How to Remove a Push Fit Plumbing Fitting (Easy DIY Guide)

Stuck with a leaky or misplaced push fit plumbing fitting and not sure how to take it apart? You’re not alone. Many US homeowners choose push fit fittings for their ease of installation—but when it’s time to remove a push fit plumbing fitting, confusion sets in. The good news? With the right technique and a little know-how, you can disconnect it cleanly without damaging your pipes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to remove a push fit plumbing fitting—safely, efficiently, and like a pro.

What Is a Push Fit Plumbing Fitting?

Push fit plumbing fittings (also called push-to-connect or quick-connect fittings) are modern, tool-free connectors used to join copper, PEX, or CPVC pipes. Brands like SharkBite, John Guest, and Uponor dominate the US market due to their reliability and ease of use.

According to the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), over 60% of residential plumbing repairs in 2023 involved push fit systems—thanks to their growing popularity in renovations and emergency fixes.

These fittings work using internal stainless steel teeth and an O-ring that grips the pipe when inserted. To disconnect them, you must release that internal grip—which is easier than it sounds.

💡 Fun Fact: Push fit fittings are reusable in most cases—if removed correctly. Mishandling can warp the O-ring or damage the collet, making reuse impossible.

Do You Need Special Tools to Remove a Push Fit Fitting?

Short answer: Not always—but it helps.

Most push fit fittings can be removed with a simple disconnect clip (often included with the fitting) or a dedicated removal tool. However, in a pinch, you can use common household items like a flathead screwdriver or needle-nose pliers.

⚠️ Warning: Forcing a fitting off without releasing the collet can scratch or deform the pipe, leading to leaks. Always depress the release collar first.

For more on how these fittings work mechanically, see Push-to-Connect Fittings on Wikipedia .

Step-by-Step: How to Remove a Push Fit Plumbing Fitting

Follow these steps carefully to avoid damage and ensure a clean disconnect.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

Locate the nearest shutoff valve and turn it clockwise to stop water flow. Open the nearest faucet to drain residual pressure. Never skip this step—even a small amount of pressure can cause spraying or pipe movement.

Step 2: Dry the Fitting Area

Use a clean, dry towel to wipe the fitting and surrounding pipe. Moisture can make tools slip and obscure your view of the release collar.

Step 3: Locate the Release Collar

The release collar is the slightly recessed ring at the base of the fitting (closest to the pipe). It’s usually made of plastic or metal and sits just behind the visible edge of the fitting.

Step 4: Depress the Release Collar

• If you have the original disconnect clip: Slide it into the gap between the collar and the fitting body until you hear a soft click.
• Using a removal tool: Insert the tool’s prongs around the pipe and push inward to compress the collar.
• No tools? Use two flathead screwdrivers placed opposite each other. Gently press the collar inward while pulling the pipe straight out.

✅ Pro Tip: Apply steady, even pressure. Jerking or twisting can damage the pipe or fitting.

Step 5: Pull the Pipe Straight Out

Once the collar is fully depressed, pull the pipe straight out—no angling or wiggling. If it resists, double-check that the collar is fully compressed.

Step 6: Inspect for Damage

Check the pipe end for scratches, burrs, or oval deformation. Use a deburring tool or fine sandpaper if needed. Also inspect the O-ring inside the fitting—if it’s cracked or flattened, replace the fitting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced DIYers make these errors:

• Twisting the pipe while removing: This can tear the O-ring.
• Using excessive force: Leads to pipe damage or fitting breakage.
• Ignoring pipe material: PEX is flexible; copper is rigid. Adjust your technique accordingly.
• Reusing a damaged fitting: Compromised seals = future leaks.

According to a 2022 study by HomeAdvisor, 32% of DIY plumbing failures stemmed from improper push fit disconnection—most due to skipped inspection steps.

Can You Reuse a Push Fit Fitting?

Yes—but only if:

• The O-ring is intact and pliable
• The stainless steel teeth aren’t bent
• The release collar moves freely
• The pipe end is smooth and round

If any of these are compromised, replace the fitting. Most cost under $5 at hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s.

Push Fit vs. Traditional Fittings: Quick Comparison

Push fit fittings meet both the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and International Plumbing Code (IPC), making them legal for residential use nationwide.

FAQ Section

Q: Can I remove a push fit fitting without a tool?

A: Yes, but it’s not ideal. You can use two flathead screwdrivers to depress the release collar from opposite sides. However, this risks scratching the pipe or fitting. A $10 removal tool is a worthwhile investment for frequent DIYers.

Q: Why won’t my push fit fitting come off?

A: Most likely, the release collar isn’t fully depressed. Ensure you’re pressing it inward toward the fitting body—not just wiggling the pipe. Also, check for mineral buildup that might be jamming the mechanism.

Q: Do I need to cut the pipe to remove the fitting?

A: No—never cut unless absolutely necessary. Proper disconnection preserves the pipe length and avoids extra work. Cutting should only be a last resort if the fitting is fused (e.g., due to extreme heat or corrosion).

Q: Are SharkBite fittings removable?

A: Yes! SharkBite is one of the most user-friendly push fit brands. They include a white disconnect clip with every fitting, and their removal process is identical to the steps above.

Q: How far should the pipe be inserted before removal?

A: Insertion depth varies by pipe size (e.g., 15/16″ for ½” PEX). But for removal, insertion depth doesn’t matter—only proper collar depression does.

Q: Can I reuse the same pipe after removal?

A: Absolutely—as long as the pipe end is clean, round, and free of scratches. Use a pipe gauge or caliper to verify roundness. If the end is deformed, trim ½ inch and reinsert.

Conclusion

Knowing how to remove a push fit plumbing fitting empowers you to fix leaks, reroute pipes, or upgrade fixtures without calling a plumber. With just a few minutes and basic tools, you can disconnect fittings safely and even reuse them—saving time and money.

If this guide helped you avoid a plumbing panic, share it with a friend on Facebook, Pinterest, or Reddit! DIY wins are better when shared. 💧🔧

Got questions? Drop them in the comments below—we read every one!