Plumbing repairs or new water line installations are a snap with push-to-connect fittings. These innovative brass fittings can easily connect copper, CPVC, PEX and even polybutylene pipe and tubing. Available in 3/8-inch to 1-inch sizes, Sharkbite and Tectite are the two main brands of push-to-connect fittings. Follow these simple steps for an easy solution to your next plumbing project:

Step 1: Choose push-to-connect fittings when installing or repairing CPVC, PEX or hard drawn copper. Do not use push-to-connect fittings with soft or chrome-plated copper.

Step 2: For repairs to polybutylene tubing, often referred to as Quest tubing and found commonly in mobile homes, choose a push-to-connect fitting that is labeled for “PB” tubing. These fittings will have a gray polybutylene collar on one end. Use the fitting to transition from polybutylene to copper, CPVC or PEX tubing.

Step 3: Push-to-connect PEX tubing applications require a tube liner insert to assure the tubing does not collapse inside the fitting. Sharkbite fittings come with tube liners already inserted in each end of the fittings. Depending on local codes, Sharkbite brand tube liners can be left in place even when using copper or CPVC tubing.

Step 4: Select the right fittings and tubing for the job. Make sure the fittings and tubing are clean and in good condition. Watch for nominal vs. outside diameter measurements when selecting fittings.

Step 5: Cut the tubing or pipe to the desired length. Always use a tubing cutter to cut copper pipe and use a PVC shear to cut PEX or CPVC when possible. The ends of each cut pipe need to be square and free of burrs or nicks. Tubing or pipe cut at an angle will not seat properly into the fitting and the connection will leak.

Step 6: Mark the proper insert depth with a line around the end of each pipe. Proper insert depths should be noted on the fitting package. A half-inch of tubing should be inserted into the push-to-connect fittings to a depth of 15/16-inch, and 3/4-inch of tubing should be inserted to a depth of 1 to 1/8 of an inch.

Step 7: Insert the pipe or tubing into the fitting using a firm grip and a slight twisting motion. Continue to push until the pipe is seated properly inside the fitting and the depth mark on the pipe is aligned with the outer collar of the fitting.

— Have a home improvement question for the Fix-It Chick? Email it to Linda Cottin at features@ljworld.com.