Written by Chris Carrier, RWC Senior Marketing Director The shortage of plumbers our industry is dealing with has become so serious, it’s making headlines in the business world. An article in Bloomberg Businessweek’s March 2024 issue puts the problem in a national context: “America’s Plumber Deficit Isn’t Good for the Economy.” The article elaborates with a slew of Read more
Sharkbite
Written by Chris Carrier, RWC Senior Marketing Director
The shortage of plumbers our industry is dealing with has become so serious, it’s making headlines in the business world. An article in Bloomberg Businessweek’s March 2024 issue puts the problem in a national context: “America’s Plumber Deficit Isn’t Good for the Economy.” The article elaborates with a slew of stats that back up this subheading: “Young people are shunning an occupation that’s physically demanding and sometimes dirty, though well paid.
While the labor shortage isn’t new to those who have been in the industry long, it’s worth exploring the main cause of it and ways to get more people into the trade right now.
Understanding the plumbing recruitment crisis: The age factor
Age plays two roles in the plumber shortage. A large portion of the current plumbing workforce is nearing retirement age, and recruiting young people into plumbing is proving difficult. Although the recruitment pipeline is leaking at both ends, the jobs are there for the taking, with plenty of new opportunities opening. The latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects there will be nearly 43,000 job openings for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters each year through 2032. These jobs mostly result from the need to replace workers who retire, change occupations or leave the workforce.
Knowing plumbing is one of the steadiest industries, how can plumbing business owners stay staffed with good plumbers? The truth is that it’s going to take some convincing.
Images courtesy of SharkBite Plumbing Solutions.
Repairing the leaky recruitment pipeline through education
If you run a plumbing company, the most concerning consequence of the labor shortage is the challenge of keeping enough good plumbers on your team. In the skilled trades, recruiting hinges on educating recruits. Raising awareness of opportunities is foundational. Many young Americans are simply unaware of the specialty options, job security and earning potential in plumbing. As an industry, we must invest more resources in promoting the plumbing profession. Just ask Mark Brown, a Philadelphia high school plumbing program instructor.
“There are so many people in our country who struggle with finding a suitable career path for them, and I believe it’s due to lack of exposure to career choices such as plumbing,” Brown said. After telling young people an opportunity exists, we need to convince them to explore it. To be persuasive, explain why plumbing is an excellent career option. Then dispel the myths and be open and truthful about the hard parts. Any recruiting efforts—whether joint or solo, online, printed or spoken—should start by selling the benefits, including:
Clint McCannon owns Cannon Plumbing in Braselton, Georgia.
Job security and stability
When you need a plumber, it’s rarely optional. Plumbing is an essential service with consistent demand, providing long-term job security and protection against economic downturns. For example, when the COVID pandemic put millions out of work, plumbers stayed on the job with a steady income.
“I was really nervous when COVID hit,” said Clint McCannon, owner of Cannon Plumbing in Braselton, Georgia. “I didn’t know what was going to happen. Our numbers were up over 35%, and it didn’t slow down. It sped up. Even when the economy is going down, if it’s something they can’t handle on their own, they’re going to call you.”
Given the plumber shortage, it’s highly unlikely that this career benefit will change anytime soon. Even as technological advances disrupt other trades, in plumbing, new technology tends to make the work easier rather than displacing the workers.
High earning potential
Plumbers enjoy competitive wages, and many have opportunities for overtime and bonuses. Their extent varies depending on the employer and specific job role. Even without pursuing overtime or bonuses, plumbers can enjoy a financially rewarding career free from the burden of student debt.
A high school diploma or equivalent is the standard education requirement for starting paid training or trade school. The BLS lists the 2023 median pay at $61,550 per year ($29.59 per hour), up from $60,090 in 2022 ($28.89 per hour), with plumbers at the high end of the spectrum earning a six-figure salary.
Geography greatly influences earnings, with average wages varying by state, based partly on the cost of living. According to Consumer Affairs, Illinois ranks highest with an annual average wage of $88,000, while Arkansas is at the bottom with plumbers earning $47,000 on average. Nationally, the top 10% of wage earners made more than $101,000 annually, and industry wages have been climbing steadily since at least 2012.
Paid training as an apprentice plumber
You don’t need any prior experience to start training to become a plumber, and once you apply for and secure an apprenticeship, it’s paid training on the job. Vocational-technical schools and unpaid pre-apprenticeships are the most common routes people take before getting on-the-job experience.
