PEX

As the deep winter freeze arrives, frozen or burst pipes can become prevalent. Dealing with an unexpected leak is the last thing anyone wants to tackle in the middle of a busy season; but if it happens, there’s a quick solution to restoring ruptured pipes with no specialty tools, soldering, crimping or glue required: SharkBite push-to-connect slip and transition fittings. 

“SharkBite gives you a wide range of slip fittings and valves to repair burst copper or CPVC pipes quickly,” said Michael Kornegay, SharkBite Product Manager. “Up to two inches of damaged pipe can be removed using a single fitting, even in wet lines, and a drain valve can be easily added to prevent future freezing.”

Ideal for working with multiple pipe types and in tight spaces, SharkBite’s Brass Push transition fittings can be installed in wet lines and can transition between pipe types, including PEX, copper, CPVC, PVC, polybutylene, HDPE and PE-RT pipes, making them one of the most versatile solutions.  

“SharkBite’s push-to-connect transition fittings come with color-coordinated collars for each specific pipe material,” Kornegay continued. “The tool-free transition fittings allow for quick and easy repair of copper pinhole leaks and replacement of brittle polybutylene pipe or broken CPVC.” 

Since pipes are at a higher risk of freezing and bursting in the winter, it pays to have a solution like SharkBite’s push-to-connect slip and transition fittings handy for a quick fix. Follow these steps to get the job done fast: 

1. Cut the pipe cleanly – Be sure the pipe is clean of scratches or debris. If working with copper pipe, use a deburr tool or sandpaper to remove any sharp edges or burrs. 
2. Measure and mark the insertion depth – Use SharkBite’s Deburr & Gauge Tool to mark the insertion depth on the damaged pipe. 
3. Make the connection – Push the fitting to the insertion marks. Then, turn on the water and check the connection.

The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI), has published a new recommendation related to the direct connection of plastic piping materials CPVC, PE-RT, PEX, and PP to tankless water heaters.

Available on PPI’s website, PPI Recommendation H Direct Connection of Plastic Piping Materials to Tankless Water Heaters for Domestic (i.e. residential) Applications provides clear guidance on the question of direct connection of these piping materials to tankless water heaters. PPI is the major trade association representing the plastic pipe industry.

“PPI Recommendation H answers questions which plumbers and builders have been asking about whether it is appropriate for plastic pressure pipe materials to connect directly to the cold-water inlet and hot-water outlet of domestic tankless water heaters, without the use of metallic flex connectors. Based on our research, these direct connections are usually acceptable,” explained Lance MacNevin, P. Eng., director of engineering for PPI’s Building & Construction Division.

“To help answer this question, PPI and our members researched Canadian and US model plumbing codes,” he continued, “reviewed the published literature on dozens of tankless water heaters, and confirmed the recommendations of plastic piping system manufacturers. Based on the proven high-temperature capabilities of these piping materials and the relatively consistent water temperature control of modern tankless water heaters, there is no technical reason to prohibit direct connections. Of course, installers must follow local code requirements and the manufacturer installation instructions.”

“As stated in Recommendation H: Piping systems using the materials CPVC, PE-RT, PEX, and PP, which carry a pressure rating of 100 psi at 180°F (690 kPa @ 82°C), and which are intended and certified for hot and cold potable water distribution systems according to industry standards and relevant codes, may be connected directly to tankless water heaters which are intended for domestic (i.e. residential) applications, unless prohibited by local plumbing code or the specific water heater manufacturer.”

According to PPI President David Fink, “The research on this topic was prompted by an inquiry from a major builders group. The rapid development of Recommendation H demonstrates the ability of PPI members to collaborate and respond quickly to industry questions about responsible usage of plastic piping materials.”

Published on PPI’s website directly at recommendation-h-direct-connection-tankless, Recommendation H is one of several PPI documents related to the design and installation of pressure pipe materials for plumbing and mechanical applications, which are all published as a service to the industry. Additional information about PPI’s Building & Construction Division can be found at plasticpipe.org/building-construction/index.html.

Some brands become so popular people begin to refer to all products in the category by that name, such as Kleenex or Band-Aid.

Similarly, push-to-connect fittings weren’t quite as popular as they are today until Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC) introduced them to the U.S. market nearly 20 years ago. It revolutionized the category and made the work of contractors and plumbers quicker, more efficient and more reliable. Now, SharkBite brass push fittings are the industry standard for push-to-connect plumbing— so much so that some people refer to fittings from other brands as SharkBite.

SharkBite’s Journey to the U.S.

After seeing the success of its push-to-connect fittings in Australia, water control and plumbing solutions manufacturer RWC introduced the fittings in the U.S. market as the SharkBite push-to-connect plumbing system in 2004. Today, SharkBite has become so popular that it is estimated a fitting connection is made every 2.5 seconds, according to the manufacturer’s data.

Fittings That Pushed the Boundaries of Plumbing Tech

Before push-to-connect technology, plumbers could only rely on soldering, gluing or using a specialized tool to connect pipes. These methods are sufficient in some cases but can be challenging when transitioning between different pipe types or installing in tight spaces.

To address these issues, SharkBite designed its push-to-connect fittings to connect different pipe types such as PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT and HDPE in tight spaces without special tools, crimps, glue or soldering.

Further Advancing Push-to-connect Technology

With SharkBite’s success, especially as a solution for emergency repairs and pipe transitions, RWC continued to build upon its innovations in push-to-connect technology:

• SharkBite introduced its own brand of durable yet flexible PEX pipe into North America. The pipe enables quicker leak repairs compared to rigid copper pipe and is often quicker to install in tight spaces.
• The company launched 1-1/4 in., 1-1/2 in. and 2 in. SharkBite fittings, which gives contractors who work on commercial projects the ability to work quicker using push-to-connect technology.
• SharkBite launched EvoPEX fittings. The groundbreaking PEX-only fitting system for meter-to-fixture installation allows for faster and more reliable installations on new construction jobsites.

A Connection You Can Trust

Plumbers can trust the secure fit of a push-to-connect fitting thanks to its tight-sealing o-ring, pipe-locking stainless steel grab ring and corrosion-resistant brass body. All of its parts work together to make a 3-second connection long-lasting, and the fittings require no tools, can be connected in wet lines and are compatible with multiple types of pipe.

SharkBite’s Legacy

Every new product SharkBite introduces is created to empower contractors to work smarter, not harder. By reducing installation times, SharkBite gives contractors time back that they can spend on parts of their job that require more resources, like growing their business and investing in their workforce.

Michael Kornegay is the SharkBite product manager at RWC — a market leader and manufacturer of water control systems and plumbing solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications.