SharkBite Max™ FAQs
Yes, SharkBite Max™ is being phased in as the next-generation solution. Stores will transition once the existing First Generation SharkBite® SKUs sell out.
A modest unit price increase will be applied to reflect the significant jump in performance, reliability, and long-term value.
SharkBite® First Generation and SharkBite Max™ fittings can be used together with SharkBite® PEX pipe, meeting NCC 2022 Vol. 3 lead-free standards. Be sure to check the insertion depth chart, as insertion depths differ between generations. New SharkBite® pipes will feature Safe Seal Indicator marks for both generations, and the updated Copper Depth Gauge/Deburring tool (F702) will include insertion depths for each, ensuring reliable connections.
| SB fitting size | Pipe OD (mm) | SB Classic Insertion Depth (mm) | SB Max Insertion Depth (mm) |
| 16mm | 16.0 – 16.3 | 22.8 | 26.6 |
| 20mm | 20.0 – 20.3 | 27.0 | 31.2 |
| 25mm | 25.0 – 25.3 | 28.7 | 34.2 |
| DN15 | 12.57 – 12.7 | 23.8 | 26.5 |
| DN20 | 18.85 – 19.05 | 28.6 | 32.4 |
Yes, all SharkBite Max® fittings are lead free.
Using feedback from plumbers, we took SharkBite® (first generation) and made a few enhancements to create SharkBite Max™, a stronger version of the industry-leading push-to-connect fitting.
- SharkBite Max™ features a stainless steel retainer for added strength
- Double the fitting burst pressure (up to 14 MPa vs. 5.5 MPa)
- Improved high temperature performance with engineering polymer resins
- No tube liner required for PEX
Yes, SharkBite Max™ has a 25-year warranty when properly installed. You can get the full details of the warranty here.
SharkBite Max™ seals on the outside diameter of your chosen pipe and, unlike first generation SharkBite®, doesn’t require a tube liner—resulting in improved water flow and pressure with no restrictions.
Yes. SharkBite Max™ is designed and certified for Australian job sites. SharkBite Max™ handles vibration, pressure pulsation, thermal cycling and wet installs with ease.
SharkBite Max™ has undergone over one hundred tests including pressure pulsation, hydrostatic endurance, thermal cycling, leak tightness and pull-out force. With over 820,000 pressure cycles and 24,000 hours of endurance testing completed. Furthermore, the system has undergone AS/NZS 4020 testing ensuring full suitability in contact with potable water.
SharkBite Max™ is certified to AS/NZS 2537 (WMKA02056) for PEX pipe systems and AS 3688 (WMKA21048) for Copper pipe systems. These certifications include conformance to AS/NZS 4020 for suitability of use in contact with drinking water and the lead-free requirements of NCC 2022 Volume 3 – Plumbing Code of Australia.
SharkBite Max™ PEX pipe systems are rated to 1000kPa at 70°C and SharkBite Max™ Copper pipe systems are rated to 2000kPa at 95°C. First Generation copper fittings are rated at 1,400kPa at 95°C.
Yes. Certified for underground and behind-wall installations, even on wet lines. Use silicone wrap when burying.
SharkBite Max™ for PEX pipe systems is available in 16mm, 20mm, and 25mm. SharkBite Max™ for Copper pipe systems is available in DN15, DN20, and DN25. SharkBite Max™ 25mm/DN25 is interchangeable for both PEX & Copper pipe systems and has the mustard-coloured cartridge.
SharkBite Max™ fittings are engineered to eliminate the need for a PEX tube liner. This simplifies installation, reduces head loss, and improves alignment—especially in tight spaces.
No. SharkBite Max™ fittings maintain full bore flow. The internal design ensures minimal head loss and supports compatibility across different SDR value PEX systems.
Yes, SharkBite Max™ is compatible with the same pipe types as First Generation SharkBite®. SharkBite® PEX pipe is now compatible with both first generation and SharkBite Max™ fittings. Dual print streams help identify. ‘C’ = First Generation, ‘M’ = Max.
