When it comes to plumbing fittings, Push-to-Connect and crimp fittings are two popular options used for connecting pipes and tubing in a plumbing system. Both types of fittings have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to understand the differences between them before making a decision on which one to use.
SharkBite fittings are a type of push-to-connect fitting that are designed to be easy to use and require no special tools or skills to install. Simply push the pipe or tubing into the fitting until it stops and the internal teeth grip the pipe or tubing securely, creating a watertight seal. These fittings are ideal for quick and easy repairs and are often used in situations where the pipe or tubing needs to be repositioned after installation.
Crimp fittings, on the other hand, are a type of compression fitting that are designed to be used with copper, PEX, and other types of pipe and tubing that are not flexible. They are typically more complex to install than Sharkbite fittings and require special tools and skills. To install a crimp fitting, the end of the pipe or tubing must be inserted into the fitting, and then a special tool is used to crimp the fitting onto the pipe or tubing, creating a secure and watertight connection
The big question is which is better.
Cost
When it comes to cost, Push-to-Connect fittings are more expensive but don’t require any additional tools. PEX crimp fittings, on the other hand, are cheaper but require a crimper and the crimp rings. Therefore, if the system has more than (6) fittings, it’s cheaper to use crimp fittings including the crimp tool.
| Type | 90 Elbow cost | Crimp Ring | Tool |
| SharkBite | $9.47 / each | N/A | N/A |
| Apollo Crimp | $2.32 / Each | $0.29/Each | $39 |
Here are links to the latest prices on Amazon
- SharkBite 1/2″ Elbow LINK
- Apollo 1/2″ Crimp Elbow LINK
- Apollo Steel Pinch Clamp LINK
- Apollo Crimp Rings LINK
Reliability
In terms of reliability, both SharkBite fittings and Apollo crimp fittings have a 25-year warranty when installed according to manufacturer recommendations. These warranties can be found here: SharkBite / Apollo Crimp.
However, there is a lack of readily available data on compression fitting failure rate, but Google Trends is a good approximation. It’s clear that more people are looking to Google to deal with “leaking Sharkbite fitting” and “Sharkbite leak” substantially more than crimp fittings.
The better solution: SharkBite vs. Apollo Crimp
In conclusion, when deciding between Push-to-Connect and crimp fittings, it’s important to consider the cost, reliability, and the number of fittings required. If you’re going to use more than (6) fittings, it’s well worth investing in a tool, and while both SharkBite and Apollo Crimp offer similar warranties, Google Trends shows that more people are troubleshooting problems with Push-to-Connect than crimp fittings.
Winner – Apollo Crimp