Installation

To make the perfect SharkBite joint, check that fittings and tubing are clean, in good condition and are free from damage and foreign objects. Do not use any additional lubricant or sealing compounds. To ensure fittings stay clean and the ‘O’ Ring is protected from damage, fittings must be kept in originally packaging until immediately prior to installation.

Do not apply excessive force to insert the tube into the fitting. Need for excessive force may indicate damage to the end of the tube. If tube is to be refitted to a Sharkbite fitting, it is important to trim the tube before making the joint.

Do not apply direct heat to any part of Sharkbite fittings (except brazing adaptors).
Ensure the tube is free of scoring, cuts and abrasion. If the tube has been engaged with the fitting and then requires removal, it is important that the tube be trimmed prior to re-engaging.
Installations of a Sharkbite plumbing system must comply with AS3500.
Cut

Using a rotary tube cutter, cut the copper tube to the desired length and debur the internal end of the tube. Hacksaws should not be used.

Take care to ensure the tube is cut squarely and that there is no ovality in the tube end ( particularly with annealed tube ) as the Sharkbite fitting requires perfectly round tube.
Debur

All burrs and sharp edges must be removed from the outside end of the tube using a suitable tool or the Sharkbite deburrer and depth gauge part number F702.
Mark

Using the Sharkbite deburring tool, mark the tube with the safe seal depth which indicates when the tube is seated to the correct depth in the fitting.
If you don't have the Sharkbite depth gauge ensure the depth of engagement is as follows:

Tube Diameter Depth of engagement
DN15 1/2"
24mm
DN20 3/4"
28mm
DN25 1"
28mm

Note: Australian standards require all copper tube to have the standards mark stamped into the tube at 600mm intervals. A Sharkbite connection cannot be made at these points.
Connect

Insert the tube by pushing firmly with a positive "click". Ensure the safe seal indicator mark corresponds with the mouth of the fitting

Note: Copper tube can be easily inserted into the fitting by hand. Damaged tube will require excessive force to push the tube into the fitting. If the tube will not insert easily remove it and check it for damage prior to proceeding.
Disconnect

Step 1 - Relieve system pressure

Ensure all system pressure has been relieved and drained where possible.

Step 2 - Disconnect

Place the disconnection clip over the tube with the flat face towards the fitting release collar. Apply firm pressure against the release collar compressing the release collar. With your free hand remove the tube.

Alternatively:
Place the disconnection tong around the fitting assembly and apply pressure to the release collar. With your free hand remove the tube.

Step 3 - Re-use

After disconnection PEX tube must always be re-trimmed to the next Safe Seal Indicator Mark to remove any damage done during disconnection.

Note: Continued re-use of fittings can affect their performance. Where fittings have been used multiple times their use should be avoided in permanent installations.