Knowing how the fittings work on the inside can help explain why each step is important to making a secure, leak-free connection.
The pipe must be cut squarely using appropriate tools for the job (SharkBite PEX Pipe cutters for PEX Pipe and a pipe cutter for Copper Pipe). The pipe must remain round, clean and free of debris. When the pipe is inserted into the fitting, it first passes through a demount ring and then through a stainless steel grab ring. The grab ring has “teeth” that open out and grip onto the pipe.
The pipe is then pushed through a Protection Ring, which aligns the pipe. A specially formulated O-Ring is then compressed between the wall of the fitting and the pipe before the end of the pipe reaches the tube stop.
![](https://www.sharkbite.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/AU-RWC-SM-SC0791-WK4-SB_image2-scaled.jpg)
![](https://www.sharkbite.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/AU-RWC-SM-SC0791-WK4-SB_image1-scaled.jpg)
This is important: Only when the pipe has passed through the O-Ring and reaches the tube stop is a secure joint created.
To ensure the pipe locks in place, installation must follow these steps:
PEX Fittings
Cut
Using SharkBite PEX Pipe Cutters, cut the pipe squarely between two of the SharkBite® safe seal indicator marks as shown in the picture. Ensure pipe is round, clean and free of debris.
![SB_PEX_Instructions_V3_01 SB_PEX_Instructions_V3_01](https://www.sharkbite.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SB_PEX_Instructions_V3_01-250x250.png)
Push
Insert the pipe through the release collar to rest against the grab ring. Push the pipe firmly with a twisting action and push to the SharkBite safe seal indicator mark.
![SB_PEX_Instructions_V3_02 SB_PEX_Instructions_V3_02](https://www.sharkbite.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SB_PEX_Instructions_V3_02-250x250.png)
Done
Ensure the SharkBite safe seal indicator mark aligns with the release collar as shown.
![SB_PEX_Instructions_V3_03 SB_PEX_Instructions_V3_03](https://www.sharkbite.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SB_PEX_Instructions_V3_03-250x250.png)
Disassembly
Using the Disassembly Clips, fittings can be easily changed, removed and the fittings reused.
![SB_PEX_Instructions_V3_04 SB_PEX_Instructions_V3_04](https://www.sharkbite.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SB_PEX_Instructions_V3_04-1-250x250.png)
COPPER Fittings
Cut
Using a pipe cutter, cut the copper tube to length making sure the pipe is cut squarely. Ensure pipe is round, clean and free of debris.
![SB_Cu_Instructions_01 SB_Cu_Instructions_01](https://www.sharkbite.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SB_Cu_Instructions_01-250x250.png)
Deburr
Remove burrs from the pipe using the SharkBite deburrer and depth gauge.
![SB_Cu_Instructions_02 SB_Cu_Instructions_02](https://www.sharkbite.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SB_Cu_Instructions_02-250x250.png)
Mark
Mark the pipe with a marker using the depth gauge.
![SB_Cu_Instructions_03 SB_Cu_Instructions_03](https://www.sharkbite.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SB_Cu_Instructions_03-250x250.png)
Push
Insert the pipe by pushing firmly until a positive click is heard.
![SB_Cu_Instructions_04 SB_Cu_Instructions_04](https://www.sharkbite.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SB_Cu_Instructions_04-250x250.png)
Done
Ensure the mark made with depth gauge aligns with the release collar.
![SB_Cu_Instructions_05 SB_Cu_Instructions_05](https://www.sharkbite.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SB_Cu_Instructions_05-250x250.png)
Disassembly
Using the Disassembly Tongs or Clip, fittings can be easily changed, removed and the fittings reused.
![SB_Cu_Instructions_06_edit SB_Cu_Instructions_06_edit](https://www.sharkbite.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SB_Cu_Instructions_06_edit-250x250.png)
For more information, read our SharkBite Technical Manual.