DIYbanter - View Single Post

-MIKE-

On 4/13/12 1:17 PM, wrote:
On Thu, 12 Apr 2012 23:33:56 -0500,
wrote:

On 4/12/12 9:19 PM, wrote:
I would rank it higher given the claims to be impervious to freeze burst.
I'm also in love with these gator/shark/etc. connectors and valves.

While remodeling the bathrooms, I planned to keep a working vanity sink
while it's all going on. Those gator valves and a rubber P-trap
connected with a hose clamp allow me to move the vanity in and out in
about 3 minutes. I leave the P-trap connected to the wall waste and it
maintains the trap water to keep out the stink.
I sure hope you get rid of the rubber trap when you do the final
install.

Is there a reason for this, other than looks?
I was planning on replacing it, but honestly, I can't think of easier
access for clean-out.

There are good traps that are as easy to clean out, and won't
deteriorate into mush in 5 years. I used one ONCE. Never again. The
interior went first - everything stuck to it, so the drain was ALWAYS
slow. I put in a self clearing trap. It has a "vane" for lack of a
better description that you turn with a knob and the trap is cleared
of whatever has deposited in it. Made of clear Lexan, if I remember
correctly.

I've seen the lexan one. As for your experience with the rubber trap...
I suspect someone may have used liquid plumber in it, which was probably
what gummed it up.

I use sharkbites on copper in locations where soldering
would be difficult/dangerous/impossible or where I can see having to
disconnect them sometime in the possibly forseable future. I wouldn't
use them as standard practice in place of a soldered joint on copper,
or a clamped joint on PEX.

Again, why? Do they have a track record of leaking?

Not that I'm aware of, or I wouldn't use them at all, particularly in
difficult applications. I just find them expensive, clunky, and
complex for normal use. Heck, I can solder, so why would I use them
for normal joints????

Because they are a lot easier and from what I've seen, higher quality.
BTW, they aren't as expensive around here. They regular valves, when
cheaper, are only 20% or less cheaper than the gator valves.

I haven't been using sharkbites for standard, permanent connections,
simply because crimps are so cheap and easy. But the sharkbite valves
are only about 20% more than regular valves and are high quality ball
valves.
Perhaps in PEX I might use them - if I were to use PEX.

Hey, don't look now, but I think there are some kids on your lawn! :-p

--

-MIKE-

"Playing is not something I do at night, it's my function in life"
--Elvin Jones (1927-2004)
--
http://mikedrums.com

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