PEX crimp and SharkBite are excellent for plumbing. Homeowners often get confused about which one they should use. You may have tried to find the answer online, but there is not much information available. Hence, here we have compared the pex crimp vs sharkbite.
One of the key differences between pex crimp and SharkBite is longevity. Though they both work efficiently, SharkBites are more prone to leak earlier in the long term. But for some situations, the SharkBite is a better solution.
If you are still unsure which one to go for, read the full article to know all the differences. It will help you to understand when to use which fittings. We also have provided detailed guidelines on using these plumbing solutions at the end.
PEX Crimp vs Sharkbite: Quick Comparison Chart
| Basis of comparison | Pex crimp | SharkBite |
| Longevity | High | Medium |
| Cost | Affordable | Expensive |
| Efficiency | Excellent | Excellent |
| Usability | Can be used in most connections | Some connections only require SharkBite |
| Best for | Long-term solutions | Short-term solutions |
| Average price | $0.15-$0.40 per piece | $3.00-$15.00 per piece |
Check Also: Pex Crimp Rings vs Clamp Rings
PEX Crimp vs Sharkbite: Key Differences
PEX crimps are copper or stainless steel rings that help you seal joints in water pipes. This is widely used in plumbing.
SharkBite is also used in PEX tubing works with the same purpose. However, these two fittings have a few differences that you should consider before using them.
Some of the key differences are:
Longevity
PEX crimp and SharkBite, can both serve you for a long time. But the O-rings in the SharkBite are more likely to compress and leak earlier than the PEX crimp. Still, they can work fine for at least 8-10 years. Due to their differences in longevity, people usually go for SharkBite for short-term solutions and PEX crimp for the long term.
Cost
Another major difference is in their cost. SharkBite is a little expensive compared to the PEX crimp. If you have the budget, you can go for SharkBite. Otherwise, PEX crimps are the best solution.
Efficiency
Efficiency is one of the most crucial factors to choose between any two alternatives. They both work quite fine in sealing connections and preventing leakages. But as we said earlier, if you are looking for a long-term solution, then PEX crimps may serve you better.
Usability
When you do plumbing work, you will find some places where you only have to use SharkBite. In such situations, you can go for SharkBite without thinking about PEX crimps.
How Reliable Are PEX Crimps?
As we have told you, PEX crimps are efficient and work well in the long term. So now you may ask, how reliable are PEX crimps?
PEX crimps are heavily reliable for sealing any connection in the water system. The only thing required for that is to set the fittings well.
You will find copper and stainless steel PEX crimp in the market. Which pex crimp is better? Based on our comparison between these two fittings, stainless steel crimps come slightly ahead of the coppers.
Why Do My PEX Fittings Leak?
Have you used PEX crimp fittings, and it is leaking? Well, there can be various reasons behind that.
The most common reason for PEX fittings leakage is the fittings are not done correctly. Then to prevent corrosion, many fittings may use zinc plating. It can build up residue while water flowing, resulting in leakages.
Can Sharkbites Be Used Permanently?
SharkBites have a longevity issue. So, can SharkBites be used permanently?
SharkBites are approved with International Plumbing Code for permanent use. Therefore, you can use SharkBites as a permanent solution to plumbing.
While compared with PEX crimps, SharkBites are less likely to last long. But usually, that’s a rare case.
Why Is My Sharkbite Leaking?
If your SharkBite fitting is leaking, you may get worried. Why is the SharkBite fitting leaking?
The first reason a SharkBite may leak is the fitting itself. Maybe the fitting is not well done. Another reason can be the compression of the O-ring inside. Look inside the SharkBite fitting if the O-ring is okay or not.
How to Use Pex Crimp Tool
If you have decided to proceed with PEX crimp, you will need a PEX crimp tool. The tool is necessary to install the crimp rings in the PEX tubing pipe.
First, cut the pipe according to the size you need. Then push the fitting into the pipe and slide the ring to the edge. Now it’s time to use your PEX crimp tool.
Open the PEX crimp tool by pulling the hands apart. Then set it on one end of the crimp rings and put pressure on it to seal the connection tightly.
How to remove pex crimp clamps? First, squeeze the crimp rings with the tool and then rotate the tool to create an opening. Soon, the ring will slide off.
Some try to do these processes without the crimp tool. But that can damage the pipe or the crimp ring. If you do not have a PEX crimp tool, we have two recommendations for you:
1. LOKMAN PEX Clamp Tool Clamp Cinch Crimp Tool for Stainless Steel Clamps
LOKMAN Crimp Tool can be an excellent choice for crimping work in PEX tubing. It has a universal design that works with the PEX crimp rings of every brand. You also can use it to work with cinch or stainless PEX rings. The tool is quite sturdy, and the accuracy is also excellent. There are multiple sizes available; buy the one you need.
