Plastic Connector for Copper Pipe

[Kenny Rigler]

Hey Guys-

Anybody seen this kind of connector on a copper line before? Approved, not approved? It looks like an old version of the shark bite connectors. Thanks.

Kenny

[KEVIN WOOD]

That is an older pressure fit design. This should be considered temporary but I would not be concerned with it as no problems seem to exist. I would recommend it be changed to shark bite or other grip fitting if slow leak developes.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

PVC Compression Pressure Fittings
These are for joining schedule 40, schedule 80 plastic, iron, steel, and copper pipe to each other. They are leakproof, with no threading or cementing required. Since the cap and body are recessed for a compression sealing gasket, no fluid can enter the thread cavity of the cap, providing a duplex seal. The compressive action creates a strong gripping action over a wide area of pipe resisting longitudinal pull out. Repairs or alterations in pipelines are simple. Couplings can be inserted quickly between butted pipe ends. No clearance room is needed, just slip a coupling all the way over one pipe end, realign the ends, center the coupling, and tighten nuts. It is manufactured from white PVC. The wall thicknesses meet or exceed those of schedule 40 fittings as listed in ASTM D-2466. Features styrene butediene rubber gaskets. NSF listed.


http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/ite...4124&catid=726

The one in your picture appears to be a union compression pressure fitting.

[KEVIN WOOD]

They may be approved but not for locations inside walls or inaccessible areas. Your picture does not display this.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Commen sense would apply to any mechanical component here other than this one.
Soldered, welded pipe, or continuous piping should always be used where unacessible in building construction.
Same applies to gas piping, water piping, such as hydronic piping in concrete slabs for radiant heating systems.

[KEVIN WOOD]

Here is the new style replacement design that matches this style.
http://flosource.com/products/instru...tube-fittings/
I have not seen shark bite yet in Home Inspections here.

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

I am concerned that there is no Ground Carried through the system when a plastic coupling is used on Copper pipes .
In Canada the Gas equipment is usually Bonded to the copper Water Piping ... Roy

[KEVIN WOOD]

Good point Roy!

[Marcel R. Cyr]

You are correct Roy, but this could just be a homeowner fix and the grounding to the water lines is most likely below the water meter near the shutoff.
I doubt a fitting like this would be acceptable for a gas line.

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Originally Posted by mcyr

You are correct Roy, but this could just be a homeowner fix and the grounding to the water lines is most likely below the water meter near the shutoff.
I doubt a fitting like this would be acceptable for a gas line.

In Canada All Gas furnaces and other Gas equipment must be bonded to earth .
The Steel gas lines are usuall bonded at the equipment to the copper water line .
If the water line had a plastic fitting then it would not be any good to bond too.

[KEVIN WOOD]

This is not a gas line but a solid cold water line as the picture displays a shut off valve for humidfier. Since it is the cold line it most likely is bonded to the gas line and should be grounded to main water line no more than 5 feet from entrance to the home according to electrical standards here.

[Kenny Rigler]

Thanks for the info guys. I didn't think about the bonding problems that this type of fitting could cause. Yes, it was the cold water line.

Originally Posted by kwood

I have not seen shark bite yet in Home Inspections here.

I'm beginning to see a lot of shark bites around here. The contractor supply stores are now carrying them and a lot of the plumbers are even starting to use them.

[Joshua L. Frederick]

http://www.plumbingsupply.com/polyb.html

[John Allingham]

Originally Posted by kwood

This is not a gas line but a solid cold water line as the picture displays a shut off valve for humidfier. Since it is the cold line it most likely is bonded to the gas line and should be grounded to main water line no more than 5 feet from entrance to the home according to electrical standards here.

I've never seen a bonding jumper beteen the hot and cold water lines. Not required here I guess.

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Originally Posted by jallingham

I've never seen a bonding jumper beteen the hot and cold water lines. Not required here I guess.

John what made you talk about Bonding between hot and cold ????????.. Roy