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Does Sharkbite Work on Galvanized Pipe? (Answered)

When you think of easy-to-connect fittings, Sharkbite is one of the best in the market. They are considered the pioneers of such fittings. Sharkbite products not only make it easy for you to work, but also provide a sturdy installation.

Nevertheless, Sharkbite may not be compatible with all types of fixtures. Here we will find out if Sharkbite is well-suited with galvanized pipe or not. Let’s answer this question for you.

Does Sharkbite work on galvanized pipe?

Sharkbite is not compatible with galvanized pipes. The products are not suitable to fit into this type of pipe. The only approved settings according to the Sharkbite are CPVC, pex, and hard-drawn copper. However, if you want them to work with the galvanized pipe, turn them into a pex setting.

Sharkbite is well known for its easy push-to-connect fittings. Nevertheless, not all types of settings are suitable. The fittings suited to Sharkbites are PEX, hard-drawn copper, and CPVC. Moreover, one popular way to fix Sharkbite with a galvanized pipe is by PEX. 

Sharkbite has different types of settings. Let’s focus on the two most common fittings, push-to-connect, and threaded shark bite. We will figure out their compatibility with the galvanized pipe. 

Sharkbite push-to-connect on galvanized pipe:

Sharkbite push-to-connect is designed not to connect and press onto the galvanized pipe.

In addition, you will not find most galvanized pipes to be threaded, which complement push-to-connect fittings of Sharkbite. Though you can rethread it, the fit is not accurate for Sharkbite. 

One way to use Sharkbite on galvanize pipe is to mate it with PEX setting first. 

The push-to-connect Sharkbite fittings are suitable for PEX copper, HDPE, CPVC, and PE-RT.

To connect, no tools, crimping, glue, or soldering are required. They are befitting for underground and behind-the-wall applications. 

Sharkbite thread on galvanized pipe:

Sharkbite thread, a threaded fitting, is not suited for galvanized pipe. Nevertheless, you can rethread a galvanized pipe. 

The threaded Sharkbite is compatible with copper, PEX, CPVC, PE-RT, and SDR-9 HDPE pipes.

They offer easy and quick installation. Also, no special tools, glue, crimping, or soldering are needed. They can be installed on wet lines, underground, and behind the walls. The fitting is rated for 200 psi and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Why does Sharkbite not work on galvanized pipe?

Here we have brought insights into why shark bite and the galvanized pipe do not complement each other. 

Design not suitable:

The design of Sharkbite does not incorporate the style of the galvanized pipes. They are made not to press on galvanized pipes.

However, you can use a transition adapter to fit into a PEX setting. Afterward, you will be able to use a galvanized pipe with it. 

To connect, the fittings of Sharkbite need no complicated process, tool, crimping, glue, or soldering.  

Not threaded: 

Sharkbite fittings mostly come in threaded style. It implies that the pipes also need to be threaded to fit appropriately.

The usual kind of galvanized pipes we observe are not threaded mostly. To connect them into Sharkbite fittings, you need to rethread the pipes.

How do sharkbite fittings work?

Sharkbite fittings allow sturdy connections and a simple installation process. It introduces push-to-connect fittings that grip pipes and tubing with a ring of teeth. It effectively seals connections and prevents leaks. Sharkbite fittings also save time. 

Sharkbite fittings are becoming increasingly popular with plumbers. They have gone from pulling the soldering torch and welding copper pipe together. Then pushing a Sharkbite part or fit into a pipe. 

Sharkbites do not require complicated techniques but are very easy to use. All you need to do is push a tube into the fitting until it strongly grabs onto the pipe. There is an O-ring seal inside that creates a watertight seal. 

Make sure that the fittings are compatible with Sharkbite fittings. The most common suitable fittings are PEX copper, HDPE, CPVC, and PE-RT.

To connect the fittings, you do not need to follow complex processes such as special tools, crimping, glue, or soldering. In addition, the SharkBite fittings are also reusable. 

How to connect sharkbite to galvanized pipe?

