Commercial plumbing made faster and easier with SharkBite

Installed Sharkbite push fit valves

‘Build back better, build back greener, build back faster’ was the government’s pledge during their ‘A New Deal for Britain’ announcement back in June 2020. With the promise of investment and infrastructure growth, there is plenty of work in the pipeline for plumbers and commercial contractors.

And to turn this pledge into reality, installers can explore smart plumbing options such as SharkBite’s range of push-fit fittings. Designed to make commercial installations faster and easier, these brass push-fit fittings are also a more sustainable and aesthetically pleasing alternative. In this blog, we’ll explain how SharkBite can help speed up your next commercial plumbing project.

Complete jobs 50% faster

Plumbing systems in buildings such as schools, hospitals, offices, hotels and other commercial developments involve long lengths of pipework. A common challenge is connecting them fast to speed up projects, and achieve cost and time efficiencies.

Most commercial projects require metal pipework to carry continuous hot water at high temperatures. And there are four methods to connect this type of pipework together – soldering, compression, press-fit and push-fit. Of the four, push-fit is by far the fastest and easiest way to achieve a leak-free connection, usually speeding up installation times by up to 40-50%.

With soldering, press-fit and compression, specialist tools are required and could potentially require additional safety precautions, especially in the case of soldering. From fluxing joints and heating solder to cleaning pipes and fittings, unscrewing and tightening nuts and olives, and even setting up tools – a lot of time is often required to complete some straight forward tasks. Not to mention, getting those tools into tight spaces – for example, under basins – is often difficult and laborious.

SharkBite push-fit fittings do away with all this hassle. No tools are required to make a secure connection, and all you need to do is simply push the pipe into the fitting. The fitting features a grab-ring that tightly grips the pipework with its sharp, stainless steel teeth, and the O-ring ensures a watertight seal.

As well as this, you can rotate the SharkBite connectors once installed. This is especially beneficial in tight spaces as you can change the orientation of the fitting to make the final pipe connection.

Improving the aesthetics of surface-mounted pipework

Along with speed, aesthetics is also a key requisite of commercial plumbing. Unlike domestic installations where the pipes are usually hidden behind walls and fixtures, the majority of pipework will tend to be exposed. This is commonly known as surface-mounted plumbing. These installations ensure that pipework and valves can be readily accessed, to make future maintenance jobs faster and easier.

The slimline design of SharkBite’s fittings makes the pipework less obtrusive too. And as they are made from brass, they blend well with metal pipes like copper, chromed copper and carbon steel which are commonplace in commercial projects.

Available in all domestic and commercial sizes, from 10mm all the way up to 54mm, SharkBite fittings are also compatible with PEX and polybutylene pipes.

Plumber using Sharkbite push fit valve

Push-fit makes maintenance simple and easy

As mentioned above, plumbing systems in commercial environments will need regular servicing to ensure optimum performance.

However, with soldered joints and compression connections, maintenance can become very challenging. For example, taking apart and reinstalling soldered joints is a tedious task. You need to drain water from that part of the pipework and make sure it is completely dry before re-soldering.

Taking compression fittings apart can also be difficult. If the fitting is overtightened or installed in an awkward/tight-spot, it can become almost impossible to carry out the job without causing any damage.

All this hassle can be avoided with SharkBite’s push-fit connections that are easy to demount using the disconnecting tong. The tong compresses the fitting and pushes the gripping teeth out of the way to release the pipe. SharkBite connectors are also reusable, so the same fitting can be re-installed.

SharkBite is sustainable, and helps create a circular economy

‘Build back greener’ is the rallying cry from the UK government, and even something as small as a plumbing fitting should not be discarded from the sustainability agenda.

SharkBite’s fittings are corrosion resistant, WRAS-approved and come with a 25 years warranty. All of this offers extra peace of mind and reliability for long-lasting and secure installations. As the fittings can be reused as well installers can help create a greener, circular economy by choosing SharkBite.

building planning meeting

Speed meets simplicity and sustainability

With the promise of investments and projects in the pipeline from the government, that include – over £1bn to fund the first 50 projects of a new, ten-year school rebuilding programme and a commitment to build 40 new hospitals – there are a number of commercial plumbing opportunities for installers.

Smart, innovative fittings like SharkBite can help get these buildings up faster, without compromising on quality, reliability and longevity. At RWC, we are here to help you all the way, from technical support through to best practice installation guidance, and get Britain on the road to recovery.

Click here to learn more about SharkBite

Richard Bateman Headshot

Richard Bateman

Product Marketing Manager Plumbing and Heating

About the author

A highly experienced and passionate professional, I have over 15 years' experience as a commercial and domestic plumber and hold NVQ Level 3 qualifications from City and Guilds

Since joining RWC in 2015, I began as a technical engineer, utilising my extensive knowledge to provide exceptional support. Currently, I am thrilled to be working with the marketing department as a Product Marketing Manager. 

This role allows me to combine my technical background with a keen eye for market trends, ensuring that RWC's products meet the evolving needs of the industry. With my wealth of experience and commitment to excellence, I am proud to serve as a spokesperson for RWC, sharing our innovative solutions and contributing to the growth of the plumbing and heating sector.