Watts Vs. SharkBite: Which Quick-Connect Fittings Are Better?

When it comes to plumbing repairs and installations, being simple and efficient is key. That is why quick-connect fittings have become so prominent. They make it easier for plumbers to get in, get the job done, and move on to the next task.

Two of the most common options out there for quick-connect fittings are Watts and SharkBite. But what is the difference between the two? Is one better than the other? We will get into each one but both are quite reliable and sturdy. When it comes to a quick repair or an easier installation, both will come in handy.

Before we get into the comparison of the two, it helps to know what a quick-connect fitting is in the first place. SharkBite, for example, is a type of quick-connect fitting. There may be subtle differences between it and the Watts brand, but the concept is the same.

Both of them have an O-ring and collet within the body. The teeth on the collet grip onto tubing or piping to form a secure hold. The O-ring, meanwhile, provides an airtight seal that ensures there are no leaks.

Quick-connect fittings are named because they are fast and easy to install. When spaces are tight, slapping on a quick-connect fitting to PVC or PEX tubing, or even copper piping, can make things all the easier.

For one, SharkBite has a brass body design. That brass is lead-free, which allows them to have a higher pressure can temperature tolerance than similar fittings constructed of plastic. The brass body construction is part of what makes SharkBite such a reliable option.

Being made of a sturdier material, SharkBite fittings are less prone to cracking due to freezing temperatures. Additionally, these brass fittings are a better match for copper piping. That’s not to say they can’t be used for PVC, but they have a better natural fit with copper for the reasons mentioned.

The selling point is in the quick-connect ability. SharkBite has a push-to-connect design in that, when you push it onto a piece of tubing or a pipe, the teeth will clench down with a push. It is important that the teeth be pushed out of the way if you are using a disconnect tool to eventually release them.

Those little teeth – one would say like a shark – that wrap around the collect is what grips the tubing or piping. The teeth are of a durable construct, ensuring that they grip onto the piping or tubing securely and won’t bend or break.

There is a removable insert in the SharkBite fitting that moves the collect. It does so in order to lock the tubing down and keeps the tubing from being able to back out. The SharkBite connect makes the connection secure and prevents movement.

The O-ring is there to create the leak-proof seal. After all, what good would a fitting be if water managed to find its way through? The rubber is both flexible and durable, and it is also easy to replace in the event of wear and tear or damage. Find out the difference between SharkBite and compression fittings.

The most glaring difference between the Watts fitting and the SharkBite fitting is the material used to construct the body. Whereas SharkBite uses brass for the body, Watts uses a plastic material for its quick-connect fittings instead.

Plastic tends to be more optimal for tubing. They are both flexible and they both work with each other in a give-take relationship. Plastic may not have the durability that brass does, but it is less prone to cracking because it has the flexibility to expand and contract with temperature changes.

Another major difference between the two is how they connect. The SharkBite makes use of a push-to-connect feature where teeth grab onto the tubing or piping. Watts quick-connect fittings have a locking mechanism that twists.

The locking mechanism is meant to prevent the connection from falling apart when the faucet is turned off, causing the flow to suddenly stop. The teeth from the twist-lock will tighten when you try to pull the fitting off, ensuring that it is not going anywhere.

This is another major difference between Watts and SharkBite. Though they both have teeth gripping the collect, Watts has fewer teeth. But that is not even the biggest difference when it comes to the collet.

Watts has a fitting that you can disassemble. The SharkBite fitting cannot be disassembled. Why is this big? Well, if the fitting is damaged, you can potentially repair it whereas the SharkBite fitting would simply need to be replaced. Great for implementing repairs without having to replace the entire quick-connect fitting.

When you are installing hot water heaters, SharkBite fittings are probably the best option. SharkBite fittings and their brass construction are meant to hold up to higher temperatures. The lead-free brass is quite rigid in the same way that a pipe is and can stand up to higher pressure tolerances as well.

SharkBite is also approved for use behind walls and underground, but that is a risk. In that instance, they are out of sight which means you would not know if a leak was present. Those rubber O-rings are meant to seal off leaks but can wear and deteriorate over time. Using them outside runs the risk of the rubber O-ring cracking or splitting.

On the other hand, Watts fittings are much better wherever PVC or plastic tubing is involved. That is because Watts and its plastic body are much more flexible, working better with the flexibility of the plastic piping.

Watts fittings are better for small diameter tubing, too. When it comes to things like filter installations, they are quite handy. Even better, those smaller fittings tend to be interchangeable with compression fittings. They can even be used outside because they are UV resistant and won’t damage like the O-rings on a SharkBite fitting.

You can bet that you are getting durability and structural stability with the brass body design. If you plan on working with copper pipes, you can’t go wrong with SharkBite fittings, either. The body is designed to hold up to greater pressure and temperature requirements, ensuring that it won’t degrade or melt in applications like hot water heaters.

That said, they can be quite a bit costlier than their counterpart. Not only that, but the collect can’t be removed. That means if there is any damage to the SharkBite quick-connect fitting, it has to be replaced entirely.

If you plan to work with plastic tubing or piping, then the Watts fitting would be better. They are also really cost-effective so it is not unreasonable to buy some extras to keep in case of an emergency.

Most importantly, Watts fittings can be repaired. The collect can be removed whenever necessary to implement a repair, so you don’t have to spend the money on a new fitting nor the time to re-install it again.

The downside is that they don’t work all that well on copper piping. Not only that, for applications where temperatures are higher, you run the risk of degradation and melting whereas SharkBite would not have that issue.

When it comes down to it, both the Watts and SharkBite quick-connect fittings have their own unique benefits and uses. They can be used in tandem or on projects that may not be in their wheelhouse, though that typically is not advisable.

The simple fact of the matter is that both have their own designated purposes and uses. SharkBite tends to go best in applications where a sturdier connection is required. If you want something graded for outdoor use or that has more flex to it, Watts is a great choice.

Really, you can’t go wrong with either. They are both versatile, durable and make piping/tubing repairs and installation far quicker and easier. Having either at your disposal would make the job a lot easier.