SharkBite fittings are becoming a familiar sight in the plumbing work of homes throughout the country. They have a unique design that is useful for many types of plumbing projects. Discover what SharkBite fittings are and why they are so good for plumbing work.
What Are SharkBite Fittings?
SharkBite fittings are connections used on bathroom and kitchen sinks, toilets, and other plumbing. They’re called SharkBites because of the metal teeth, or grips, inside the fitting. These teeth grasp a pipe, holding it securely within the connector. A SharkBite’s design also contains an O-ring. This ring serves as a seal against leaks. Tees, elbows, couplings, and ball valves are just a sampling of SharkBite fittings. These fittings are available in many sizes, so it’s easy to find one that suits the plumbing task.
Why Are SharkBite Fittings Good for Plumbing?
A growing number of plumbers use SharkBite fittings for household plumbing repairs and installation work. Durability is one reason SharkBite fittings are good for plumbing jobs. SharkBites have a sturdy brass construction. This material stands up to rust and corrosion. Also, these fittings can handle the varying water temperatures of household plumbing pipes. In addition, they are easily cleaned with soap and water. SharkBite fittings can last for 25 years when they’re paired with SharkBite tubing. Not surprisingly, they have a reputation for reliability in the plumbing industry.
Provide a Secure Fit
The design of a SharkBite fitting, particularly the metal teeth inside it, provides a secure fit for your pipes. A pipe must travel far enough into the fitting to allow the metal teeth to get a firm grip. If the pipe doesn’t go far enough into the fitting, it won’t be a secure connection. A SharkBite provides such a secure fit that it requires special tools to remove a pipe from the connector. One special removal tool is a small clip that fits over the pipe to assist in pulling off the SharkBite. Another special removal tool looks similar to pliers. This removal tool clamps onto the fitting, making it easier to disconnect the pipe. The manufacturers of SharkBite make these removal tools.
Reusable
The SharkBite is good for plumbing because it’s a reusable fitting. So, if a plumber takes apart bathroom or kitchen plumbing that includes a SharkBite, it’s ready for use on another project. This helps a plumber to avoid buying a new one for each project, and the savings can be passed on to you. Also, reusing fittings whenever possible is an environmentally friendly thing to do.
Ease Of Use
SharkBite fittings are designed to be easy for plumbers to use. In fact, they are aptly described as push-to-connect fittings. As long as the pipe reaches the proper depth inside the fitting, the connection will be secure. In fact, after some experience, a plumber using a SharkBite can feel the pipe lock into place. Plumbers use this technique to determine whether the SharkBite is in the right position. The end of a pipe should be smooth before it’s put into the SharkBite fitting. Some pipes have rough edges, also called burrs. Burrs can be a result of faulty manufacturing, damage from previous use, or the result of the pipe being cut to size. Sanding these rough edges is part of preparing a pipe for a SharkBite. A pipe with rough edges or that is dirty will not fit securely into a SharkBite.
Great For Temporary Fixes
A SharkBite fitting can still come in handy even if a plumber plans to solder a copper pipe. A SharkBite push cap can serve as a temporary fix for a leaking pipe. These caps come in a variety of sizes for household water pipes. This temporary fix gives a plumber time to prepare for soldering work while preventing a leaky pipe from causing damage. The cap can be easily removed and used in another project later.
A SharkBite Is Adjustable
A SharkBite fitting is still able to rotate even after installation. This means a plumber has some leeway when positioning a SharkBite. This comes in handy for projects like piping beneath a sink or behind a toilet.
No Soldering Necessary
Pushing a pipe into the SharkBite fitting is all that is necessary to make a secure connection. There is no soldering work involved. This is an advantage because the process of soldering requires several items, such as a blow torch, an acid brush, solder, a substance called flux, and safety gear. The professional first needs to apply flux. Flux is used to clean the pipe as well as to cause the solder to flow more uniformly over the plumbing. Safety gear is worn because flux can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues. The plumber then expertly uses a blowtorch and solder to create a secure connection. Using a SharkBite, rather than soldering, saves time and hassle. Another advantage of using a SharkBite is that no open flame or hot metal is involved. The fittings don’t require soldering, so there’s no fire hazard. Alternatively, the soldering process does come with the risk of starting a fire if not done in the right way. Finally, unlike a SharkBite fitting, it’s not possible to rotate or adjust a soldered pipe to fit into a plumbing arrangement. If a position change is necessary, the soldered pipe has to be cut or desoldered so that the plumber can start over. This is a costly and time-consuming process.
Compatible With Pipes Made Of Different material
SharkBite fittings are good for plumbing work because they’re compatible with pipes made of different materials. They are compatible with copper, CPVC, and PEX pipes. This makes SharkBite fittings an ideal choice for many types of plumbing repairs and installations.
Why It’s Best To Call a Professional For All Of Your Plumbing Work
Whether a project involves SharkBite fittings or any other component, it’s best to leave the work to a professional plumber. A plumber has the training and experience to determine what type and size fitting will work for a project. Furthermore, a plumber has the tools necessary to get the work done in a timely, efficient way. A botched DIY plumbing job can cost you a lot of money and make a huge mess. Having a professional plumber do the work also allows you to have confidence in the completed project.
Rely On Our Team Of Professional Plumbers
At Beach Plumbing in Cypress, we’ve been performing reliable household plumbing repair work for thirty years and counting! From a leaky pipe under a bathroom sink to whole home repiping, our trained plumbers are up to the task. Plus, we install faucets, sinks, and toilets. In addition, we are trusted by our customers to provide quality water heater repair and replacement work as well as water filtration systems. We have traditional and tankless water heater models if you’re interested in a new water heater. Our expert plumbers can help you determine the most suitable type of water heater or filtration system for your household. For dependable plumbing work of all kinds, contact our team at Beach Plumbing in Cypress to schedule an appointment today!