I see different brands other than sharkbite on amazon and was wondering how good they are.

I see PROCURU, EFIELD, SUNGATOR, HQMPC that are much cheaper compared to Sharkbite. Anyone recommend some of these?

Edit: Mods can close/lock this post. I have my answer. I realized push-to-connect topic is a taboo in this subreddit. Thanks to those chimed in and providing helpful information.

Just asking for professional opinions about Sharkbite vs Brand X push fittings. I just replaced a water heater in the attic of my rental and used some push-to-connect fittings from Amazon for the final connection to the existing cpvc.

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I also used some under another rental, circa 1959, to replace the copper hot supply line which was failing and I'll be going back to replace as much of that copper as I can access before long. I'm using crimp pex fittings where I can and I could sweat adapters on if necessary but the push fittings are so much easier especially when working in the crawlspace...

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The fittings from Amazon are so much cheaper than Sharkbite from the big box stores that I'm wondering about the "you get what you pay for" theory. So far I've seen no difference in how they work though the generics seemed to insert a hair less deep than the Sharkbite do. They came with no instructions of course.

Thanks

Edit: to clarify, all of the replacement pipe is Pex.

So to be honest I am making this post in response to conversation I had with another user in r/askaplumber. I have included imgur links of the conversation we had if you wish to read it, however the simplified version is a compare and contrast to the effectiveness of shark bite fittings vs any other approved fitting for domestic potable water systems. I’m looking for input from ideally experienced plumbers in the field, regardless of location, on the topic: “Are shark bite fittings more prone to premature failure than other installation methods, elaborate as to why or why not? Assuming quality workmanship on both sides.” Any feedback is appreciated as well as a brief mention of your experience/credentials. Thanks!

Conversation we had —-> https://imgur.com/a/chLrHDv

I'm doing a basement renovation and I'm going to be using pex. So I purchased a Milwaukee pex expansion tool and I know it works with Pex- A, but I'm having a difficult time finding Uponor at supply houses around me. I've found Sharkbite branded Pex- A. Can I use this brand with the expansion tool or does the Sharkbite pex only work with Sharkbite connections which I'm trying to avoid at all costs. I'm trying to learn my way around pex so bear with me.

Going to do a water heater in my house this weekend. I hear mixed reviews on the shark bites vs soldering.

A lot of people, myself included, will recommend sharkbite connections in certain situations. I think it’s important for people to understand the pros and cons with these fittings so they can make an informed decision on whether or not this is their best option. These fittings have their place, but no as ubiquitously as they have become. A lot of what I’m about to present is anecdotal evidence, but I believe it’s strong enough to support my assertions. I welcome anyone else to chime in on their experiences so that people have a resource to look to with questions.

Number 1 - Make sure it’s installed per the instruction. The outside of the pipe needs to be debuted as well as the inside. This includes the extra ridge created when using copper cutters. Make sure the pipe is smooth so the o-ring won’t get damaged. Make sure it’s fully inserted. Just because you don’t have a leak when you first turn it on doesn’t mean it’s not coming, particularly if you don’t follow the instructions.

Number 2 - It’s going to leak eventually. Fact. This is not a joint that’s going to last forever under the right circumstances. If you’re lucky, it will be for the life of your system, but this fitting seals with an o ring. As the fitting ages, that o-ring will get “stuck” in a very particular shape. If that fitting moves a little side to side, and there is some deflection in the fitting tolerances, it’s going to leak. We see it on Sloan valves everyday. If anybody has worked on an Elkay or similar water cooler with the plastic push fit connections they know, like I do, that once those fittings have been there 5-10 years and you start wiggling them around they start leaking. I’ve seen the exact same on multiple sharkbite fittings. You start moving that piping around after it’s been there awhile and it’s going to leak.

Sidebar, the only reason I trust propress more is that after it’s pressed that piping will not move very much at all. That o-ring does not have as much of a chance as deforming as it does in a sharkbite or similar fitting.

Number 3 - Be very wary of installing them as a dead end fitting, especially on hot water lines. I’ve had two experiences where they have blown off. One was a test cap on a hot line that was in place for a few months, the other was a temporary drain on a water heater. Both times the fitting was installed properly. The copper was gouged where the stainless steel teeth but in to copper and scraped it off the entire length of insertion. They never leaked, but blew off without warning. I believe the expansion and contraction of the piping is just enough to allow the fitting to move and work it’s way off. Otherwise the only explanation I can come up with is the plastic removal mechanism is getting stuck ever so slightly so that the teeth are not 100% engaged. Either way, as a tee or coupling or even a 90 may have enough resistance to movement in the piping to keep this from occurring, a cap or dead end valve does not. Just my 2 cents.

So here is MY suggestion on use circumstances. You know how they say consult your doctor? Well, consult your plumber, someone you trust. I might just be an idiot. But, in my view, professionally, almost never. I personally don’t want the liability. Unless there is absolute no other option I’d keep them off the truck. Last time I did use one it was on a trap primer, I’m comfortable with that.

Homeowners: if you seriously can’t afford a plumber, and I mean seriously, or as a temporary repair, and be ready of it’s a dead end fitting because that puts you at the most risk.

For everyone: If it is exposed and connects an appliance with limited life, for instance a sharkbite flex or valve on a water heater, then by all means. I would replace them with the appliance when it fails, but I would expect them to last about as long as the appliance and if they don’t they are at least accessible. If drywall or other covering prevent access, don’t use them. Pay me now or pay me later. The leak is most likely coming so you might as well do it right the first time. Underground only if you’re into S&M.

These are my thoughts. I think it would be really cool if we could get some thoughts together on all pipe fittings and systems, but this is one that is the most often that grinds me, and a lot of us I know, for obvious reasons. It’s not that these fittings don’t have their place, and I would never denounce a plumber for using them offhand, but I think it deserves more though than what’s given, generally. And I thought a long explanation would be better to have hanging around than the usual “I’m for” or “I’m against” than I usually see.

What do you guys think?

Any thoughts? Experience? Rumors?

SB el is $20, sungator $11 for 1 inch, bluefin $15

I am just wondering what are the advantages / disadvantages of using shark bite fittings rather than soldering?????

I recently posted some pictures of a repair on my Facebook page. The client claimed she had someone else in to install a shutoff valve. They used sharkbite fittings and left the homeowner with a bunch of leaks (according to the customer). They asked for it to all be replaced so I returned it to the copper tubing and soldered fittings that the rest of the house had. Solid fix, no leaks, I was happy about my first major plumbing repair. Unfortunately, people absolutely lost their shit in the comments defending sharkbite fittings and shitting on my work for not just redoing the sharkbites properly and adding a fitting that was missing. I've always heard sharkbites were kind of hacky and better suited to temporary repairs or diy fixes. What do you all think about sharkbites?