Choosing a paid plumbing apprenticeship over attending college with an unpaid internship can be a game-changer. With an apprenticeship, you’re earning money from day one while learning a valuable trade, rather than racking up student debt. You earn hands-on experience, real-world problem-solving skills and a direct path to a rewarding career in a high-demand field.
Apprenticeships also provide a structured learning environment where mentors are invested in your success, ensuring you gain both practical knowledge and industry credentials. For anyone looking to build a stable and prosperous future without the financial burden of college, a paid apprenticeship offers a practical and lucrative track.
Leslie McGlenen owns Pipe Wench Plumbing & Heating.
Career advancement opportunities
The plumbing profession also offers clear pathways for advancement, including opportunities to become a well-paid master plumber, start your own business or move into management roles. After finishing a plumbing apprenticeship, career advancement in the U.S. plumbing industry typically follows a structured path.
First, you become a journeyman plumber, gaining more responsibilities and independence. With experience and further certification, you can advance to a master plumber, which opens doors to higher-paying jobs and leadership roles. Any apprentice can become a master in this trade if they’re dedicated, and it pays to work your way up. An HR technology company called PayScale reports that in 2023, the median pay of a master plumber went up to $82,700—a jump of 21% from 2022.
Some plumbers eventually become contractors or specialize in areas like pipefitting, leading to even more career opportunities. Some of the most profitable plumbing businesses are owned or managed by plumbers who started as apprentices. Lesley McGlenen owns and operates Pipe Wench Plumbing & Heating in British Columbia, Canada.
“I got a lot of experience as a young apprentice,” she said. “Most of the time, I was the only apprentice at this company, so I got to work under three skilled journeymen who did different parts of the job. Depending on who I was working under, I learned different techniques.”
Successful franchise owners like Lesley can expand their businesses, creating a comfortable income and good jobs.
Kim Yeagley owns Gold Canyon Plumbing in Gold Canyon, Arizona.
Job satisfaction and community impact
Plumbers play a vital role in maintaining public health and safety. Being an essential part of your community’s workforce provides a sense of pride and fulfillment for those who appreciate making a tangible difference in people’s lives, homes and workplaces.
“When you leave, you’ve fixed their problem, you’ve made their day. That’s a good feeling inside,” said Kim Yeagley, owner of Gold Canyon Plumbing in Gold Canyon, Arizona. Despite the occasional dirty conditions, the satisfaction of solving problems and providing essential services to your community is genuinely rewarding. And like other skilled trades, plumbers take pride in their craftsmanship and enjoy building something from scratch. As a plumber, you can also choose to prioritize family and personal time.
“I don’t live to work. I work to live,” said Russel Sweeney, owner of Sweeney Remodeling and Plumbing in Jacksonville, Florida. “Through the years, I’ve learned that there is a necessity for work-life balance.”
Flushing fears and reconfiguring perceptions of plumbing
While there are many benefits in plumbing, there are still a lot of misconceptions and valid concerns that must be addressed in recruitment, including:
Physical demands
Don’t sugarcoat it. Plumbing is physically strenuous, often involving heavy lifting, strong tool work, awkward positions and repetitive movements. But desk jobs aren’t for everyone either. Plumbing can be a great career fit for people who love working with their hands. Former plumbing apprentice Anna Pearson said an office job just wouldn’t suit her.
“Forty hours out of my life every single week, being stuck in a cubicle, it’s just my actual nightmare,” she said.
Modern equipment helps with the physically challenging aspects. Advancements in technology and tools have made most tasks easier and more efficient than in decades past. For example, push fittings like SharkBite Max make it easy for new plumbers to start repairing and reconfiguring pipes with minimal instruction, performing smaller jobs in just minutes. They also help plumbers get in and out of tight or uncomfortable spaces more quickly so they can put minimal strain on their bodies.
Russel Sweeney owns Sweeney Remodeling and Plumbing in Jacksonville, Florida.
Safety and working conditions
The job sometimes involves working in dirty and confined environments, which can be unappealing or seen as hazardous. Fortunately, plumbers of all types get paid to earn comprehensive safety training through their certifications that prepare them to handle potentially dangerous job site situations safely. Plus, safe working conditions are required by law. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces federally mandated safety standards that plumbing employers must comply with, which apply to both service and commercial plumbers. Employers provide all the necessary protective gear and equipment to ensure safety and comfort on tough jobs, including water-proof gloves, knee pads, safety glasses, hard hats and respirators.
