How To Remove Push Fit Plumbing Fittings? (4 Step Guide)

Last Updated On December 20, 2024

Updated on April 29, 2022

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how to remove push fit plumbing fittings

Plumbing fittings connect pipes together tightly so that water and air can’t escape. If you need to make in-depth repairs to your plumbing system or replace a particular line, you may need to remove a push fit plumbing fitting (also known by the brand name, SharkBite fitting). 

In this PlumbingNav guide, we will cover:

  • What you need to know about removing push fit plumbing fittings
  • Supplies you’ll need for push fit plumbing fittings
  • How to remove push fit plumbing fittings (5 Step guide)

What's In This Guide?

      What You Need To Know About Removing A Push Fit Fitting

      Push fit fittings grip around your pipes, creating a reliable, secure seal that you need to ensure you don’t experience a leak. Neoprene O-rings, filled with metal spurs, grip around the pipe to create a reliable seal. 

      Push fit fittings are suitable for cold water systems, hot water systems, and HVAC systems. Contractors and plumbers use push-fit plumbing fittings as connectors with the following residential piping materials:

      • Copper pipe 
      • Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride pipe
      • CPVC pipe 
      • PEX pipe

      Two of the main alternatives to push fit connectors are standard CPVP connectors and copper connectors. However, people enjoy working with push fit fittings since they don’t require special glue or soldering iron, and they install quickly, making them ideal in emergencies. They also won’t deteriorate due to metal corrosion

      A compression fitting works well when you need to connect two different types of pipes. However, a push fit connector gets the job done more quickly but with similar quality tightness. 

      Why Would I Need to Remove a Push Fit Fittings?

      People may need to remove a push fit connector for multiple reasons. First, you will need to remove the fittings if you need to replace a part of your piping, thanks to a leak or deterioration.

      Sometimes, you only need access to your plumbing system. You may need to remove a connector to remove something that fell into a drain, or if you need to reach an especially tough clog.

      did you know how to remove sharkbite fittings

      Supplies You’ll Need For Removing Push Fit Plumbing Fittings

      You can’t just remove push fit plumbing fitting with any old tool in your small, basic toolbox. If you try to use a standard wrench, the fitting will spin continuously without ever truly coming loose. 

      Pipe Cutter

      A pipe cutter, as the name suggests, provides a simple way to cut plumbing when necessary. It should be able to handle pipes of all strengths, including PVC pipe (plastic pipe) as well as metal pipe. 

      There are different types of pipe cutters you can use depending upon the size and type of pipe you’re cutting. See this post on how to cut PEX plumbing pipe for better descriptions of the pipe cutting tools to use.

      Needle-Nose Pliers

      These pliers are thin and work both to hold things in place and cut them. However, needle-nose pliers probably won’t cut through metal, such as copper piping. Most people have a pair of needle-nose pliers in their basic toolset. 

      Disconnect Tongs

      To use the tongs, also referred to as a deburring tool, you will place one fork around the tubing and the other fork around the neck of the fitting. The tool will force the pipe out. Disconnect tongs work best for pipes between 10 – 28 mm (including the standard 22 mm pipe). 

      Disconnect Clips

      A disconnect clip is a horseshoe tool that fits over the pipe and engages the disconnecting lugs, making it possible to remove the pipe. 

      Hose/Tube

      When removing pipe fittings, you may need to replace old tubing with new hoses or plastic tubing.

      Special Note: If you’re removing push fittings for a water heater connection, and don’t have supply lines on hand, you can read our review of the best water heater hoses that can withstand heat and flex as possible. 

      How To Remove Push Fit Plumbing Fittings (4 Steps)

      Essentially, to remove push fit fittings, you push the plastic to open up the ends and pull the pipe out at the same time. We will go into the steps in more detail. 

      Step 1: Turn Off the Water to Your Home

      First and foremost, you need to turn off the water to your home to prevent any serious water damage while you work. 

      It’s best to turn off the water at the water meter to the house, usually located on the side of the home or somewhere in the yard near the sewer line. 

      Most water meters have either a gate valve or a ball valve, with ball valves usually being the easier one to work with. 

      Step 2: Identify the Type of Fittings

      To best get the job done, you should identify the type of fitting you are dealing with. 

      Some of the most common pipe fittings include:

      • Speedfit fittings
      • Brass fittings
      • Copper fittings
      • John Guest fittings

      Step 3: Remove Fitting

      Use your tool of choice to remove the fitting by pinching the fitting in the right place and allowing the fitting to slide away from the pipe. 

      You have the choice to use a wide range of tools mentioned above. 

      Step 4: Clean and Store Fitting

      Once you remove the connector, wash and dry it thoroughly so that you can store the connector for future needs since they are reusable. 

      There are other ways to get the job done. For alternative methods, see the following video:

      Final Thoughts On How to Remove Push Fit Connectors

      Many plumbers use a quick connecting fitting to connect piping, including PEX tubing and copper tubing without the need to solder. While this creates a great seal, they can be difficult to remove. 

      This guide shows you how to remove push fit connectors so that you can replace clogged piping or remove an object from underneath your bathroom sink

      FAQs For How To Remove Push Fit Plumbing Fittings

      How do you remove PVS push fittings and plastic push fittings?

      Remove PVS push fittings with a standard removal tool. 

      How do you remove brass push fit pipe fittings?

      You should use an adjustable wrench to remove a brass push fit connectors. 

      How do I remove Quick Connect plumbing fittings?

      Quick connect plumbing fittings are pretty easy to remove as well as connect. Remove by using your fingers to push on the release ring.

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      About Plumbing Navigator

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      We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.

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