SharkBite® Fittings
These fittings are 2014 Federal Safe Drinking Water Act compliant

Q. "Can I use SharkBite® fittings with soft copper or rolled copper?"
A. No. The unique SharkBite® system won't seal properly with soft or rolled copper, these fittings are for use only with hard drawn copper Types K, L, and M.

Q. "Can I use SharkBite® fittings with gas?"
A. No. SharkBite® are certified for use with potable water ONLY. They cannot be used in other applications.

Q. "Will these fittings leak or can they be used as a permanent connection?"
A. Any fitting, if not properly installed, will leak - and most fittings given enough time and certain water conditions will eventually fail. That being said, SharkBite® fittings are suitable for use as a permanent connection if properly installed and are warrantied against defect for 25 years.

Q. "Can you really use these fittings underground?"
A. Yes. SharkBite® fittings are certified for use underground, in behind the wall applications, and as a manufactured joint without access panels. But as always, please consult local codes prior to installation. If using the fittings for underground applications, they should be wrapped with an impervious material, chloride-free tape, or tightly wrapped and sealed insulation to prevent direct contact with the backfill. Backfill should be free of rocks, debris, or any sharp objects that may cause damage through impact or abrasion.

Q. "Do I need a stiffener to use SharkBite® fittings with PEX?"
A. An integral PEX stiffener is not usually needed when using SharkBite® since they come equipped with an integrated Tube Support Liner that effectively supports the PEX tubing to ensure the O-ring seals correctly. However, please be sure to check local codes as they might have different requirements. Additionally, note that the Tube Support Liner is not required when using SharkBite® products with CPVC and copper, and can easily be removed if preferred or required by local code.

Q. "I'm hearing a lot about lead-free these days. What does that have to do with plumbing products and how does the new lead-free legislation affect me?"
A. Basically, the laws implemented Jan. 1st, 2014 require plumbing products that come in contact with drinking water to be "essentially lead free" (less than 0.25% weighted average). For further information about how the law determines what is "lead free", rules regarding which plumbing products must be "lead free", and who these laws will affect, please view our page.