When working on plumbing projects you might wonder if SharkBite fittings can be buried underground. These push-to-connect fittings are popular for their ease of use and reliable connections. But when it comes to burying them in soil or concrete you need to know the right approach to ensure safety and durability.
Burying fittings improperly can lead to leaks or damage over time. Understanding whether SharkBite fittings are designed for underground use helps you avoid costly repairs down the road. In this article you’ll learn the key considerations for installing SharkBite fittings below ground and how to protect your plumbing system for long-lasting performance.
Understanding Shark Bite Fittings
SharkBite fittings connect pipes quickly without soldering, clamps, or glue. You gain a reliable connection compatible with various pipe materials when you use these push-to-connect fittings.
What Are Shark Bite Fittings?
SharkBite fittings are push-to-connect plumbing connectors made from brass and stainless steel. They attach to copper, CPVC, PEX, and PE-RT pipes by simply pushing the pipe into the fitting until it locks securely. You avoid the need for special tools, heating equipment, or adhesives. Internally, SharkBite fittings use O-rings to create a watertight seal and stainless steel teeth that grip the pipe firmly, preventing leaks even under pressure.
Common Uses and Benefits
You find SharkBite fittings ideal for repairs, remodels, and new plumbing installations due to their ease of use and time savings. They speed up connections in tight or hard-to-reach spaces where traditional methods slow you down. Benefits of SharkBite fittings include:
- Compatibility: Connect with copper, CPVC, PEX, and PE-RT pipes without adapters.
- Reusability: Disconnect and reuse fittings without damage.
- Leak Resistance: Maintain seal integrity under pressures up to 200 PSI in cold water and 100 PSI in hot water.
- No Special Tools: Install fittings using just your hands and a pipe cutter.
- Time Efficiency: Reduce connection time by up to 75% compared to soldering or gluing.
These features make SharkBite fittings a preferred choice for both professional plumbers and homeowners aiming for durable, quick plumbing solutions.
The Question: Can Shark Bite Fittings Be Buried?
Determining whether SharkBite fittings can be buried requires understanding their design and manufacturer advice. You must consider installation conditions and pipe compatibility to ensure reliable underground plumbing.
Manufacturer Guidelines and Recommendations
SharkBite’s manufacturer, Reliance Worldwide Corporation, specifies that their fittings are suitable for above-ground use unless explicitly rated otherwise. SharkBite fittings are generally not designed for direct burial underground. Installing them below ground without proper protection risks corrosion, mechanical damage, and compromised sealing. If buried, use protective conduit or sleeves approved for underground plumbing to avoid exposure to soil, moisture, and shifting ground. Always follow local plumbing codes and manufacturer instructions for underground installations.
Types of Pipes Compatible with Shark Bite Fittings
SharkBite fittings connect securely to copper, CPVC, PEX, and PE-RT pipes. Each pipe type responds differently to underground conditions. Copper pipes resist corrosion but require insulation against soil acidity. CPVC can be brittle under stress and is less common underground. PEX offers flexibility and corrosion resistance, suitable for burial if protected. PE-RT also tolerates underground environments well. When burying SharkBite connections, ensure the pipe material aligns with underground use and that the joint and pipe are shielded based on manufacturer and code standards.
Factors Affecting Burial of Shark Bite Fittings
Several conditions influence the safety and longevity of SharkBite fittings when buried underground. Understanding these factors ensures your plumbing system remains reliable and leak-free.
Soil Conditions and Potential Risks
Soil type affects the durability of buried fittings. Rocky or abrasive soil increases the risk of mechanical damage. Clay soils retain moisture longer, raising corrosion potential despite SharkBite’s brass construction. Acidic or alkaline soils can accelerate metal degradation if fittings lack protective coatings. Installing fittings inside protective conduits or sleeves reduces direct contact with soil, preventing physical and chemical damage.
Temperature and Pressure Considerations
Temperature fluctuations underground impact pipe and fitting integrity. Excessive heat can weaken fittings and seals, while freezing temperatures cause pipe contraction and expansion, risking leaks. SharkBite fittings tolerate typical temperature ranges but become vulnerable outside manufacturer specifications. Pressure surges from water systems stress fittings and joints; maintaining pressure within recommended limits preserves fitting performance and prevents premature failure.
Exposure to Corrosive Elements
Corrosive elements like fertilizers, chemicals, and salts in soil or groundwater compromise fitting material over time. Exposure accelerates brass corrosion and degrades the internal O-ring seals. Shielding fittings with corrosion-resistant sleeves or burying them deeper below the frost line and chemical exposure zones limits damage. Regular inspection of exposed fittings or accessible junctions identifies early corrosion signs, helping you address issues before leaks develop.
Best Practices for Installing Shark Bite Fittings Underground
Installing Shark Bite fittings underground requires careful planning and protective steps to maintain plumbing integrity. Follow these best practices to ensure durability and prevent leaks in buried applications.
Proper Installation Techniques
Start with clean, deburred pipe ends to ensure a tight seal with Shark Bite fittings. Use compatible pipe materials such as copper, PEX, CPVC, or PE-RT to match the fittings’ specifications. Push the fitting firmly onto the pipe until it seats fully, confirming the connection by gently pulling back on the pipe. Avoid twisting or misaligning the fitting during installation to prevent damage to the O-ring seal. If you plan to bury the fittings, secure the pipe layout and keep fittings at accessible points for easier inspection or repair.
Protective Measures and Insulation
Encasing Shark Bite fittings in protective conduits or sleeves significantly reduces exposure to corrosive soil elements and mechanical damage from rocks or shifting soil. Use polyethylene or PVC conduits that extend beyond both ends of the fitting to create a sealed barrier. Insulate fittings and adjacent pipes with foam sleeves or pipe wraps to minimize temperature stress and prevent condensation. Apply corrosion-resistant coatings if local soil chemistry poses a risk. Regularly inspect exposed sections before backfilling to ensure fittings remain intact and leak-free.
Alternative Solutions for Buried Pipes
If you want to avoid potential issues from direct burial, use traditional soldered or compression fittings rated for underground use. Consider locating Shark Bite fittings above ground or in accessible junction boxes when possible. Running pipes through protective conduits also allows easier replacement and maintenance without disturbing surrounding soil. For critical systems, opt for molded fittings specifically designed and certified for underground applications to guarantee long-term performance.
Conclusion
You can use SharkBite fittings for underground plumbing, but only when you take the right precautions. Protecting them with sleeves or conduits is essential to prevent damage and corrosion over time.
Choosing the right pipe material and following proper installation steps will help maintain a leak-free connection. If you’re unsure, consider alternatives designed specifically for burial.
Regular inspections will keep your system running smoothly and give you peace of mind knowing your plumbing is secure. Taking these steps ensures your underground plumbing stays reliable and efficient.
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