Serious injuries are very rare for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters. Nonfatal injuries are also exceptionally rare for both residential plumbers and commercial plumbers who work on new builds, even though working in people’s homes is generally considered safer than plumbing on a construction site. In 2022, BLS data shows that out of 865 reported fall injuries, including slips and trips, only 27 involved plumbers (3%). The BLS lumped plumbers in with HVAC contractors. This group had no reported injuries that year from exposures to harmful substances or environments, and no injuries caused by contact with objects or equipment.
Social stigma and perception
The reality is that many college graduates have student debt and still earn less than the plumber they call to fix their toilet, but there’s a strong societal push toward college degrees in high school, leading many young people to overlook the trades as they’re considering a career path. In the absence of hard facts, students often view trades like plumbing as a less prestigious career compared to white-collar jobs.
However, plumbers earn competitive salaries with excellent job security because they’re essential to our homes, businesses and critical infrastructure. Remind recruits that this trade offers opportunities for entrepreneurship and a stable, upward career path, with the added satisfaction of helping people every day. Another perk is that you can live almost anywhere and still have excellent job prospects.
Job security concerns
Some mistakenly perceive plumbing as less stable compared to careers in rapidly growing tech and service sectors where layoffs are actually far more common. Layoffs are very rare in plumbing, even during recessions, and the labor shortage shows that’s unlikely to shift.
“It’s a very recession-proof job,” Sweeney said. Research firm IBISWorld reports that “constant demand keeps direct competition low.” Industry analysts expect a steady demand for plumbing services in new construction, and IBISWorld states that “refurbishment and maintenance of aging plumbing systems have remained steady streams of income for independent plumbers and companies alike. This will not change in the near future.”
If you encounter stability concerns as you do outreach, set the record straight and back it up with facts. The U.S. Department of Labor provides a helpful resource with its Occupational Outlook Handbook for Plumbers, Pipefitters and Steamfitters. This periodically updated handbook answers every question a plumbing recruit is likely to ask.
Training requirements
Extensive apprenticeships and on-the-job training can deter those looking to enter the workforce quickly. Plumbing apprenticeships can indeed last up to 5 years, but they allow you to earn a living while gaining hands-on experience in the field, providing valuable training without the high costs of a traditional degree.
Another option is vocational-technical programs that fast-track your plumbing career, offering practical skills, recognized certifications and employment immediately after graduating.
Mark Brown, a Philadelphia high school plumbing program instructor.
Take advantage of the facts
Whether it’s educational social media videos, partnering with trade schools or hosting open- house demonstrations in your community—whichever format, strategy or platform you choose for your recruiting efforts—take a fact-based approach. Reality is your ally in persuasion. With excellent job prospects and rising pay, it’s a great time to join the plumbing profession, and having the facts on your side can make recruiting a little easier. Take it from Pearson.
“I researched it for a few days, I saw nothing but good things,” the former plumbing apprentice said. “And so, I decided to go ahead and take the plunge.”
Known as quick-connect, push-on or push-fit, these breakthrough plumbing products are often at the center of plucky online debates. Since entering the U.S. plumbing market in 2004, the design and technology of push-to-connect fittings have revolutionized the industry as a quick, reliable, tool-free solution for connecting small potable water pipes. Driven by feedback from plumbers Read more
Known as quick-connect, push-on or push-fit, these breakthrough plumbing products are often at the center of plucky online debates. Since entering the U.S. plumbing market in 2004, the design and technology of push-to-connect fittings have revolutionized the industry as a quick, reliable, tool-free solution for connecting small potable water pipes. Driven by feedback from plumbers, this product class has evolved robust designs made of materials like rubber, silicon, brass and stainless steel, incorporating key components such as o-ring seals and gripping mechanisms.
But are they best used only as a temporary fix as some users claim, or can you count on them for a variety of long-term uses? We let the facts flow freely so you can make an informed decision on whether to give these fittings a try.
Rapid Adoption and Evolution
Two decades of innovation have made push-to-connect fittings indispensable for applications ranging from residential plumbing to advanced manufacturing. The most common uses are in residential service and repair, including some new builds. They went through a lead-free transition to newer models that are stronger and more durable, accelerating adoption further.
