Well mission complete! The tank has an aluminum female fitting, a 1/2 National Pipe Thread (NPT) nipple is threaded into the tank fitting, and a PEX hose connection is connected to the nipple. No, but professionally 4 years with his own crew. 
. Appreciate all the great advice. amzn_assoc_linkid = "94aa6270e77e003a3ff41bcde4ca0234"; Once the new nipples and seals were delivered, it took about 10 minutes to change everything. I wanted to try something new so I did braided vinyl tubing, we use it in the restaurant biz for years & no problems but in RVs it sweat to much. Knowing the needed parts are not available in most hardware stores, we just shut off the water pump when not using water. I hope she gets better! Maybe even comment on what you were looking to see. amzn_assoc_linkid = "233b8bc6f3fc1d07118d815a907baa1a"; Inside the PEX fitting is a cone shape seal, similar to the seals used in hoses to connect a hose to a home faucet or toilet. Whether youre on the road as a snowbird or find a problem while prepping your RV for spring, getting a repair done at a service facility could mean days, even weeks, just waiting for an appointment. All Rights Reserved. So, what are advantages of this? How To Find RV Dump Sites Near Your Location While How To Stay Cool In Your RV This Fourth Of July. Ed. 2012-2022 Nick Gatel. Do campgrounds increase the pressure as they get more campers? This isnt brain surgery. Not too many plumbers make RV house calls. My mechanically ignorant rv owning a$$ is grateful for articles like this one.
See I am used to things going wrong not wrong but slightly less than perfect. Removal of the external screws allows the regulator to be pulled out enough to allow tightening of those screws with a philips head bit and a wrench to turn it. I am a widow and have to do a lot of things for myself.. I look forward to it. Yup, I cut that darn thing nice and square and a split second after I cut it then dawned on me how the heck am I going to get this back on?. later, there's still no sign of a leak. Lots of great advice, as usual, so I'll be trying some of your suggestions. But I am not a quitter and will press on till I get it right, thanks to all suggestions for a novice like myself, greatly appreciated.. You and me both..water coming out everywherebut I will work on it till I can not, Thank You Sir !!! PEX, Piping, and Patrick: A look at Someone that Felt that Having the Dealership Come and Do This Was Going to Cost a Million Dollars So He Did it Himself for Only the Price of a Cheap Dinner Date Or a Cheap Breakfast or Even a Cheap Luncheon. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; The Best RV Trip Planning Apps For Great RV Advent Visit Sun Retreats Cape May In New Jersey. We have been using it since may with no issues. So far we replaced the hot water heater bypass valve no change, flushing the fresh water tank several times after adding CLR. Next project may be the windows scraping and resealing/caulking them. Generally speaking, Pipe is sized by the inside diameter and Tube is sized by the outside diameter. Cleaned up and monitored it. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; I get everything cut, I get my 1/2 male thingy all inserted and clamped( that freaking Pex clampy thingy is some freaking expensive)I go to put on the stainless braided hose and the fitting is too small. This past weekend while visiting our site (we have it parked at a seasonal), we noticed that we had some water around the toilet. Thats an untenable situation, especially for snowbirds. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "b0e1bc428dbd12fe7991d919d28640b1"; Youll need thread sealant for the part of the nipple that goes into the water heater. Almost reassurance, proceed with caution. Additionally, the Watts fittings allow you to attach to a host of other plumbing materials, including copper and CPVC. Would enjoy visiting with you about my up coming project of plumbing repair. I realize that my motorhome is old but is still nice inside and out. I have done several R&R jobs on my vehicles, both under the hood and in dash, unsupervised, with positive results. That is; a nipple is connected to the water tank, and the water hose fitting to the nipple. The city inlet has probably frozen enough to open up the two halves. So, I consider myself a DIYer.
Misleading novice owners is a disservice which I am sure is the opposite of what you want to be. -- 8 hrs. I would have to source the parts (and spares) once we got home. So that is standard pipe thread used on rigid (brass, galvanized and black iron) pipe except on pipe and pipe fittings the threads are tapered. Compression fittings typically have a brass sealing ring that is compressed by the threaded jamb nut to seal around the tube. I did come to the conclusion that it is from the water hose connection, it felt wet but why? Similar procedure can be used when installing new electrical wiring. Furthermore 1/2 COMP means 1/2 compression TUBE fitting. Anyone with the slightest bit of mechanical fortitude can figure out how to do most any repairs on their RV. Aside from an easier fix in a cramped space, theres less water flow impediment in this design, as opposed to the plastic compression style. So it makes sense to keep a few of these seals on hand, if you can find them.
