The SharkBite Max Advantage: Stronger, Faster Push-to-Connect Plumbing Fittings
The SharkBite Max Advantage delivers next‑generation push‑to‑connect plumbing fittings engineered for strength, speed, and reliability. SharkBite Max fittings feature a higher pressure rating, reduced insertion effort, and reinforced stainless‑steel construction for long‑lasting performance. Compatible with PEX, copper, CPVC, and PE‑RT pipe, SharkBite Max provides a secure, tool‑free connection that helps you complete repairs and installations faster with confidence you can rely on.
| Attributes | SharkBite ASSE 1061 Push-to-Connect Fittings | Competitive Non SharkBite Branded Push-to-Connect Fittings | Copper Press Fittings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Pressure Rating | 400 PSI | 200 - 250 PSI | 200 - 300 PSI |
| Certified Temperature Rating | 200° F | 200° F | 200° F - 250° F |
| Chlorine Resistant EPDM O-Ring | Provides resistance to heat, ozone, and weather, along with hot or cold water and alkalis | Most fail chlorine testing | EPDM O-ring sealing element |
| 316 Stainless Steel Grab Ring | Yes | Many test at or below 304 Stainless Steel, which is subject to pitting | Not applicable |
| DZR Brass Body | Dezincification resistant brass has exceptional resistance to corrosion | Some | Copper |
| PEX Tube Liner Required for PEX Applications | No | Yes | Not applicable |
| Compatible with Multiple Pipe Types | PEX, copper and CPVC | PEX, copper and CPVC | Copper Only |
| No Special Tool Required | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Entirely owned manufacturing process from raw brass to finished product with manufacturing in the USA | High quality control and fully automated systems checked hourly to ensure quality | Many competitor and private label brands are outsourced with lower quality control | Varies by manufacturer |
| Sizes Offered | 1/4 " thru 2" | 3/8 " thru 1 " | 1/2" thru 4" |
| Product Range - # of SKUs | 300+ SKUs | Most are fewer than 100 | 400+ Depending on the Manufacturer/Brand |
| Warranty | 25 Years with a 10 Year Consequential Damage | Varies from Limited Warranty to 25 Years | 25 to 50 Years Depending on Manufacturer/Brand |
What’s behind your wall?
SharkBite Max higher-grade materials deliver longer-lasting performance than competitive push-to-connect fittings.
SharkBite Max ASSE 1061 Push-to-Connect Fittings vs. Non SharkBite Push-to-Connect Fittings
Our Quality Seal Grab Ring
After years in service, SharkBite knows that there is no substitute for quality stainless steel in our grab rings. That’s why we use a superior grade of stainless steel compared to other grab ring products.
We only use 316 grade stainless steel in our SharkBite fittings to ensure corrosion resistance in all conditions.
Other products were found to use lower-grade stainless steel, a cost saving for them, but will it stand the test of time?
Strength Against Dezincification
Precision‑engineered with premium brass for long‑term durability and resistance to chemical attack and dezincification.
With less quality standard brass materials the chemical attack will result in dezincification ultimately resulting in the risk of premature failure.
O-Ring Chloramine Resistance
SharkBite fittings after 8 weeks exposed to chloramine solution remain intact.
Other competitive push fittings corrode after 8 weeks exposed to chloramine solution.
How Much Pressure Can SharkBite Max Take?
We put SharkBite Max under immense pressure to demonstrate why there’s no substitute for the Shark — see how it holds up.
Setting the Standard. There’s SharkBite, then there’s everything else.
SharkBite Certifications
- NSF 61 approved
- IAPMO listed
- CSA listed
- UPC, IPC, cUPC listed
- ASSE 1061 approved
- Certified for underground applications and
behind walls, as a manufactured joint, without
access panels
How Much Pressure Can SharkBite Max Take?
Testimonial: Ben Calmes Uses SharkBite Max
SharkBite Max Animation
3 Myths About Using SharkBite Behind the Wall and Underground
See What’s Inside a SharkBite Max™ Fitting
Debunking 3 Common Myths About SharkBite O-Rings
Browse SharkBite Push-to-Connect Products
Max Push Coupling
Max Push 90-Degree Elbow
Max Push Ball Valve
Max Push Braided Water Heater Connector
Max Push Flex Repair Coupling
Max Push Ball Valve with FNPT Connector
Max Push Corrugated Water Softener Connector
Max Push Reducing Ball Valve
Max Push Ball Valve with Drain and Mounting Tab
Max Push Slip Ball Valve
Max Push Braided Water Softener Connector
Push-to-Connect Fittings FAQs
SharkBite push-to-connect fittings are the core products within the SharkBite System, and provide the easiest and most dependable way to join PEX, copper, CPVC, HDPE or PE-RT pipe in any combination without solder, clamps, unions or glue. When you insert the pipe, the stainless steel teeth in our push-to-connect fittings bite down and grip tight, while the specially formulated o-ring compresses to create a perfect, secure seal. Browse our brass push products.
