Blue Hawk Vs. Sharkbite Push-Fit Fittings: Which One is Better?
When you search for plumbing products for your home, the number of products and brands can be overwhelming. However, there are a wide variety of push-fit fittings available from several reputable brands. Blue Hawk and Sharkbite are two popular push-fit fitting manufacturers.
Blue Hawk manufactures a variety of indoor and outdoor tools, specifically push-fit fittings. Sharkbite also manufactures several different types of plumbing tools. When comparing the brands, they each offer a similar quality of products, but Blue Hawk is half the price of Sharkbite.
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What Is a Push-Fit Fitting?
A push fit-fit fitting is a compression fitting that has a watertight seal and is easy to install. Push-fit fittings come in a variety of configurations, and you can use them in several different applications. The biggest advantage of a push-fit fitting is that you can simply push, connect, and you’ve finished the job.
Push-fit fittings have become more popular and readily available in home improvement and hardware stores. The popularity of push-fit fittings is due to the ease of use for the consumer. Compared to typical solvent-gluing PVC pipes or copper pipes that require soldering, push-fit fittings require no skill.
Push-fit fittings are also popular because they aren’t dangerous to install, and you don’t need any torches or solvents. Fittings feature a ring of metal spurs inside the fitting that grip the pipes when inserted into the socket. Neoprene O-rings inside the fitting form tight, waterproof seals against the pipes.
What Are the Benefits of Push-Fit Fittings?
There are several benefits of push-fit fittings.
- In an emergency, push-fit fittings can quickly repair a pipe by slipping it on.Â
- Push-fit fittings make pipe connections without having to solder, use clamps, unions, or glue.
- Pipes do not need to be completely dry when using a push-fit fitting. This is different from a PVC pipe which has to be perfectly dry before gluing. Similarly, copper pipes also have to be dry before soldering.Â
- Push-fit fittings are available in a variety of materials with several different applications.Â
- Push-fit fittings come in a variety of sizes, as well.Â
- If necessary, you can easily remove push-fit fittings and reposition them. For example, if the push-fit fitting is a temporary fix, you can use them, then remove them from the pipe.
Tips When Using Push-Fit Fittings
Keep these tips in mind when using push-fit fittings.
- Before using your push-fit fitting, make sure there aren’t any burrs at the end of the pipe that can damage the O-ring or compromise the watertight seal.
- Make sure that you purchase the correct push-fit fitting. The package label will tell you the accepted uses of the fitting.Â
- Follow the manufacturer’s directions on the label to ensure the push-fit fitting connect is watertight and safe.Â
- Push-fit fittings have a particular tool that is required when removing the fitting. Make sure you have this removal tool, even if the push-fit fitting is a permanent repair. Trying to remove the push-fit fitting without the removal tool can damage your pipes and be dangerous.
Comparing Different Brands of Push-Fit Fittings
Push-fit fittings’ manufacturers consist of several different brand names. Each brand has a slightly different appearance. For example, Sharkbite is a well-known brand name, while Blue Hawk is the entry-level line of tools marketed by Lowes.
Regardless of the brand, push-fit fittings all have similar structures that allow them to create a watertight seal. Take a look at this comparison between Blue Hawk push-fit fittings and Sharkbite push-fit fittings.
Blue Hawk vs. Sharkbite: Distinguishing Features
Blue Hawk Distinguishing Features
Here’s a look at Blue Hawk push-fit fittings’ distinguishing features:
- Blue Hawk push-fit fittings connect to copper, CPVC, and PEX pipes.
- You don’t need to use a wire brush, flux, solder, or flame with Blue Hawk push-fit fittings.
- There’s no need for glue with Blue Hawk push-fit fittings, providing the fittings with a clean fit.Â
- Blue Hawk push-fit fittings have an O-ring seal.Â
- You can use Blue Hawk push-fit fittings underground and behind walls without access panels.
- Blue Hawk push-fit fittings are certified for 980 PSI and 230 degrees Fahrenheit.Â
- You simply push-to-fit for a strong and dependable connection, making Blue Hawk push-fit fittings easy to use.
Sharkbite Distinguishing Features
Now, here’s a look at Sharkbite push-fit fittings’ distinguishing features:
- Sharkbite push-fit fittings have an instant push-fit connection for ease of use.Â
- You don’t need to use soldering, clamps, unions, or glue with Sharkbite push-fit fittings.Â
- Sharkbite push-fit fittings are certified for 200 PSI and 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- You can use Sharkbite push-fit fittings underground use as well behind walls without access panels.
