Used this Sharkbite 3/4” slip coupler on my outside sprinkler system past the back flow preventer. The ground had sunk over 10 years and was pulling down about 1.25” from level. Just a matter of time before a bigger problem. Was going to do the old solder a piece of pipe in but couldn’t find anyone selling a foot or so of the 3/4” copper. Looked on Amazon for this and it was here the next day. Awesome. Since the copper pipe is outside it had everything from paint overspray to just aging. Used some stripper and then a simple Brillo pad and the pipe was like a mirror where it was cleaned. Cut the pipe and sure enough there was a 1.25” gap. My old tool for copper pipe cutting did okay but not great. If I was soldering some sanding and good to go. On this I used some emery cloth just on the very end to try to ensure no burrs. Also used an awl in a pocket knife to get the inside where the tool had rounded the copper slightly. Probably wouldn’t have been as paranoid except I have never used a Sharkbite before. Slipped the slip end on and down just enough that it was ready to join the other pipe. Took the little enclosed orange plastic piece to lift it back to the little mark I had made on the end with the stop. I thought it wasn’t moving and I thought geez how much pressure do I need to apply when I noticed it had already slid into the stop end right to my mark. I was absolutely convinced it was going to leak and I had to turn the water supply back on full just to get the back flow preventer to seat. No leak. Way to easy. I am not ready to declare victory just yet and no idea long term how long it will last.
Would I use a Sharkbite coupler behind a wall or in anyway out of sight? No I would not. Do I now understand why plumbers are using this product? Yes I do and I was impressed with the quality. Since I hadn’t done any soldering in a couple decades I was pretty happy to see this product plus I didn’t have to buy some 5’ section of 3/4” copper pipe, fittings and a gas canister. I do recommend if using this on outside copper pipe to get that copper looking like new so the internal ‘O’ rings can do their part. Hopefully the picture will show how ugly that old copper looks where it wasn’t cleaned up.
| Manufacturer | Cash Acme |
|---|---|
| Part Number | U3008LFA |
| Item Weight | 3.2 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 5 x 9 x 2 inches |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | U3008LFA |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | 0.5 Inch |
| Color | Brass |
| Material | Brass |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Measurement System | Inch |
| Included Components | Brass Push Couplings |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | Limited 25 Year |