Can you connect PVC to PEX sharkbite?

Connecting PVC to PEX using sharkbite fittings is possible but requires an adapter. PVC and PEX are different types of plastic piping that have different dimensions, so a direct connection is not possible. However, with the right adapter, PVC and PEX can be transitioned.

PVC and PEX Overview

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) are both widely used for plumbing applications, but have some key differences:

• PVC is rigid while PEX is flexible
• PVC pipes have a larger outside diameter compared to PEX
• PEX expands more than PVC with temperature changes
• PVC is joined by solvent welding or threading, PEX uses compression fittings

Due to the dimensional differences, PVC and PEX cannot be connected directly to each other. However, PEX and PVC pipes can be joined using adapters that transition between the sizing of the pipes.

Sharkbite Fittings

Sharkbite is a brand name for push-to-connect style plumbing fittings. Sharkbite fittings create a seal by using an elastomeric o-ring inside the fitting that compresses against the outer diameter of the pipe.

Some key advantages of Sharkbite fittings:

• They can join dissimilar pipe materials like PEX and copper
• No special tools or glues required
• Fittings are reusable
• Quick and easy installation

Sharkbite fittings are available for PEX, copper, and CPVC. PVC pipe cannot directly connect to a Sharkbite fitting, but PVC can connect using a PVC-to-PEX transition adapter.

Connecting PVC to PEX with Sharkbite

To connect PVC to PEX using Sharkbite fittings, an adapter is required to transition from the larger PVC pipe to the smaller PEX tubing. This can be accomplished in two ways:

1. PVC Female Adapter to PEX – This adapter has a solvent weld socket end to connect to PVC and a male end to insert into a Sharkbite PEX fitting
2. PVC Male Adapter to PEX – This has a male threaded PVC end and a compression end to connect to PEX tubing

The PVC side of the adapter can be cut and glued into the PVC piping system. Then the PEX side connects to a standard Sharkbite PEX fitting. The PEX tubing is simply pushed into the Sharkbite fitting for a secure, water-tight connection.

PVC Female Adapter to PEX

This type of adapter has a solvent weld end that glues into a fitting on the PVC pipe. The other end is a PEX male connector that pushes into the Sharkbite PEX fitting.

Steps to connect:

1. Cut PVC pipe and glue female socket adapter on
2. Allow glue to cure fully
3. Cut PEX tubing to length with pipe cutter
4. Push PEX tube into Sharkbite PEX fitting
5. Push male end of PVC adapter into Sharkbite fitting

This provides a secure transition from the PVC system to PEX using a small Sharkbite connector.

PVC Male Adapter to PEX

Instead of a socket connection, this adapter has a male threaded PVC end. It transitions to a barbed fitting to connect the PEX.

Steps to connect:

1. Apply PVC primer and glue to male adapter threads
2. Thread adapter into PVC tee or elbow fitting
3. Allow glue to cure fully
4. Cut PEX to length with tubing cutters
5. Slide PEX clamp over tubing
6. Push PEX tubing over barbed end of adapter
7. Position clamp over barbed connection
8. Tighten clamp with screwdriver

This also provides a secure PVC to PEX transition using a simple adapter.

Advantages of Connecting PVC to PEX

Joining PVC and PEX piping with Sharkbite fittings and adapters provides several advantages:

• Combines strength of PVC with flexibility of PEX – Take advantage of PVC’s rigidity for long straight runs and PEX for bending
• Transitions between materials – Connect PVC and PEX between system components and different pipe materials
• Quick installation – Sharkbite and PEX crimp connections require no glue or curing time
• Reusable fittings – Sharkbite fittings can be disconnected and reused if needed
• No special tools – PEX connections use simple hand tools

The ability to connect PVC and PEX with adapters and Sharkbite fittings simplifies many plumbing applications.

Disadvantages of PVC to PEX Connections

While PVC to PEX connections using Sharkbite fittings is convenient, there are some downsides to consider:

• Adapters can add potential leak points
• Temperature and pressure limitations of PEX
• PEX expands and contracts more than rigid PVC
• PVC glue and primer fumes are hazardous
• Crimped PEX connections cannot be redone

When transitioning between any piping materials, the system should be properly engineered and designers should account for thermal expansion differences and temperature limits.

Transition Options

In addition to Sharkbite fittings, there are other transition options between PVC and PEX:

• PVC female adapter couplings – Solvent weld to PVC and connect to PEX with clamp
• PVC male adapters – Thread into PVC fittings and use compression or crimp ring for PEX
• CPVC to PEX adapters – Use glue-joint CPVC fittings to transition to PEX
• Threaded brass adapters – Screw brass fitting into PVC male adapter and connect to PEX

Many major plumbing manufacturers offer PVC to PEX transition fittings to choose from.

Cost Comparison

Connecting PVC and PEX with Sharkbite fittings is one of the more expensive transition methods. Here is a rough cost comparison of different PVC to PEX transition options:

Connection Type	Cost Per Fitting
PVC Female Adapter	$2 – $5
PVC Male Adapter	$3 – $7
Brass Threaded Adapter	$7 – $12
Sharkbite PVC to PEX	$10 – $15

Sharkbite fittings are among the most expensive transition options. However, the added cost may be worth the ease and speed of installation.

Installation Tips

When joining PVC to PEX, follow these best practices for a successful installation:

• Cut pipes squarely and deburr ends
• Always use transition adapters, never connect PVC directly to PEX
• Allow glue joints to fully cure before pressure testing
• Support piping properly to prevent stress on connections
• Use pipe hangers to allow movement from expansion
• Avoid exposing PEX fittings to UV light or they may become brittle

With good installation technique, PVC and PEX piping can be joined to utilize both materials in a plumbing system.

Conclusion

Connecting PVC and PEX with Sharkbite fittings is possible using adapter fittings. While not a direct connection, adapters allow combining PVC and PEX to utilize the benefits of both materials.

Sharkbite fittings offer quick connections without glue or special tools. But the adapter fittings do add potential leak points and have higher cost. With proper installation, PVC and PEX can be transitioned with Sharkbite push-fittings for an easy plumbing connection.

The flexibility and low-temperature performance of PEX can complement PVC’s rigid pipe structure. Combining piping materials expands the capabilities of plumbing systems. With adapters and Sharkbite fittings, installers can join PVC and PEX tubing with ease.