The American-made SharkBite Max model sets the industry standard with a stainless-steel retainer around the outside and a pressure rating of 250 psi. This doubled the burst pressure limit of the original model, the most popular push-to-connect fitting. A deeper insertion depth allows the new model’s steel teeth to engage the pipe more effectively, creating a stronger connection that eliminates the need for an interior tube liner.
Primary Benefits and Advantages of Push-to-Connect Fittings
Using push-on fittings means shorter installation times, fewer errors to correct, and easy, versatile disconnections and reconfigurations. No soldering, crimping, glue or special tools are needed for installation. Unlike conventional approaches, the pipe doesn’t need to be dry before making a connection. Water can be pouring out of a pipe and these fittings can still be quickly connected without a tool, even in a tight space, making them an excellent option for pipe repairs.
Knowing leaks and pipe aging are inevitable, it’s a good practice to keep some push-fit fittings handy. If it’s a failed joint pinhole leak, a push-to-connect fitting can be a fast, reliable and inexpensive solution, especially in areas where pipes are prone to freezing and bursting.
Other strengths of today’s push-fit models include:
- Perfect for transitioning between pipe materials, including copper, PVC, PEX, CPVC, PE-RT and HDPE (SDR-9)
- Fitting rotates around the pipe even after it’s connected
- Strong manufacturer warranties (SharkBite Max warranty is 25 years)
- Code approved to be buried underground (when wrapped in silicone tape) or installed behind walls
- Compliant with all regulatory changes
The simplicity and efficiency of push fittings have streamlined a handful of core plumbing tasks and even helped address labor shortages by making it easier to get new plumbers out in the field performing repairs quickly. They’ve also made basic and emergency plumbing repairs accessible to DIYers. However, despite their versatility, they’re not ideal for every situation.
Drawbacks, Limitations and Criticisms
Push fittings must be used in the right way to capitalize on their advantages. In the rare case when there’s a problem, installing them improperly or in a spot they’re not designed for is almost always the cause. By keeping a few points in mind, you can make the right decision every time on when and where to use them.
Here are the main things to consider for a smooth experience:
Initial Cost: The best push-to-connect fittings can be a bit pricier than soldering or crimping. You’ll save big on labor installing them faster, but the upfront cost per fitting can be higher.
Compatibility Limits: While leading push-fit fittings are compatible with almost all pipe types, they don’t work with everything, like galvanized steel or flexible hoses. And they still require specific fittings for certain transitions, like polybutylene to CTS tubing. This adds a step to some jobs and possibly to inventory management.
Not for All Applications: Standard push fittings are certified for potable water and radiant heating installations, limiting their use in industrial plumbing. Exceeding the certified limits (250 psi and 200°F for Max fittings) can lead to failures, so they’re not suitable for all high-pressure or high-temperature applications.
Designed for Single Use: While push-to-connect fittings can be removed if you need to adjust or test, they’re not designed to be reused multiple times in permanent installations. The integrity of the seal may be compromised with repeated removal and reinsertion.
Spotting Leaks: All push-to-connect fittings rely on o-rings for sealing. If the fitting isn’t installed correctly — such as failing to deburr the pipe — or gets jarred out of place inadvertently, the o-ring can get damaged, potentially leading to leaks. Although rare, leaks inside the fitting can be tougher to spot, so they might not be noticed immediately.
You’re best off choosing manufacturers that are transparent about the materials they use in their fittings, especially the o-rings since they keep the seal. For example, SharkBite Max o-rings are made of a specific type of rubber called EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), chosen for its durability, flexibility and chemical resistance:
- EPDM is known for its resistance to aging and degradation, making it suitable for long-term plumbing applications
- It maintains its flexibility even at lower temperatures, ensuring a good seal
- EPDM is specifically selected for its resistance to chloramine, a disinfectant chemical often added to municipal water
Of these concerns, leaks are the most hotly debated. Some professionals still hesitate to use push-to-connect fittings behind walls because of concerns about long-term reliability and potential hidden leaks. But after two decades of continuous improvement and in-wall use by plumbers in homes and other buildings across America, these isolated instances can always be traced back to user error. Common causes of fitting failure include:
- Pipe that is unevenly cut, not deburred or not free of debris, potentially preventing a secure seal
- Using the wrong fitting for the wrong application
- Not marking the insertion depth to ensure that you pushed the pipe all the way into the fitting
- Not wrapping fittings in silicone tape that protects it from soil contaminants
- Rough or repeated disconnection
When it comes to quality, the widespread adoption of push-to-connect fittings speaks for itself. But don’t take anyone’s word for it. Test them out for yourself and you’ll see why they’ve become so popular with pros everywhere.
