Large Diameter SharkBite Fittings: When and How to Use Them
While you may know SharkBite brass push-to-connect for its use in residential repairs, it also has options for commercial applications. Its large diameter push-to-connect fittings provide the same performance for emergency repairs in commercial buildings with bigger pipes. You can find a range of large diameter fittings, including couplings, elbows, tees, caps, and ball valves.
What Is a SharkBite Large Diameter Fitting and How Is It Used?
These push-to-connect brass fittings are designed specifically for large diameter pipes. Sizes range from 1 ¼ - 2 in. and can be connected to copper, CPVC, PEX and HDPE without needing special tools.
SharkBite large diameter fittings work the same way as any other SharkBite brass push-to-connect fitting and have the same certifications. Large diameter fittings can be installed in wet lines, even under full flow, and can be rotated for easier placement, making them ideal for repairs. They are certified for potable water systems and can be used for temperatures up to 200°F and pressures up to 200 psi.
Also, like standard SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings, large diameter fittings are removable with a disconnect clip or disconnect tongs. Should you want to change your installation, simply remove the fitting and reuse it. However, any fitting used repeatedly must not be used for a permanent installation.
Where and When Do You Use SharkBite Large Diameter Fittings?
Common applications include service and repair in commercial settings, particularly for frozen or burst pipe repair. Two helpful large diameter fittings to keep on hand include brass push-to-connect slip couplings and brass push-to-connectball valves.
By keeping a large diameter brass slip coupling on hand, you’ll be prepared if you need to perform a quick repair. Only one end of the coupling has a stop, allowing the opposite end to slide freely over the pipe. Using a disconnect clip or disconnect tongs, you can release the other end of the fitting to cover the pipe, making a successful connection and leak repair. SharkBite also offers large diameter tee-shaped slip fittings. Any fitting with a slip design must be used with rigid pipes like copper.
Ball valves are another good option to keep on hand for emergency repair, especially in tight spaces. Ball valves can be rotated after installation making it easier to reach the shut-off and are compatible with PEX, copper, CPVC, and SDR-9 HDPE pipe in any combination.
Learn more about making emergency repairs on wet lines with slip fittings.
How Is a Large Diameter Fitting Different Than the Standard SharkBite Brass Fitting?
There are several key differences between a standard sized SharkBite fitting and the large diameter version.
- Size and appearance. SharkBite large diameter brass fittings are larger in size than standard brass fittings, and they have a black release collar.
- PEX stiffener. Standard SharkBite brass fittings come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the fitting for PEX and HDPE that does not need to be removed for copper or CPVC applications. However, PEX stiffeners for SharkBite large diameter fittings must be purchased separately.
- SKU Code. Not all brass fittings come in a large diameter version, so look for UXL in the SKU code indicating larger sizes.
Otherwise, SharkBite large diameter fittings meet the same quality, level of performance, and code requirements as smaller brass fittings.
Be Prepared
By keeping SharkBite large diameter fittings on hand, you’ll always be ready for commercial service and repair jobs and can be confident you’re making secure and reliable connections.