What Are SharkBite Fittings?
SharkBite fittings are a type of push-to-connect fitting used in plumbing systems for water supply lines, irrigation systems, and other plumbing applications. They are designed to be a quick and easy way to connect pipes without the need for traditional soldering or welding, allowing for a more convenient and efficient installation process. Made of durable copper and plastic, these fittings have revolutionized plumbing repairs and installations by making it simpler for even novices to connect different pipe sizes and materials quickly and easily.
The use of push-to-connect plumbing fittings, such as SharkBite, was first introduced in North America in 2000 . For over twenty years, these fittings have provided a strong, permanent and corrosion resistant connection that is used in a variety of plumbing systems. SharkBite fittings are most commonly used in both residential and commercial plumbing systems, particularly as an alternative to traditional threaded or soldered connections.
Push-to-connect fittings have gained popularity among both professional plumbers and do-it-yourself homeowners due to their ease of use and the time savings they offer. The push-to-connect design eliminates the need for specialized tools and training required for traditional plumbing connections. This accessibility makes SharkBite fittings a convenient choice for repair and remodeling projects where cutting and soldering pipe would be time consuming.
Overview of the California Plumbing Code
The California Plumbing Code (CPC) was developed to promote safe and effective design, installation, and maintenance of plumbing systems in California. It is a statewide model code that establishes minimum standards for plumbing systems, materials, fixtures, appliances, piping, and HVAC. The CPC is updated every three years to reflect advancements in technologies and methodologies for plumbing systems.
Government Code sections 17922, 1200 and 8877, require the Department of Housing and Community Development to prepare, adopt and submit the CPC to the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) for approval and publication. In turn, the CBSC is required to review, approve, and publish the CPC as it pertains to state buildings (Title 24, Chapter 4).
While the CPC addresses all areas under its jurisdiction, California Health and Safety Code § 17958 authorizes local jurisdictions to amend the CPC, or any other model code, based on local climatic, topographical, and geological conditions. So while the CPC establishes certain minimum standards, local jurisdictions retain authority to regulate the construction, occupancy, maintenance, and use of India general size and type of building or structure, including safety related to plumbing systems.
Many local jurisdictions in California (i.e., Los Angeles, San Francisco, County of San Bernadino, and City of Elk Grove) have adopted their own amendments to the CPC that include differing requirements for the types of plumbing fittings that may be used. Local plumbing codes often include expanded requirements for specific fittings and brands. Local requirements also dictate whether or not fittings, such as the SharkBite fittings, are approved or banned in that jurisdiction.
Certain local jurisdictions reference the CPC without amendments, while others specifically adopt the CPC and address various plumbing fittings. The differences among the approved fittings are often confusing and frequently lead to unnecessary inspections at the local level. Further, differences in inspections delay the installation of safe drinking water and require additional time spent by the installers to address local-specific requirements.
Are SharkBite Fittings Legal to Use in California?
SharkBite fittings are listed as "Approved for Use in Potable Water Applications" by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) under the Uniform Plumbing Code. The IAPMO’s code is referenced in Section 101.17 of the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 5 – 2007 California Plumbing Code (CPC), which states "Where there is not a rule or regulation, provision or requirement in this Chapter, the provisions of the California Plumbing Code and the Uniform Plumbing Code shall apply." Under the CPC, Section 610. — Tubing and Fittings, also allows for the approved use of SharkBite fittings.
Recently, a few government agencies have attempted to discourage the use of SharkBite fittings, but this effort has not borne fruit. For example the Building and Safety Division of the City of Los Angeles issued a directive that it would interpret Section 610.2.3 of the CPC (which references the IAPMO’s code) to mean that SharkBite fittings could only be used on the water side of a residential building and not in commercial, industrial, or public buildings.
However, the City of Los Angeles cannot alter the State Code provisions. The City attempts to regulate by issuing policies, procedures, and directives, which have not been adopted under the California Administrative Procedure Act. These "directions" are not legally binding. They are, at best, advisory.
If the Building and Safety Division wishes to modify the use of SharkBite fittings, then it must first adopt an emergency or regular amendment to the State Code provisions using the California Administrative Procedure Act, which affords all members of the public notice and an opportunity to comment. To date, this has not occurred.
Importantly, in 2012, the Office of the State Fire Marshal ("SFM") issued a letter dated May 18 (as well as June 18), which states, regarding CPSA SharkBite fittings made by Reliance Made Company, that "the fitting [are] "Acceptable for use" by SFM upon submission of the following report from a recognized laboratory acceptable SFM as listed in [certain Code sections], or as specified by the applicable building code(s): Product listings from a recognized third party testing laboratory acceptable to SFM, meeting the intent of CBC Section 2304.9, Listing and while SFM is presently in agreement with [such testing laboratories], acceptance of the fittings, supplied by Reliance Made Company, are subject to change. If a full investigation of "complete systems", compliant with the CBC, and the acceptance of such systems are not successfully completed by the end of June 2013, the SFM will have no choice but to withdraw [its] letters of acceptance for the installation of such [fittings]". (emphasis added).
