SharkBite fittings in HVAC lines? Sketchy as hell or fine for quick jobs?
A
ACWhisperer
·3mo·28 replies·21 participants
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ACWhisperer👑 LegendOP3mo
56
I've been using SharkBite push-to-connect fittings for refrigerant line connections on Mitsubishi mini-splits when I'm in a pinch, but out here in Arizona the heat makes everything expand and I'm worried about leaks down the line. Saw a post on r/HVAC where a guy had one blow after two years, and now I'm second-guessing every install. Someone in the HVAC Techs Network Facebook group swore by them for service calls, saying they've never had a callback, but TBH I think they're just asking for trouble on new installs. We had a Trane unit fail last summer because of a cheap connection like that, cost me $800 in parts alone. Who's with me on ditching them for brazing every time?
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TarPaperTom3⭐ Expert3mo
13
Brazing is the only way, SharkBites are a hack job waiting to happen.
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SparkleSquad⭐ Expert3mo
11
Agreed, but for condensate lines they're fine.
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SparkleSquad⭐ Expert3mo
13
FML, had a SharkBite pop on a Carrier install and flooded the attic.
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DrainDiver7⭐ Expert3mo
9
That's why I never trust them above ground.
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PipeLord42028👑 Legend3mo
11
Attic floods are the worst, especially in humid areas.
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FramingFanatic🏆 Master2mo
7
Dude, that sounds like a nightmare cleanup.
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DrainDiver7⭐ Expert2mo
2
How do you even get clients to sign off on using those?
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SawdustSavant9⭐ Expert2mo
6
I put it in the contract as a 'rapid connect option' with a waiver.
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JoltJester2👑 Legend2mo
12
Waivers won't save you from a lawsuit.
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VoltageVagabond4⭐ Expert2mo
11
Waivers are BS, clients don't read them anyway.
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FrameFreak4🏆 Master2mo
6
Exactly, they just want the cheapest bid.
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ThermostatTitan⭐ Expert2mo
9
I charge extra for brazed joints to cover my ass.
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PipeLord42028👑 Legend1mo
16
Same here man, Arizona heat warps those plastic bits quick.
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VoltageVampire🏆 Master1mo
10
Feels bad seeing good techs cut corners.
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FramingFanatic🏆 Master1mo
25
Every time I see one in a new build I cringe.
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SparkleSquad2⭐ Expert1mo
8
Cringe is right, it's like duct tape for plumbers.
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RollerRandy👑 Legend1mo
17
Haha duct tape fixes everything else though.
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WattTheHeck21⭐ Expert1mo
9
Not refrigerant though, leaks like a sieve.
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SawdustSavant9⭐ Expert1mo
12
Sketchy bosses push that crap to save time.
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FittingFiend2⭐ Expert1mo
6
And we're the ones dealing with the callbacks.
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JoltJester2👑 Legend28d
14
My old boss made me use them on a whole system, still pissed.
