Let me start by saying this SharkBite tee stop valve saved my weekend. As someone who's more comfortable with a keyboard than a pipe wrench, the idea of plumbing work used to terrify me - until I discovered this little brass miracle.

The installation was shockingly simple. No soldering (thank God!), no special tools - just push to connect. I used it to add a water line for my new refrigerator's ice maker, and the whole process took less time than brewing a pot of coffee. The quarter-turn valve gives satisfyingly precise control over water flow.

Now for the real test: would it leak? After my initial panic when I heard spraying (turns out I just needed to adjust the connection slightly), it's been bone dry for three months. The chrome finish looks professional in my exposed basement piping - way better than those ugly saddle valves.

The versatility is impressive too. It works with PEX, copper, CPVC - basically any pipe material you're likely to encounter in residential plumbing. I've since used these valves for my humidifier and even helped a neighbor install one for their dishwasher.

Two pro tips from experience: 1) Always use the depth gauge tool (that orange 'panflute' thing) to ensure proper insertion, and 2) Keep spare disconnection clips handy if you think you might need to reposition anything later.

The only minor drawback? That initial moment of terror when you first turn the water back on. But once you see that first successful installation hold under pressure, you'll be hooked on SharkBite products like I am.