Sharkbite Galvanized To PEX (How To Connect PEX To Sharkbite)

Last Updated on July 20, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas

To connect PEX to a galvanized pipe using SharkBite fittings, follow these steps:

1. Cut the galvanized pipe using a pipe cutter.
2. Clean the cut end and ensure it’s smooth.
3. Slide a SharkBite galvanized adapter onto the pipe.
4. Insert the PEX pipe into the SharkBite fitting until it clicks securely.
5. Ensure a watertight connection without the need for soldering or special tools.

What Is Sharkbite?

Sharkbite is a fitting used in plumbing that uses a push-to-connect mechanism to join two pipes. In recent times, plumbers have gone from using soldering torches and welding pipes together to using sharkbite in their work. A sharkbite installation is easy and quick. It saves a huge chunk of time in a day so the plumber can move on to another job instead of burning the entire clock in one spot.

What Do You Need To Use Sharkbite And Where Can You Use The Fittings?

To use SharkBite fittings, you’ll need the following:

1. SharkBite Fittings: These are specially designed push-to-connect fittings that allow for quick and easy installation without the need for soldering, clamps, or glues.
2. Pipes: SharkBite fittings are compatible with various types of pipes, including copper, PEX, CPVC, and PE-RT. Ensure that you have the appropriate type and size of pipes for your specific application.
3. Deburring Tool: For PEX installations, a deburring tool is helpful to remove any sharp edges or burrs from the cut end of the pipe.
4. Pipe Cutter: A pipe cutter is needed to cleanly cut the pipes to the desired length.
5. Measuring Tape and Marker: To accurately measure and mark the pipes before cutting and installing the fittings.
6. Shutoff Valve (if applicable): For water supply installations, you may need a shutoff valve to control water flow during installation or repairs.

Where to Use SharkBite Fittings:

SharkBite fittings can be used in various plumbing and heating applications, both for residential and commercial purposes. Some common areas where you can use SharkBite fittings include:

1. Water Supply Lines: SharkBite fittings are suitable for connecting pipes in water supply systems, including hot and cold water lines.
2. Heating Systems: They can be used in radiant heating systems and other applications involving hot water distribution.
3. Repair and Renovation: SharkBite fittings are ideal for quick repairs and renovations, as they allow for easy disconnection and reconnection without damaging the pipes.
4. Pump Connections: They are suitable for connecting pumps to water supply lines.
5. Water Heater Installations: SharkBite fittings can be used to install and connect water heaters.
6. Appliances: They can be used for connecting appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators to water supply lines.

Three Quick Steps For Sharkbite Installation Onto A PEX Pipe

Using a sharkbite fitting is an easy task. There are, however, a few things you need to keep in mind. The fitting has to be kept clean at all times. Before unpacking the fit, you should keep it in a sealed container to ensure it doesn’t get any debris inside that might end up causing a leak.

Check for leaks inside the fitting, as it will render the sharkbite fit useless. Once you have checked out all these, you can now begin the installation process.

Before you start, you will need a couple of tools to ensure that your work is efficient and effective.

Tools required:

• Rotary cutter/blade cutter
• Deeper
• Utility knife
• Depth gauge tool
• Go/no-go gauge
• Clip ring

With all these tools in hand, you can begin the installation process:

Step 1: Cut The Faulty Pipe

The PEX pipe should be cut perfectly straight. Here is where the rotary cutter or the blade cutter comes into play. Using other cutting tools such as a hacksaw will damage the cut and cause a not-so-clean edge.

After the cut, there will be a sharp edge. The edge needs to be smooth to prevent any leaking after the fit is installed.

There will be an outside edge on the cut pipe; the edge should be smooth and clean. Use a deeper to smoothen it. For the inside edges, a utility knife does the job effectively.

 Step 2: Preparation Of The PEX Pipe

After the cut, you will need to draw a mark on the PEX pipe to show the insertion level of the sharkbite fitting. It would help if you pushed the pipes to the right depth to ensure that the O-ring does its job,

The depth gauge tool is one of the required tools. Use it to mark the depth. If you are unsure about the depth, you can look at the sharkbite website for measurements.

 Step 3: Finalize The Installation (Connecting The Cut Ends And The Fitting)

After you have done all the preparations, making the connection is the final stage. You need to insert a clip ring into the pipe. The clip ring should touch the mark you made earlier with the depth gauge tool or your fitting shoulder.

After that is done, you now have to position the clamp rings one-eighth inch from the shoulder of the fitting. It ensures that the clip ring is over the fitting barbs. The shark bite fitting is all set now, and you can use a go/no-go gauge to test the position of the fit and the pipes.

 Benefits Of Using A Sharkbite Galvanized To PEX

• The connection is the most simple and easiest way to fix a leaking pipe. Even for people with next to zero plumbing skills, you will be in a position to ace this installation.
• The sharkbite fittings can be turned and rotated. When you need to alter something in your network of pipes, you do not have to reset everything as you can turn these fittings and have them sit how you wish.
• The sharkbite fitting is not expensive. When compared to other plumbing system solutions, it comes out on top as the most pocket-friendly solution. This is especially for those who are looking to transition from one pipe type to another.
• Sharkbite fittings are sturdy. When fixing a leaky pipe, they can withstand the pressure, and also, they are not affected when they get wet.

What Are The Risks Of Using Sharkbite?

Even though sharkbite is a revolutionary product, it has some risks.

These risks include:

• There have been some concerns about Sharkbite’s reliability when it comes to leaks. There have been some complaints of sharkbite fittings leaking when used to fix leaky and faulty pipes.
• Shark bites are reusable but only to some extent. After insertion of the pipes into the O-ring, it is lubricated to prevent it from rolling. However, this grease or lubricant wears off after the O-ring has been used three to five times. For this reason, some plumbers prefer compression over shark bites.

Tools Required To Connect Sharkbite Galvanized To PEX

To connect SharkBite galvanized to PEX, you will need the following tools:

1. Pipe Cutter: A pipe cutter is essential for cleanly cutting the galvanized pipe to the desired length.
2. Deburring Tool: After cutting the pipe, use a deburring tool to remove any sharp edges or burrs from the cut end to ensure a smooth surface.
3. SharkBite Galvanized Adapter: This specialized fitting is required to transition from the galvanized pipe to PEX.
4. PEX Pipe: The PEX pipe is the flexible tubing that connects to the SharkBite galvanized adapter.
5. Measuring Tape: To accurately measure the length of the galvanized pipe and PEX required for the connection.
6. Marker: To mark the measured points on the pipes before cutting.
7. Tubing Cutter (for PEX): If your PEX pipe is not pre-cut, a tubing cutter is needed to cut it to the appropriate length.

Final Thoughts

As explained above, it is easy to connect PEX to sharkbite. It does not require too much work or experience to fix. Besides, the product is well-priced compared to the other available solutions to your plumbing problems. Connecting two pipes of different materials is also made easy for you when using the sharkbite fitting to join them.

References:

https://homearise.com/sharkbite-galvanized-pex/
https://www.trmillerheatingandcooling.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-sharkbite-fittings/