Sharkbite etc. Connections

[Tim]

My cottage is outfitted with PEX. I'm installing a tankless hot water heater and they say to use copper within 3 feet of the unit. So, I've got to connect the copper to the PEX.

I've looked at something called sharkbite and compression fittings - both copper and plastic. These sharkbite fittings look so good that I'm tempted to use them on the copper as well - instead of soldering.

Does anyone have experience with them - or with the various compression fittings?

[crokett]

I have used both the sharkbite push fittings and the similar plastic ones from Lowes. The sharkbites work well. I have had some in place for 2 years and others for a year but they are in accessible spots in my basement. I am not sure I would bury them in a wall. The one time I used the plastic ones from Lowes they were a disaster. I installed 6 fittings at a friend's and 3 of them leaked.

[Tim]

Thanks, I was wondering about the plastic ones as well.

A friend has suggested that I use something called just-for-copper to glue the copper connections and then use the sharkbites to connect the copper to the pex. Has anyone heard of this?

[crokett]

I've never heard of Just for Copper, but after researching it on the web I am definitely going to look into it. The Sharkbites are expensive and this will save me some money and still let me plumb with copper.

[kevin egerth]

shark bites are only code approved for non-concealed locations..same as compression fittings ..why is this because they are very common leak sources.. the plastic fittings are junk, like many things at the home center these are not code approved.. now why the hell do you care about code. because if you do a non-code repair/install and have any insurance related problem flood/fire.. your insurance doesnt have to pay out and adjusters are more frequently looking for ways to cut there ratiios