2. JWGJW PEX Clamp Cinch Tool Crimping Tool Crimper for Stainless Steel Clamps
JWGJW PEX Crimping Tool is also a good option. It is an all-in-one tool, and you do not need to get different-sized tools for different crimp rings. The high-quality steel construction makes it quite durable. One of the best things about this one is that it’s simple to use. Hence, if you are a beginner, JWGJW Crimping Tool is highly recommended.
How to Use Sharkbite PEX
Using SharkBite PEX in plumbing is effortless. All you need to do is cut and push.
So, the first question is, how to cut pex pipe for sharkbite? You can cut PEX pipe with a rotary tube cutting tool. Make sure you cut the pipe squarely.
Then insert the SharkBite at the end of the pipe and push it for fitting. To tighten the connection well, use a PEX SharkBite tool. Twist the fitting a bit, and you are all done.
If you do not have a SharkBite PEX tool, the following are our recommendations:
1. SharkBite 23251 Copper Crimp Ring, Pex Pipe Tubing
SharkBite 23251 Pex Pipe Tubing is our first choice. You can use it on any kind of material in SharkBite fittings. It also includes a go/no-go gauge checking facility to ensure your connection is well fitted. The durability of the tool is also excellent. Overall it is a great tool for SharkBite PEX.
2. SharkBite 23100 3/8-1 Pex Crimp Tool
SharkBite 23100 Pex Crimp Tool is also a great option. It has multiple size options in one tool. So, you do not need to buy multiple tools for SharkBite PEX fittings. You can check if all the connections are okay with the help of this tool. Besides, it is sturdy and durable too. The accuracy of the tool is also great.
Read Also: Pex Crimp Rings Copper vs Stainless
Final Verdict
To conclude the comparison of pex crimp vs sharkbite, we would say that both are good, and now it depends on your personal preferences. However, most people tend to use PEX crimp wherever possible. And they use SharkBite, where there is no alternative available.
FAQs
Is it better to crimp PEX or use SharkBite? ›
I would use crimp on copper rings with brass fittings not the plastic ones. Shark bite would be better than PEX with plastic crimp fittings.
Which PEX connection method is best? ›The most common connection method used in PEX installation is the “Crimp” method. This process involves sliding a ribbed fitting into the PEX tube and crimping a seal ring around the connection point. These rings are typically made of copper, but may be found in plastic as well as brass.
Can you use crimp fittings on SharkBite PEX? ›SharkBite PEX-A pipe and expansion fittings are an excellent system for plumbing jobs, offering many more advantages than rigid pipe. This system has superior flexibility, eliminates missed connections and is compatible with expansion, crimp and push-to-connect fittings.
What are the disadvantages of SharkBite fittings? ›A SharkBite fitting contains a rubber O-ring, which is not best for permanent connections. We don't recommend using a SharkBite fitting outside because sunlight can dry out the rubber O-ring and cause it to crack or split.
What is the life expectancy of a SharkBite fitting? ›How long do SharkBite fittings last? SharkBite fittings last a long time. In fact, SharkBite warrants the fittings for 25 years when used with SharkBite tubing.
How long do PEX crimp fittings last? ›PEX: Due to its flexibility and durability, PEX piping should last at least 50 years. PVC / CPVC: Under typical conditions, these pipes should last up to 100 years.
Is it better to crimp or clamp PEX? ›Pinch Clamp Tools Work Better in Tight Spaces
Especially when your PEX is pressed up against a wall—or there is just otherwise very little wiggle room to work—crimp tools can become a much bigger hassle. The larger jaw of the tool means you need ample room behind your PEX to be able to make a proper connection.
1. Use PEX bend supports instead of elbows. Bend support allows to make a 90-degree turn with PEX tubing without the need for a fitting.
Is it better to crimp or expand PEX? ›PEX crimp equipment is a lot more affordable than the expansion kits. However, despite the pricing and form shortcomings, most plumbers prefer to work with expansion because installation is more efficient. There are fewer leaks, and it also seems to be more durable against extreme colds and frozen pipes, etc.
Do plumbers like SharkBite fittings? ›Most professional plumbers believe that SharkBite fittings and other kinds of push-fit fittings should only be used as an emergency, temporary fix, and not for any enclosed or permanent plumbing system. However, there is a growing selection of DIYers who would disagree.
Do PEX crimp rings leak? ›
As with any other pipes, PEX is not prone to leaking. Nearly all of the plumbing leaks occur at joints (connection spots) and most of them are due to incorrect installation. Much like installing PEX tubing, repairing it is also an easy process.
Why don t plumbers use SharkBite? ›Another downside to using SharkBite fittings is that lots of plumbers feel that these fittings merely aren't strong enough to create a hard, durable connection. There's no proof to back that up, they simply trust soldering for their irreversible plumbing jobs.
