Connecting Copper to PEX Fast with SharkBite Fittings

Property owners depend on plumbing systems to deliver clean water to all fixtures. Although plumbing is one of the most important systems in the home infrastructure, pipes are installed mainly behind the wall, making it difficult to tell if there is an issue that needs to be addressed until it’s too late. If you’re working on a remodel or repipeof that requires replacing copper with PEX, SharkBite can help make the job easier.

Why Transition From Copper to PEX

Decades ago, copper was the most widely used pipe type for many plumbing applications. In fact, if you were a plumber before the year 2000, you may have used copper to replace hazardous galvanized pipe, which is known to corrode.

Today, connecting copper to PEX is common in new construction, remodeling and repair because of PEX’s flexibility, affordability and durability in extreme temperatures.

Less Connection Points =Less Risk

PEX pipe's flexibility helps it bend around corners easily, reducing the number of connection points needed. This lowers project costs for plumbers and minimizes failure points for the system.

Lower, More Stable Cost

PEX itself also costs significantly less than copper pipe. For example, 1/2 in.SharkBite PEX tubing costs about one-quarter the price of copper. And since SharkBite PEX comes at a fixed cost, plumbers don’t have to worry about fluctuating daily prices like they do with copper.

Durable & Freeze Resistant

PEX’s durability makes it more reliable for homeowners. Because it isn’t a rigid pipe, it will expand in freezing conditions instead of cracking, reducing leaks and water damage. It’s also immune to corrosion and mineral build-up, and it’s not affected by electrolysis, which can cause small pinhole leaks in copper piping. SharkBite PEX-B in particular offers the highest-rated chlorine resistance and six-month UV resistance to prevent premature failure.

Read: How SharkBite comes in handy for kitchen and bathroom remodels.

Traditional Methods of Transitioning PEX to Copper vs. SharkBite

Traditionally, connecting PEX to copper depends on the end of the pipe in which you’re connecting. If working with a threaded pipe, you can screw a threaded adapter onto the end of the pipe, secure it with a wrench and connect the PEX to the other side. If the pipe is not threaded, you may use a male or female slip adapter. This method requires soldering the adapter to the copper pipe before fitting the PEX to the other end and securing with a crimp.

There's a better way.

Traditional transition techniques become complicated and time consuming, especially when working in tight spaces. Simplify your process by cleanly installing a SharkBite copper to PEX fitting in about 3 seconds. When installed properly, the connection won’t fail, and you won’t have to use glue, special tools or open flames.

The SharkBite brass push-to-connect product line is designed to help connect two pieces of PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT and/or SDR-9 HDPE pipe in any combination. One of the main benefits of SharkBite's system is that no special tools, crimping, glue or soldering are needed for a successful installation, making your pipe transition process that much simpler.

Additionally, this fitting will not corrode copper, and an internal o-ring seal helps to make a watertight connection. This fitting can be installed in wet lines, behind-the-wall and underground and is protected by a 25-year warranty.

Read: See the inside of a SharkBite fitting

How to Transition from Copper to PEX with SharkBite Fittings

Connecting SharkBite to copper is easy with our brass push-to-connect fittings. Simply cut your copper pipe, mark the proper insertion depth and push the coupling completely onto the pipe. Repeat this process for the PEX end and your connection is complete.