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SharkBite's Push-To-Connect Brass Fittings
Article by - Caravans PlusRead Time: 11 mins
Contents
How SharkBite Fittings Work
SharkBite's Push-To-Connect plumbing fittings works via a two-stage process that ensures a quick, easy connection. In one easy push, the SharkBite fitting's advanced design seals and locks the pipe in securely.
Stage 1. As the pipe is inserted into the fitting, it passes through the release collar and then through the stainless steel grab ring. The grab ring opens out and grabs the pipe, preventing it from being withdrawn.
Stage 2. The pipe then passes through the O-Ring protector. This aligns the pipe before it passes through the O-Ring which is compressed between the outside of the pipe and the inside wall of the fitting, creating a seal. When the pipe reaches the tube support stop, a secure joint has been made.
SharkBite Fitting's Advanced Design
If required, the pipe and fitting can be easily disconnected using SharkBite Disassembly Clips or Disassembly Tongs. Simply apply pressure to the release collar. This releases the grab ring teeth, allowing the pipe to be withdrawn from the fitting.
Glossary
We know glossaries usually go at the end... but if you're new to plumbing it's worth a quick read at the beginning. While we're mixing it up we also decided to give it to you in an order of need to know instead of alphabetical.
Feel free to skip ahead if you're already "fluid in plumbing" - Sizes Explained
Commonly used Terms and Abbreviations in Plumbing
Nominal - The industry standard nominated size to explain which fitting or pipe/tube will go together. It is not necessarily an exact measurement of either the inside or outside of the pipe or fitting.
ID - Inside Diameter, a measurement of the inside of pipe or tubing, measured from the inside wall across the centre, to the opposite inside wall.
OD - Outside Diameter, a measurement of the pipe or tubing, measured from the outside wall across the centre, to the opposite outside wall.
DN - Diameter Nominal, the nominal metric size used for copper pipe and fittings.
IPS - Iron Pipe Size is reference to the metric (mm based) nominal inside diameter; the standard from early 19th century through to just after World War II; still used in PVC manufacturing, steel gas and water piping.
MI - Male Iron Pipe, describes an nominal external pipe thread end connection
FI - Female Iron Pipe, describes an nominal internal pipe thread end connection
BSP - British Standard Pipe, reference to the imperial (Inch-based) nominal inside diameter
G - BSPP Parallel threads. Pitch angle 55 degrees and rounded peaks and valleys (You'll will notice these in the SharkBite Tech Manual)
R - BSPT Taper threads. Pitch angle 55 degrees and rounded peaks and valleys (You'll will notice these in the SharkBite Tech Manual)
NPT - National Pipe Tapered Thread. An American standard tapered thread. Pitch angle 60 degrees and flat peaks and valleys
Tube - is measured by actual outside diameter
Pipe - is measured by nominal inside diameter
Copper (Cu) - Has a Diameter Nominal (DN) metric size based off OD contrary to the rule of pipes being measured nominally on the ID.
PEX-b - Cross-linked Polyethylene pipes for hot and cold pressure applications. The b indicates the cross linking process that was used in manufacturing. Pex-b is the Silane method. This method involves grafting a reactive silane molecule to the backbone of the polyethylene polymer, it is then extruded resulting in cross-linked Polyethylene tube/pipe. PEX-b has the highest chorine resistance and burst pressures but at a loss of flexibility.
Note: SharkBite Tube is PEX-b
PB - Polybutylene pipe is produced by refining crude oil and polymerisation. The PB polymer is melted and extruded to create the finished tube/pipe.
Polymer - a large number of similar pellet like units/molecules that can be bonded together, e.g. many synthetic organic materials used as plastics and resins.
Polymerisation - any process in which relatively small molecules, combine chemically to produce a very large chainlike or network molecule, in this case the pex or pb pipe
Extrusion - is a process of manufacturing long products of constant cross-section (rods, sheets, pipes, films, wire insulation coating) forcing soften polymer through a die with an opening.
PN - Pressure Nominal, Pipes for water applications are classified in terms of the Nominal Safe Working Pressure of water service at a temperature of 20 degrees. The PN is obtained from the relationship between pipe diameter and wall thickness
SDR - The Standard Dimensional Ratio is used to describe the relationship between pipe diameter and wall thickness, and therefore, the pressure rating of the pipe. A higher SDR indicates a thinner-walled pipe at any given diameter.
Capillary - The action that happens when solder wire applied to the edge of the entry port melts and fills the small gap between the pipe and fitting, sealing and making a strong joint.
Sizes Explained
Already got an immeasurable knowledge of sizes - Skip Ahead
All SharkBite fittings are listed with the Nominal Metric (mm) size of each connection. The Nominal size however is not necessarily an exact measurement of either the inside or outside of a fitting. It is the industry standard nominated size to explain which fitting or pipe/tube will go together.
SharkBite Pex
Measured from its ACTUAL Outside Diameter (OD) of tube - Woo Hoo, nice easy one.
Copper (Cu)
Has a Diameter Nominal (DN) metric size based off it's OD but IS NOT the actual OD of the pipe. For example copper pipe and fittings will have dimensions like DN15Cu - meaning Diameter Nominal 15mm Copper. Its Nominal Imperial equivalent is 1/2 Inch and its actual OD is 12.7mm
Threaded Connections
Described as either Male or Female. Male fitting insert into the Female fitting with the same nominal size. These fitting will be listed for example as 15MI which means - Nominal 15mm Male Iron Pipe. Iron Pipe is a metric size reference to the inside diameters (ID). Its Nominal Imperial equivalent is 1/2 Inch Male British Standard Pipe (1/2 Inch MBSP) which also gets it nominal measurement from its ID.
