Plumbing - Sharkbite, Gatorbite reliability?

[newbury]

I've a number of plumbing redo projects coming up and many involve moderately tight quarters in wood frame.

I have not had to sweat a copper union in several years but I always hated having to do it next wood frames, which I tended to soak before firing up the burner.

I recently used some "Gatorbite" fittings and liked them. However I'm concerned about their reliability.

In a couple of threads here:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/related-topics/277989-sharkbite-2.html
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/rural-living/114366-shark-bite.html

they have been discussed, but only one poster expressed real worry about their reliability based on a "friends" ancedote.

I heard from a plumber friend of mine that there are reports the stainless teeth are deteriorating. The potential liability is staggering. This past summer I just replaced the blue water pipe that was supposed to last for 50 years. Sometimes things go bad.

Many said they would only use them for "temporary repair", but for many of us a "temporary repair" is until it breaks again.

Surfing the net I have not run across documented failures of properly installed fittings.

So what's the view of the TBN collective mind? Does the TBN borg approve?

 

[SPIKER]

I have looked at them myself but wonder the same, on top of the COST for their price I would replace with PVC or PEX where patches were needed.

Just saying that while they may well last long time still cost is what would be most prohibitive.

Mark

 

[newbury]

I have looked at them myself but wonder the same, on top of the COST for their price I would replace with PVC or PEX where patches were needed.

Just saying that while they may well last long time still cost is what would be most prohibitive.

Mark

For plumbing reworking I find the cost not bad considering I don't have to solder between 60 year old dried FLAMMABLE studs. About $5/fitting I used and all I had to do was cut the pipe and debur the end.

 

[Chilly807]

I've used them, they're not my first choice though. We used them in a friend's restaurant, I don't think I'd put them in my own house if I had any choice. I try to stuff a piece of aluminum sheet metal next to a stud before soldering a pipe next to it. It reflects the heat away from the wood. Soak it down after soldering if you're as paranoid as I am..

Sean

 

[two_bit_score]

I've used shark bites several times. Some have been in pace over 5 years. Never had a problem.

I think they are great!

 

[teejk]

My plumbing friend (a "traditionalist") has used them for years where the fitting cost justifies the labor savings (otherwise he would prefer a sweat joint).

To back-up my claim about his preferences, I'll add that after chasing pin-hole copper leaks in our last house (with the sweating and drywall repairs), I insisted on PEX for our new house and he was not very happy about it. He tried to convince me to go CPVC instead but I see now that their are issues there as well. Anyway, being an "old-school" guy, he has no problems using the Sharks if it makes sense.

 

[Rustyiron]

I have 1 sharkbite (HDepot) fitting in a pex water line that I want the ability to disconnect and blow out in the winter. It is 4 y.o. and no probs, I also have not had to disconnect it either. It is also in a location that is visible and not hidden. Don't think I'd plumb a whole job like thi$, prolly cheaper to pay a plumber.

 

[teejk]

I have 1 sharkbite (HDepot) fitting in a pex water line that I want the ability to disconnect and blow out in the winter. It is 4 y.o. and no probs, I also have not had to disconnect it either. It is also in a location that is visible and not hidden. Don't think I'd plumb a whole job like thi$, prolly cheaper to pay a plumber.

A plumber is $50/hour or more around here. If there is water in the line, a sweated joint might cost you an hour or two (water in the lines was always my problem). Do the math! The fact that my plumber uses them on his own house tells me something.

 

[MotorSeven]

I used two of them in my build to connect the hard copper tub supply lines to Pex...so far no issues. Just stay away from the Smeltbites and the Mulletbites :laughing:

 

[newbury]

A plumber is $50/hour or more around here. If there is water in the line, a sweated joint might cost you an hour or two (water in the lines was always my problem). Do the math! The fact that my plumber uses them on his own house tells me something.

You forgot the basic "truck roll" fee of $150.