Sharkbite is quite well known for its easy-to-connect fittings. They’re called the pioneer of push-to-connect fittings. The process of connecting sharkbite galvanized to PEX is pretty simple. But, it’s only common that someone might not know how to use them.
But today, we will answer this question for you!
How to connect sharkbite galvanized to PEX?
First, you need to cut the PEX pipe completely straight. The edges of where you cut just now should be sharp. Smoothen out those edges using utility knives. Then insert the pipe all the way to the O-ring. Now, insert a slip ring and make sure everything is in position and you’ll be good to go.
This is just a brief description of attaching the fitting. We offer a comprehensive guide on fittings.
Interested in knowing more? Read the whole article!
What Do You Need To Use And Where Can You Use Sharkbite Fittings?
PEX has dominated the plumbing industry for the past several years. Because PEX has made plumbing easier than most other pipes. Sharkbite fittings have been in use for almost two decades. Their easy-to-connect settings simplify the way of plumbing.
Now all you have to do is cut the pipe and install the fitting. Then just lay back since your joint is now leak-free.
You don’t need any soldering skills or any experience with crimping tools. But, push fitting requires a minimum amount of knowledge before installing them.
You can use sharkbite fittings on copper, PEX, and some types of PVC pipes. You may also use the same fitting to transition from either of these three.
Sharkbite may be used in walls and on the ground, whether exposed or not.
How To Install A Sharkbite Fitting On A PEX Pipe Properly?- 3 Quick Steps
Installing a sharkbite fitting on PEX isn’t that tricky. It’s quite similar to how you would cap galvanized pipes. All you have to do is keep a few things in mind.
The first factor you should check is whether the fitting is clean. Before you unpack the fitting, you need to keep the fittings in a sealed container. Check for any leaks inside the fitting. Or else the debris inside can cause leaks.
Once you’ve checked everything, it’s time to start the fitting process. We’ve explained the fitting process in detail below. Follow the whole process step-by-step, and you won’t face any problems.
Also, if you can, you can pressure test your PEX lines once you’re done with installing.
Tools Required
Before you begin, gather everything you need for the job. Here are the tools that you’d need-
- Rotary cutter/blade cutter
- Deeper
- Utility knife
- Depth gauge tool
- Go/no-go gauge
- Clip ring
Got all the tools? Now let’s get started!
Step 1 of 3: Cutting The Pipe
The PEX pipe needs to be cut perfectly straight. A rotary cutter or a blade-like cutter will suffice. You cannot use a hacksaw or any other instrument for this task.
You need to prepare the pipe after it’s been cut. There will be a sharp edge after you cut the pipe. Smoothen out those edges in order to prevent leaking.
To remove the outside sharp edge, use a gadget called the deeper. As for the inside sharp edge, use a utility knife.
Step 2 of 3: Preparing The PEX Pipe
Label the insertion level on the line once it has been cut. To allow the o-ring to do its work correctly, the pipe must be fully installed.
You may mark the pipe’s depth with a depth gauge tool. You can also visit the sharkbite website for the proper measurement.
Step 3 of 3: Making The Connection
After preparing the pipe, you need to insert a clip ring into the pipe. It should reach the fitting shoulder or the mark you gave before installing.
Now position the crimp or clamp rings one-eight inches or one-quarter inch from the fitting shoulder. This will guarantee that the clip ring is placed exactly over the fitting’s barbs. Now your sharkbite fitting is all set.
You can test the position by using a go/no-go gauge. Here’s a list of some of them-
| Product 1 | |
| Product 2 |
These are products worth mentioning. You certainly won’t be disappointed by them!
The Benefits Of Using Sharkbite Galvanized To PEX
The simplicity of this system compared to other ones is notable. Don’t worry even if you’re new to this. This process is a piece of cake. Unlike soldering, which could take months to master.
After they’ve been fitted, sharkbite connectors can still be rotated. If you really need to alter something in the system, you can do it quickly. There won’t be any extra hassle.
The cost of Sharkbite fittings is also very reasonable. It is cheaper compared to any other plumbing system. The transition from one pipe to another is also very easy.
If you have a leaky water pipe, you can use sharkbite fittings. These fittings stay sturdy even if they get wet. You should still know how to fix PEX pipe leaks if you can’t use sharkbite in case.
The Risks Of Using Sharkbite
Sharkbite has a concerning point of being reliable or not. This is primarily due to leak complaints. If you have a water well, there might be some problem related to leaking. You should be careful so that the pipe doesn’t get contaminated.
You may be able to reuse your Sharkbite fittings to some extent, but only to that extent. After the pipe’s inserted, the o-ring within the fitting is greased to prevent it from rolling.
This lubricant, however, wears off after four to five uses. This could possibly let the oil come out and cause a leak. A lot of people prefer Compression over Sharkbite. You can use compression as well if you want.
FAQs
Question: How do you connect galvanized pipes without threads to PEX?
Answer: To eliminate rust issues, use a stainless steel coupler. A coupler joins two pieces of unthreaded galvanized tubing. When connecting non-threaded galvanized pipes, a coupler is used to form a sealed junction.
Question: Do Sharkbite fittings have a tendency to leak?
Answer: Sharkbite fittings are intended to produce a watertight seal. If a Sharkbite fitting leaks, check to determine if the line is properly attached to the fitting. If the connection is proper there should not be any leaking.
Question: Why do plumbers not like Sharkbite?
Answer: Sharkbite works better than plastic quick-connect on copper and PEX pipes. The reason for this is that the leadless brass body is stiff. The pressure balancing tolerance of these pipes is greater. Many plumbers do not recommend Sharkbite but it is the easiest way of plumbing.
Question: Why do you plumbers consider PEX plumbing to be bad?
Answer: The possibility of chemical leaching is one of the major disadvantages of using PEX pipes. PEX pipes can leach toxic chemicals that include MTBE, Bisphenol (BPA), tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA), and others. The chemical properties of the pipeline is the cause of this chemical leaching.
Conclusion
This is how you can attach sharkbite galvanized to pex. We hope the additional information helps you too.
To achieve the best results, make sure to follow the directions to the letter.
Good Luck!