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SharkBite
sharkbite.com › home › push-to-connect fittings faqs
Push-to-Connect Fittings FAQs | SharkBite
August 12, 2025 - SharkBite fittings can leak due to one of these reasons:
Discussions

sharkbite coupling is leaking. is there an easy fix for this?
Replace the shark bite More on reddit.com
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December 15, 2021
plumbing - Will a sharkbite fitting fail catastrophically? - Home Improvement Stack Exchange
About a year and a half ago, a plumber replaced a 3 foot section of copper pipe that had developed a pinhole leak. He put in a replacement section using sharkbite fittings because both ends of the More on diy.stackexchange.com
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September 27, 2021
Shark-bite leak
Ask your do it yourself plumbing questions and get free answers as well as DIY information about faucets, toilets, pumps and water filters from plumbers at Plbg.com More on plbg.com
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Need Advice: Leaking Threads - DoItYourself.com Community Forums
Very rarely have a fitting leak with that combination. ... I think lots of plumbing fixtures sold at Big Box stores have crappy threads. Just look where all that stuff comes from, China! They no longer sell quality US made plumbing fittings. Ive had issues with copper fittings, I do not buy any of that junk there any more! ... Norm201 voted this post useful. ... A Shark Bite ... More on doityourself.com
🌐 doityourself.com
April 5, 2023
People also ask

What is the pipe insertion depth for the SharkBite fittings?
Pipe insertion depths for SharkBite fittings vary depending on the size of the fitting. Up-to-date pipe insertion depths can be found in the insertion depth chart.
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sharkbite.com
sharkbite.com › home › push-to-connect fittings faqs
Push-to-Connect Fittings FAQs | SharkBite
What types of pipe can SharkBite fittings be used with?
SharkBite fittings are certified for use with: · Copper pipe hard drawn Type K, L and M and annealed Type M not to exceed 3/8 nominal, complying with ASTM B88 · PEX pipe complying with ASTM F876 or CSA B137.5 · CPVC pipe complying with ASTM D2846 or CSA B137.6 · PE-RT pipe complying with ASTM F2769 · HDPE pipe complying with ASTM D2737 (SDR-9)
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sharkbite.com
sharkbite.com › home › push-to-connect fittings faqs
Push-to-Connect Fittings FAQs | SharkBite
Are SharkBite fittings approved for use behind-the-wall?
SharkBite push-to-connect fittings are certified for use within a concealed wall, but consulting with local plumbing codes is recommended for specific applications. It is also recommended to pressure test the system prior to sealing up the wall. Read more about behind-the-wall applications.
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sharkbite.com
sharkbite.com › home › push-to-connect fittings faqs
Push-to-Connect Fittings FAQs | SharkBite
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Airstream
airforums.com › airstream restoration, repair & parts forums › plumbing - systems & fixtures
Shark Bite drips! | Airstream Forums
September 13, 2009 - Some of the connections stopped leaking, some still leak, and a couple of new ones seeped now (Arrgh!). Played with removing any preload stresses. Seemed to make some difference. So, I took a leftover (Pex to MP) fitting and cut it open with the power hacksaw to see how these things work. The inner sleeve mates up to a o-ring face, providing the sealing surface. The outer sleeves hold the pex in alignment to the o-ring, the shark teeth provide the retention of the pex pipe and inner sleeve up to the o-ring face.
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PexUniverse
pexuniverse.com › leaks-sharkbite-and-other-brands-push-fittings-and-how-prevent-them
Leaks in SharkBite Push Fittings and How to Prevent Them - PexUniverse
What we’ve found is that the issue is high likely not with the EPDM seal (the O-ring), but the lubricant, which may react with glycol, causing the deterioration of the seal and subsequent leakage. Do not use pipe thread sealants, tape, lubricants or glue. Not only these are unnecessary, but ...
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/plumbing › sharkbite coupling is leaking. is there an easy fix for this?
r/Plumbing on Reddit: sharkbite coupling is leaking. is there an easy fix for this?
December 15, 2021 - ... High pressure caused it. ... Water off and call plumber. If plumber can’t come right away or you can’t access water shutoff then try to get a bucket or towel under the leak.
Top answer
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3 foot section of copper pipe that had developed a pinhole leak. ... Our water here (Vancouver BC) is really soft.

While it could be the fitting, my initial reaction to this confluence of factors is "Well, then copper pipe is a terrible idea, and replacing a single section of copper pipe due to a pinhole is doing nothing about all the other sections of coper pipe being eaten by the water."

Where copper pipe is eaten by the water chemistry, you either need to alter the water chemistry or use pipe that does not corrode. And if you are replacing copper pipe that has been eaten, you need to look large-scale, because every bit of copper pipe in your house has been exposed to the same water for roughly the same amount of time.

So my first guess would be that the leak is most likely coming from the pipe beyond the replaced section.

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My view on Sharkbite Fittings:

They are great for exposed plumbing. Especially for water heaters. They make a great quick disconnect system for appliances. I also am a big fan of their shutoff valves.

What I would not use them for us concealed work behind walls and ceilings. They are rated for it it they claim the rubber seal will last more than 20 years and are resistant to deterioration from corrosive water. But I simply don't trust them. I want my pipes to last 50 years.

