Isn’t it difficult to find out whether your equipment is a great fit for the job or not? Especially, when you are plumbing underground or behind a wall! There are thousands of products and solutions to pick from and various right ways to plumb it, but it can be a challenging project when you cannot figure out which method will work best for you. HOW TO INSTALL SHARKBITE VALVE ON COPPER?
Well, gone are the days when plumbing used to be really difficult for homeowners.
Now with the help of the right tools and methods, you can complete your DIY project. And SharkBite valves are always ready to serve you!
If you are planning to repipe or remodel, which requires replacing with PEX or copper, SharkBite is here to make things easier for you.
How Do You Attach Shark Bites To Copper Pipe?
Thinking, “How do you attach shark bites to copper pipe?”
Then, you will find the proper solution right here!
So, read on!
Finding The Correct Pipe And Fitting Size Ain’t Easy!
Before you jump to the steps to install your SharkBite fittings, selecting the right size of copper pipe and fitting is a must.
You cannot begin the work, without it so, we recommend you find out the sizes of the pipes first. Though it can be a challenging job to determine the sizes of pipes for the project, it is not an impossible task.
If you still face any difficulty, then it is okay to take help from an expert.
HOW DO YOU INSTALL A SHARK BITE ANGLE STOP ON A COPPER PIPE?
Once you have found the correct size fitting and piping, you can begin the installation process.
1. Identify the pipe material.
To begin the first step, you need to identify the material of the pipe. Let’s find out the types of pipes, which can be used with SharkBite fittings.
Most of the SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with:
- PEX pipe complying with CSA B137.5 or ASTM F876 or
- CPVC pipe complying with CSA B137.6 or ASTM D2846.
- PE-RT pipe complying with ASTM F2769
- HDPE pipe complying with ASTM D2737 (SDR-9)
You must be also wondering, “Will SharkBite fittings work on copper pipe?”
Yes, it will work with the Copper pipe, which complies with ASTM B88. It is suitable for hard-drawn Type K, L, and M and annealed Type M. However, it should not exceed 3/8 nominal. HOW TO INSTALL SHARKBITE VALVE ON COPPER?
And the best part is that it comes with a PEX stiffener which one does not have to remove for Copper applications.
2. Cut pipe cleanly & squarely.
Make sure to double-check the pipe before using it. It should be clean, in good condition, free from any foreign objects or apparent damage, not have any debris or scratches.
Once all the checking work is done, get a rotary tube cutter and cut the pipe as neatly and squarely as you can. Those who are using copper pipe can use sandpaper or a deburring tool to get rid of burrs or any sharp edges on the pipe.
If you fail to deburr the pipe properly, it will compromise the fitting, and all your hard work will go in vain.
3. Measure & mark the insertion depth.
In the second step, get a SharkBite Deburr & Gauge Tool. Then, measure and mark the insertion depth on your pipe with a permanent marker. The mark you just made will help you ensure that the fitting work is done properly.
You can follow our pipe insertion depth chart, which is mentioned below:
| SharkBite Fitting Size | Nominal Pipe Size | Pipe OD | Pipe Insertion Depth IN | Pipe Insertion Depth MM |
| 1/4 in. | 1/4 in. | 3/8 in. | 0.82 | 21 |
| 3/8 in. | 3/8 in. | 1/2 in. | 0.94 | 24 |
| 1/2 in. | 1/2 in. | 5/8 in. | 0.95 | 24 |
| 5/8 in. | 5/8 in. | 3/4 in. | 1.13 | 29 |
| 1 in. | 1 in. | 1-1/8 in. | 1.31 | 33 |
| 1-1/4 in. | 1-1/4 in. | 1-3/8 in. | 1.88 | 48 |
| 1-1/2 in. | 1-1/2 in. | 1-5/8 in. | 2.05 | 52 |
| 2 in. | 2 in. | 2-1/8 in. | 2.19 | 56 |
4. Make the connection.
After completing the previous step, push the fitting to the insertion mark. Pushing the pipe into the fitting using a slightly twisted motion will help you to hit the tube stop.
5. Ensure proper placement.
To check whether the connection is proper or not, turn on the water. You must verify that the depth mark you made is within 0.005 inches of the end of the release collar. If you are still unsure, then you can pull the tube to see if the joint is secure.
So these were the steps to connect the SharkBite joint to the copper pipe.
Now, let’s get to learn about removing SharkBite fittings in the next section.
DISCONNECTING OR REMOVING SHARKBITE FITTINGS
Unlike any other fittings, if necessary SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings can be disconnected and reused.
Let’s just say that for some reason you want to remove the fitting, so to do that, you can use Disconnect Tongs or a SharkBite Disconnect Clip.
It cannot be done without the help of either tongs or clip. If you pick the latter, snap the Disconnect Clip onto the pipe and pull it up to release the collar.
While using these two ways, you will need to apply a good amount of pressure to release the collar. HOW TO INSTALL SHARKBITE VALVE ON COPPER?
