shark bite connectors

crankbait09

I have an existing water heater that will son be replaced. The existing water heater has copper lines running off of it.

I was thinking of using shark bite connectors along with the flex tubing to connect to the existing copper supply lines.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...&storeId=10051

has anyone used this procedure rather than the standard soldering method?

I'd love to AVOID soldering all together but figured I'd get the opinions first.

TarheelTerp

If you don't already know how to solder pipe & fittings...
this would be a great opportunity to remedy that shortcoming.

Get some help and learn a new skill.

ndmick

Those fittings work great.Used many of them over the years.

TheEplumber

The dark side of me hopes sharkbites start to fail soon like PB piping did. Then plumbers will have job security for a while longer

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VIPlumber

Welcome to the dark side.

crankbait09

tarheel - I have actually soldered ONCE this past spring. Had to replace a busted copper line in the garage from a piece of ice bustingout the side a number of years ago. I broke down and attempted to solder. Oh, it worked with no problems but it looked like crapola!!!!!

I work at Home Depot and I am starting to cross train within a few departments. Plumbing being one of them.

Today was my first day of plumbing training and I was introduced to the shark bite/PEX route compared to the soldering route.................I was happier than a pig in mud!!!

TarheelTerp

Did it leak?
The next attempt should be better. Keep trying.

Sharkbites have a place. An example of that place is at 2AM with water filling the basement and a corroded over valve that won't close.

They should NOT be used for planned work.
Plan your work. Do it right.

crankbait09

nope, no leaks but visually it looks like it was done by a drunk plumber

Stephen S.

I used shark bite to connect the copper pipe to pex pipe while doing remodeling. It's been 1.5 years so far and no problem at all.

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crankbait09

OK, so far, for the most part, I'm hearing nothing but positive about these pex/SB connectors.

If these PEX/SB connectors work VERY WELL, why can they not be used instead of copper piping for the water heater? What am I misunderstanding?

TarheelTerp

No one is saying that they won't work.
I have two in my own basement right now.

What is being said is twofold:
a) learn the proper skill
b) use that skill at the proper time

TheEplumber

The UPC does not allow pex to be connected to a water heater. Has to be 18 or 24" away-can't remember which

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crankbait09

ahhh, the code.

I will post some pictures as well as dimensions and i will get a confirmed "don't do it" or "go ahead"

Alan

If I was a sober plumber, i'd take offense at that...


wait...

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Alan

18" .

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