The key to a good sharkbite connection is proper preparation of the pipe. Of you're using PEX, it's a no brainer. If you're using copper, you need to properly debur the fitting. Inserting a jagged sharp edge of copper into the fitting can tear the rubber o ring inside the sharkbite fitting. Also, don't use Emery cloth the clean the end of the pipe like you do when soldering. This can also cause a leak.

Find elsewhere
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JustAnswer
justanswer.com › plumbing › s0029-shark-bite-fittings-leaking-new-water-valve-pass-word.html
Shark Bite Fittings Leaking? Expert Troubleshooting Guide
May 16, 2025 - So, just to clarify, the leak is happening at the outlet where the two pipes connect—one leading to the ice maker and the other to the water dispenser? ... Fittings not sealing properly Shark Bite fittings. New shark bite cut off valve on copper line.
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JustAnswer
justanswer.com › plumbing › ahfqc-repairing-outdoor-shower-hot-water-feed-connected.html
Expert Solutions for Shark Bite Plumbing Repair and Fittings Issues
June 14, 2017 - When fittings butt directly against each other, the internal O-rings cannot form a watertight seal, causing leaks. Ensure at least 1/4 inch of PEX pipe is exposed between fittings.
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SharkBite
sharkbite.com › home › sharkbite applications › leak repair
Leak Repair ǀ SharkBite
July 23, 2024 - SharkBite Max adapters, couplings and ball valves offer quick plumbing leak repair. ... Streamline pipe repairs with new SharkBite Max push-to-connect fittings, now stronger and faster to install.* With double the burst pressure, SharkBite Max is the permanent solution you can count on, ideal for fixing frozen copper or CPVC pipes.
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Plbg.com
plbg.com › forum › read.php
Shark-bite leak
Ask your do it yourself plumbing questions and get free answers as well as DIY information about faucets, toilets, pumps and water filters from plumbers at Plbg.com
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Good Sam Community
community.goodsam.com › good sam community › forums › technical issues
Best way to repair leaking PEX water line? Sharkbite? | Good Sam Community - 3427596
RV uses red and blue line I assume is PEX with crimp ring connections. Thinking of replacing the leaking line with a new length of PEX and using a sharkbite ...Show More ... Sharkbite or equivalent, there's other brands out there. Why waste time with the pex fittings.
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RS Andrews -
rsandrews.com › home › why plumbers are wary of sharkbite fittings
Why Plumbers Are Wary of Sharkbite Fittings - R.S. Andrews
July 22, 2025 - You see, traditional methods like soldering create a rock-solid connection that can withstand the test of time. But Sharkbite fittings? Well, they’re a bit like the fast food of plumbing – quick and convenient, but not necessarily built to last. Over time, these fittings can succumb to wear and tear, leading to leaks that can turn your cozy home into a soggy mess.
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Tugnuts
tugnuts.com › home › forums › general discussion › chat
Pex, Sharkbite, Watts, leaks | The Tugnuts
June 4, 2020 - Sharkbite is an example of this. However, if they used a brand of p2c fittings that are · not designed to be removed, then know this: If you twist and pull hard enough, they can be removed without a tool. However, you take the chance that the reverse-binding ring will scratch the pipe surface which will create a leak when you put it back on because the o-ring needs a fairly smooth surface on which to seal.
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Terry Love
terrylove.com › home › forums
Sharkbite leak on PEX
Terry Love Plumbing Advice, Remodel DIY & Professional Forum. The best plumbing forums in the USA and Canada. A place for home owners to ask questions and for professionals to share information.
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DoItYourself.com
doityourself.com › doityourself.com community forums › plumbing, piping, water heating, wells, air & water filtration and conditioning › plumbing and piping › need advice: leaking threads
Need Advice: Leaking Threads - DoItYourself.com Community Forums
April 5, 2023 - Very rarely have a fitting leak with that combination. ... I think lots of plumbing fixtures sold at Big Box stores have crappy threads. Just look where all that stuff comes from, China! They no longer sell quality US made plumbing fittings. Ive had issues with copper fittings, I do not buy any of that junk there any more! ... Norm201 voted this post useful. ... A Shark Bite will allow you to position the valve in any angle.
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Fine Homebuilding
finehomebuilding.com › forum › pex + sharkbite + shut-off = leak!
PEX + Sharkbite + Shut-off = LEAK! - Fine Homebuilding
July 25, 2008 - Sometimes threads leak no matter what you do. ... I concurr with David; either the Sharkbite fitting or the cut-off valve you have is defective.
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H2ouse
h2ouse.org › home › are your sharkbite fittings leaking? if so, here’s how to fix them
Are Your Sharkbite Fittings Leaking? If So, Here’s How to Fix Them
August 25, 2022 - If your SharkBite fitting is still leaking, then there may be something wrong with the fitting itself. Remove both the pipes inserted into the fitting and inspect it.
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Plbg.com
plbg.com › forum › read.php
Shark Bite leaking.
Ask your do it yourself plumbing questions and get free answers as well as DIY information about faucets, toilets, pumps and water filters from plumbers at Plbg.com