Plumbers Shape the Evolution of Push-to-Connect Technology
You can play a role in shaping this product’s evolution by sharing your thoughts and experiences directly with manufacturers. The best way to help drive the evolution of plumbing technology is for plumbers of all skill levels to share and connect online—post product reviews and reach out with comments and questions on social media or through company websites. Equipment manufacturers can serve you best when they hear from you often, and the most innovative tend to be more responsive to feedback.
Some manufacturers have employees who will share free resources like training materials and demonstrations to help plumbers integrate their game-changing products. If you ask nicely, they might even send someone to walk the job site with you when they can. Dropping the company a line on your favorite social channel is a great way to make another connection that’s built to last.
Written by Matt Glenn, senior product manager at RWC, a market leader and manufacturer of water control systems and plumbing solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications.
SharkBite Forges a Powerful New Collaboration with Women in Plumbing & Piping (WiPP) In a move that underscores its commitment to diversity and innovation, SharkBite has entered a seminal partnership with Women in Plumbing & Piping (WiPP). SharkBite’s latest venture into progressive plumbing partnerships heralds a concerted effort to reshape the plumbing industry’s landscape, emphasizing Read more
SharkBite Forges a Powerful New Collaboration with Women in Plumbing & Piping (WiPP)
In a move that underscores its commitment to diversity and innovation, SharkBite has entered a seminal partnership with Women in Plumbing & Piping (WiPP). SharkBite’s latest venture into progressive plumbing partnerships heralds a concerted effort to reshape the plumbing industry’s landscape, emphasizing the critical role of women in its collective future.
Women in Plumbing & Piping has publicly embraced a synergistic relationship with SharkBite, a brand at the vanguard of plumbing innovation. As a founding sponsor of the organization, SharkBite’s new alliance with WiPP exemplifies a shared resolve to foster inclusivity and diversity within the plumbing and piping sectors, especially when it comes to gender.
With an eye toward the future, WiPP and SharkBite envision 2024 as a springboard for engendering new prospects for plumbing enterprises and aspiring women in this essential and financially rewarding trade, which is brimming with opportunities for progression and specialization.
“At this juncture, our engagement with Women in Plumbing & Piping marks a pivotal chapter in our journey,” stated Chris Carrier, senior director of marketing at Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC), where SharkBite is a leading brand and business unit. “Considering the current representation of women, a mere 1.1%, in the plumbing workforce, it is crucial that we champion the cause of women’s empowerment and their advancement on a national scale. Our collaboration with WiPP is not just an industry investment; it’s also a stepping stone for women already within the trade to prosper and excel in their careers.”
WiPP’s four foundational tenets—Mentorship, Education, Recognition, and Networking—provide the infrastructure to profoundly influence the professional lives of countless women in plumbing and piping.
Kim Gill, the Executive Director of WiPP, expressed her enthusiasm. “We are delighted to welcome SharkBite as a sponsor of WiPP. Their commitment to plumbing innovation aligns seamlessly with our mission to bring the plumbing and piping industries to new levels of excellence,” said Gill. “Together, we will continue to address workforce shortages, empower women and drive positive change.”
The partnerships WiPP forges are steeped in mutual trust, transparency, and a dedication to shared objectives, fueling expansion and outreach to a variety of communities.
Strategic Alliance with WiPP Spearheads Empowerment and Industry Excellence
A relatively new and already impactful player in the U.S. plumbing arena, established in 2022, Women in Plumbing & Piping is a nonprofit entity, conceived by forward-thinking women committed to cultivating a dynamic community for their peers in the industry. WiPP champions the vital contributions of women, acknowledging their role as an integral force in sculpting the trades’ future. Based in suburban Denver, Colorado, more information on membership benefits can be found at womeninplumbandpipe.org.
To explore partnership opportunities, visit: WIPP Parternship Opportunities.
SharkBite stands as an exemplar of ingenuity, making them an ideal ally in the crusade to empower women in plumbing. Together with Reliance Worldwide Corporation, SharkBite is a beacon of innovative push-to-connect plumbing solutions globally, including the venerated SharkBite Max product line.
