How SharkBite Transition Fittings Make Repipes and Repairs Smoother

How SharkBite Transition Fittings Make Repipes and Repairs Smoother

When repiping or repairing a plumbing system, pros typically go in with a preferred pipe material already in mind. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean they will avoid dealing with another kind of pipe. Push-to-connect transition fittings are the perfect addition to have on the truck when you need to change pipe types quickly without wasting materials.

SharkBite’s push-to-connect transition fittings are more efficient and more reliable than traditional pipe transition methods, such as threaded adapters. They also come in a range of different end connections, including PVC and polybutylene.

Push-to-Connect vs. Threaded Adapters

Threaded adapters are a common method used to transition from one pipe material to another for repairs or remodeling. Depending on the kind of pipe material used, pros have to make a glue joint or sweat joint on each pipe, then thread the adapter to connect. The process is not only cumbersome and slow; it also creates three leak points.

SharkBite’s push-to-connect transition fittings reduce leak points and come with color-coordinated collars for each specific pipe material for a quick, tool-free transition.

Different collar colors for different pipe transitions

• Fittings with a gray collar work with polybutylene pipe.
• If it has a white collar, the fitting works with PVC pipe and is compatible with schedule 40, 80 and 120 PVC.
• SharkBite couplings with a tan collar are designed to work with CTS pipes like PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT or (CTS SDR-9) SDR-9 HDPE tubing.

All SharkBite fittings are approved for behind-the-wall installation and, if you use silicone wrap, underground burial too.

When You May Need a Transition Fitting

Pros often run into different types of pipe materials that require them to make transitions, especially during remodels and repairs. Having transition fittings on hand ensures you can get the job done with the materials you trust — no matter what the existing pipe type is.

PVC Transition Fittings

As pros know, PVC can only be used as a cold-water supply line. Once the main water line enters the home or commercial space, pros typically choose to transition over to a different pipe type compatible with higher temperatures and higher PSI ratings.

Lawn sprinkler systems can also use PVC and require a transition fitting to switch from smaller pipes inside the structure to the ones used for the sprinkler system.

Polybutylene Transition Fittings

From 1978-95, polybutylene plumbing pipe was widely used in new construction. But production stopped in 1996 when polybutylene pipes began failing sooner than their predicted life expectancy. Even threaded adapters for polybutylene don’t exist anymore.

This means homeowners either have to completely repipe their entire homes or introduce a new pipe material to the existing plumbing system. SharkBite’s polybutylene transition fittings support phasing outdated polybutylene pipe material by allowing pros to transition to PEX, copper or CPVC as needed.

CTS Transition Fittings

In service and repair applications, you may come across pipe types you don’t have on hand or pipes you don’t want to use because they’re more expensive or less reliable. Using a coupling that’s compatible with CTS pipe — such as PEX, CPVC and copper — allows you to work with multiple kinds of pipe seamlessly.

Watch: How to install SharkBite push-to-connect fittings on different CTS pipes

Transition to SharkBite

Used to using threaded adapters to make pipe transitions? Be prepared for any kind of pipe you encounter in the field with SharkBite. Find out more about our transition fittings and find a store near you to get product on your truck.