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.
With polybutylene you could use sharkbite or similar fittings. Make sure that there is a stiffner inside the fitting. Some of them are assemble with them others you have to pop them in. If it is polyethylene then you would use a brass barbed fitting with hose clamps.
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.
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.
Potable PEX-B
Flexible plumbing tubing with pre-printed depth markings for quick SharkBite connections.
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.
Flexibility is another straightforward way to identify PEX A and PEX B piping. As highlighted earlier, PEX A is more flexible than PEX B, and you can easily bend it without kinking or deforming. PEX B is stiffer and easily kinks if bent into a tight radius.
Can you use SharkBite Max on polybutylene? Yes. There's a specific fitting for transitioning from polybutylene to CTS tubing. The side of the fitting with the gray collar connects to the polybutylene pipe and has a tube liner while the tan collar will connect to the CTS pipe.
Is Poly-B the same as PEX? No, they are actually very different types of piping. To discuss, poly-b is a type of plastic piping made from polybutylene, while PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is a newer and more durable option that has been gaining in popularity over the past few years.
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).
Anyone who had problems with their SharkBite “Push-to-Connect” water heater hoses. What's Going On? Class action lawsuits have been filed alleging that the rubber inside the hoses can deteriorate and cause a host of problems, including the appearance of black flakes in the hot water supply and low water pressure.
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 ...
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.
Polybutylene pipes are at the end of their useful life. According to studies by Fannie Mae and HUD, domestic water supply systems in multifamily buildings reach the end of their useful life after 30 – 50 years.
It is recommended that if a home has polybutylene pipes, the entire plumbing system should be replaced immediately, as a costly leak can happen at any time, without warning, and cause large-scale damage.
Do NOT use with PEX pinch clamps.
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.
SharkBite Max polybutylene pipe fittings allow you to transition from polybutylene to PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT or HDPE SDR-9 pipe. Transition from polybutylene pipe to PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT or HDPE pipe.
Yes. A tube liner is required when using the SharkBite large diameter fittings in conjunction with PEX, PE-RT or HDPE pipe. Tube liners are not required when using SharkBite large diameter fittings with copper or CPVC.
Most skilled plumbers agree that SharkBite fittings and other types of push-to-fit fittings should only be used as a last-resort, emergency fix and not as part of a permanent or enclosed plumbing system.
Many customers and DIY plumbers have asked us about SharkBite fittings. So, do they work? SharkBite does make a coupling that connects PEX-A to PEX-B.
Pinch Clamp Tools Work Better in Tight Spaces
Especially when your PEX is pressed up against a wall—or there is just otherwise very little wiggle room to work—crimp tools can become a much bigger hassle. The larger jaw of the tool means you need ample room behind your PEX to be able to make a proper connection.
Bottom line, PEX A is more resistant to burst pressure than PEX B. PEX A's expansive material can handle up to 500 PSI, which makes it reliable in extremely cold temperatures. Since PEX B is a more rigid material, it will not hold up as well in similar situations.