For over twenty years, SharkBite has spearheaded the development of products that address industry challenges and arm plumbing professionals with the means to enhance productivity and efficiency. Leading the charge in push-to-connect plumbing technologies, SharkBite’s team adeptly caters to a breadth of applications ranging from residential and commercial construction to complex industrial projects of all scales.
SharkBite’s proven product suite streamlines installations by eliminating the need for specialized tools or complicated procedures, reducing the margin for error. Their comprehensive system encompasses an array of fittings, pipes and accessories indispensable for constructing a potable water system.
As a cornerstone of the RWC brand portfolio, SharkBite is instrumental in sustaining RWC’s esteemed global reputation as an innovator and manufacturer of water control systems and plumbing solutions for a myriad of applications.
The first-ever @plumbingnationals wrapped up on Friday (10/27/23) in Tampa Bay, Florida, and boy was it a blast. The energy was high as family and friends cheered on the five finalists who completed the last plumbing challenge of the competition. https://youtu.be/ZG5sNkp9g3k?si=lEHO5wTdywSjIl5D The Plumbing National Championship was created to provide a one-of-a-kind platform to recognize the plumbing trade Read more
The first-ever @plumbingnationals wrapped up on Friday (10/27/23) in Tampa Bay, Florida, and boy was it a blast. The energy was high as family and friends cheered on the five finalists who completed the last plumbing challenge of the competition.
The Plumbing National Championship was created to provide a one-of-a-kind platform to recognize the plumbing trade and the people who keep the country moving every day. The competition provides a platform for men and women in the industry to showcase their incredible training, dedication and skills in a series of head-to-head dynamic challenges showcasing the world-class skills of the trade.
The competition’s first round started in July 2023 in the form of a digital qualifying challenge. Competitors took a three-minute multiple-choice quiz that tested their knowledge across all areas of the plumbing trade. The top 20 scorers advanced to Round 2 in September and received a custom at-home challenge kit designed by industry experts to test their skills on a unique and dynamic task.
SharkBite Plumbing Solutions brand is showing its support for the trades by sponsoring the inaugural Plumbing National Championship, which culminated on October 27 at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Fla. Over four months, the field whittled down to the top 5 plumbers now competing for plumbing glory by winning the title of first-ever Plumbing National Champion and their share of a $20,000 prize.
The finalists were: Craig Childress from Massachusetts, David McDonough from Indiana, Joe Jaspers from Ohio, Justin Coutu from Virginia and David Shanor from Virginia. One of these lucky plumbers won this week’s final round of competition in a custom-built arena along with a $10,000 prize and a unique trophy. Second place won $7,000 and third won $3,000. The winners will be revealed on the television broadcast.
In December, CBS Sports Network will provide national exposure for the plumbing trade, telling the competitors’ personal stories and bringing them all the fun moments of the national championship competition where one plumber won the title of best plumber in the U.S., claiming the industry’s ultimate bragging rights. In addition to the opportunity to win cash prizes, each finalist received a custom VIP prize package from sponsors like SharkBite Plumbing Solutions. You can watch the finals on CBS Sports in December, specifc date yet to be announced.
Whether completing repairs, a remodel or a new build, having the right pipe connections is paramount to completing a quality project. There are a lot of plumbing technologies available to pros, but not every option improves a project’s quality and efficiency like push-to-connect fittings. The leader of push-to-connect plumbing, SharkBite, wants to reiterate the importance of using Read more
Whether completing repairs, a remodel or a new build, having the right pipe connections is paramount to completing a quality project. There are a lot of plumbing technologies available to pros, but not every option improves a project’s quality and efficiency like push-to-connect fittings. The leader of push-to-connect plumbing, SharkBite, wants to reiterate the importance of using the best tools available, knowing quality products will help plumbers complete jobs fast and with confidence. In doing so, the Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC) brand is underscoring the reasons its fittings are always an asset on pros’ trucks:
- They’re compatible with PEX, copper, CPVC, HDPE and PE-RT, polybutylene and PVC pipes, allowing pros to transition from one pipe to another in any combination.
- Fittings don’t require tools, soldering or glue.
- They can be installed without having to wait for pipes to dry.
- Fittings can be buried once wrapped in self-adhering silicone tape.
- They can be installed behind the walls.
- They’re easy to install in tight spaces.
With these capabilities, push-to-connect fittings save time on the job site, improving versatility, efficiency and quality for pros. If you’d like more details to share with your audience, please reach out. I’d be happy to set up an interview, discuss a byline opportunity or provide further information.