Installation Guide
4
SHARKBITE
®
 BURIAL
SharkBite Universal fittings are suitable for burial in 
most applications; however care is required when 
using fittings in applications that require burial to 
ensure the correct installation practices are used and 
due care is given to any environmental factors that 
may have a detrimental eect on the life expectancy 
of the fittings and pipe. 
The installation of SharkBite Universal fittings 
in applications that will require the burial of the 
fitting must comply with all local plumbing code 
requirements. 
SharkBite Universal fittings and SharkBite PEX are 
not suitable for use in areas where the soil is or may 
become contaminated* including the soil used for 
back filling. All SharkBite Universal fittings with brass 
bodies must have an impervious barrier between 
the fitting and the surrounding soil. Self-fusing, 
formaldehyde and chloride-free, fully cured silicone 
tape with a minimum thickness of 0.020" should be 
used for this purpose. 
The soil used for back filling must be free of rocks, 
debris or any sharp objects that may cause damage 
to the fitting or pipe through impact or abrasion.
* Examples of contamination include, but are not limited to, petrochemicals 
(reclaimed service station sites), high levels of nitrogen compounds (this could 
be caused by animal waste or fertilizer that may be found in some agricultural 
applications), low pH levels (below pH 6), high pH levels(above pH 8), run o 
from land fill, formaldehyde compounds, and solvents. It should be noted that 
such contaminants have been known to migrate through plastic piping systems 
and contaminate the Potable water supplied throughthese pipes.
SHARKBITE SILICONE BURIAL WRAP
Make a SharkBite Universal connection ensuring 
pipe is inserted to proper depth. While leaving the 
protective film in place, measure the amount of tape 
needed to completely wrap the fitting. To ensure a 
proper seal, overlap tape by 1"past the end of the 
fitting on every end and 1/4" – 1/2" between/across 
the fitting. Wrap the fitting by pulling the tape tight 
and removing the protective film. Completely cover 
the fitting. The tape will bond to itself within minutes 
and will cement to itself within a few hours forming 
an air and water tight seal. 
SHARKBITE DISTANCE BETWEEN FITTINGS
Allow at least 1" of spacing between SharkBite 
Universal fittings for removal purposes.
SHARKBITE GROUNDING ON COPPER PIPE
When connecting a SharkBite Universal fitting to a 
copper piping system, install a copper jumper cable to 
ensure proper grounding. SharkBite Universal fittings 
are not an electrically continuous fitting.
THREADED CONNECTORS
Teflon tape should be used with threaded SharkBite 
connectors to make a proper seal.
INSTALLATION
REQUIREMENTS