Do professionals use SharkBite? ›SharkBite push-to-connect fittings are compatible with a variety of pipe types including PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE. Pros who use SharkBite tell us that, in addition to the versatility of SharkBite Universal, they find the fittings to be very easy to work with.
Do SharkBite fittings ever leak? ›SharkBite fittings can leak due to one of these reasons: The pipe was not properly deburred prior to installation. The pipe was not properly inserted. The pipe was not squarely cut.
Can I use SharkBite for shower? ›Overview. Innovative push-to-connect fittings makes for quick and easy shower and tub installation. Fittings are compatible with PEX, copper, CPVC and PE-RT pipe. No special tools, crimping, glue or soldering is needed.
Is it OK to bury SharkBite fittings? ›Pros often ask: Can SharkBite push-to-connect fittings be used underground? The answer is yes. All SharkBite fittings are tested and approved for underground use.
Do shark bites fail over time? ›I had some sharkbite fittings installed in my basement about 2.5 years also and 2 of them have failed (pictures linked) and 2 more seem to be on their way to fail. The ones that are on the way to fail when touching the green substance feels oily.
How often should you staple PEX? ›PEX tubing is generally stapled every 1.5-2ft, depending on the size (more often for 5/8" and less often for 1/2" and 3/8") and every U-turn or a 90-degree turn will also require an additional staple.
Why do PEX fittings fail? ›The leaching of zinc also makes the fittings weaker, resulting in dezincification. In PEX pipes, the zinc build-up can cause your kitchen and bathroom fixtures to clog. It also causes fittings to crack or break, leaking water within your walls or underneath your house.
What causes pinholes in PEX pipe? ›Poly b piping will start to leak due to the molecular bonds in the piping starting to decay. Over time the bonds start to shake apart, this separation is what causes the pinhole leaks to start.
What is the advantage and disadvantage of using solder versus a crimp connector? ›
Crimping offers stronger, more reliable connections than soldering. Soldering uses heated metal to join the cable to the connector. Over time, this filler metal will degrade, which may cause the connection to fail. Most electricians will agree that crimping is also easier than soldering.
Should I use plastic or copper PEX fittings? ›Due to the problem earlier caused by polybutylene (PEX predecessors) plastic PEX fitting have been recommended. It is true that in areas where water is less acidic, brass fitting is better. But in areas where water is acidic or easily contaminated, plastic fittings are better.
How much pressure can a PEX crimp hold? ›Unfortunately, PEX plumbing systems are pressure rated at as much as 60% lower than a FlowGuard Gold plumbing system. With a maximum pressure rating of 160psi, it is entirely possible for system pressures in a multifamily or commercial building to exceed the rated pressure for a PEX system.
Do plumbers prefer PEX or copper? ›Though copper and other plastic pipes have been around for decades, PEX — cross-linked polyethylene — has offered a more reliable plumbing solution in the U.S. for over 35 years.
Do plumbers recommend PEX? ›No longer is copper piping the primary, or preferred, choice of most homeowners and plumbers. Cross-linked polyethylene flexible tubing—commonly called PEX—has grown in popularity for residential plumbing over the past few decades as an alternative to traditional copper and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) piping.
Do I need a special tool to crimp PEX? ›Connections for most PEX supply jobs require a special tool. There are several PEX supply connection methods, but only two affordable enough to be practical for DIYers: crimp rings and cinch clamps. Crimp rings are a band of metal, usually copper, that you slip over the fitting and compress with a crimp ring tool.
How tight should PEX compression fittings be? ›Compression fittings should be tight enough to create a watertight seal but not so tight that the pipe warps or the thread is damaged as this could encourage leaks and make the fittings much harder to remove later.
Should you double crimp PEX? ›Because the ear (and not the clamp itself) is fastened with the tool, you only need one crimper, regardless of the sizes of the pipes you install. With the compression tools you use installing copper piping, you need one for every pipe size.
Is it OK to use SharkBite fittings on hot water heater? ›All SharkBite hot water heater connectors are approved for use on electric and gas water heaters with a flu vent.
Why is my SharkBite push to connect leaking? ›A bad seal may be why your SharkBite fitting is leaking. SharkBite fittings are designed to create a leak-proof seal. When a SharkBite fitting does leak, the first thing you'll want to do is see if the pipe is correctly connected to the fitting. By disconnecting and reconnecting the pipe, you may fix the problem.
Do all SharkBite fittings work with PEX? ›
SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, copper, CPVC and HDPE pipe. They come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the fitting for PEX and HDPE, and the stiffener doesn't need to be removed for copper or CPVC applications.
When should you not use PEX? ›PEX plumbing is fine inside the walls of a home, no matter the temperatures as it can be covered with insulation. However, one of the disadvantages of PEX plumbing is it cannot be used outdoors in cold climates as there is no way to cover them and protect them from freezing temperatures.