- Sharkbite push-fit fittings have an O-ring seal.Â
- You can connect Sharkbite push-fit fittings to copper tubing, CTS, CPVC, and PEX.
- There is a strong, corrosion-resistant brass body making Sharkbite push-fit fittings very durable.Â
- Sharkbite push-fit fittings have a pipe liner for PEX installations so that there is a secure, reliable connection.Â
Winner: Blue Hawk. Both Blue Hawk and Sharkbite push-fit fittings have most of the same distinguishing features. However, Blue Hawk push-fit fittings are certified for 980 PSI and 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Sharkbite fittings are only certified for 200 PSI and 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Blue Hawk vs. Sharkbite: Product Costs
When comparing Blue Hawk versus Sharkbite, each brand supplies the same products. However, the biggest difference between the two brands is the cost of the product. For example, Blue Hawk is Lowe’s entry-level tool brand, whereas Sharkbite is a name brand.
Blue Hawk Product Cost
When discussing its brand, Blue Hawk describes their products as quality tools that won’t break the bank. Four popular Blue Hawk push-fit fitting products are the repair coupling, male adapter, female adapter, and tee. Below are the costs of Blue Hawk push-fit fittings at Lowe’s Home Improvement Store.
| Blue Hawk Push-Fit Fitting Costs | |
| Type of Push-Fit Fitting | Cost of Push-Fit Fitting |
| 3/4-in x 3/4-in Push-Fit Repair Coupling | $7.77 |
| 1/2-in x 3/4-in Push-Fit Male Adapter | $7.27 |
| 1/2-in x 3/4-in Push-Fit Female Adapter | $5.47 |
| 3/4-in x 1/2-in x 3/4-in Push-Fit Tee | $9.87 |
Sharkbite Product Cost
Sharkbite describes its brand as the leader for push-to-connect plumbing solutions that work across several different applications. Below are the same popular push-fit fittings found at Lowe’s but the Sharkbite brand.
| Sharkbite Push-Fit Fitting Costs | |
| Type of Push-Fit Fitting | Cost of Push-Fit Fitting |
| 3/4-in x 3/4-in Push-Fit Repair Coupling | $15.78 |
| 1/2-in x 3/4-in Push-Fit Male Adapter | $8.28 |
| 1/2-in x 3/4-in Push-Fit Female Adapter | $7.48 |
| 3/4-in x 1/2-in x 3/4-in Push-Fit Tee | $16.87 |
Winner: Blue Hawk. Blue Hawk supplies the same products as Sharkbite, but for a lower price.
Blue Hawk vs. Sharkbite: Ease of Installation
Blue Hawk Installation
To install a Blue Hawk push-fit fitting, simply insert the fitting into the pipe. You don’t need to use any soldering or glue.
Sharkbite Installation
Sharkbite push-fit fitting installation is also simple and straightforward. Like Blue Hawk, simply insert the Sharkbite fitting into the pop to create a watertight seal. Sharkbite offers a tool that removes any burrs at the end of the pipe that could damage the O-ring seal.
Winner: Sharkbite. While the ease of installation is the same for both Blue Hawk and Sharkbite, Sharkbite offers a tool for installation. The tool ensures you can cut the pipe evenly.
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Related Questions
Do Blue Hawk and Sharkbite have similar warranties?
There is a large difference in the two warranties for Blue Hawk and Sharkbite. Sharkbite offers a 25-year warranty if you follow all plumbing, heating, and mechanical codes as well as the brand’s guidelines. However, Blue Hawk offers a 50-year warranty against any product defects and workmanship.
What types of projects are push-fit fittings used for?
Push-fit fittings are ideal for appliances that use potable water, plumbing, water heaters, and hydronic heating systems. You can use push-fit fittings in both residential and commercial projects. Plus, they’re a good option for wet repairs if a system is hard to drain since there’s no drying time.If you’re working in a hazardous location, push-fit fittings are a safe choice. There is no heat or flame required for installation, so they’re great when doing repairs with the potential for fire.
Are copper pipes or PEX pipes a better option?
Most do-it-yourselfers prefer to use PEX pipes rather than copper pipes for most plumbing work. PEX is easier to work with as it is simple to use. Copper pipes require soldering, which can be difficult and dangerous if you are not familiar with the process.PEX joints are typically foolproof. However, make sure to check your local codes to see if you’re approved to use PEX in your area.
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Stacy Randall is a wife, mother, and freelance writer from NOLA that has always had a love for DIY projects, home organization, and making spaces beautiful. Together with her husband, she has been spending the last several years lovingly renovating her grandparent's former home, making it their own and learning a lot about life along the way.
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