SharkBite 3/4" Ball Valve CTS x CTS

SharkBite’s 3/4” x 3/4” push-to-connect ball valve (22185-0000LF) solves the access problem that makes plumbers curse. Instant push-to-connect installation without soldering, clamps, unions, or glue means you can install it one-handed in the back of a cabinet or deep in a crawlspace. The rotatable valve body allows for easy handle positioning in tight spaces — critical when you’re wedged between joists or working around existing pipes.

Skip it if you’re roughing in new construction with easy access. Traditional sweat valves cost less when labor isn’t fighting cramped quarters. This valve shines on service calls, retrofits, and anywhere you’d normally need two hands, a torch, and room to work.

Universal Compatibility Without Compromise

The valve works with Copper (CTS), PEX, CPVC, PE-RT, and SDR-9 HDPE — every pipe type you’ll encounter in Montana residential work. No adapters. No special fittings. One valve handles the mismatched plumbing you find in 50-year-old homes that have been patched with whatever was cheapest at the time.

Integral PEX stiffener (liner) for PEX pipe installations comes pre-installed. Unlike some push-fit valves that need separate inserts for PEX, SharkBite builds it in. The stiffener prevents PEX from collapsing under the gripping teeth while maintaining full flow.

Specification	Value
Size	3/4 in. x 3/4 in.
Connection Type	Push-to-Connect (PTC) / Push-fit
Material	Dezincification-resistant (DZR) Lead-Free Brass
Maximum Working Pressure	200 psi (13.8 bar)
Maximum Operating Temperature	200°F (93.3°C)
Flow Type	Full Port

The DZR brass construction matters in Montana’s varied water conditions. Standard brass can lose zinc in aggressive water, leaving brittle copper behind. DZR brass resists this degradation whether you’re dealing with Kalispell’s treated municipal water or well water from the Bitterroot.

Installation That Actually Works in the Field

Cut the pipe clean and square. Deburr the outside and inside of the pipe to remove sharp edges. Mark the insertion depth on the pipe (approx. 1 inch for 3/4” pipe). Push the pipe into the fitting until it is fully seated against the depth mark. Verify there are no leaks once the water is turned on.

That’s it. No flux. No solder. No waiting for glue to cure. Works on wet pipes — the feature that saves emergency calls. Try soldering a valve with water dripping through the pipe. Even with bread tricks and shop vacs, you’re fighting physics. Push-to-connect doesn’t care if the pipe’s wet.

Removable/Demountable using a SharkBite demount clip or tongs (sold separately) changes everything for future service. When that valve needs replacing in 10 years, the next plumber (maybe you) can remove it in seconds instead of cutting pipe and starting over.

Certifications and Approvals

• NSF/ANSI 61 (Potable Water)
• ASSE 1061 (Performance Standard for Push-Fit Fittings)
• NSF/ANSI 372 (Lead-Free)
• Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) compliant
• International Plumbing Code (IPC) compliant
• Approved for underground and behind-wall use

Direct burial approval means you can use it on frost-protected underground water lines without access boxes. Behind-wall approval eliminates the access panel requirement that plagues other connection types.

When Push-Fit Makes Sense

No fire hazard/torch required matters on rural Montana properties. Working in a century-old barn full of hay dust? Near exposed insulation in a crawlspace? The push-fit connection eliminates the torch entirely.

Significantly faster installation; higher material cost but lower labor cost. No cure time required; instant pressure testing. On service calls where the meter’s running, saving 15-20 minutes per valve adds up. Instant pressure testing means you can turn the water back on immediately — no waiting for glue to cure or joints to cool.

SharkBite’s fittings have gained such popularity that they are often referred to simply as “SharkBite” fittings, even when produced by other brands. That kind of market dominance doesn’t happen by accident. The company is best known for revolutionizing plumbing with its push-to-connect fittings, which have become the industry standard.

Warranty Coverage

25-year limited warranty when used with PEX, Copper, CPVC, and PE-RT pipe. 5-year limited warranty when used with SDR-9 HDPE pipe. The HDPE warranty limitation reflects the material’s expansion characteristics, not a valve defect. For standard residential applications with copper or PEX, you’re covered for 25 years.

Common Questions

Can SharkBite ball valves be reused after removing them? Yes. The valve is removable using a SharkBite demount clip or tongs. As long as the O-ring isn’t damaged during removal, the valve can be reinstalled. Check the O-ring and gripping teeth for debris before reuse.

What’s the actual time savings versus soldering? Figure 15-20 minutes for a sweat valve (prep, flux, solder, cool, clean) versus 30 seconds for push-to-connect. On wet pipes where soldering becomes nearly impossible, the time difference is infinite — you literally can’t solder a wet pipe properly.

Does the integral PEX liner restrict flow? No. Full Port design maintains consistent flow diameter. The liner supports the PEX wall without narrowing the waterway.

Why do some old-timers hate push-fit fittings? Change resistance. Same plumbers who swore copper would never replace galvanized. Push-to-connect fittings have become the industry standard due to their ease of installation, speed, and reliability. The technology works. The approvals are legitimate. The warranties back it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What pipe types work with the SharkBite 3/4” ball valve?

The SharkBite 3/4” ball valve (model 22185-0000LF) connects to Copper (CTS), PEX, CPVC, PE-RT, and SDR-9 HDPE pipes without adapters. The valve includes an integral PEX stiffener pre-installed, so you don’t need separate inserts for PEX installations.

Q: Are SharkBite ball valves approved for underground burial?

Yes, the SharkBite 3/4” ball valve is approved for direct burial and underground water lines. It’s also certified for behind-the-wall installations without requiring an access panel, meeting both UPC and IPC plumbing codes.

Q: What’s the pressure and temperature rating on SharkBite valves?

SharkBite’s 3/4” ball valve handles up to 200 psi (13.8 bar) and 200°F (93.3°C) maximum operating temperature. The valve body is made from dezincification-resistant (DZR) lead-free brass that resists degradation in aggressive water conditions.

Q: How are SharkBite valves removed after installation?

SharkBite valves are removable using a SharkBite demount clip or tongs (sold separately). The push-to-connect design allows for disassembly and reuse, unlike soldered or glued connections that require cutting the pipe.

Q: What’s the warranty on SharkBite push-to-connect valves?

SharkBite provides a 25-year limited warranty when their valves are used with PEX, Copper, CPVC, and PE-RT pipe. When used with SDR-9 HDPE pipe, the warranty drops to 5 years due to that material’s expansion characteristics.

Q: Do SharkBite valves work on wet pipes?

Yes, SharkBite push-to-connect valves can be installed on wet pipes, unlike soldered connections that require completely dry pipes. The push-fit mechanism with stainless steel teeth and O-ring seal creates a watertight connection even with water present.