Sharkbite Usage with Water Running

[sstewart]

All,

I have a question I can't seem to get a straight answer on. I'm not going to get into too much detail, but I am unable to shut my water off at this time. Do you think it would be possible, to cut the copper pipe and slide on a sharkbite valve with the water running/still on? I understand that this is not the best way to do this, but I need a tap in this location and am unable to turn off the water at this time. I am thinking if I turn the sharkbite valve to the open position, then quickly cut the pipe and slide on the valve I should be good to go. I just want to get some opinions on this crazy idea, I'm also completely open to other suggestions that do not involve turning off the water. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[pcride]

Sure this MIGHT work, get a wet suite on, cover anything you don't want wet, put goggles on and get ready to be wet!

I think there will be too much pressure and once you cut into the line you will have limited time. Where it will be tough is 1) cutting out enough to make room for the connector, two cuts essentially while water is bursting out, then 2) if you are successful on the first side, getting the second side on will be very tough. If the pipe has no flex in it, that will make it nearly impossible, by this point the entire room you are sitting in is now filled up with water and you'll need to get your scuba gear to complete the rest.

Your dealing with lots of pressure!!

 

[sstewart]

Hey, thank for taking the time to answer this crazy question. I think I know what you are saying, however, I only really need to make one cut right? The other side of the pipe I can bend out of the way (it's being removed all together). I'm just wondering if I could cut the pipe (water on), then slide the open sharkbite valve over the now cut pipe (after bending the cut other side out of the way, it's on a sink) then close the valve

 

[ExtraMilePlumbing]

Yes that will work if you are under 100 psi of water.for a quick cut use a new metal blade on the Milwaukee one handed sawzall.

 

[Matt30]

Rather than risk an absolute mess and potential disaster, I would have somebody come in with a freeze machine, and cut in a valve somewhere you can access it to shut your main water down, then carry on with your project.

 

[SHR]

Yes that will work if you are under 100 psi of water.for a quick cut use a new metal blade on the Milwaukee one handed sawzall.

Never cut a pipe with a reciprocating saw and install a Sharkbite fitting on that end. The inevitable rough edges will potentially destroy the sealing properties of the o-rings inside the fitting. Use a tubing cutter and ream the inside of the pipe too.

 

[ExtraMilePlumbing]

Yup good call shr

 

[ExtraMilePlumbing]

Another option is to hire some one to freeze the pipe and sweat on a ball valve

 

[Jamesplumbing06]

Call city to install new valve at meter. Or cut electric to well. You need a shut off valve. NOW!! But I have put them on under pressure. Possible yes.

 

[Mr_David]

I knew a guy who tried to change a moen core in a tub once with the water still on. Only tried it once. had a hell of a time pushing the new one back in.

 

[qosmioamit]

Theoretically, cutting a pipe with pressure is a bad idea. I don't know in which city you live, but my city regulates the supply pressure between 35-100 psig.
Since I am a chemical engineer, I applied some fluid mechanics to your situation. When you successfully cut the pipe, the line pressure will drop to atmospheric pressure. I am assuming the following for a best case scenario

Pressure in the pipe you're going to cut = 35 psig
Fluid = water at 70F
Pipe diameter = 0.5 inch
Pipe length = 120 inch (10 feet)

Volumetric flow rate in the pipe when you cut the pipe will be 10 cu. feet per second

In one minute, the pipe will fill 600 cu. feet or 4488 US Gallons

To keep that in perspective, a 10 foot by 10 foot by 10 foot room will be 60% full in a minute! You will need scuba gear if things go wrong, as pcride accurately said.

Now, while these numbers may sound outrageous, it is based on the Hagen–Poiseuille equation.

Isolating the line upstream is the best solution!

 

[frodo]

I did this under a hospital, could not disrupt service

a sledge hammer and a framing hammer

use the sledge as an anvil, smash the pipe closed. cut the pipe, install a caped valve.

come back when you get the water shut off, cut back behind the smash, cap properly

 

[Jamesplumbing06]

Full port shut off valve shark bite. Get ready for a mess. Leave new valve open cut pipe be quick focus set new shark bite valve then turn valve off. At 12 gallon per minute flowing. You should practice and be able to do in about 10-15 seconds.