Quick connect plumbing joints (Lowes, ceiling, installation, plumber)

[Wysiwyg]

I'm currently collecting hardware for the installation of my water pressure booster and water filters for the whole house. i'm interested in those quick connect plumbing joints - Gatorbite(?) from HomeDepot. theyre pricey but i like the idea. does anyone have any bad experience with them. I'm thinking to pressurize our house to maybe 80psi but i'd lower the pressure in some areas of the house using the main water manifold thinger - is that even possible?

[K'ledgeBldr]

Sharkbite connectors
Welcome To Cash Acme

My plumber thinks they're great for a quick fix- but insists on solder joints for long-term jointery.

[Racelady88]

We just returned a few to Lowe's. They leaked everywhere we put them. I won't buy them again. Plumbing projects are bad enough, but doing them twice because some over priced connector leaks is even worse.

[ESPLUMBING]

Sharkbites are about 2 years new to the market. We have installed plenty for a quick fix and for transitions from/to copper/cpvc/poly/pex in the event we cannot get the water to shut down. If you attach these to copper make sure you clean(sand) the copper and it must be perfectly round, if the copper has any slight kink or bend it will leak.

[Wysiwyg]

thanks folks. yes Sharkbite. I'm convinced I wont be using Sharkbite and will return these tomorrow. I bought copper tubing parts too just in case. I have PEX tubing as the source where i'm tapping so I got parts for those too, I'm leaning toward using PEX parts tho since its looks easy. also I'm a little worried about making permanently soldered joints inside the walls so I'm thinking (i want to test every stage, i dont want to risk not having water)...
1) PEX T joint to get water source, PEX T joint to return pressurised water, put a valve in between. plug both T joins and leave that on for a day to take a breather
2) i'm not sure if I should continue with PEX to pump and filter. what do you think?

[poconoproud]

My husband loves sharkbites.... raves about them, so I know he's never had a problem.

[GregW]

I suggest reading a Taunton Press book on plumbing before starting this project. You most important consideration is a functioning stop valve in the plumbing ahead of everything else. If I were doing a job like this I would use whatever type of plumbing is already there. Also be sure to maintain electrical continuity if the plumbing is used as an electrical ground anywhere in the building.

BTW - Good leak free plumbing is neither easy nor simple and is why licensed plumbers are paid so much. I suggest getting a quote from a professional before doing it yourself. Then you will be able to deduct this amount from the money you will eventually spend. Working inside the walls triggered this consideration. Are dyi plumbing mistakes, like setting the house on fire, covered in your insurance?

[Michael J 007]

RE: GatorBites. I have used Shark Bites and the Watts version of same -- sold by Lowes. Lowes version are brass, very heavy duty, with white plastic ends. Lowes also has a product called GatorBites. They are shiny copper and once a push connection is made you cannot release like the Shark and Watts versions. I have had no problems whatsoever with SB and Watts. I trust them to the point of putting behind walls. That said: GatorBites are a class action law suit coming soon (in my opinion). I had to take apart 12 t connects because during air test at 60lbs every 3rd t leaked. Totally unacceptable. Today I went to lowes and noticed all copper GatorBites had been pulled off shelves. In my opinon this is a very unreliable product. With SB and Watts, you follow directions and you can rest ez. I would not be able to sleep if I had them in my house or used on a job. Also noticed that if you search for GatorBites on lowes web site, the product shown is the Watts heavy duty push fit connect that can be released. FYI the GatorBites that should be pulled from the market (in my opinion) are sold in bags containing 3 each for about 21.00. If you see them RUN AWAY. I am going to see the store manager at lowes and let know of issues. I know it is hard to believe, but I am not going to ask for my money back although it would be nice--I can eat the 60 bucks I spent. My concern is some poor person afraid to sweat a joint uses these and causes a ceiling collapse. Soldering is ez and fun, and cheap too! Shark Bite Rock!!

[Driller1]

Originally Posted by Wysiwyg

I'm currently collecting hardware for the installation of my water pressure booster and water filters for the whole house. i'm interested in those quick connect plumbing joints - Gatorbite(?) from HomeDepot. theyre pricey but i like the idea. does anyone have any bad experience with them. I'm thinking to pressurize our house to maybe 80psi but i'd lower the pressure in some areas of the house using the main water manifold thinger - is that even possible?

If you have a well, why not just use the correct system??

Never mind, this is old. The OP is not a member.

[Varswvera]

I would never use quick connect fittings in any project. All there is between the pressure and the leak is an o-ring, and some little metal prongs are holding the pipes together? No way. That is not a reliable joint, and making it reliable would take more time than making a proper connection solder, pipe, crimp etc would.