i will not use shatkbites beyond a temporary cap. just like I will never use pex unless the system had a need for it and it's properties, and leaching is worth the risk. just like I won't use press fittings unless the area would benefit from it. but sharkbites ARE permanent [for the life of the system] fittings, when installed correctly. this really sounds like a turbulence/wear issue.

but there's nothing wrong with sharkbites. this sounds like an improper install.

this could be lack of installed depth

lack of surface prep,

lack of proper deburring

lack of proper grounding/jumpering

dezincification

poor choice of metallurgy for system

one or none of the above and you damaged the o ring

poor castings do happen, but rare. and manufacturer o ring/teeth assembly could've been improper, but rare, and no one will know because no one checks the inside before they use the fittings.

this is 99.9% of a time user error. and without pictures, I have to assume as much.

funny story, I had a sw x sw Mueller or watts lead free ball valve leak. installed vertically in a tight spot and couldn't get proper heat on it. clearly the problem is the valve, couldn't have been the excessive heat. good thing those valve have that blue and white self healing properties that saved it until I could get new seals.

point is, this stuff is usually user error and the only play is, regardless of how easy the system is, you will have to prep the pipe, mark depths, check sealing surfaces prior to install, etc etc etc. and do we know what kind of pipe was mated? was this ACTUALLY a sharkbite brand fitting or did you buy a Chinese knock off to save $$$?

GOOD pictures speak a thousand words. I hate to defend shark bites, but there's nothing wrong with them.