RWC THE SHARKBITE Troubleshooting guide

SHARKBITE®
INSTALLATION GUIDE

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sharkbite.com
THE TOTAL
PLUMBING SOLUTION
DONE.CUT:
Cut the pipe square removing rough
edges and debris. Mark the pipe to
the correct insertion depth.
PUSH:
Push pipe and fitting together
up to the depth mark.
*Using the disconnect clip,
fittings can be easily changed,
removed and reused.
SHARKBITE®FITTINGS / PIPE SIZE COMPATIBILITY / PIPE INSERTION DEPTH
Nominal Size of
Fitting Nominal Size of Pipe Pipe OD Size Pipe ID Size Pipe Insertion Decimal Depth Fraction
1/4" 1/4" CTS 3/8" 0.305" 0.81" 13/16"
3/8" 3/8" CTS 1/2" 0.350" 0.94" 15/16"
1/2" 1/2" CTS 5/8" 0.475" 0.95" 15/16"
5/8" 5/8" CTS 3/4" 0.652" 1.13" 1-1/8"
3/4" 3/4" CTS 7/8" 0.671" 1.13" 1-1/8"
1" 1" CTS 1-1/8" 0.885" 1.32" 1-5/16"
1-1/4" 1-1/4" CTS 1-3/8" 1.055" 2.0" 2"
1-1/2" 1-1/2" CTS 1-5/8" 1.245" 2.25" 2-1/4"
2" 2" CTS 2-1/8" 1.629" 2.50" 2-1/2"
1/4" compression 1/4" ACR 1/4" 0.190" n/a
3/8" compression 3/8" ACR 3/8" 0.311" n/a 1/2" SharkBite End
15/16"
Pipe
Insertion Depth

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The SharkBite®connection system is certified for potable water and hydronic applications. SharkBite uses an
advanced push-to-connect design that works in two stages. When the pipe is inserted into the fitting it passes
the first stage through a release collar and then through a stainless steel grab ring. The grab ring has teeth
that open out and grip onto the pipe. At the second stage the pipe is pushed through an o-ring protector which
aligns the pipe. A specially formulated o-ring is then compressed between the wall of the fitting and the pipe
before the end of the pipe reaches the tube stop.
Only when the pipe has passed through the o-ring
and reaches the tube stop is a secure joint created.
The SharkBite fittings can only be used with pipe/
tubing certified to the following specifications:
PEX (ASTM F876, CSA B137.5)
Copper (ASTM B 88)
CPVC (ASTM D 2846, CSA B137.6)
PE-RT (ASTM F 2769)
HDPE (SDR-9 ASTM D2737)
The SharkBite fittings have an integral PEX Stiener
that is eective in supporting PEX, PE-RT, and HDPE
tubing to ensure the o-ring seals correctly on the
outside of the pipe. The PEX Stiener is not required
for use with CPVC and copper tubing, however these
two types of tubing fit over the PEX Stiener easily
and hold it against the tube stop.
O-RING
TUBE STOP
O-RING PROTECTOR
RELEASE COLLAR
FIRST STAGE
SECOND STAGE
SUPPORT SLEEVE
GRAB RING
PEX STIFFENER
DZR LEAD FREE BODY
THE SHARKBITE®
CONNECTION SYSTEM

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PREPARATION
The following instructions must be followed to assemble the SharkBite Connection System.
Select the correct size fitting and pipe for the job.
Check that fittings and pipe are clean, in good
condition and are free from damage and foreign
objects. Also check that the pipe is free from
scratches, cuts, or gouges. Cut the pipe so that the
ends are square. Ensure that there are no burrs or
damage to the cut end. Wherever possible proper
pipe cutting tools such as rotary pipe cutters (copper
tubing) or pipe shears (for plastic pipe) should be
used.
Once the pipe end is cut square and clean,
use the SharkBite Depth Deburr Gauge (sold
separately) and a permanent marker to mark
the insert depth on the outside of the pipe.
This mark is used to ensure that the joint is
assembled correctly. To assemble correctly, the
pipe needs to be pushed into the fitting until it
meets the tube stop. Follow these three steps
to insert the pipe into the fitting.
1. Insert the pipe through the release collar
to rest against the grab ring.
2. Push the pipe firmly with a slight twisting
action until it reaches the tube stop.
3. To ensure that the pipe is correctly
inserted, check that the depth mark is
within 0.005 in (0.13 mm) of the end of
the release collar
CONNECTING
A SHARKBITE JOINT

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Disconnection of the joint can only occur by using either the SharkBite disconnect clip or the SharkBite disconnect
tongs. By applying pressure to the release collar with the clip or the disconnect tongs, the grab ring teeth are
splayed. This action releases the pipe, allowing it to be removed from the fitting.
1. Place the SharkBite disconnect clip around the
pipe with the non-branded face against the release
collar. If using the SharkBite disconnect tongs, place
the teeth around the fitting assembly. The fork end
with the SharkBite brand logo should be positioned
around the pipe and the other end around the neck
of the fitting.
2. Push the clip against the release collar and pull the
pipe with a twisting action to release the pipe. If
using the SharkBite disconnect tongs, squeeze the
tool with one hand and pull the pipe with a twisting
action to release the pipe.
3. Check the fitting and pipe end for damage. The
fitting and pipe should be free of damage, foreign
objects and marks on the outside diameter. If the
pipe is damaged or marked, then cut and use a new
section of pipe.
DISCONNECTING
A JOINT

