Traditional ways of connecting two pipes or tubes in HVAC systems or any other plumbing activities have been there for decades now. Engineers and experts are now working on advanced tools that can make the installation job easy for the technicians while providing reliable and covenant options for the owner of the HVAC unit as well.
SharkBite is one of those advancements and is being used in plumbing activities. Various people now consider them as a good option but can you use SharkBite fittings on AC lines? Well, you will get all your answers in this guide.
What is SharkBite
Shark bites are connectors also known as the push-to-connect that are mainly used in various kinds of plumbing activities. These kinds of connectors are getting too much popularity and appreciation among HVAC engineers and technicians as it provides a great amount of convenience.
There is no need to put two pipes in one place, use tools to weld them and insulate them because all these things can easily be replaced by just using a shark bite connector. As its name implies, all you need is to push pipes inside the connector and it will catch them firmly. Using SharkBite not only saves time but mitigates your maintenance expenses as well.
Do Sharkbite fittings have lead in them
The standard lead requirement for potable plumbing products per wetted surface is 0.25% or less, and that is the exact amount in sharkbite fittings. Sharkbite fittings the approved standard requirements National Plumbing Product Certification for potable water which include, ASSE 1061 and NSF 61.
How long do Sharkbite fittings last
Sharkbite put the warranty for their fittings at 25 years provided that it is used together with a tube that is made by them. Therefore, a Sharkbite fitting is expected to last for about 25 years.
What pressure are Sharkbite fittings rated for
The pressure rating for Sharbite fittings is 200 PSI. The temperature rating is 200°F.
Are SharkBite fittings reliable for HVAC
Experiments and researches have shown that SharkBite is reliable for HVAC units as they can be used in almost all kinds of conditions and can go through walls, ceilings, etc. We all know that if a connector is moved or disturbed very often, it can get loose and start leaking.
One of the best things that increase the life of connectors is that once you have clenched their teeth on the pipe, you cannot take it off with your hands. You will have to use related tools to get this job done. This thing allows the connector to remain at the place no matter how fast the air is blowing or whatever conditions it is going through.
Are Sharkbite fittings good for underground
Yes, the Sharkbite fitting is good for the underground. However, when using a Sharkable for your underground piping work, make sure the fitting is wrapped with an impermeable membrane to protect from ground contaminants. And also, make sure that the connection is both airtight and watertight sealed.
Is it ok to use Sharkbite fittings on the wall
Yes, Sharkbite fittings can be used behind walls, although there’s an element of risk associated with using Sharkbite fittings in walls. Sharkbite fittings have a rubber ring which does not make them suitable for connections. And since they will be out of sight when used in walls, it will be very difficult to know if there’s leakage or not. However, IAPMO tested and approved Sharkbite fittings for use in both grounds and walls (concealed places), therefore, you can use them regardless of the associated risk.
Do professionals recommend SharkBite on HVAC
The answer to this question mainly depends on the professionals and their working behavior. If he is a person who loves his work and wants to make the job too easy and efficient, both for the house owner and the professional himself, he will recommend using SharkBite on HVAC.
All these things can go in the opposite direction if your plumber or professional wants to make more money out of your HVAC unit’s installation. They will ask you to use a traditional method of welding copper pipes using the same old tools so that they can charge you high fees due to a bit of extra effort.
Is SharkBite Water and Airtight
SharkBite has been certified by various organizations that set standards of products. They have approved that SharkBite is good to be installed with water and radiant heating equipment.
You may be amazed to know but SharkBite has a huge life of 25 years in the water. This gives you surety that if you install the connector properly on your HVAC unit, you may never have to change it as it can live as long as your HVAC unit itself.
When it comes to airtight, SharkBite is still behind in this regard. There are no certifications as air and gas cannot be contained in SharkBite connectors. Engineers and manufacturers claim that this factor will also be removed within a year or two.
Can I reuse SharkBite Fittings
You can reuse a SharkBite but make sure that it is completely perfect. Scratches and cuts can occur while changing SharkBite from one pipe to another.
