Are Sharkbite fittings reusable?

36094 Views 6 Replies 3 Participants Last post by Eagle One, Feb 23, 2016

Eagle One

Discussion Starter · Feb 20, 2016

I have a Sharkbite shutoff valve fitting that I previously attempted to use but it ended up leaking a bit because the end of the copper pipe was slightly bent in after I applied too much pressure too quickly with my pipe cutting tool. I did not have the disconnect tool at the time so I removed the valve by cutting the pipes on either side and I installed a new sharkbite valve and this time made sure each end of the pipe was perfect (the manufacturer is not kidding when they say the pipe has to be properly square for the fitting to work!!).

I put this 'used' valve in the garage for a later day as I understood that these could be reused. That later day has come and I need to install this in an interior location that will be permanent and hidden behind an access panel. I thought I better verify that I can 'reuse' these things so I checked this morning and this is what the manufacturer website states:

Q: Is a SharkBite fitting re-usable?

A: Yes, fittings can be reused for testing purposes, but any fitting used repeatedly for testing must not then be used in a permanent installation.

Ok, so what exactly does this mean? Can be reused for "testing" purposes only? :confused1: Am I better off being safe and just buying a new one?

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TheEplumber

· #2 · Feb 20, 2016

To me, the key here is how dirty the valve openings are. Is the internal parts clean. If it's been sitting in a relativity clean environment then I'd use it.

Guys around here use push fit caps on tub spout rough ins. Over time the get coated with texture and taping compound and are installed and removed multiple times. This is the test condition you refer to.

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TheEplumber

· #4 · Feb 20, 2016

Eagle One said:
So it sounds like you are saying if the pipes were clean at the time of entry into the fitting, then it should be clean inside the fitting and good to reuse, right? I am still not clear on why the manufacturer calls it "testing". What is being "tested"?

I haven't read the website. But as a plumber, I use shark bits for temporary purposes such as testing a water system for leaks prior to drywall.
Unlike a copper cap, sharkbite caps can be reused multiple times. However, they are saying that every time it is reused, the fitting is slightly compromised and will eventually fail.
If you have only used this valve once, I wouldn't hesitate to reuse it
be sure it, and the pipe are clean as per manufactuer docs.

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