SharkBite fittings, known for their convenience and ease of installation, can occasionally require removal for various reasons, such as the need for repairs, modifications, or upgrades. This process may appear daunting, but with the proper understanding and tools, it can be accomplished efficiently without causing damage to the piping system. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the detailed steps involved in removing a SharkBite fitting, ensuring a smooth and successful outcome.
Before embarking on the disassembly process, ensuring that the water supply is shut off is paramount. This important step eliminates the risk of water damage or flooding during the removal procedure. Subsequently, utilizing a basin or towel beneath the fitting is advisable to catch any residual water that may drain from the pipes. Additionally, having adjustable pliers or a dedicated SharkBite removal tool on hand is essential. These tools enable a firm grip on the fitting, allowing for its effortless removal.
Once the preparatory measures are complete, grasping the fitting firmly with the adjustable pliers or removal tool becomes the next step. Carefully apply pressure on the release collar located on the fitting while simultaneously pulling it away from the pipe. It is crucial to maintain a steady pulling motion to prevent any damage to the fitting or the pipe itself. Should the fitting exhibit resistance during removal, applying a lubricant such as WD-40 to the release collar can facilitate the process. Repeat these steps for any additional SharkBite fittings that require removal, and your piping system will be ready for the necessary repairs, modifications, or upgrades.
Identifying the Sharkbite Fitting
Sharkbite fittings are a type of push-to-connect fitting that is used to join pipes and tubing. They are made of a durable plastic material and have a unique design that allows them to be installed without the use of tools. Sharkbite fittings are available in a variety of sizes and configurations, and they can be used for a variety of applications, including plumbing, irrigation, and heating and cooling.
To identify a Sharkbite fitting, look for the following features:
- A push-to-connect design: Sharkbite fittings have a unique push-to-connect design that allows them to be installed without the use of tools. Simply push the pipe or tubing into the fitting until it clicks into place.
- A blue or red release collar: Sharkbite fittings have a blue or red release collar that is used to release the pipe or tubing from the fitting. To release the pipe or tubing, simply pull back on the release collar and pull the pipe or tubing out of the fitting.
- The Sharkbite logo: Sharkbite fittings have the Sharkbite logo molded into the fitting. The logo is typically located on the side of the fitting.
If you are unsure whether a fitting is a Sharkbite fitting, you can always check the manufacturer’s website or contact the manufacturer directly.
| Sharkbite Fitting Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Push-to-connect design | Allows for tool-free installation |
| Blue or red release collar | Used to release the pipe or tubing from the fitting |
| Sharkbite logo | Molded into the fitting for easy identification |
Gathering Necessary Tools
To ensure a successful removal of a SharkBite fitting, it’s crucial to have the right tools at hand. Here’s a comprehensive list to guide you:
Wrenches (Two Adjustable)
Adjustable wrenches are indispensable for this task. One wrench will hold the fitting in place while the other rotates the release nut. Opt for wrenches that allow for maximum grip and leverage to avoid slipping during the process.
| Wrench Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Standard Adjustable | Provides a versatile grip size range, suitable for most SharkBite fittings. |
| Pipe Wrench | Recommended for larger fittings or when extra grip is required. Its serrated jaws provide a secure hold. |
| Basin Wrench | Designed for tight spaces and angled fittings. Its offset jaws enable access to hard-to-reach areas. |
Turning Off Water Supply
Before beginning any plumbing work, it is crucial to turn off the water supply to prevent water damage and ensure a safe working environment. Here are the steps on how to turn off the water supply:
1. Locate the Water Main Valve
Typically, the main water valve is located in the basement or crawlspace of your house. It may also be outside near the street or in a utility room.
2. Turn the Valve Off
Most main water valves have a wheel or lever. To turn the water off, turn the wheel or lever clockwise until it stops moving.
3. Check for Leaks
Once the valve is closed, check for any leaks by opening a faucet in your house. If water continues to flow, the valve may not be fully closed or there may be a leak in the plumbing system. In this case, call a plumber for assistance.
| Valve Type | Closing Instructions |
|---|---|
| Wheel Valve | Turn the wheel clockwise until it stops moving. |
| Lever Valve | Pull the lever perpendicular to the pipe. |
| Ball Valve | Turn the handle clockwise 90 degrees. |
Draining Remaining Water
After you have disconnected the water supply, there will still be some water left in the fittings and pipes. To drain this water, follow these steps:
- Place a bucket or bowl under the fitting to catch the water.
- Open the valve all the way.
- Let the water drain out completely. This may take several minutes.
- Once the water has stopped flowing, close the valve.
Additional Tips for Draining Remaining Water
To ensure that all of the water has been drained from the fitting and pipes, you can use the following additional tips:
- Use a wet/dry vacuum to suck up any remaining water.
- Use a piece of cloth or a paper towel to wipe up any remaining water.
- Blow air through the fitting and pipes using a blow dryer or compressed air gun.
By following these steps, you can ensure that all of the water has been drained from the fitting and pipes, which will help to prevent leaks and damage.