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.
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.
Yes. SharkBite brass push fittings are approved by IAPMO for underground applications as long the fitting is wrapped with silicone tape. Our self-fusing silicone tape that protects brass fittings from contaminants that can be found in ground conditions.
No. You don't need any specialized tools to connect SharkBite fittings. Although, the SharkBite Deburr & Gauge Tool is recommended for deburring and measuring the depth of the pipe. The pipe must be cut square, deburred and free of debris before installing.
Yes. A SharkBite Disconnect Clip or Disconnect Tongs are required to remove a SharkBite fitting.
Yes. SharkBite fittings can be reused for testing purposes but any fitting used repeatedly for testing should not be used in a permanent installation.
Yes. SharkBite fittings can be rotated after installation. Rotating the fitting will not affect the integrity of the joint.
No. SharkBite fittings are only certified for potable water & radiant heating installations.
SharkBite (1st Generation) fittings are certified to 200 psi and 200°F (93°C). Standard configurations of SharkBite Max — including elbows, couplings, adapters, caps and tees in most available sizes — are rated to 400 psi. Please reference the specific product’s specification sheet for temperature and pressure ratings as not all assemblies are rated for 400 psi and 200°F due to limitations of certain assembly components.
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)
No. SharkBite fittings can only be used with hard drawn copper types K, L, and M.
The tube liner in SharkBite (1st Generation) fittings can easily be removed by pulling it past the o-ring, with the aid of the SharkBite Disconnect Clip or Disconnect Tongs (both sold separately). The tube support liner can drop out of the fittings as it can move freely past the grab ring. Needle nose pliers may be used to pull the tube support liner out. The SharkBite (1st Generation) tube liner is necessary for use with PEX, HDPE or PE-RT Pipe. It is not required for copper or CPVC, however, it is not necessary to remove the tube liner from the fitting.
Because of its new design, SharkBite Max fittings don’t require a PEX tube liner, making installations simpler especially when working on copper and CPVC. When using SharkBite Max polybutylene adapters, a tube liner is included and required on the polybutylene end (gray collar). When using on HDPE SDR-9 pipe, a tube liner is required and needs to be supplied directly from the pipe manufacturer.
SharkBite fittings can leak due to one of these reasons:
- The pipe was not properly deburred prior to installation.
- The pipe was not properly inserted.
- The pipe was not squarely cut.
- The pipe has scratches or debris on the outside that is preventing the O-ring from getting a watertight seal.
Review installation instructions to ensure you've followed the correct steps. If still having issues, don't hesitate to contact our support team.
Water systems should not be allowed to freeze. When water freezes, it expands and creates pressure that exceeds plumbing system pressure capabilities, i.e. pipes and fittings burst.
It is recommended to solder any joints prior to installing a SharkBite fitting. The heat from the torch can be transferred through the pipe and potentially damage the O-ring.
Yes. SharkBite fittings can be used for hydronic heating applications if the temperature does not exceed 200°F.
NOTE: Glycol mixture for hydronic is acceptable up to and including 100%.
Yes. A tube liner is required when using the SharkBite large diameter fittings in conjunction with PEX, PE-RT or HDPE pipe. Tube liners are not required when using SharkBite large diameter fittings with copper or CPVC. The large diameter tube liners are sold separately.
Depends on the item. The standard SharkBite fittings (i.e. Coupling, Elbow, Tee) cannot be used as a dielectric union. However, SharkBite Stainless Steel Braided Flexible Coupling Hoses can be used as a dielectric union.
To view the full list of SharkBite brass push approvals, visit a product page for one of our Brass Push products. SharkBite fittings are compliant with the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), National Plumbing Code of Canada and the International Plumbing Code (IPC). Since local code varies by area, please consult with local plumbing codes for specific applications.
SharkBite fittings and PEX pipe carry a 25-year warranty against any manufacturer’s defect as long as the item has been installed in accordance with the installation instructions and complies with local code. For more information, read our full SharkBite Warranty.