Advantages & Disadvantages of Using Sharkbite Fittings
As is the case with everything, there are advantages and disadvantages to the use of SharkBite fittings. First of all, SharkBite fittings can be installed in relatively short order. It takes an experienced technician a total of five minutes installing a SharkBite fitting. This provides a needed time and cost savings for a plumber, generally, because the plumber can move on to their next job more quickly.
Secondly, once a fitting is in place, it can be used for years. With proper care, the average SharkBite fitting should not need to be replaced for at least 25 years. For many people, this is all they want in the first place because they are busy with other things, and they do not want to have to learn plumbing details because they have more important things to handle.
However, there is some controversy surrounding these fittings. Some people believe that if the fittings are tarnished or have mineral deposits on them, they may be unable to hold up as well in extremely cold weather as others. Additionally, there are some who believe that in certain extreme cold weather conditions, a fitting could lose some of the functionality that it had before such an event. However, these circumstances are rare.
SharkBite fittings can generally be repaired relatively easily if a problem occurs . For instance, one way to repair a leak in a fitting is to use a SharkBite repair sleeve. This fitting attaches tightly to the broken part of the pipe and the plumbing administrator can be confident as to its ability to hold fast into the future.
SharkBite fittings are a relatively new product, and consequently, there are some skeptics who wonder if the fittings will hold up as long as promised. Some critics worry that the fittings are manufactured with rubber components. Generally speaking, they believe that rubber components in water fittings increase the risk of corrosion and problems for the entire system. However, thus far, SharkBite fittings have proved to be very popular, even while located outdoors.
Another disadvantage is the fact that as this is a relatively new product, it is somewhat more expensive than traditional fittings. However, this does not seem to be too much of a sticking point for most people because generally speaking, most people buy the fittings from large chain hardware stores. The price may be more expensive, but many of the fitting sales enable people to buy in bulk. When the bulk savings are added up, it can sometimes end up being less expensive than buying less expensive fittings in lesser quantities.
Alternatives to Sharkbite Fittings
Many alternative fittings and connection methods are often found on California plumbing projects. Copper is a common material in both residential and commercial plumbing systems, but many plumbing contractors also utilize brass and plastic materials, according to their experience and the requirements of the project. Unfortunately, the presentation of the connection methods, especially when found on kitchen and bathroom fixtures, are inconsistent and create doubts about compliance with the California Plumbing Code. As a result, the less common connection methods are often the subject of additional scrutiny by building inspectors and reviewers.
So which other fittings and connection methods are often used on plumbing projects in California? The following are some examples:
1. Copper, soldered/capped fittings:
a. Soldering of copper pipe with silver solder with flux and a steel wire brush.
b. Capping of copper stub outs with a compression cap.
2. Brass, with compression fittings and fluoride-free flux used for sanitary sewer applications.
3. Plastic, pressed together with a rubber O-ring fitting (slip joints) for drain, waste, and vent piping connections.
A few of the advantages/disadvantages of these alternatives include the following:
1. Copper, soldered/capped fittings:
a. Copper is expensive, compared to PEX tubing and fittings.
b. Copper is not energy efficient. It requires an abundance of fossil fuel to extract, process, and transport. A 12′ x 11/2′ copper water pipe requires more than 50,000BTUs to manufacture. To manufacture a 12′ x 11/2′ length of PEX water pipe requires only 4,000 BTUs.
c. Copper easily ruptures or splits when subjected to freezing temperatures and is therefore not recommended for use outdoors in northern climates.
2. Plastic:
a. Plastic is relatively inexpensive and readily available.
b. Plastic has adequate flexibility for installation, but is much less abrasion resistant than copper and brass.
3. Brass:
a. Brass is often used for sewer systems because it is corrosion resistant and strong.
The alternatives to SharkBite fittings are approximately equal in cost, but some materials may be less compliant with the 2006 California Plumbing Code.
Conclusion – Best Practices
In summary, while California law has no definitive ruling on the legality of SharkBite fittings, the risks of using these fittings in certain areas are high enough to warrant caution . If you are a plumber in California, or are a property owner hiring a plumber and you plan on using SharkBite fittings, you should carefully consider the following:
- (1) the new state legislation on the subject;
- (2) whether the plumbing work will be done in a "wet area";
- (3) whether the project is under a state or local contract, such as a public works contract subject to prevailing wage laws;
- (4) whether the plumbing work is subject to plan-check by city or state inspectors;
- (5) whether insurance coverage is compromised if the fittings leak;
- (6) whether the local building code department will accept a plumbing installation with SharkBite fittings in a wet area;
- (7) whether the county health department will accept an installation using SharkBite fittings in a residential water supply; and
- (8) whether the manufacturer’s warranty will still be in effect whenever there is a leak, etc.