I was cutting open a wall in my bathroom and hit a 1/2" water line that feeds the toilet. A plumber quoted me $325 to fix it using a Pro-press coupling.
I was thinking of going to Home Depot and getting a Shark Bite, but I have some concerns about putting one behind the wall on the 2nd floor. Has anyone ever used a Shark Bite for a repair like this? Would you trust using one behind a wall?
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I used shark bite fittings on my water softener. 13yrs now and not single drop leaked.
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I’ve done a few repairs with them, the oldest of which is 11 years I think and in a wall. No issues at all. And I really hate plumbing work!
When properly installed, shark bites are reliable. However, I cannot get over the slip-on nature, as it is not what I consider permanent.
In my opinion, sweating joints (soldering) is the best, least expensive, DIY method but it takes some practice.
I’ve used shark bites, they work well. You want as clean of a cut as possible on both pipes, you also need to compress the SB far enough onto the pipes.
I think it’s against code to use them in an enclosed area, if that matters to you.
I agree, when done correctly, soldered joints are the cheapest and most secure. I’ve been using more PEX with compression band fittings. Much easier to work with, as long as you have the space to get the crimping tool in. No worry about burning anything with a torch.
If you look on most plumber’s forums, they heap scorn on these things. But that might be because they cost them business. I have a few in the basement where I can see them. I’d worry a little about having them in a wall in a finished area.
If I had to put one there, I’d put a buttload of flexseal tape around it for backup.
I was hesitant at first also. Used several in exposed areas with no problem and felt confident enough to use in enclosed walls. No issues.
I’ve used them in my crawl space about 15 years ago with no issues, I’m just hesitant to put one behind a wall that will be tiled.
Im pretty sure they meet code.
I put in a new water tank for the well 6 years ago, used a few bites and a valve. Not a single issue.
I have several in the basement (exposed) no issues. My well guy swears by them and says that when you factor in the hourly rate and skill required to sweat, that it is not a big difference in cost.
Shark bite website says rated for behind wall (may depend on state code) and they’re compatible with PEX (A or B?) also, maybe PVC? But maybe that is the pro series.
I enjoy sweating and never had issue using sweat fittings, but it is often just easier to go with shark bite.
BTW I always turn off my well pump and main valve if I’m going to be away more than a day. Last October I came home from a trip, opened the main valve and I hear water spraying. Found a pin hole in a section of pipe near acid neutralizer. The original plumber must have run out of 3/4 type L and the leak was on as short section of type M. I replaced with type L and used a shark bite slip coupling and sweat the other end.
I always wondered if it was overkill to turn off water, now I know!
I used one if the exact same situation 20 years ago a so far so good!
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I’m in the trades, dont put shark bites in closed in locations, not worth the trouble. I dont even like pro press, i solder everything. If your up north and need help lmk
Thank you BigBlue, but the house is down in Manahawkin
God bless you, brother. I can’t find a plumber that solders any more. I had a shutoff on my main line replaced and the guy pro-pressed it and it leaked within 2 hours.
Compression fittings work well also.
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Sharks are excellent, I wish I invented them! Make sure the pipe is clean & deburred. A little silicone grease makes the O ring inside happy. I have never seen one fail in 12 years at my house. If you are concerned about it inside the wall, leave an access hole to look at it.
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Big fan. They’ve saved my ass and plumber calls a few times.
Get the de-burrer tool if installing on copper. If you don’t prep the pipe ends correctly you’re gonna have a bad time.
I had heard many naysayers, but I installed on 17 years ago, NO issues!
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Installed sharkbite ball valves on washer/slop sink lines 7 years ago, no issues. I have since learned how to sweat copper pipes and that’s pretty much the only way I make connections now. Would I trust a genuine sharkbite behind a wall, yes.