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SHARKBITE®BURIAL
SharkBite Universal fittings are suitable for burial in
most applications; however care is required when
using fittings in applications that require burial to
ensure the correct installation practices are used and
due care is given to any environmental factors that
may have a detrimental eect on the life expectancy
of the fittings and pipe.
The installation of SharkBite Universal fittings
in applications that will require the burial of the
fitting must comply with all local plumbing code
requirements.
SharkBite Universal fittings and SharkBite PEX are
not suitable for use in areas where the soil is or may
become contaminated* including the soil used for
back filling. All SharkBite Universal fittings with brass
bodies must have an impervious barrier between
the fitting and the surrounding soil. Self-fusing,
formaldehyde and chloride-free, fully cured silicone
tape with a minimum thickness of 0.020" should be
used for this purpose.
The soil used for back filling must be free of rocks,
debris or any sharp objects that may cause damage
to the fitting or pipe through impact or abrasion.
* Examples of contamination include, but are not limited to, petrochemicals
(reclaimed service station sites), high levels of nitrogen compounds (this could
be caused by animal waste or fertilizer that may be found in some agricultural
applications), low pH levels (below pH 6), high pH levels(above pH 8), run o
from land fill, formaldehyde compounds, and solvents. It should be noted that
such contaminants have been known to migrate through plastic piping systems
and contaminate the Potable water supplied through these pipes.
SHARKBITE SILICONE BURIAL WRAP
Make a SharkBite Universal connection ensuring
pipe is inserted to proper depth. While leaving the
protective film in place, measure the amount of tape
needed to completely wrap the fitting. To ensure a
proper seal, overlap tape by 1"past the end of the
fitting on every end and 1/4" – 1/2" between/across
the fitting. Wrap the fitting by pulling the tape tight
and removing the protective film. Completely cover
the fitting. The tape will bond to itself within minutes
and will cement to itself within a few hours forming
an air and water tight seal.
SHARKBITE FITTINGS IN CONCRETE
Do not allow joints within the slab. Use a continuous
length of SharkBite PEX Pipe within the slab and be
sure to check for leaks before pouring concrete.
SHARKBITE DISTANCE BETWEEN FITTINGS
Allow at least 1" of spacing between SharkBite
Universal fittings for removal purposes.
SHARKBITE GROUNDING ON COPPER PIPE
When connecting a SharkBite Universal fitting to a
copper piping system, install a copper jumper cable to
ensure proper grounding. SharkBite Universal fittings
are not an electrically continuous fitting.
INSTALLATION
REQUIREMENTS

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THREADED CONNECTORS
Teflon tape should be used with threaded SharkBite
connectors to make a proper seal.
GALVANIZED TUBING
SharkBite Universal fittings should not be installed
(threaded or push-to-connect) on galvanized tubing.
SHARKBITE SOLDERING
When soldering is required near a SharkBite Universal
connection, make all solder joints first and then make
the SharkBite connections. Flame can cause the pipe
to reach high temperatures and should not be used
close to a SharkBite Universal fitting.
SHARKBITE FITTING REUSE
SharkBite Universal fittings are intended to be a
permanent connection and are not designed for
repeated connection and disconnection. If the need
arises to change a fitting after initial installation this
can be done given that proper care is taken when
removing and reinstalling SharkBite Universal fittings.
1. SharkBite disconnect tongs or SharkBite
disconnect clips must be used when removing
the fittings.
2. The initial pipe and the new pipe must be clean
and free from scratches and burrs.
3. Mark the correct insertion depth, insert the fitting to
the mark, turn the water back on and check for leaks.
WORKING PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE
SharkBite Universal fittings have a maximum
temperature of 200°F maximum pressure 200 psi
when used on copper pipe. When used on PVC, CPVC,
PEX, PE-RT or HDPE refer to the maximum pressure
temperature rating of the pipe.
PEX STIFFENERS
SharkBite Universal fittings (3/8" to 1") come with
an Integral PEX Stiener. 1/4" (3/8" OD) fittings do
not require PEX stieners. PEX Stiener are required
for PEX, PE-RT and HDPE pipe. 2XL PEX Stieners
sold separately.

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Manufactured and Distributed by Reliance Worldwide Corporation
sharkbite.com
Reliance Worldwide Corporation
2300 Defoor Hills Rd NW,
Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
rwc.com
Reliance Worldwide Corporation (Canada) Inc.
74 Alex Avenue Vaughan, Ontario, L4L 5X1
Phone: [phone]
Sales Inquiries: canadasal[email protected]om
Orders: [e-mail]