Install Instructions
10
Installation Requirements
SharkBite
®
Burial
SharkBite Universal fittings are suitable for burial in most
applications; however care is required when using fittings
in applications that require burial to ensure the correct
installation practices are used and due care is given to any
environmental factors that may have a detrimental eect on
the life expectancy of the fittings and pipe.
The installation of SharkBite Universal fittings in applications
that will require the burial of the fitting must comply with all
local plumbing code requirements.
SharkBite Universal fittings and SharkBite PEX are not
suitable for use in areas where the soil is or may become
contaminated* including the soil used for back filling. All
SharkBite Universal fittings with brass bodies must have an
impervious barrier between the fitting and the surrounding
soil. Self-fusing, formaldehyde and chloride-free, fully cured
silicone tape with a minimum thickness of 0.020" should be
used for this purpose.
The soil used for back filling must be free of rocks, debris or
any sharp objects that may cause damage to the fitting or pipe
through impact or abrasion.
* Examples of contamination include, but are not limited to, petrochemicals (reclaimed
service station sites), high levels of nitrogen compounds (this could be caused by
animal waste or fertilizer that may be found in some agricultural applications), low pH
levels (below pH 6), high pH levels(above pH 8), run o from land fill, formaldehyde
compounds, and solvents. It should be noted that such contaminants have been
known to migrate through plastic piping systems and contaminate the Potable water
supplied throughthese pipes.
SharkBite Silicone Burial Wrap
Make a SharkBite Universal connection ensuring pipe is
inserted to proper depth. While leaving the protective film
in place, measure the amount of tape needed to completely
wrap the fitting. To ensure a proper seal, overlap tape by
1"past the end of the fitting on every end and 1/4" – 1/2"
between/across the fitting. Wrap the fitting by pulling the
tape tight and removing the protective film. Completely
cover the fitting. The tape will bond to itself within minutes
and will cement to itself within a few hours forming an air
and water tight seal.
SharkBite Distance Between Fittings
Allow at least 1" of spacing between SharkBite Universal
fittings for removal purposes.
SharkBite Grounding on Copper Pipe
When connecting a SharkBite Universal fitting to a copper
piping system, install a copper jumper cable to ensure proper
grounding. SharkBite Universal fittings are not an electrically
continuous fitting.
Threaded Connectors
Teflon tape should be used with threaded SharkBite
connectors to make a proper seal. Do not use Loctite on any
plastic threaded SharkBite connectors.
Galvanized Tubing
SharkBite Universal fittings should not be installed
(threaded or push-to-connect) on galvanized tubing.
SharkBite Soldering
When soldering is required near a SharkBite Universal
connection, make all solder joints first and then make
the SharkBite connections. Flame can cause the pipe to
reach high temperatures and should not be used close to a
SharkBite Universal fitting.