I get why folks are wary of SharkBites, but honestly, they’ve saved me a ton of cash and hassle—especially when I just needed a quick fix before payday. As long as you’re careful about the prep (really, that pipe better be clean), I’ve had ‘em hold up for years. And about drain cleaners... I know they’re not great, but sometimes a $5 bottle beats wrestling with a stubborn clog when you’re short on time or patience. Not saying it’s the best solution, but sometimes you just gotta go with what works in the moment.
I get where you’re coming from—SharkBites are a lifesaver in a pinch, no doubt. But after one of mine started leaking behind a wall (months later, of course), I’ve gotten a bit gun-shy about trusting them for anything long-term. Now, I’ll sweat copper if it’s somewhere that matters. As for drain cleaners, I used to grab those too, until the day I melted a cheap trap under my bathroom sink... Learned the hard way that a $10 hand auger is worth its weight in gold. Sometimes the old-school way saves you more headaches down the line.
SharkBites are one of those things I love and hate at the same time. I’ve got a 1920s house with plumbing that looks like a history lesson—galvanized, copper, even some PEX from previous owners’ “fixes.” I used SharkBites to patch a copper line in a crawlspace once, and yeah, it worked... until about six months later when I found a nice little puddle and a musty smell that wouldn’t quit. Ever since then, if I can get a torch in there, I’m sweating copper. If not, well, I cross my fingers and double check the insurance.
As for drain cleaners, I’ve melted more than one trap too. My personal favorite was the time the plastic trap basically folded in on itself like a cheap straw. Now, it’s all about the hand auger for me. It’s not glamorous, but at least you don’t need to worry about chemical burns or replacing half your under-sink plumbing. Sometimes the old ways really are best... or at least less expensive in the long run.
I hear you on the SharkBites. They’re a lifesaver in a pinch, but I’ve had a couple start leaking after a year or so too.
Same here—nothing beats a solid sweat joint for peace of mind. As for clogs, I’ve sworn off chemical drain cleaners after melting a trap myself. Hand auger and a bucket is my go-to now. Less drama, less mess.“If I can get a torch in there, I’m sweating copper.”
I get the appeal of sweating copper, but honestly, I’ve seen some really tidy PEX installs that hold up just as well—plus, less risk of scorching cabinets or setting off smoke alarms. As for clogs, I’m with you on skipping the chemicals, but I’ve had luck with those little plastic zip-it tools for hair clogs. Not glamorous, but surprisingly effective.