How To: Install SharkBite Water Heater Connectors
Water heaters are crucial for providing comfort in a home, but they're often difficult to access, located in confined spaces or tight closets. Whether you’re installing a new water heater or servicing an older one, SharkBite water heater connectors enable you to:
- Work comfortably in tight spaces.
- Quickly connect water heater supply lines to existing pipes that don’t line up.
- Have the versatility to connect the water heater to almost any pipe type.
All SharkBite hot water heater connectors are approved for use on electric and gas water heaters with a flu vent.
Steps to Install SharkBite Water Heater Connectors
- Measure the distance from the hot and cold supply lines to the water heater to choose the correct hose length.
- Cut the pipe as cleanly and squarely as possible. Be sure the pipe is free of scratches and debris. If you are handling copper pipe, remove any sharp edges or burrs on the pipe end with your SharkBite deburr and gauge tool.
- Using the same deburr and gauge tool, measure and mark the insertion depth on your pipe.
- Hand-tighten the female connector onto the pipe nipple and then give a quarter turn with a wrench. Be sure not to over-tighten. SharkBite water heater connectors use a gasket to seal onto the water heater pipe nipples, so thread tape is not required.
- Push the fitting to the insertion mark you made. Repeat on the hot water outlet side.
- Now, turn on your water and check the connections. If you notice water dripping from the pipe nipple connection, use your wrench to further tighten.
The field-proven design of SharkBite water heater connectors and hoses is streamlined, secure and versatile enough to match all your installation requirements.
Braided & Corrugated Water Heater Supply Lines
SharkBite carries a wide range of braided and corrugated flexible water heater hoses that connect to PEX, copper, CPVC, or HDPE pipe. SharkBite also offers flexible water heater connectors with ball valves to provide a shut-off on the supply side of the water heater.
Check your local plumbing codes to see if hard piping to your water heater is required. Stainless steel corrugated connectors can be used as an alternative to hard piping.
Read/Watch more: Water Heater Installation in Buford, GA
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