jdmover wrote:Are "Snake Bite" push fit copper pipe connectors legal from a plumbing code point of view?
Yes ... but a local AHJ may not accept them.
The 'yes' is because they are made and tested to the standards listed in the codes as to what those types of piping fittings are required to be made and tested to.
The 'but a local AHJ may not accept them' is because some AHJ do whatever they want. Then, in some places, such as in Chicago, the unions are in such control over what is allowed by the code that fittings like the SharkBite fittings may not be allowed by the code in affect there. The reason would never be given that those fittings cut the labor time dramatically, the reason would be that those fittings have not been around long enough to prove themselves - it would not matter that other fittings fail due to improper installation, or defective material such as imported cast brass fittings which suffer from pin hole leaks a short time after installation.
Here is one big problem with the SharkBite fittings (it would be the same with other similarly designed fittings): there is no electrical continuity through the SharkBite fittings, which means that when used on an copper interior water piping system that a bond wire would need to be run the entire length of the copper branch piping and have a bonding clamp installed on each piece of copper piping. With that cost considered into the equation, that cost will probably outweigh any savings in time one may gain by using the SharkBite fittings.
Using the SharkBite fittings with PEX or CPVC and there is no bonding problem as the piping is plastic, not metal.
The other thing to consider is: What will the failure rate be over time as they use O-rings to seal the joints. What is the life of the O-ring over time with the chemicals in the water? Do other rubber products fail when in continuous contact with the water (such as rubber cups in some faucets, etc.) ... just something to consider.
Posted: Thu May 10, 2012 8:01 am