Disconnecting the Fitting
SharkBite fittings are designed to be easily disconnected and reconnected, making them a popular choice for DIY plumbing projects. Here are the steps on how to disconnect a SharkBite fitting:
- Turn off the water supply to the fixture or appliance that the SharkBite fitting is connected to.
- Use a basin wrench or a pair of pliers to disconnect the SharkBite fitting from the pipe. Turn the fitting counterclockwise to loosen it.
- Inspect the o-rings on the SharkBite fitting for any damage or wear. Replace the o-rings if necessary.
- Wipe the inside of the fitting and the outside of the pipe to remove any dirt or debris.
- If you are reconnecting the SharkBite fitting, **insert the pipe into the fitting as far as it will go.**
- Push the release collar on the SharkBite fitting to engage the teeth on the fitting with the pipe.
- Turn the fitting clockwise to tighten it. Do not overtighten the fitting.
- Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.
- Prepare the tools: Gather your adjustable wrench, new washers (if necessary), and pipe dope or thread sealant.
- Turn off the water supply: Locate the main water valve and turn it off to prevent water from flowing into the fixture.
- Disconnect the water supply line: Using the adjustable wrench, loosen the union nut that connects the water supply line to the fixture.
- Remove the water supply line: Once loose, detach the water supply line from the fixture.
- Clean the pipe threads: Use a cloth or brush to remove any dirt or debris from the pipe threads on both the fixture and the water supply line.
- Apply pipe dope or thread sealant: Apply a small amount of pipe dope or thread sealant to the threads of both the fixture and the water supply line. This will help create a watertight seal.
- Replace the washers (if necessary): If any washers are damaged or worn out, replace them with new ones to prevent leaks.
- Reconnect the water supply line: Carefully reconnect the water supply line to the fixture and tighten the union nut using the adjustable wrench. Tighten it securely, but do not overtighten.
- Turn on the water supply: Slowly turn on the main water valve to let water flow back into the fixture.
- Check for leaks: Inspect the connections for any leaks and tighten as needed.
- Place a bucket beneath the fitting to collect any potential leaks.
- Cover the floor with a tarp or towels to prevent water damage.
- Turn on the water supply to the highest pressure it will experience during normal operation.
- Wait at least 15 minutes, continuously observing the fitting for any signs of water seepage.
- Use a flashlight to inspect the fitting and surrounding areas for even the smallest leaks.
- If no leaks are detected, turn off the water supply and wipe down the fitting with a clean cloth.
- If any leaks are observed, tighten the connection slightly using a wrench or pliers.
- Repeat the leak test until the fitting is completely watertight.
- First, make sure that the fitting is not cross-threaded. If it is, unscrew it and start over.
- Next, check the O-ring. If it is damaged or missing, replace it.
- Finally, tighten the fitting using a wrench. Be careful not to overtighten it, as this can damage the fitting.
- Turn off the water supply to the fitting.
- Use a pair of pliers to squeeze the release ring on the fitting.
- Pull the pipe away from the fitting.
- Inspect the O-rings on the fitting and replace them if necessary.
- Reinstall the fitting by pushing the pipe into the fitting and squeezing the release ring.
Steps involved in disconnection |
Explanation |
|---|---|
| Turn off the water supply | For safety reasons, it is crucial to shut off the water supply before disconnecting the SharkBite fitting. |
| Inspect o-rings and replace if needed | O-rings ensure a watertight seal. Inspect them for damage or wear, and replace them if necessary. |
| Wipe the fitting and pipe | Dirt and debris can compromise the seal. Wipe the surfaces clean to ensure a secure connection. |
| Push the release collar | This engages the teeth on the fitting with the pipe, providing a strong grip. |
| Turn the fitting clockwise to tighten | Tighten the fitting snugly but do not overtighten. Excessive force can damage the fitting or pipe. |
| Turn on the water supply and check for leaks | Check for leaks to ensure the connection is secure and there are no drips or leaks. |
Removing the Sharkbite Clip
1. Cut the Water Supply
Before you begin, shut off the water supply to the affected area. This will prevent water from leaking while you’re working.
2. Release the Clip
Locate the release clip on the Sharkbite fitting. It’s the small, blue or red clip that protrudes from the fitting. Squeeze the clip towards the fitting to release it.
3. Slide the Fitting Back
Once the clip is released, gently slide the fitting back along the pipe. Be careful not to damage the pipe or fitting. If the fitting is stuck, you may need to use a hammer and chisel to gently tap it loose.
4. Remove the Fitting
Once the fitting is slid back, you can remove it from the pipe. Grip the fitting firmly and pull it straight off the pipe.
5. Inspect the Pipe and Fittings
Before installing a new fitting, inspect the pipe and the old fitting for any damage. If there is any damage, you may need to replace the pipe or fitting before proceeding.