Of course, you can simply buy a package of 10 from Amazon. most of our outside spigots are connected BEFORE the pressure reducer to our house, so if I hook up a camper to one of these, I am sure to use my inline pressure reducer otherwise I've had brand new hoses leak where the hose fitting joins the crimp on the rubber hose. 12 I felt was too ridged so the next one up was 20. Rule #2 ; Standardize all of your fittings true, some fittings are tapered pipe thread and others are plastic pipe compression. Its been that way for 62 years. Want to add a shut-off valve to turn the water off to your toilet (or whatever) without shutting down the whole RV supply? It may tighten up and it may not. Thank you for speaking so clearly on this subject. Your email address will not be published. It can be a bit difficult to maneuver your hands in place to shove the tubing onto the fitting and to tighten the nut. I do agree with you in that the plumbing in RVs is *not* easily accessible. Fresh gasket is always a good idea with any hose. When you need to change out your water lines, there are a variety of different fittings available. In the US, the specs are usually stated in inch-pounds or foot-pounds and special tools are required to tighten to the required standard. Randy, I am considering replumbing my trailer, 2017 Bighorn. Anyway Thanks again Ed and Blessings to you and your family! In my case I replaced the whole part and that solved the leak. This is the common threaded pipe youll find most everywhere . Most people (*RV owners) take (took) no interest in learning for the future; Generally anything that is not immediately needed was dismissed. So far all is well. You may find other brands of quick-connect fittings to meet your needs as well. I am certain that someone will read this and offer me a book deal, so that is something that youre gonna wanna keep your eyes open for. So I am on here reading and appreciate all help and ideas to fix it.. Needless to say I think my biggest chalenge is lack of space to work, so makes it very hard to fix easily.. Our trailer came with plastic nipples for connecting the water lines to the water heater. I now use a flat non-slip jar opener to tighten the hose fitting to the trailer and the hose/regulator bib. My thought was to tie a cord to the fixture end and when the tubeing is pulled out you have a pull cord to help pull the tubing back in.
Braided vinyl Great tip. City water inlet. the threads just hold the joint together. This website may be compensated for linking to other sites for sales of products. Instead, use a variety of plastic fittings, some of which snap the stuff together, making repairs quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive. Were on a cross-country road trip and are waiting until we dock for an extended period before we investigate. Replacing one is easy as long as you have decent access to the inside hose connection. Just take it off and bring it with you. But the seal is a little different size. even if the piping is pex wont I still be limited on water pressure due to the cheap plastic water pressure valves on the toilet and other places? It used to anger me but every time that I thought something was going or went wrong I was lead to another part of the project that made that error almost justifiable. All I saw that it said was 1/2 x 1/2 x 20 grabbed two and took off( well I paid for them first then took off). The water in fitting was one of those ones that flare as you tighten. I have a theory that over time, especially in the environment of a road-traveling recreational vehicle, plastic threads stretch over time even if they were not over-tightened when installed. Mine water inlet was leaking badly and wouldn't tighten up for love nor money. Really enjoyed your comments on RV plumbing repair. amzn_assoc_asins = "B006OGDJL6"; Chlorinated water is not an issue in terms of tubing or health safety. At first thought plastic doesnt appear to be a good choice. I tried the other end and it fit just fine. They range from simple couplers that allow you to fix a break to tees that are for jobs when adding a new run. Your not alone! Try removing the water heater water out fitting and poking around inside the tank. Seems like after every trip there is some little thing that needs repair. Try some silicone thread tape and a pressure reducer even if you replace the city water inlet. I could not see the crack it was so fine until I took the whole inlet fitting out. This won't address and fix your current problem, but as I've aged my hands no longer have the grip they once did. Im not saying everybody should switch to braided vinyl tubing but it worked for me. Im an engineer with RV manufacturing (Safari Motorcoaches) experience and concur with your assessment of the article. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; If you really want hot water & got good pressure go Tankless! Like probably all others, my 2015 class A motor coach has all the pipes and fittings well hidden. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; The partial assembly of the tubing in place over the flare. The hose has not been run over by a car or the trailer! So as not to get frustrated ( I dont know about you but when I get frustrated things may go from bad to badder. Im not a plumber, and didnt know about Flair-It fittings. I followed suit and have had no issues. can you tell me how I can get to the water lines on my Journey MH that is under the floor ? Make sure you get them long enough. I too had the flush valve spring a microscopic leak in the seam. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; Flushing the water heater storage holding tank several times. Is there a better water supply hose to use that rodents dont like to chew on??? Manufacturer of my RV went out of business years ago, so theres no hotline I can call for assistance, and the user documentation i have doesnt really go into details about the plumbing. And one of those strange types wrenches specific to hard to get into areas is worthless. A very fine mist came out occasionally. With our water heater I could not find a specification and if I could, there isnt room to get a torque wrench into the cramped area where the water heater resides. This post may contain affiliate links, This post may contain affiliate links or mention our own products, please check out our disclosure policy. The good news is you can skip the tool altogether. You could try putting plumber's tape on the threads and see if that stops the leak. I must have had 20 leaks, bad water heater, furnace and refrigerator in my chipmunk condo aka 83 Coachmen. Ive seen braided vinyl tubing freeze, thaw & still not leak. Criticism is fine, youre just insulting. 2017 27FB. Rule #4 ; Do not over-tighten a plastic compression fitting the fitting will crack, and usually where it can not be seen and leak! While being previously aware of PEX and the specialty of the fittings, I have so far had no need to work on any. This website may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products that help pay for the costs of maintaining PopUpBackpacker.com. Whether its the roof or the plumbing the saying is not will it leak, but when? this article would only be informative to the most mechanically ignorant, which most rvers who are do it yourselfers are NOT (only do it youselfers would even glance at a subject such as this). I've had two go bad, one in each trailer. If in doubt, hire a pro not named len. While I too find it easy to be critical of the ignorant, telling them they are usually only shuts them down. There are a series of waterlines in an RV and ensuring quality tubing is recommended. I redid the plumbing in my 83 Coachman. There is a guy on YouTube that has caulked tall buildings , in a single bound? Inside the fitting can be male or female pipe thread. Gosh Len, your response was a tad on the harsh side to say the least. Water ran down between inside and outside wall and came out underneath trailer. Most piping must have been installed early during body construction. As far as getting to these types of fixtures, I am having a tough time getting to a leaky fitting up under my bathroom sink. Get Free Weekly RV LIFE Updates in your Email Inbox, Camping Chair From Trippy Outdoor Is Rugged, Innovative, & Comfortable, 10 Best Outer Banks Campgrounds For RVers. So I went with all PEX.
Thanks. And yes indeed it was. If anyone else has had experience please speak up. in walls, and under floors. Then I turned on the water pump to test for leaks none even after 48 hours. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Now I always disconnect the water line if nighttime temps are going to be down around freezing. This detailed introductory article is appreciated. No silicone! Ed. I am in a 2002 and still have pretty drastic water pressure limits that I would like to get away from. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Since I cant remove anything, I cant figure out what size fittings or tubing I need to buy, much less how to replace my leaking water pump. You are better off to remove the leaking fitting, clean it, apply pipe thread sealant, and re-install. Check out some Youtube videos, you & I are not the only leaky teepees, sorry! Made a world of difference for me. But I ended up getting the wrong ones. Now I do, and can go to my nearest Ace Hardware and get some for emergencies. I wont be so harsh as len, as I thought this was an informative article, however, I agree, from my experience traveling around the country in RVs, that the plumbing can often be pretty difficult to get to . +10 that LHC plastic fitting is excellent, and a pair of pliers are going to deform/damage the brass fitting. I think instead of using plastic must use the copper for the fixing because it is stronger than the plastic and also it looks shinier. Probably be out on Amazon. This happened to me once and it resulted in the water inlet fitting cracking just inside the wall. ( 316-409-9109 ) Would like to compare notes and ideas. whats your water pressure? Go RVing In Virginia: Bethpage Camp-Resort & G How To Stay Cool In Your RV This Fourth Of July, Prevent RV Fuel Anxiety by Planning Ahead, Summer In The Midwest: Visit A Yogi Bear Park, Visit Sun Retreats Cape May In New Jersey. What Does An RV Propane Gas Leak Smell Like. However I am new to RVing, and I can not see how the two would be related as it is strictly cold water going into the toilet. Now they find themselves in need.
It is not clear from your post if the leak is inside or outside. amzn_assoc_asins = "B000KKVWL6"; I went to a tankless on demand water heater. The metal is not forgiving and can chew up a plastic fitting. Love the hair dryer trick!
