Lead-Free Compliance: Effective January 1st 2014, all fittings used in new installation of or repair of potable water plumbing systems must be Lead-Free (less than 0.25% by weight). OmniGrip fittings are certified lead-free and are approved for potable water applications in all 50 states.
About Push To Connect Fittings
“Push-to-connect”, “push-fit”, “push-in” and simply “push fittings” all refer to the same type of universal pipe fittings which are installed without use of special tools and which lock the pipe by means of counter-forces produced by the mechanism inside the fitting and by pressure inside the plumbing system. No more soldering, crimping or gluing.
Since their introduction in the US market, these fittings grew in popularity and are now used both by professionals and DIY’ers alike.
Manufactured from lead-free, dezincfication-resistant (DZR) forged brass,
OmniGrip® push fittings are compatible with:
- All types of PEX tubing (A, B, C)
- K, L and M type copper pipes
- CPVC pipe
- PE-RT tube
Push fittings are NOT compatible with:
- PEX-AL-PEX pipe
- PVC pipe and hoses
- Black & galvanized steel pipe, brass pipe
Standards, Certifications and Approvals:
- IAPMO certified lead free (per NSF/ANSI 61-G, NSF/ANSI 372 standards)
- Meet or exceed ASSE 1061 standard
- Comply with UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code) for US and NPC (National Plumbing Code) for Canada.
All fittings (except 1/4" size) come with PEX inserts which can be removed when fitting is used with copper pipe.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q:
Are OmniGrip fittings the same as SharkBite® fittings?
A: Both are the essentially the same type of fittings. OmniGrip push to connect fittings feature the same mechanism, similar or better materials, major approvals and compatibility as the SharkBite brand fittings. In fact, they replace over (6) brands of push fittings, including TECTITE, NIBCO, PROBite and many others. In addition, OmniGrip fittings always come with a high-quality PPSU PEX insert, whereas many competitive brands either include none or have a POM insert, which is of inferior quality and will deteriorate faster than PPSU one.
Q:
What is the pressure/temperature ratings?
A: Pressure/temperature rating is in excess of 100 psi @ 180°F - per ASSE 1061 standard requirements.
Q:
Can push fittings be used with PEX-AL-PEX?
A: No, push fittings cannot be used with PEX-AL-PEX tubing, PVC pipe or PB (PolyButylene) pipe.
Q:
Do I need any glue or adhesive to make a connection?
A: No. Push fittings do not require and must not be installed with any adhesive.
Q:
Will I need any special tools to install these fittings?
A: A disconnect clip is required if you need to remove the fitting from the pipe. When working with PEX or PE-RT, you will need a PEX cutter tool. For copper and CPVC pipes, you will need either a pipe cutter or a saw to cut the pipe and a reamer/chamfering tool to smooth out the inside and the outside of the pipe prior to inserting it into a fitting.
Q:
Are they approved for potable water use?
A: Yes, they are approved for potable water use nationwide.
Q:
What are these fittings made of?
A: The body of the fitting is made from lead-free, DZR (dezincfication-resistant) brass. PEX insert is made from PPSU. Other plastic parts are made from POM alloy. Metal retainer ring (with gripping teeth) is made from 316 stainless steel. Sealing O-ring is made from EPDM rubber and is lubricated with NSF61 compliant lubricant.
Q:
How many times can I re-use the push fit fitting?
A: We advise against reusing the fitting whenever possible. However, like other push fitting brands, OmniGrip fittings can be re-installed (disconnected and connected again) safely up to (3-4) times. After that, the amount of lubricant left on the sealing O-ring will not be sufficient to ensure 100% leak-free performance.
Q:
Can I rotate the pipe inside the push fitting?
A: While it is allowed, rotating the fitting after the installation is complete is not advised, regardless whether the system is under pressure or not. Pipe installations made with push fittings should be secured in the same manner as with any regular fitting & pipe installation – supported and secured at regular intervals.