6. Clean and Lubricate
Once the pipe and fittings are confirmed to be in good condition, clean the ends of the pipe and the new fitting using a clean cloth and rubbing alcohol. Then, apply a thin layer of lubricant, such as silicone grease, to the ends of the pipe and the new fitting. This will help ensure a secure and leak-free connection.
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
| Release Clip | The blue or red clip that releases the fitting from the pipe. |
| Fitting | The Sharkbite fitting that you are removing. |
| Pipe | The pipe that the fitting is attached to. |
| Lubricant | A silicone-based grease that helps ensure a leak-free connection. |
Replacing the Damaged Fitting
SharkBite fittings are popular for their ease of installation and removal. Here’s a guide on how to remove a damaged fitting:
1. Gather Tools
You’ll need a wrench or pliers, a bucket, and a cloth.
2. Turn Off Water Supply
Locate the water shut-off valve and turn it off. Run the faucet to release any remaining pressure.
3. Open Release Collar
Use the wrench or pliers to open the release collar at the end of the fitting. This will release the pipe.
4. Disconnect Pipe
Pull the pipe away from the fitting. If the pipe is stuck, gently wiggle it back and forth.
5. Clean Fitting
Remove any debris or rust from the fitting using the cloth.
6. Install New Fitting
Insert the new SharkBite fitting into the pipe. Push the pipe firmly into the fitting until it clicks into place.
7. Tighten Release Collar
Use the wrench or pliers to tighten the release collar. Ensure it’s snug but not overtightened.
8. Turn On Water Supply
Turn the water shut-off valve back on. Check for leaks at the fitting. If there are any, tighten the release collar further.
| Material | Method |
|---|---|
| Copper | Use a pipe cutter to cut the pipe. |
| PEX | Use a PEX cutter to cut the pipe. |
| CPVC | Use a hacksaw or PVC cutter to cut the pipe. |
Reconnecting the Water Supply
To restore water flow, you’ll need to reconnect the water supply to the fixture. Here are the detailed steps:
Testing for Leaks
Once you have completed the disassembly process, it’s crucial to perform a leak test to ensure a watertight seal. Here are detailed steps to test for leaks:
9. Leak Testing
Supplies:
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Bucket | To catch any leaked water |
| Tarp or towels | To protect the floor from spills |
| Flashlight | To inspect for leaks in dark areas |
Steps:
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Tips
SharkBite fittings are built to last. But like any other product, they can malfunction or leak over time. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
1. Leaking Fittings
A leaking fitting is the most common problem with SharkBite fittings. Luckily, it’s also one of the easiest to fix.
2. No Water Flow
If you’re not getting any water flow, the problem could be a clogged or frozen pipe. To fix this, turn off the water supply and thaw the pipe using a heat gun or hair dryer.
3. Water Hammer
Water hammer is caused by a sudden change in water pressure. This can happen when you turn off a faucet or dishwasher. To reduce water hammer, install a water hammer arrestor on the water supply line.
4. Noisy Fittings
Noisy fittings are usually caused by water flowing through the pipes at a high speed. To fix this, reduce the water pressure by turning down the water supply valve.
5. Corrosion
Corrosion can occur if the fitting is exposed to water for a long period of time. To prevent corrosion, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the fitting.
6. Freezing
Freezing can cause the fitting to crack. To prevent freezing, insulate the fitting with a foam sleeve or wrap.
7. Overtightening
Overtightening the fitting can damage the O-ring and cause leaks. To prevent overtightening, use a wrench that is the correct size for the fitting.
8. Loose Fittings
Loose fittings can also cause leaks. To fix this, tighten the fitting using a wrench. Be careful not to overtighten it.
9. Cross-Threading
Cross-threading occurs when the threads on the fitting are not aligned with the threads on the pipe. This can damage the fitting and cause leaks. To prevent cross-threading, make sure the threads are aligned before tightening the fitting.
10. Different Types of SharkBite Fittings
| Fitting Type | Application |
|—|—|
| Push-to-connect | Connecting pipes and fittings |
| Compression | Connecting pipes and fittings with compression rings |
| Insert | Inserting into a pipe |
| Thread | Connecting to a threaded pipe |
How to Remove a SharkBite Fitting
SharkBite fittings are popular for connecting PEX tubing because they are easy to install and require no special tools. However, there may come a time when you need to remove a SharkBite fitting. Here are the steps on how to do it:
People Also Ask About How to Remove a SharkBite Fitting
Why would I need to remove a SharkBite fitting?
There are a few reasons why you might need to remove a SharkBite fitting. For example, you might need to remove a fitting if you are replacing a section of pipe, or if the fitting is leaking.
How do I know if my SharkBite fitting is leaking?
If you suspect that your SharkBite fitting is leaking, you can check for a few things. First, look for any water stains around the fitting. Second, feel around the fitting for any moisture. Finally, you can listen for any dripping or hissing sounds.
Can I reuse a SharkBite fitting?
Yes, you can reuse a SharkBite fitting. However, it is important to inspect the O-rings on the fitting before reinstalling it. If the O-rings are damaged, they should be replaced.