Why are my PEX fittings corroding? ›It is believed hard water (water having high levels of carbonates, oxygen, chlorine or fluorine) leaches zinc from the fitting, leaving it porous and prone to failure. The leached zinc oxide also builds up inside the fittings and tubing, causing clogs and reducing water pressure at the faucets.
Are brass or plastic PEX fittings better? ›Brass its typically the best choice when the application demands a stronger fitting. In addition, plastic PEX fittings have a thicker wall requirement under ASTM2159 Standard, resulting in a reduced ID which restricts flow, while brass PEX fittings are manufactured to ASTM F1807 allowing for a larger flow passage.
Do you crimp PEX A or B? ›The PEX-A side will require an expansion ring while the PEX-B side requires the crimp ring. This method will also require using pipe dope and tape to ensure the seal is good.
Are all PEX crimp fittings the same? ›PEX crimp and PEX clamp connections use the same fittings, normally referred to as “crimp” or “barbed” PEX fittings. Each method requires a different tool and a different type of ring, but the styles are similar enough that PEX newcomers frequently wonder which method is preferable.
What are the two types of crimp? ›- Hexagonal crimping: for aluminium and copper. Hexagonal crimping is the most common method of crimping cable lugs and connectors. ...
- Indent crimping: for copper and aluminium. Indent crimping produces a lasting, reliable and deep-penetrating connection. ...
- The quad-point crimp: for copper.
Clean and Cut the Pipe
For the Sharkbite fitting to work properly, you will need to clean the debris with a wet cloth. If there is old solder on your copper pipes, then use fine sandpaper (180 grit) to remove them. Fight the urge to shine them (as you would do with soldering).
Shark bite valve will be fine. Just make sure you clean the copper pipe thoroughly so there are no rough edges or bits of solder left.
Do you need tools for SharkBite fittings? ›Do I need tools to connect SharkBite fittings? No. You don't need any specialized tools to connect SharkBite fittings. Although, the SharkBite Deburr & Gauge Tool is recommended for deburring and measuring the depth of the pipe.
How many years will a SharkBite last? ›
How long do SharkBite fittings last? SharkBite fittings last a long time. In fact, SharkBite warrants the fittings for 25 years when used with SharkBite tubing.
Is PEX crimping better than SharkBite? ›The other issues to me are secondary: Crimp is better for cost, Shark bite for convenience. If they both provide the same leakproofness, then I would probably choose sharkbite due to ease of install, reusability and no tool needed.
What's the best PEX connection? ›The most common connection method used in PEX installation is the “Crimp” method. This process involves sliding a ribbed fitting into the PEX tube and crimping a seal ring around the connection point. These rings are typically made of copper, but may be found in plastic as well as brass.
Do you remove the plastic insert for SharkBite fittings? ›The Tube Support Liner is not required for use with CPVC and copper tubing; however these two types of tubing fit over the Tube Support Liner easily and hold it against the tube stop. But the tube liner may be easily removed based on preference or local codes – see page 5 for details.
How many times can you reuse a SharkBite fitting? ›While some companies allow reusing the fitting up to 4-6 times, we advise against this practice whenever possible or to limit it to 2-3 times.
Are SharkBite PEX fittings reliable? ›Another downside to using SharkBite fittings is that lots of plumbers feel that these fittings merely aren't strong enough to create a hard, durable connection. There's no proof to back that up, they simply trust soldering for their irreversible plumbing jobs.
Why is my PEX leaking at fittings? ›As with any other pipes, PEX is not prone to leaking. Nearly all of the plumbing leaks occur at joints (connection spots) and most of them are due to incorrect installation. Much like installing PEX tubing, repairing it is also an easy process.
Do PEX crimp fittings restrict flow? ›While crimp fittings are quite common for PEX applications, they have a smaller inner diameter that can further restrict the flow of water in the line.
What is the preferred fitting material for PEX pipes? ›PEX fittings are most commonly made up of one of three different types of materials: Plastics, Brasses, or Stainless Steel. Alternatively, a push fit fitting uses a combination of these materials.
Should I use brass or plastic fittings with PEX? ›Poly PEX Fittings
There are many applications where plastic is the best choice over brass. For example, when there is poor water quality or other corrosive materials in the line, plastic is the superior choice because brass is more apt to corrode.
Do SharkBite fittings meet code? ›
SharkBite fittings are compliant with the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), National Plumbing Code of Canada and the International Plumbing Code (IPC).
Why is my SharkBite leaking? ›A bad seal may be why your SharkBite fitting is leaking. SharkBite fittings are designed to create a leak-proof seal. When a SharkBite fitting does leak, the first thing you'll want to do is see if the pipe is correctly connected to the fitting. By disconnecting and reconnecting the pipe, you may fix the problem.