Shark Bite Valve ??

[cleveland1]

Hi All -

I have a question on what the pro's think of Shark Bite valves and fittings? I can assume most pro's probably hate them, being that they are unconventional, and make it so easy for DIY'ers to do plumbing themselves - however being that I am on a strict budget, and can not afford a plumber this time around, I was hoping for some objectional advice and opinions on these. As unpregidous as possible.

Anyway - I am faced with replacing the 2 master shutoff water valves in my mother in law's home, right by the water meter in the basement. Both the street side valve and the house side valves.

Though i have used compression valves plenty of times in the past, and also can sweat (kind of good) - I was hoping the shark bite valves in thsi case, would be great to use, so I can get them replaced quickly, while the city waits for me so they can turn the water back on in the street at the curb.
And thereby getting it al done quick, and with very minimal inconvenience to me and the residents of the household, etc.

I used a shark bite fitting once before in my own home, and surprisingly, I was amazed that it actually worked.

But I am not sure if using one on the main water shutoff would be wize or not? Do they hold up and last as long as conventional valves would?

Also, I am not sure if shark bite vlaves, although the body is mostly brass like conventional vlaves, will conduct electricity like a conventional valve does. Being that the main water line, is how the whole house is being grounded with.

I looked closely at one of the shark bite valves (3/4" ball valve), and I can't be sure that the "circuit" will NOT be broken by the plastic and steel push fitting on each end??

Any comments??

Thanks in advance.

[nhmaster]

When price matters more than quality, plumbing will always suffer. Sharkbites are great for fast temporary repairs. they are great for testing. Would I put a fitting with a rubber O ring in it in a concealed wall? Never. Want to have some fun? Cut a 1/2" copper line. Put a sharkbite coupling in place. Turn on the water and then flex the pipe where the coupling is. See the leak? You will. I have a rule. If I can't afford to do it right then I just don't do it. Price should never be the deciding factor. Essentially what you are asking is "Is there an el cheepo way to get out of doing this job right?"

[Redwood]

Turn on the water and then flex the pipe where the coupling is. See the leak? You will.

That is something that you need to try before you say it happens!

If it does there is one reason and that is that you have not inserted the pipe all the way.

[nhmaster]

Nope, pipe properly inserted, flex the joint water leaks.

[Redwood]

You are describing something I have never seen.

[patrick88]

I see shark bites as a sure way to get a customer pissed off about prices.
I only use shark bites for transition.

[Redwood]

I use Sharkbites and have a higher level of confidence in them than most of the pro's. I spent a number of years as the staff plumber in an industrial maint. department. We had a large number of CNC machines that used a very similar technology on their pnematic systems. The environment was hot, oily, moving rapidly and a few other hazards among them high pressure. The technology performed well and reliably.

However, I would sweat the valve on in that application. I use them primarily as a transition coupling and in situations where the water cannot be shut off completely.