I put brass pex shut offs everywhere with easy access (cheaper?, but still used hose clamps) that way I can isolate a leak, quickly & deal with it when I have time. Typically, the rating is on the tubing itself. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Local rv dealer stocked them, said he sells plenty of them. it quickly corrodes, especially in the presences of water. Im a DIYer and found the article extremely valuable. Well I live but two towns over soooooo his winter was my winter too.) We have this neighbor who sits outside with a hose end and just watches the water flow, its her therapy! I am going to replace the pex pipes under the bathroom sink with stainless steel braided lines. Well, I had cut that end because I noticed that the boys on the assembly line back in 2004( camper is a 2005 Keystone Sprinter so I am just guessing)had cut the end of the PEX hose really crooked. Even information that may appear basic to you may be quite informative to those just starting out in the lifestyle. The "Y" that you show looks like solid brass, it would probably chase the threads and help shape the inlet to make it round again better than the standard end of a water hose. Trailer: Escape 21, behind an '02 F250 7.3 diesel tug. Although it seems that some readers may have those talents. Many carry an extra you could possibly borrow for the test. Ive been using the vinyl braided tubing for years in the restaurant business. I do not consider myself mechanically ignorant, however I was not born with the knowledge of RV maintenance or repair and did not absorb it through osmosis. That is just my take on the job. Not yet. He explains there is movement in those buildings as well and they are not going to spend huge sums of money to chalk, seal theyre building every 2 years the way an RV dealer recommends.. Ill try and find a video. Thank you, everyone. And replacing a PEX fitting requires specialized tools. Thanks. Bottom line is tightening a leaky plastic nipple over and over isnt going to solve the problem over a long period of time. Depending on how things are situated it can be hard to get behind the toilet. I had the regulator leak when my AS was brand new. This has been a minor pain in my butt. Tube is typically thin wall where pipe is usally thicker. Any ideas on the cause and fix for this type of leak? Any chance of your calling me? As a full-time RVer and a motor home owner for well over 30 years I am still open to new information, tips and tricks. amzn_assoc_asins = "B00IRUKIO8"; I did find a YouTube video that was nearly my very same issue. The next step is to tighten the nut. BTW, we live in Palm Springs, CA and the trailer will NEVER be in freezing temps! If that rubber cone washer is deformed or damaged, water can leak past it to the threads and drip onto the floor. That happened on mine. Pipes are joined and sealed by tapered threads that MUST include sealant,(normally teflon tape) to be successful.
Be careful when you solder the pipes not to start a fire. Hope this helps. DONT even bump them). Keystone RV is a registered trademark of the Keystone RV Company. But when you discover a leak in your plumbing, its that not simple. Others include adapters that allow you to shift from one size of tubing to another. On demand propane water heater (I love never running out of hot water but sometimes there is not enough pressure to kick it on) , braided vinyl tubing, SS hose clamps, Brass shut offs, plastic sprinkler connectors (well, I had to skimp somewhere the hose wasnt cheap), adjustable pressure valve. Check female side of connector on trailer to make sure no small crack or out of round (if metal). That may be your problem if the leak is inside. So it is probably a good idea to keep a few spares on hand. I want to install a manifold system with a shut off at the fixture it supplies. Do not use sealant on the other end that connects to the PEX hose fitting. Thats because the water lines in most RVs are plastic PEX pipe. If it aint broke, dont fix it, while under there(DONT THINK, well, while Im under here lets tighten all of these other fittings too. Camping Chair From Trippy Outdoor Is Rugged, Innov 10 Best Outer Banks Campgrounds For RVers. Your words describe this old fart perfectly. All nuts, bolts, screws, and fittings have torque specifications. These pipes are sized by the approximate size of the inside of the pipe. That way you can make the permanent repair at your leisure. I never run out of hot water but if everyone in my section is using water & the pressure drops to low it wont come on. Another important consideration is the water tank is made of aluminum. Any tips or point me to another forum would be greatly appreciated. Ed. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small fee from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to the purchaser. Polyurethane sealant!
Its what the hose attaches too. Did you ever have the water line freeze on you? Lately is the very subject that is talked about here.. (leaking lines) I have a leak in my hot water line under kitchen sink.. I removed the fixture (old plastic), which gave me some better ideas on how to install a new one. Quarter turn ball valves. Just about anything rubber would work. To the point where we simply disconnect from city water, fill the fresh water tank and go from there. Here are a couple of styles particularly useful to RVers when it comes to plumbing: The assembled tubing inserted into the fitting. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; My thinking was the pressure would go down as we got more campers, but clearly it has gone up with more campers.
I would guess that almost every recreational vehicle with a water heater has either a Suburban or an Atwood brand water heater.