How to Install SharkBite Push-to-Connect Fittings
Learn how to properly cut, deburr, measure, and seat push-to-connect SharkBite fittings onto copper, PEX, or CPVC tubing without leaks.
- Read the tools, materials, safety notes, and steps below for free.
- Tap Start Camera Coach when you want hands-free voice help.
- Allow camera and microphone. Point your phone at the work; the coach watches your progress and tells you the next step.
🧰 Required Tools & Equipment
- ✓ Rotary pipe cutter or PEX cutter
- ✓ SharkBite deburring & depth gauge tool
- ✓ Permanent marker
- ✓ Small bucket
- ✓ Emery cloth or fine sandpaper
📦 Materials & Supplies
- ✓ SharkBite push-to-connect fitting
- ✓ Pipe section (Copper, PEX, or CPVC)
⚠️ Safety Checkpoints & Warnings
- • Ensure main water shutoff valve is fully closed and line pressure is drained before cutting.
- • Never leave sharp copper burrs on cut ends as they will slice and ruin the internal rubber O-ring.
- • Verify that the pipe is fully bottomed out past the internal grab ring and O-ring before restoring water pressure.
📋 Step-by-Step Guide (6 Steps)
Shut Off Water and Drain Pipe
Turn off the main water supply valve to isolate the work area. Open the lowest faucet in the home or a nearby fixture to release residual pressure and drain standing water into a bucket.
- • No water flowing from open downstream faucet
- • Bucket positioned directly beneath the intended cut point
- • Cutting into a pressurized line
- • Failing to open low-point drain fixtures
Cut Pipe Squarely
Position your pipe cutter perpendicular to the pipe at the desired cut location. Rotate the cutter around the pipe, tightening the knob slightly every couple of rotations until it cleanly snaps through without deforming the pipe.
- • Clean 90-degree cut edge visible
- • Pipe maintains round, undeformed cross-section
- • Cutting at an angle/bevel
- • Overtightening the cutter wheel causing pipe ovality
Deburr and Clean Pipe Outer Wall
Remove all internal and external metal burrs, metal shavings, or plastic flash from the cut end. Clean the outer 1.5 inches of pipe surface with emery cloth so it is smooth, flat, and free of scratches, paint, or solder residue.
- • Beveled, smooth outer edge with zero jagged lips
- • Polished, shiny pipe surface free of paint, corrosion, or deep gouges
- • Skipping the deburr step
- • Using heavy grit sandpaper that leaves deep parallel scratches
Mark the Insertion Depth
Insert the clean pipe end into the matching size slot on your SharkBite depth gauge tool. Use a permanent marker to draw a clear line around the pipe circumference directly against the tool collar.
- • Distinct dark line drawn around the pipe precisely 15/16-inch to 1-inch from the cut end depending on diameter
- • Guessing insertion depth instead of measuring
- • Marking only a tiny dot that gets lost during insertion
Push Fitting Onto Pipe to Depth Mark
Align the fitting straight with the pipe and push together firmly with a slight twisting motion. Continue pushing with steady force until you feel the pipe pop past the O-ring and the collar meets your marked depth line.
- • Fitting collar edge aligns flush against the permanent marker depth line
- • Pipe is straight and square inside the fitting sleeve
- • Stopping at the grab ring without pushing past the internal O-ring
- • Pushing at an angle which pinches the O-ring
Pressurize and Inspect for Leaks
Slowly open the main water valve partway to fill the lines without causing water hammer. Inspect the joint under full static pressure for at least 60 seconds with a dry paper towel wrapped around the fitting collar.
- • Bone-dry paper towel after wiping around the fitting seam
- • No water beads forming along the collar edge
- • Blasting water on at full blast immediately
- • Assuming no drips in the first 5 seconds means a permanent seal
Credit: inspired by an original tutorial by SharkBite Plumbing — watch the original on YouTube.
Don’t have everything?
- No SharkBite deburring & depth gauge tool? Tape measure (mark 15/16 in for 1/2 in pipe, 1-1/8 in for 3/4 in pipe) and fine emery cloth / round file
- No PEX cutter? Sharp utility knife with a guide block on a flat surface