finding The Correct Pipe and Fitting Size
Finding the right size of copper pipe can be the difference between getting a good fitting and spending hours trying to find a replacement. Or even worse, damaging your original piece.
Pipe size is measured in inches, not miles. You need to know the actual pipe diameter to select the correct size copper pipe.
The nominal diameter is often just a nominal measure of how much room around the pipe threads. This measurement, along with several other factors, is useful when determining the best pipe size. Particularly the one that will work best for your specific and intended application.
An experienced plumber can help you find the right pipe and fitting size. This is by measuring the inside diameters of the pipes, realizing that some sizes will fit over pipes that have been laid before them.
Connecting SharkBite Joint to Copper Pipe
Once you have chosen the correct SharkBite fitting and piping, the next step is installing the fitting to your pipe. To do so, check whether the ends of the pipe are clean and free from debris. Take great care in this step to avoid creating a water leak that could potentially cause harm.
Making quality connections between copper pipe and SharkBite fittings is easy. Once you’ve cut the pipe so that it’s square, use the SharkBite Depth Deburr Gage to mark insert depth on your pipe. You should then mark each pipe joint on end to show where the SharkBite fitting will fit.
There is no need for special tools or clamps; just push the tube into the fitting until you reach the depth mark. Once installed, the SharkBite joint will look like a slight cut on the exterior wall of your copper pipe.
Why Should I Use SharkBite fittings?
If you’re like the countless homeowners who have had their water heater break or leak, you know how frustrating it is to get it balanced and running again.
With the right pipe, you can get your water heater back on the grid in no time at all. Have you ever looked at your water bill and wondered how much money you are paying just for electricity?
You can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by using the right fitting. This is where SharkBite fittings come in. The technology behind SharkBite fittings is based on basic physics.
They are made of high-quality materials and can withstand extreme temperatures. This makes them the perfect option for installing a water heater or any other metal pipe project.
There are quick-connect fittings on copper pipes that will break down with temperature change, and then there are metal pipe installers like SharkBite that can withstand any temperature changes.
With SharkBite fittings, you no longer need to worry about gluing parts together or leaving gaps because of improper alignment.
If a standard connection doesn’t work for your situation, choose a fitting designed for that specific application. From copper pipe to CPVC or PEX, everyone’s got a good reason to use SharkBite fittings.
Do professional plumbers use SharkBite?
Many professional plumbers consider using SharkBite products in emergency cases. It is considered the best and most effective method to curb emergency cases, although it is expensive. There are many types of SharkBite products for different uses.
Some are made for use on large surfaces or large objects. It’s important to know the difference between SharkBite products before using them on any enclosed or permanent plumbing system.
Some plumbers prefer solder for their permanent plumbing projects. Many plumbing companies will not use push-fit fittings because they feel strong enough to create a durable connection. Sometimes, this may be true—but not perhaps because these fittings are quick and easy to use.
Despite the above points, SharkBite fittings are a smart choice if you’re working on a project where time is of the essence. Swapping out plumbing joints takes a lot of time and patience, but SharkBite fittings only need a few cuts, and it’s ready to install. Suppose you’re working on a remodelling project, installing faucets and showerheads.
In that case, push-fit pipes can save you from having to wait for your plumber to come and replace the plumbing joints by soldering everything together first.
SharkBite Fittings provides you with peace of mind during those rough winter days when you need to make sure your pipes are clean and free of debris. Using the right tools, you ensure that pipes inside your home remain free of clogs, so you enjoy living in your home.
Precautions to take while installing shark bites
One of the primary concerns when cutting SharkBite fittings is to make sure that the cut isn’t too rough. This is because it’ll create a ridge around the pipe. This will create a gap between the pipe and the fitting, which may cause a leak. Take your time while cutting the fittings.
The widely accepted misconception is that you can’t install push-fit fittings before the pipes are completely dry. There might be some truth to this if we talked about first-generation push-fit fittings.
Nowadays, there is no point in letting your pipes dry out. As the product’s name suggests, you simply need to push pipes into fittings, instead of using messy glue or cement, risking damaging your pipes with them, and waiting for several hours until they are dry.
SharkBite fittings are great, but they won’t fit if you try to shove them into the pipe beforehand. You need collars to adjust the fitting size, so take your time when putting them on.
Bottom Line
SharkBite fittings are a quick and easy way to connect flexible PEX tubing. Soldering pipes may be the smarter choice for plumbing, but SharkBites work very well, especially if you aren’t familiar with the process.
The reusability and easy installation make this product great for everyone, from professional plumbers to homeowners looking for a quick and efficient DIY project.
SharkBite fittings are rated for use underground and behind walls and will stand up to the toughest climates and conditions.
If you are considering using copper pipes or tubes in your home, learn about SharkBite fittings.
SharkBite fittings are designed to be used for plumbing systems and can be purchased separately. Since they are made of non-corrosive material, they last for up to 25 years with regular use and do not rust or corrode.
Related Questions
Can SharkBite fittings be used for air, water, and gas? SharkBite fittings can be used for water only. You cannot use them for air and gas.
Sources
https://www.doitbest.com/resources/articles-and-buying-guides/how-tos/how-to-use-sharkbite-fittings
