How fussy are these fittings? I had to make some repairs to my stepson's trailer plumbing. There really isn't enough room to get under that end of the trailer properly and one end of the sharkbite didn't bottom out like it should. Tried and tried and couldn't get it to. It feels snug and isn't leaking. Do y'all think this will be an issue later?

 

It's hard to say.
It's important that there are no burrs on the pipe.
I usually make a mark based on how far it should slide on.
it doesn't slide as far... it could be a future problem.

 

There were some deposits on the old pipe so I sanded it smooth. I sure hope it holds. Maybe someone younger, stronger and more limber could do it better. I think the only way I could get better access would be to remove the block underpinning and dig down

 

I have found SharkBite type fittings to be pretty good about insertion depth... as long as you get the pipe in far enough to engage the grab ring and "O" ring. They don't do well with there is strain on the fitting and they are prone to leak if a side load or bending force is applied.

 

This is a shark bite elbow, the 2 pipes aren't a perfect 90° which probably played a part in me not being able to make one side bottom out. The pipes aren't in a bind. It feels secure but I'm leery of it not being done 100% right.

 

I a m not sure if it is a legitimate practice or not, but I use a rubber mallet to drive the stubborn sharkbite fitting home.

 

mark-

You probably already know this, but you can remove that elbow with that little orange horseshoe shaped Sharkbite removal tool – and then do it again if that would make you feel better.

(I do think they tell you not to reuse them too much - but I thought 1x is OK. I think 2-3 x is OK. Maybe the other guys would know)

 

I had forgotten about that removal tool. I might do that later when I feel a little more up to it. Stopped by today and everything is bone dry. Pressure is at 60psi, drops to 40 when a tap is opened.

Not sure there is enough room to swing a mallet.

 

I wouldn't worry about it. I've used them when they would not insert fully and never a failure.

 

Thanks Norm, hope you are right
I've only used them a handful of times and they do make repairs easier.

 

I've had a Sharkbite fitting fail exactly twice.

First time I didn't insert it far enough. It got to the first point where it 'sticks', but I wasn't certain I pushed it all the way in. Took about 20 minutes, but it popped off under pressure. After correctly/fully inserting it, it's been fine for years.

Second time was an angled connection. It's possible the O-ring got damaged during insertion because of it. But it dripped immediately. Better supporting the pipe fixed it, but due to other unrelated issues, it ended up getting replaced anyway.

My guess is if it's still secure, you did actually get it seated far enough, but just didn't realize it. I always either mark the pipe or use my thumb as a mark to be sure it's gotten all the way in. Especially in tight spaces, it's hard to feel the second push indicating that it's securely connected.