Anyone used the Shark Bite brand of connectors that provide no-tool contections for copper and pex and cpvc pipe. I have some PEX rough plumbing that I would like to use these connectors to attach finish piping to the fixtures. Anyone have experience with them?
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They are fast and easy to use and expensive.
I haven't seen any complaints about their performance.
I've used them for small jobs where I've had to move a shower valve. I like that they are fast, removable, and there is no issue working with pipes with water in them (vs. copper). They are expensive, I wouldn't do a whole house with them, but they do have their uses. Oh, and also I like that they will serve as a union between copper and plastic pipes.
Shark bite type fittings are good for small jobs, no doubt.
Instead of using "The Tool", just use an open end wrench. You should find one that fits the outside of the pipe snug but still slids up and down the pipe. Press it against the collar of the fitting and apply pressure until it pops off.
They are Super Awesome... but there is ONE place you can't use them... at least not conventionally.
You CANNOT use the 1/2" connector and PEX between the mixing valve and the tub spout on a tub/shower. The reason is that PEX fittings (not just Sharkbite) are thinner on the inside than sweated copper 1/2" fittings. It will restrict the flow throughtthe spout just enough to pour water out the shower head whenever you go to fill the tub.
Plumbing is not my trade but I do a few repairs here and there. A friend showed me these shark bite things and I would say without a doubt every plumber should carry the shark bite end caps in their tool box. They are ingenious.
As for roughing in a whole house, I'm not sure. I'd probably go with pex. I just find the end caps to be a must have.