It is possible to connect Sharkbite to the galvanized pipe. For that, you need to go from galvanized pipe to PEX setting. A PEX setting is compatible with galvanized pipe fitting. So here’s a step-by-step process on how to do it. 

Install threading:

For this, you can use a hacksaw, band saw, or a metal tubing cutter. Now install threaded transition and go from galvanized pipe fitting to PEX tubing. 

PEX setting: 

Depending on the PEX fitting used, you need to decide whether you need a dielectric union or not. With a suitable method, connect the PEX tubing to the fitting. 

How to rethread a galvanized pipe?

Since the galvanized pipe is not always threaded, you may have to rethread it. It happens especially when you need a custom-length pipe. We will be discussing how to rethread a galvanized pipe on your own. 

Prepare Workspace: 

Threading pipe is not that difficult. However, you need to make sure everything is measured accurately. Also, ensure you have a proper dye. 

If you do not know the size of the pipe, measure it from exterior to exterior and decide the size of a dye you will need. 

Use a vise to hold your pipe steadily. Again, position a bucket or towel under to avoid mess. 

Place dye:

Select the correct size dye and place it in the stock. It should be at the end of the ratcheting dye handle. Place the dye over the pipe. 

Start dye process: 

Apply pressure on the dye. Put the dye over the pipe. Now push on the end facing you. 

Use some cutting oil on the end of the pipe. Now slide the dye over the end of the pipe. 

By leaning, put pressure on the dye while you push on the dye to the end of the pipe. 

Meanwhile, pull up the ratchet handle. The dye will bite into the pipe and begin cutting. Release the pressure from the dye. 

Thread the Pipe: 

The dye will start cutting the thread. While doing this, metal shavings will accumulate. Remove them when needed. After three to four turns, apply some more cutting oil to the pipe. 

Now flip the switch or turn the knob. It will reverse the ratcheting direction on your dye handle. You will now have to give the handle ½ or ¼ a turn in the new direction. 

Move to the previous direction again and continue to turn the handle. 

Repeat all the processes of turning the handle, oiling, reversing the ratchet. Stop when you see the end of your pipe sticks out two or three threads. 

Now flip the ratchet backward and keep turning the handle until you see the dye comes off the pipe. Before placing it in the pipe threading kit storage, wipe the oil of every part. 

Do they make any Sharkbite fitting or cap to connect galvanized pipe to pex?

Sharkbite makes fittings and they are suitable to use on copper, PEX settings, and some other types of PVC pipes.

Therefore, yes, the fittings by Sharkbite are easily connected to PEX. Also, we are aware that with PEX, we can connect galvanized pipes to Sharkbite products. 

Even though there is no specific mention of whether Sharkbite makes fitting or cap to connect galvanized pipe to PEX, but with the help of it, we can make Sharkbite and galvanize pipe compatible. 

We have already mentioned steps on how to connect Sharkbite to the galvanized pipe by turning it into a PEX setting. 

How do you connect galvanized pipes without threads?

Since many galvanized pipes do not feature threads, you may wonder how to connect them to other settings. Here we have described ways to connect galvanized pipes without threads.  

Measure:

Measure the outer diameter of each pipe. Choose standard coupling when diameters match. Otherwise, choose stepped coupling. 

Determine the roughness and strength by examining the surface area. Choose coupling if it is rough-textured.

Square pipe:

Use a hacksaw or power saw to square the pipes. It is needed when you observe the end is not flush. Release all the rough edges with a metal sander. 

Clean:

Do not let dirt, grease, or other components come on your way. Use a clean cloth and a water-based degreaser. It will allow easiness and fast movement.

Middle point and endpoint: 

You need to fix the middle point. Use a pencil to mark each coupling end.

Again, set an endpoint. Using the drawn line set the coupling end on the pipe with aligned mode.

Finishing:

Finally, tighten the fastening bolts. The coupling should get the galvanized pipes right in place. Use a torque wrench here.

Final thoughts

Sharkbite fitting is not suitable for galvanized pipe. The design does not complement the structure of this specific type. However, Sharkbite is compatible with many other settings. PEX is one of them. PEX works as a transition and helps connect Sharkbite and galvanized pipe effectively.