Pressure Ratings
Yep, yet another measurement to know about.
Pipes for water applications are also classified in terms of the nominal pressure rating (PN) at water service temperature of 20 degrees.
SDR7.4 PEX - has a pressure rating of PN20
Nominal Safe Working Pressure of 2,000kpa at 20 degrees.
SDR9 PEX - has a pressure rating of PN16
Nominal Safe working pressure of 1,600kpa at 20 degrees.
(SharkBite Pex is SDR9)
What is SDR and how is it calculated?
The Standard Dimensional Ratio (SDR) is used to describe the relationship between pipe diameter and wall thickness, and therefore, the pressure rating of the pipe.
The SDR = Outside Diameter divided by Wall Thickness.
Therefore a higher SDR indicates a thinner-walled pipe at any given diameter.
Identifying Your Pipes
Data-pipe already established? Skip Ahead
If you're not quite sure what pipes/tubes you have, you can work it out by measuring the outside diameter and wall thickness.
That being said, if you are plumbing in an Caravan or Motorhome theres a good chance it's already fitted out with John Guest flexible tube apposed to the more traditional residential pipes in the previous section.
John Guest tube has an outside diameter of 12mm or 15mm and comes in blue, red or black.
Copper pipe is easy to identify but often incorrectly measured so remember it is not the actual outside diameter - refer to the Image in the size section of this article.
PEX pipe comes in two different pressure ratings. PEX is measured on the outside diameter however to work out if it SDR7.4 (PN20) or SDR9 (PN16) you will need to measure the wall thickness - refer to the Image.
Polybutylene pipe is measured on the outside diameter and comes in standard sizes of 18mm or 22mm.
Once you've established what size and type of pipe you have you can easily switch to SharkBite's Push-to-Connect plumbing system. There is a range of conversion fittings with colour coordinated collars.
Copper Cu
Black Collar - SharkBite SDR9 Pex to Copper
Copper must comply to AS 1432
Sizes Available: DN15Cu & DN20Cu (DN25cu is compatible with 25mm Mustard Collars)
SDR7.4 Pex
White Collar - SharkBite SDR9 Pex to SDR7.4 Pex
Push-To-Connect Plumbing Solution from SharkBite to Rehau, PexPlus, Iplex K2, Forzapex, Tradepex & others.
Sizes Available: 16mm & 20mm PN20 (Pressure Nominal)
Polybutylene PB
Grey Collar - SharkBite SDR9 Pex to Polybutylene
Push-To-Connect Plumbing Solution from SharkBite to Iplex ProFit, Buteline, Hep 20 & others.
Sizes Available: 18mm & 22mm
SDR9 Pex
Blue Collar - SharkBite SDR9 Pex to SDR9 Pex
Push-To-Connect Plumbing Solution from SharkBite to Auspex & others.
Sizes Available: 16mm & 20mm PN16 (Pressure Nominal)
Push-To-Connect Plumbing For Your RV
Ready for bigger things? Skip Ahead
SharkBite's brass fittings have been specifically designed to Australian standards for residential plumbing use, however they could be a more heavy duty option for your RV if you're experiencing plumbing issues from loose stones or unavoidable exposure. SharkBite's Push-To-Connect fittings come in every combination you could need so they may also be perfect for that quick fix or an add-on to an existing plumbing system.
Simply find out what type of pipe or tubing you have and there will be a conversion fitting that allows you to switch to SharkBite Pex. They can also be installed by anyone so there is no need to hire a plumber.
Plastic Push-To-Connect Alternative
John Guest also offer a great range of light weight plastic Push-To-Connect fittings which are typically used in RV's. Plastic fittings are benificial because keeping weight low is usually ideal. Your RV may already be fitted out with a John-Guest plumbing system so unless you have a specific requirement that calls for Brass or Pex, you may wish to continue using the 12mm or 15mm existing John Guest system. Deciding what to use is literately just a case of weighing up the pros and cons to wheather brass or plastic suits your requirements. Both systems are simple for DIY plumbers.
Combing SharkBite and John Guest
There are fittings available to combine the two systems if you want to enjoy the best of both worlds. Simply choose a male or female threaded connection from John Guest and the opposite compatible threaded fitting from SharkBite and off you go. The two products below are and example of what you would need to convert 12mm John Guest pipe to 16mm SharkBite Pex.
...Missing Product....
The Easy Way To Find Connecting Products
All products listed on our website have a list of connecting products, just one click away. You can find this handy feature under the specifications in the full product description.
Article - How To Use John Guest Push-On-Fittings
SharkBite For Residential Plumbing
SharkBite fittings and pipe are manufactured in Australia's Reliance Worldwide Corporation's state of the art facilities. Stringent quality control and advanced manufacturing procedures guarantee product satisfaction.
Alleviating the need to hire help, these fittings offer a cost cut to the project as well as the satisfaction of having done the job yourself. Whether it be a quick fix in the kitchen, broken pipe in the roof or a total bathroom renovation these fittings and PEX pipe can be relied upon to perform year after year. As such they are backed by Reliance Worldwide Corporation's 25 year warranty.
Aside from the obvious ease of use another great reason to switch to PEX is the acoustic properties. Comparative tests between 16mm PEX pipe and DN15Cu (1/2" BSP) copper pipe indicate an average noise reduction of up to 17dB (A) can be obtained when using PEX pipe.
If you're undertaking a bathroom renovation the SharkBite shower breeches will make the job a breeze. For those adding to existing plumbing or replacing copper pipes all SharkBite fittings and PEX pipe can be found below.
How To Install SharkBite Fittings
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