Wondering, what will it do?
Using any of these tools will splay the grab teeth and release the pipe, thus, removing the SharkBite fitting in the end.
Check out the steps in detail below:
- Now, use the Disconnect Clip to press the release collar.
- Then, pull the pipe from the fitting. Just like connecting, to release, you can pull the tube with a twisting motion.
- Those who have used Disconnect Tongs can slide the tongs over the fitting and the pipe.
- Just a squeeze will press the fitting’s release collar, and you will be able to pull the pipe from the fitting.
- You must use the twisted motion here as well to release the tube.
So now, the fitting is disconnected and ready to re-use.
If you follow these above steps properly, the fitting and pipe will be free from damage or any foreign objects and marks outside the diameter.
Now, let’s move forward to check out the dos and don’ts along with the reasons for using SharkBite fittings.
Don’ts:
| 1. | Want to know what is the recipe for plumbing disaster? Using a band saw or hacksaw to cut the pipe! So avoid using it at any cost. |
| 2. | Do not re-use push fittings because the O-ring inside has food-grade lubricant that gets wiped out when you disconnect, reinsert, or reuse the fitting. So we recommend you to avoid it or limit to use it two or three times. |
| 3. | Avoid sanding the copper pipe at any cost. We know that it is the easiest way to smoothen the edges, but we suggest you stop this practice because it will disrupt the pipe surface and compromise the seal. |
| 4. | Do not push fittings in systems with glycol because it might cause leakage in the glycol system using push fittings. It happens due to the lubricant’s reaction with glycol and leads to subsequent leakage. |
| 5. | Avoid using pipe glue, lubricants, tape, or thread sealants. These are unnecessary, so by using them, you are only compromising the connection. |
| 6. | Avoid using PEX-AL-PEX because it only works with CPVC, PEX, or copper pipe. We recommend you not to use it due to its properties and composition. |
| 7. | To protect from UV radiation, avoid installing them outdoors. If you do, then it will become brittle after few days of installation. |
| 8. | Do not use excessive force to cut the copper pipe because it will deform the metal and lose its original round shape. If it happens, then you will need more time to deburr it. |
Do’s:
| 1. | Always use PEX pipe cutter for PEX and copper pipe cutter for copper pipe. |
| 2. | While cutting the copper pipe, ensure the ring or the cutting blade is sharp. |
| 3. | The outer edge of the copper pipe should be deburred or reamed clean to reduce turbulence. If it gets reamed improperly or not reamed at all, then abrasive edges might cut the O-ring or lead to O-ring failure. |
| 4. | As per the instructions, make sure to insert the pipe into the fitting to a certain depth. If you fail to do so, it will leave room for leakage. |
| 5. | To assure a proper watertight seal and maintain a round shape of the PEX pipe, use PEX stiffener when you are using push fittings with PEX tubing. |
| 6. | Always use a disconnect clip to remove a push fitting. We recommend you avoid knives, screwdrivers, or any other tools because they might damage the fitting. |
| 7. | Make sure to firmly but properly remove a PEX stiffener (insert) from the push fitting. |
| 8. | Lastly, make sure to pressure test the installed push fittings before using them. It is mostly suggested to test with air for new systems. |
SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How long do SharkBite fittings last on copper?
If you follow the above steps carefully and install the SharkBite fittings correctly, then the fittings can last on copper for a very long time. Moreover, if you use it with SharkBite tubing, then it lasts for twenty-five years.
As we mentioned above, that if they are installed properly, there are chances for them to last for thirty to thirty-five years. HOW TO INSTALL SHARKBITE VALVE ON COPPER?
Awesome, right?
One more good thing is that PEX pipes carry a 25-year warranty, which is higher than any other company warranty period.
2. Can SharkBite joints survive the temperatures?
To be honest, professionals believe that SharkBite joints won’t hold up that well in cold temperatures. HOW TO INSTALL SHARKBITE VALVE ON COPPER?
In short, never allow the water system to freeze because if it does, then it will expand. Once it expands, it will create pressure that will exceed plumbing system pressure capabilities.
And the result?
It will burst the fittings and pipes!
3. Are SharkBite fittings reusable?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions, so let’s find out the answer.
Are they reusable..?
Well, yes, for the nth time. They can be reused for future purposes.
Our answer is not finished yet!
However, it should be reused for testing purposes. It is also said that if you repeatedly use any fitting for testing, then you should not use it for a permanent installation.
4. Do you need tools to connect SharkBite fittings?
No, SharkBite fittings do not require any specialized tools. But a SharkBite Deburr & Gauge Tool is a must for deburring and measuring the depth of the pipe.
OUR FINAL THOUGHTS
So that’s how you install a SharkBite Fitting onto your copper pipes. Well, it ain’t that tough! The only difficult part is when you need to measure and select the right size of fitting for the pipes. We have made things easier for you, so make sure to follow the steps carefully to connect and disconnect the fittings.
Good luck with the project!
Cheers!
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