SharkBite push fittings are a popular choice among homeowners when it comes to plumbing fittings. In this article, you will learn why your Sharkbite is leaking.
When you find a leak caused by your fitting, you might be perplexed as to why. In most cases, a leaky SharkBite fitting is caused by a problem with the pipe or the fitting itself.
A fitting that isn’t appropriately attached has been reused too many times or has a defective component that might cause a leak has been used outside.
These fittings are also incompatible with some pipelines.
I’ll walk you through troubleshooting your leaky SharkBite fitting in this post. To do so, we’ll go over the top reasons why a fitting is leaking.
Along with the issue, I will provide you with a solution to each problem. Let’s have a peek, shall we?
Leaking SharkBite Fittings: Causes and Solutions
When troubleshooting a leaky SharkBite fitting, it’s vital to investigate all causes. This will enable you to identify the source of the problem and correctly treat it in order to halt the leak.
Continue reading to learn about the top 10 reasons your SharkBite fitting is leaking — and how to fix them.
#1: The SharkBite Fitting isn’t properly connected.
One of the most prevalent causes for a SharkBite fitting leaking is improper installation. As a result, the first thing you should do if you find a leaking SharkBite fitting is to double-check that the pipe is adequately attached to the push fitting.
Solution
Disconnecting and reconnecting your SharkBite fitting is the simplest approach to confirm that it is correctly attached. A disconnecting clip, which may be obtained online or at your local hardware shop, is required to disengage the fitting.
If this doesn’t work, there’s a chance it’s due to something else!
#2: Outdoor in the sun
Leaks can arise when SharkBite fittings are used outside. This is due to the rubber O-ring being exposed to the sun’s severe UV radiation.
As a result, the O-ring may dry up, crack, or break, finally resulting in a leak.
Solution
If the leaky SharkBite fitting you’re fixing is outside, you’ve most certainly discovered the source of the leak. You’ll need to use a different fitting that can survive prolonged periods of exposure to the sun.
#3: SharkBite Fittings are being reused.
While SharkBite push fittings are extremely handy, they should not be reused too frequently. It all boils down to the rubber O-ring in the end.
A lubricant has been added to the rubber, allowing it to work correctly.
This lubricant degrades with time. Leaks can arise if these fittings are reused.
Solution
The solution to this problem is simple: don’t reuse SharkBite fittings. You can use it up to three times as a general rule.
If you discover that your reused fitting is leaking, it’s time to replace it with a new SharkBite fitting for your pipe.
#4:The O-Ring on the SharkBite Fitting is damaged.
Is your Sharkbite leaking? A culprit can be caused by a faulty O-ring. Your pipe is aligned with the SharkBite fitting’s O-ring protection, which is a vital component.
You’ll need to examine your SharkBite fitting to see whether this is the case.
Solution
To examine the O-ring on your fitting, you’ll need to disconnect it with the tool mentioned previously. You’ll be able to evaluate the O-ring once you’ve completed this.
Fortunately, SharkBite fittings come with a twenty-five-year limited guarantee. Your leak should be fixed with a new fitting!
#5: You’re using the incorrect pipe fitting.
SharkBite fittings are made to work with specific pipe types. When these handy fittings are used with the wrong type of pipe, they might leak.
SharkBite fittings are compatible with PEX, Copper, CPVC, PE-RT, and HDPE pipes. They cannot be utilized with PEX-AL-PEX pipes.
Solution
You’ll need to check the type of pipe you’re using to ensure this is your leak’s source. Then you’ll want to double-check that it’s compatible with the SharkBite fitting.
If it isn’t compatible, you’ll need to use a fitting that is suitable for your pipes.
#6: Your Pipes Have Been Painted
A faulty seal between your SharkBite fitting and the pipe might also be caused by painting your pipes.
The seal’s strength might be affected when dried paint on your pipes rubs on the SharkBite fitting’s cufflink. As a result, a leak may occur.
Solution
If the Sharkbite is leaking where the pipe is painted, it might be the source of the leak. To solve this, you’ll need to turn off your home’s water and detach the line.
Remove the paint at the pipe’s end, where the fitting will be installed, with sandpaper or a paint stripping agent. After the paint has been removed, the fitting can be reconnected.
#7: Sealants, lubricants, tapes, and glue were used.
Using sealants, lubricants, tapes, or glue to seal your pipes might potentially result in a leaking push fitting. Mainly because the SharkBite fitting’s O-ring already includes oil.
When these products are used, they can cause an ill-fitting connection, leading to a leak.
Solution
To avoid producing a leak in this fashion, you should avoid utilizing the items mentioned above with your SharkBite fittings.
#8: Your Pipes Have Been Damaged
Sometimes the leak is caused by a distorted pipe rather than a damaged SharkBite fitting. Pipes are frequently exposed to severe temperatures and will get bent over time.
It’s possible that this is just due to the age of your pipes. When a Sharkbite is leaking, it might be caused by a faulty pipe.
Solution
You’ll need to replace the broken pipe part to solve this problem. Your leak will be a thing of the past after you’ve attached the new pipe to the SharkBite fitting!
#9: Copper pipes have been sanded.
Copper may be easily smoothed out by sanding it. When it comes to copper pipes with SharkBite fittings, however, you should avoid sanding them.
Because sanding generates an uneven surface, the effectiveness of your push fitting is harmed, and a leak may occur.
Solution
You may need to replace pieces of your copper pipes if you’ve sanded them. This will fix the SharkBite fitting that is leaking.
Your copper pipes should only be sanded with very fine sandpaper in the future. It’s also important to sand gently and in a circular manner.
#10: You cut your pipes with a hacksaw or bandsaw.
This is another cause that has to do with the quality of your pipes. If you cut your pipes with a hacksaw or bandsaw, this might be the cause of your leaky fitting.
You’ll need the right instrument to achieve a slow and smooth cut.
Solution
If you’re using copper pipes, you’ll need to cut them with a copper pipe cutter. You’ll need a PEX cutter to cut PEX pipes.
You’ll need a fine-toothed saw or a wheel cutter to cut CPVC. To avoid a leaky SharkBite fitting, make sure you cut your pipes properly.
Closing Thoughts
We discussed the many reasons your Sharkbite is leaking in this post. These problems are usually caused by a problem with the pipe or the fitting itself.
You’ll have a leak-free SharkBite fitting in no time with these quick remedies for these problems!
