Plumbing Repairs With SharkBite Fittings

SharkBite fittings are a recent innovation in the plumbing industry that can solve problems and make many plumbing jobs easier for professional plumbers and do-it-yourselfers alike.  SharkBites are push-fit fittings that connect all types of plumbing pipes including copper, PEX, and CPVC.

SharkBites are an excellent alternative for homeowners who lack the skill necessary to sweat copper pipes.  Just cut the copper pipe to length and push it into the SharkBite fitting.  No need to fool around with flux, solder or a torch.  They work great for repairing a section of broken or leaky pipe or making minor modifications to your plumbing system.

Even a professional plumbers who are proud of their copper pipe sweating skills will find SharkBites to be a handy addition to the toolbox.  SharkBites work great when it is impossible to eliminate water from the pipe, in tight areas, or where using a torch would be unsafe.  Even a skilled plumber can have difficulty sweating a copper pipe that is full of water.

SharkBites are also very useful for easily connecting two types of pipe.  They make it easy to connect copper, PEX, and CPVC.  They are particularly useful for repairing or connecting old polybutylene pipe.

Polybutylene was taken off the market years ago due to its propensity to develop leaks.  In most cases, a repair consists of replacing the polybutylene pipe with copper or PEX, but sometimes it is necessary to splice in a section of pipe or to connect polybutylene with the new pipe.  SharkBite connectors make this job fast and easy.

Another advantage of SharkBites is that they are removeable which means they are especially suitable for temporary repairs or for use during kitchen and bathroom remodeling.  SharkBites are easy to remove without damaging the pipe and can be reused.