Fittings with a gray collar work with polybutylene pipe. If it has a white collar, the fitting works with PVC pipe and is compatible with schedule 40, 80 and 120 PVC. SharkBite couplings with a tan collar are designed to work with CTS pipes like PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT or (CTS SDR-9) SDR-9 HDPE tubing.
for Copper, CPVC, PEX and Polybutylene
Qest/Qicktite fittings are designed to work great with plastic tubing, or any pipe that is Copper Tube Size. These heavy duty compression fittings install easily with just a wrench!
Most plumbers dislike sharkbites because they're more expensive and less reliable than other fitting options. When they want a fast joint they typically use ProPress which has more field history and isn't prone to expansion/flex failures.
Potable PEX-B
Flexible plumbing tubing with pre-printed depth markings for quick SharkBite connections.
Again, the main distinction lies in the manufacturing method, which is what assigns an a, b or c to PEX. PEX a is made using the peroxide, or Engel, method. PEX b is formed using silane, or moisture cure, method. This is the most common PEX pipe type out there.
SharkBite fittings are certified for use with: Copper pipe hard drawn Type K, L and M and annealed Type M not to exceed 3/8 nominal, complying with ASTM B88. PEX pipe complying with ASTM F876 or CSA B137. 5.
SharkBite fittings last a long time. In fact, SharkBite warrants the fittings for 25 years when used with SharkBite tubing.
“Soldering pipes is a skill, any allowing anyone to use plastic push fit fittings devalues the trade.” - There is still skill in fitting push fit systems - the MOST important skill a professional plumber can have is their knowledge and ability to recommend the best system for each individual application, and if this ...
Plumbers who install SharkBite fittings and SharkBite PEX as a system, say they choose these products for their speed and durability. SharkBite push-to-connectfittings are compatible with a variety of pipe types including PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE.
Plus, any damage that is done by polybutylene piping is no longer covered by most insurance companies, so it's important to have it replaced before any problems occur.
PEX fittings are not compatible with Poly B piping. The connection methods and materials used in Poly B and PEX systems are different, so they cannot be connected directly.
Polybutylene pipe was commonly used from 1978 – 1995 and is a gray flexible pipe. PEX is a plastic flexible pipe that comes in white, blue, orange, red and a translucent milky white clear. This piping came about to replace polybutylene plumbing.
To secure the fitting to PEX and polybutylene pipe you may use the crimp rings that come with this fitting or pinch clamps (sold separately).
If you have polybutylene pipes, it's best to replace them with PEX pipe, but if a repipe is not an option, use SharkBite Max polybutylene adapters to repair your pipes.
Compression fittings are designed with the unique characteristics of PB-1 in mind. By separating the sealing and clamping areas of the fitting, a tension-free, durable and leak-proof connection between pipe and fitting can be achieved without the use of an elastomeric seal.
Most plumbers say SharkBite fittings aren't strong enough to produce durable, reliable, long-lasting connections. Despite the absence of evidence, they continue to rely on soldering for their long-term plumbing projects. Thus, finding a firm that uses push-to-fit fittings can be difficult.
When using on HDPE SDR-9 pipe, a tube liner is required and needs to be supplied directly from the pipe manufacturer. Do SharkBite Max fittings restrict water flow? No. The newly designed SharkBite Max allows for full flow of water.
Indeed, the new technology is so effective, that QuickFitting couplings and valves are backed by a seventy-five-year warranty that covers the full cost of repairs and damage—exceeding the expected lifespan of copper pipe (fifty to seventy years) and of PEX (thirty to fifty years).
SharkBite fittings are specifically designed to create a reliable connection, but disconnecting repeatedly or incorrectly can leave your fitting damaged and leaky.
Choose An Option That Fits Your Needs
Installing a sharkbite fitting is a convenient and quick-fix solution. But if you opt for a long-term solution, soldering is the best option due to its credibility and result. Copper pipes may last 50 to 70 years as long as it is installed properly and well-maintained.
SharkBites are an approved fitting type.
SharkBite's push-to-connect transition fittings are more efficient and more reliable than traditional pipe transition methods, such as threaded adapters. They also come in a range of different end connections, including PVC and polybutylene.
Brass demountable push-fit fittings are manufactured by Pegler under the brand Tectite. In the US, several different brands are available: Sharkbite, PlumBite, Nibco Push, which are all brass, demountable, similar to the Pegler Tectite design.