Sharkbite!

[stage3-s4]

I do home inspections and pretty much all newer or remodeled homes use PEX water lines at least in my area these days. Very seldom do I see homes Roughed out fully in all copper. I have personally done quiet a few jobs using shark bite fittings with the compression rings and the push-in connectors. Have never had any issues with ether. I do agree though transitioning to copper for stubs outs of walls for fixtures is correct. Same for shower bodies. PEX is perfectly fine if installed properly if that's what you are asking. Its very common now and the only major failure I have seen is from improper installation. Also you should be testing all these lines before you close up walls and such to make sure there are no leaks.

 

[dt204]

I have yet to see any sharkbite brand fittings that aren't brass or copper. Think I would be more worried about the metal leaching then if a particular pipe size will fit.

If they do make plastic sharkbite fittings, disregard this post.

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This is what I believe as well. I avoided them in all of my rodi, and aquarium lines

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[Lsufan]

They do make plastic fittings but they are the ones u have to clamp. I wouldn't use them on aquariums because they would reduce the flow drastically. The id on the fittings are about half of what the same size pvc fitting has.

 

[GQsmooth]

I have a couple of these I used to tie into my PEX manifold, I will admit I got them because it was a simple job to do. I hope they last *crosses fingers*

 

[ericarenee]

I have a couple of these I used to tie into my PEX manifold, I will admit I got them because it was a simple job to do. I hope they last *crosses fingers*

Just be sure to secure the pipe on each side before and after the push fitting. This way if it does have a issue it will be a Leak not a total blow out.. I agree with some of the comments above that they usually fail due to them moving. The moving can be caused by water pressure changes turning on and off water.

I still do not use them and Will not . except in a temp situation during a remodel. and then i usually only use them to cap something off

 

[FamilyTank]

I'm ok with old school tech. Its cooper for me. A constant 50-60 psi on a rubberband or a crimpclamp/hoseclamp over 25-30 yrs. Maybe overhead in a unfinished basement. Never in a closed up in a wall or behind cabinets. Water always wins....

 

[sleepydoc]

I used one when I installed a tee for my RO/DI filter. Used it mainly because it would have been nearly impossible to get the water out of the copper pipe to allow me to properly solder a sweat joint. I have it well supported so there is no movement in the joint, but it's also in a visible spot that won't cause $10k in damage if it starts to leak.

A properly sweated copper fitting will last a lifetime. PEX is still relatively new, but has has been around a while and I haven't heard of significant issues with joint failures. The fact that the company puts a 25 year lifespan on the fitting is telling. Putting one in an enclosed wall is just boneheaded, IMO. In general, my preference would be Copper > PEX > Shark Bite.