I have used them in fast repair situations and have even passed code on a couple applications. I’m curious to know what other plumbers out there think about them?
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These fittings are great for quick fixes, and very easy to use. They are good for small jobs, and can be installed quickly.I used Shark Bite fittings on a bath remodel copper can’t compete. The only thing is that they are expensive compaired to copper, but worth it.Saves on labor cost.
I carry Sharkbite fittings with me all the time. I agree they are a bit costly but well worth the cost. (also I have never had a leak) I mostly use them to quickly cap off supply lines. I can remove and re-use them a number of times and they do no damage to the copper and a compresion can easly put on after cabinets are installed. So I give SharkBite the thumbs up.
Shark bite fittings work well
I love Sharkbite fittings. I use them on all of my remodeling jobs. It’s much cleaner when you are changing a supply line in an existing cabinet or in really tight spaces!
They are great but yes expensive so for anying other than a few connections we still use old fashioned solder on
Our company uses Shark Bite fittings when needed. They are great for quick fixes and for situations when you may not be able to use a torch, or use a torch safely. They are more costly than standard copper fittings, but they are strong, reliable, and convenient. SO we say “YEA” to Shark Bites.
Shark bites can be a lifesaver if you’re a homeowner or a remodeler that’s in a jam.
I'm a licensed plumber and only use them in certain situations. Most of my jobs are installing new water heaters and I usually use a shark bite to temporarily cap off the line to keep the water from dripping on the new water heater. I then remove the shark bite and solder the copper.
I've had one bad experience with a Shark Bite on a remodel, one of the framers managed to knock off one of the temporary caps and it caused quite the mess. Most people don't realize how dangerous supply lines really are. When a supply line fails and nobody's home the house gets wrecked. I think that Shark Bites will work in 99% of situations but that one time they fail it will be costly.
Shark Bites also contain a chemical that is know by the State of California to cause cancer. Any contractors in California are required to convey the warning message below to the end user.
Proposition 65 Warning: This product contains chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Notice to Installer/Contractor: California law requires this notice be provided
to the consumer/end user of this productI say “Nea”!
ive seen shark bites used in bathroom remodels. Not from myself. I opened a wall to diagnose a leak and the shark bite was the culprit. I know, I know, they work quite well from what I hear but any old time plumber or a well trained journeyman would not even consider using them. They take the experience out of the trade. I’ve been plumbing for many years and I never been in a situation that the task at hand required me to give up and buy a shark bite. So they’re good for saving on labor costs. Wow! That’s a good reason to use them(sarcastic). I would not use them in my house, so I am not going to use them on somebody else’s home or business. That being said, if there are plumbers out there that would use them…more power to ya! I guess I will just keep doing it the way that takes time and effort(and expirience).
We use them all the time to cap supply lines after we cut off the valves during cabinet installation, but only until the countertops and sink goes in and new valves can be properly installed. They have saved our installation schedule a number of times because it is a quick temporary repair when the plumber can’t always get there right away. If you do use them, make sure you are on the phone with the other guy as he turns the water back on, because they will leak like crazy if improperly installed.
Yes I will use shark bites when i am in a bind and want a quick fix. I warranty all my work and have never had a call back on a leak fixed with shark bite fittings.
I only use sharkbite fittings for temporary purposes and in accessible locations . I’ve heard too many stories about sharkbite fittings failing inside a wall or ceiling. A good soldered or pex joint is the only way to go.
These fittings are great for quick fixes, and very easy to use. They are good for small jobs. we use them on a lot of plumbing lines and our service calls. They are very good product.
Great in a jam, but they’re quite expensive. For the home handyman with less confidence in plumbing, they can be a lifesaver. Keep in mind when using pex there is a plastic insert that goes inside the end of the pex tubing to prevent leaks(not needed with copper pipe). Sharkbite’s are great for exposed plumbing, under sinks, outdoor showers or in accessible basement/crawlspaces and mechanical rooms. I wouldn’t sleep well with one behind a finished sheetrock wall. I have used them myself often, but still prefer soldered copper fittings, and properly installed pex fittings. Good luck!
Andrew Fischer//BuildZoom
Shark bites are very unprofessional and in my personal opinion should only be used in an emergency. We don’t use them or even carry them on our trucks. Anything that pushes onto pipe and then freely spins is not a permanent fix.
Good for Temp. or Emergency Repair. I have used them, but then later I have always gone back and cut them out and replaced the problem area.
In my opinion real plumbers don’t use shark bites. They do have there advantages, for example temporarily capping a water line and transitioning from cpvc to pex, other then that I am not a fan. If a shark bite freezes I have seen them blow apart.