4 Fitting Systems for SharkBite PEX Pipe
SharkBite PEX System Overview
SharkBite PEX pipe and PEX systems provide peace of mind for a variety of plumbing applications. They are backed by a 25-year warranty and work seamlessly with other products from RWC’s family of brands, such as HoldRite and Cash Acme. Below are four ways to properly connect PEX pipe using SharkBite products.
Read More: 10 Facts About PEX Pipe You Need to Know
Manufacturing the Highest Quality Products
There are many PEX systems on the market, but not many can guarantee you a controlled manufacturing process from raw material to assembly like SharkBite. As part of RWC’s brand portfolio, SharkBite’s owned manufacturing process means there’s better control over quality materials, inspections, product testing and assembly.
RWC manufactures both SharkBite PEX-a and PEX-b pipe, which are certified to ASTM F876 and F877 and has the highest chlorine resistance and UV ratings. RWC also provides the broadest range of fittings systems through SharkBite — including expansion, crimp, clamp, push-to-connect and EvoPEX — so you can choose the system that works for you.
Read More: 4 Ways SharkBite Manages High Product Quality
System 1: SharkBite Max Push-to-Connect
SharkBite Max is our most versatile fitting, compatible with PEX, copper, CPVC, and HDPE SDR-9 pipe. The push-to-connect design allows for easy, secure transitions from pipe to pipe for both residential and commercial applications. For all ratings, approvals, sizes and other specs, check the product page of your desired fitting.
Watch: How to Install SharkBite Max Fittings
Compared to our first-generation fittings, Max fittings are stronger, can withstand double the burst pressure, and require half the insertion effort. No special tools, crimping, glue or soldering are required, and SharkBite Max doesn’t require a PEX tube liner. They are also approved for underground and behind-the-wall applications. For more information on transitioning fittings for PEX applications, read our blog below.
Read More: Connecting Copper to PEX Fast with SharkBite Fittings
System 2: EvoPEX
When you need a fast, secure PEX connection, use SharkBite EvoPEX fittings. They are 30% faster to install than traditional PEX rough-in plumbing methods and are perfect for new construction, repipe and remodeling applications.
Watch: How To Install the SharkBite EvoPEX Plumbing System
SharkBite EvoPEX fittings do not require any tools and have a green indicator that appears when you make a secure connection. This design reduces installation errors, which saves you time and prevents potential leak points.
These fittings make permanent connections and are only compatible with PEX pipe. See the product page of your desired fitting for all ratings, approvals, sizes and other specs.
Click below to see how SharkBite EvoPEX performs on the job and what Clint McCannon, owner of Cannon Plumbing in Suwanee, Georgia, thinks about this PEX system.
Case Study: Single Family Repipe
System 3: Expansion
SharkBite’s expansion fittings connect PEX-a pipe using an expansion tool, expansion sleeves and expansion fittings.
Watch: How to Install PEX-a Expansion Fittings
This system is only compatible with PEX-a or PE-RT pipe and is ideal for both residential and commercial plumbing installations. SharkBite offers brass and poly expansion fittings, plugs, adapters, sleeves and more for this connection method.
Expansion fittings are available in multiple sizes and certified for use in potable water and hydronic heating systems. They are third-party tested and comply with the following certifications.
Depending on the size, temperature and pressure rating needs of your project, choose between the brass or poly expansion systems. SharkBite’s brass expansion fittings are made with dezincification-resistant, lead-free brass and poly fittings are made using high-performance Acudel polymer. Both are corrosion-resistant and made for fast, easy installation.
System 4: Crimp and Clamp
SharkBite offers brass and poly crimp fittings, valves, rings and more for PEX and PE-RT crimp / clamp systems. This system offers durable connections and is certified for use in potable water and hydronic heating system applications. Both crimp fitting options can be connected with either copper crimp rings or stainless-steel clamp rings.
Watch: How to Install PEX Crimp Clamp Fittings
These fittings are corrosion resistant. Brass fittings are made of lead-free DZR brass, and poly are made of high-performance Acudel polymer. Depending on your application, choose the right fittings that suit your size, temperature and pressure rating needs. Check the product page of your desired fitting for all ratings, approvals, sizes and other specs.