Are Sharkbite Fittings Reliable? Things to Know!

Sharkbite fittings are getting increasingly popular, but they are not newcomers in the market. They have been around for more than 15 years. The bodies of SharkBite fittings contain an O-ring and a collet with metal teeth that grasp pipes or tubes. But people often get confused thinking, are sharkbite fittings reliable?

The International Plumbing Code and the Uniform Plumbing Code both permit SharkBite fittings for use in permanent structures. Thus they are very reliable even for long term usage.

So, if you are a plumber or just a DIY worker looking to use sharkbite fittings, we are here to help you with everything you need to know about this.

Are Sharkbite Fittings Reliable

sharkbite connectors reliable

You might be wondering, are sharkbite connectors reliable? There is a common misconception among users that Sharkbite fittings are only useful for temporary work. But, in reality, they are more than reliable for permanent fittings.

The all-purpose connector, SharkBite connectors, work on Copper, Pex, and CPVC. Many plumbers believe that push-fit fittings, such as sharkbite, may be utilized in all regions of pipework and are just as durable as soldering. There are many reasons which make sharkbite fittings reliable.

It can be used in concealed spaces

Many builders favor SharkBite because of its design, making it a trustworthy and secure option in hidden locations like basements and behind walls.

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IAPMO Tested

IAPMO, or The International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials, has approved the use of sharkbite fittings underground, which guarantees its reliability.

No or minimal Leaking

SharkBite fittings function by pressing teeth against pipe systems to create a rubber gasket that seals the joint. This establishes a connection and a waterproof seal. Therefore, there are relatively few risks of leakage.

Real-Time User Reviews

We have collected a few user reviews, which will further clear your confusion in understanding are sharkbite connectors reliable in the long run.

Positive Reviews

Now let’s see why these fittings have gained popularity with some happy user comments.

  • Chris Dacota – 5/5 – 5/08/2021

Plumbing has never been my strong suit, with the exception of simple tasks like mending a leaking pipe. In any case, when I discovered these SharkBite fittings, they completely changed the game. My main water shutoff gate valve was broken.

So why not utilize SharkBite fittings to change the primary cutoff if I was also going to use them for those other fixes? So I did, and everything turned out perfectly. The installation process was simple, I was able to save a few hundred bucks, and I couldn’t be happier.

  • Mark Johnson – 5/5 – 6/10/2022

Sharkbite fittings are the accepted methods for connecting copper and CPVC pipes. They are fast, simple, and dependable; if you use the measuring instrument to determine and label the pipe-insertion distance, there won’t be any leaks.

  • Lena Paul – 4/5 – 16/06/2022

Almost perfect, cutting one star for the cost. The cost could be less.

Any Downsides?

Despite its usefulness, some users do also have bad impressions regarding sharkbite fittings. Let’s find out why they are disappointed with these fittings-

  • Alex Franklin – 1/5 – 12/12/2020

These were purchased as a fast remedy for 1/2″ CPVC water pipes that were a little snug to install. Installing these items is by no means simple. There weren’t any carbide inserts in the pipe’s center part. However, inserting the pipe into each fitting side required all of my might.

  • Michel Starc – 3/5 – 16/11/2019

Excellent and simple to use. The price of this brand is the sole drawback when compared to other brands of similar quality.

Sharkbite fitting connections with different materials

Down below, we will look into how Sharkbite connections work with different types of material. This section will give you an idea of how reliable sharkbite plumbing fittings are on different types of materials.

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With Pex

Sharkbite bitting can work with pex but are sharkbite fittings reliable with pex? Sharkbite fitting with pex pipes is quite reliable. This fitment is long-lasting. The fittings are really covered by a 25-year warranty from SharkBite when used with SharkBite tubing.

With Copper

You already got an idea about the sharkbite fittings with pex, but how reliable are sharkbite fittings on the copper pipe? On copper pipes, SharkBites perform better than polymer quick-connects since the lead-free metal core is more pressure-tolerant and stiff, much like a pipe. A SharkBite fitting is a great option for home copper plumbing repairs or replacements.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long will SharkBite fittings last?

As long as the product has been fitted in compliance with the assembly guidelines and meets with municipal ordinances, SharkBite fittings and PEX pipe are covered by a 25-year warranty vs. any company’s fault.

Are SharkBite fittings good for the long term?

Yes, they are good for the long term and are tested and approved by IAPMO. But, they must be installed properly following the correct guidelines If you’d like Sharkbite fittings to stay perfect for a long time.

Do professionals use SharkBite fittings?

Sharkbite fittings are popular among licensed plumbers and contractors. In addition to SharkBite Universal’s flexibility, professionals who use it say the fittings are incredibly simple to use.

Do shark bites ever leak?

When installed properly, they don’t leak or only have extremely slight leaks. However, SharkBite fittings may leak for one of these causes, such as improperly deburring pipe before fitting or an improperly squared insertion cut.

Conclusion

As a plumber or DIY enthusiast, you cannot understand how effective Sharkbite fittings are actually before you use them. They are reliable, and according to the pros, they provide similar solidity as soldering. So if you are thinking, are sharkbite connectors good, you should have got your answer by now.

Sharkbite fittings are fairly new in the market, but due to their reliability, they are becoming a popular choice among contractors. So, if you are looking for a quick and reliable solution, especially for concealed areas, this is the way to go.

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