1/2 in. Push-to-Connect Brass Check Valve

This is a SharkBite connector that will join 3/4inch Copper pipe (red or blue), PE-RT, CPVC (hot water pipe), and PEX pipe. 3/4inch, PVC pipe (that is commonly used for lawn and garden water lines) does not fit in this connector. The SharkBite concept is based around a “Push together” connection where the pipe is forced into the connector; through a round rubber O-Ring washer (used to seal the connection); and past some stainless steel clips (used to keep the pipe and the coupling from separating when under pressure). It usually takes just a few seconds to fully seat the pipe. The pipe is immediately ready for pressurization. An added benefit is that a pipe connected with the SharkBite connector can be rotated when connected and not loose its seal nor come apart. Thus, you can align your fittings or tighten a screw connection after the coupling is finished. Another benefit is the SharkBite connector can be disconnected with a tool that compresses the stainless steel clips and releases the pipe. It takes strength to compress the “Release Ring” but it is much better than dealing with solder or glue. This particular connector is a “check valve”. It allows water to flow in only one direction. In the flow direction, a loose plug is in the flow path. As water pushes in one direction, the plug is moved away from a metal “seat” and water flows around the plug. If water flows in the opposite way, the plug is pushed against the seat and the plug forms a seal. It stops the water until the flow is reversed. Why would I need a “Check Valve”? My particular use is a water circulation loop that allows me to pump hot water from the output line of a water heater through the hot water line and then back into the cold water side of the water heater by a separate pipe. The water in the hot water pipe is warmed up but no water must be sent down the drain. The check valve is needed to keep cold water from going in the reverse direction to the end of the Hot water line. I put the check valve near the cold water inlet so the highest temperature water is furthest away from the check valve. Another check-valve application is to pump water up hill and you do not want it to drain the container at the top when the pump is turned off. I usually put the check valve at the top of the hill, but the pressure to pump the water up is the same if you put the check-valve at the top or the bottom. My reasoning to put it at the top is that I can work on the bottom section without draining the tank at the top. I particularly like the feature where gravity is not needed to allow the pipe to seal the plug when flow is in the reverse direction. The seal works at all angles including horizontal or a vertical, up-flow or down-flow section of pipe. Having the check-valve in a pipe section that is pointed down might keep debris out of the seat for the plug. The down-side of SharkBite connectors is that you need about 2 inches of movement to where one pipe can fit into the connector and then be pushed together. What I am saying is that if you have two pipes that are exactly the right length for the final result. You need the extra space and flexibility that you can separate the pipe ends and plug in the connector. If you have a small space, there is flexible PVC pipe that you might be able to use instead of rigid pipe. Another requirement is that if you BURY a SharkBite connector in the ground, you will need to protect it by wrapping the SharkBite fittings in a waterproof covering. Sorry, it is just an installation code requirement. There may be a similar code if you want to install it in a very wet area or under water. My opinion is that it is to protect the stainless steel clips (that hold the pipe and connector together) from rusting. You will not want to use a SharkBite connector if the liquid in the pipes might be corrosive to the rubber O-Ring, the plastic plug material or the stainless steel.

Another great product from the sharkbite family. This particular model is a check valve (allows flow in only one direction, flow direction clearly marked with a arrow on the unit). This sharkbite is removable (tool not included with this model) unlike some other push to fit plumbing brands/models. Ultimately an easy to use product with only basic/moderate plumbing knowledge and limited tools.

This is the easiest check valve I have ever installed. This was used on the water softener back wash discharge hose.

Simple fix to what would of been a major problem. Easy to install.

easy to order arrived in expected time installed easy I wish this product was in store

easy to use and really works

At first worked but then one of the shatakbites I bought started to work next day water leaked.

Worked well. No leaks.

Difficult to remove!

Great and simple product