If you have used SharkBite on more than one pipe for a long period, it is recommended to thoroughly examine it before using it for your HVAC system.
Some people also use them just for testing purposes but such testing pieces should not be installed as a permanent connector as they may cause a leak in the long run.
How to stop SharkBite if it is spinning a lot
How to stop sharkbite fittings from spinning? This is probably not that big of an issue but if there is an extreme leak, you may have to replace the old SharkBite with a new one. If the connector is just spinning, it can happen due to extreme water pressure.
Using silicone tape is highly recommended as it will keep the thing in the right place. For a firm grip, ensure the overlapping of the tape and provide it some time so that it can get fused while ensuring better strength.
Why can’t you install SharkBite in California
There was a warning in previous years on installing SharkBite but now you can install SharkBite in California as well. The issue is that SharkBite contains a little amount of lead as they are mainly made up of brass and copper.
This lead can become a cause of cancer if taken in excessive amounts regularly. This fact made the California administration put a warning on SharkBite use on HVAC systems but now it has been approved and rated by various health and HVAC equipment-related organizations.
When SharkBite on HVAC is not a good option
SharkBite has all the positive things but it can become not a good option in some cases. The most prominent one is probably when the connector is not installed in the right way. In this case, the water will keep on leaking from the pipe and this will completely ruin your HVAC unit while wasting energy as well.
Can SharkBite fail on HVAC
200 PSI, yes, that is the rating given to SharkBite. This is proved and rated by professionals that SharkBite is completely watertight and it can survive in all kinds of conditions. One thing is still in doubt whether the connector is airtight as well or not.
Most experts claim that SharkBite should not be used at places where air or gas has to revolve in pipes while some have given the opinion that the life of SharkBite may be less in gas environments but it can still perform well.
How to disconnect Sharkbite fittings
Follow the step-by-step approach below to guide you through the process of disconnecting Sharkbite fittings.
- Snap the Sharkbite disconnect clip on the pipe, then pull it up to the release collar.
- Use the disconnect clip again to press the collar then pull the pipe away from the fitting.
SharkBite HVAC FAQs
Do you need the plastic insert for Sharkbite fittings?
Yes and no, because it depends on your connection. If you are connecting a large diameter Sharkbite fittings with CPVC, you wouldn’t need the plastic insert (tube liner). However, if you are connecting the large diameter fittings with either HDPE, PEX, PE-RT pipe, you will need the plastic insert.
Do Sharkbite fittings freeze?
Yes, Sharkbite fittings can freeze. Although Sharkbite fittings can tolerate frozen conditions to some extent, however, altogether, they are not freeze-proof, which means at some point, they may freeze and burst.
Why are my sharkbite fittings leaking?
The most apparent reason why your Sharkable fittings may be leaking is the bad seal. Sharkbite fittings are designed in such a way as to ensure a leak-proof seal. Therefore, if you notice that your Sharkbite fittings are leaking, check if the pipe connected to it is still intact. If not, disconnect and reconnect it again to fix the leakage.
Will Sharkbite fittings work on the Galvanized pipe?
No, Sharkbite fittings are not designed to be used with Galvanized pipe. However, that does not mean they cannot be used together at all. You can use them with galvanized pipes if you can convert them into PEX settings. According to Sharkbite, the approved settings for their fittings are PEX, hard-drawn copper, and CPVC pipes. Hence the reason why the conversion is necessary.
Will Sharkbite fittings work on Polybutylene?
Yes, you can use Sharkbite with Polybutylene. One of the beauties of using Sharkbite fittings is that they can easily change from one pipe to the other. One of the pipes you can connect with Sharkbite fittings is Polybutylene.
Do Sharkbite fittings work on PVC?
Yes, Sharbite fittings especially the ones with white collars are a perfect match for a PVC pipe.
Can Sharkbite fittings be buried?
Yes, Sharkbite fittings can be buried. However, you must ensure that the fittings are covered with impermeable material before burning them.
Can you use Sharkbite for a hot water heater?
Yes, you can use Sharkbite for a hot water heater. Sharkbite fittings can tolerate high temperatures, hence, they are one of the best fittings for a water heater.
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