Bottom line is tightening a leaky plastic nipple over and over isnt going to solve the problem over a long period of time. Often such measurements as hand tight or snug are used.
Thats an untenable situation, especially for snowbirds. That is just my take on the job. The city inlet has probably frozen enough to open up the two halves. 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. So as not to get frustrated ( I dont know about you but when I get frustrated things may go from bad to badder. However, I found a package of 6 on Amazon for under $10. Just take it off and bring it with you. I think the best advice is to look at your pics, feel around & map out the area in your mind with your hands and know it. Perhaps this helps. 
Additionally, PEX is ideal for both cold and hot water (some up to 200 degrees) plumbing. Another important consideration is the water tank is made of aluminum.
Photo courtesy TG Twinkie, airforums.com member. They are simply writing for their audience.
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. There are many of us out here who would appreciate it. Hand tight and turn a 1/4 turn is something I often see. Break it down & do the best job on the task at hand. I take great pride in tackling mechanical issues that many women I know would not attempt. I do agree with you in that the plumbing in RVs is *not* easily accessible.
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Similar procedure can be used when installing new electrical wiring. The property manager has talked to her, so thats good! I would guess that almost every recreational vehicle with a water heater has either a Suburban or an Atwood brand water heater. In RVs, manufacturers typically use translucent non-colored PEX for all plumbing runs. The first thing I do is look for something familiar, in my case it was the water pump, sink faucets & who doesnt recognize a garden hose? I actually have the one you recommended. 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.
oh, yes I was thinking of is there a shut off that I can install. My 83 Coachmen had alot of water damage on the floor from other owners so Im working on that. Now I always disconnect the water line if nighttime temps are going to be down around freezing. PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene. Braided vinyl Great tip. Were on a cross-country road trip and are waiting until we dock for an extended period before we investigate. amzn_assoc_region = "US";
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. You can use a utility knife, but a tubing cutter designed for PEX ensures a clean, even edge. Water ran down between inside and outside wall and came out underneath trailer. the threads just hold the joint together. How To Keep Your Dog Cool While RVing This Summer, https://www.amazon.com/RVGUARD-PressNsaWNrPXRydWU=, https://www.amazon.com/Hourleey-Hi-F%2C200&sr=8-41, https://www.amazon.com/Hourleey-Press%2C200&sr=8-8. BTW, we live in Palm Springs, CA and the trailer will NEVER be in freezing temps! Thank you for not assuming we are all know-it-alls and that we DIYers learn as we go. The partial assembly of the tubing in place over the flare. Do not use sealant on the other end that connects to the PEX hose fitting. 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. 2012-2022 Nick Gatel. It did, in fact, say that it was 1/2 x 1/2 but I noticed that it also said 1/2 FIP and 1/2 COMP. But I ended up getting the wrong ones. I've had two go bad, one in each trailer. This website may be compensated for linking to other sites for sales of products. What Does An RV Propane Gas Leak Smell Like. Really enjoyed your comments on RV plumbing repair. Access Maps and Campgrounds Information, Even With 10 Best Bozeman RV Parks & Campgrounds, Affordable RVing Solutions That Can Save You Money, Care and Feeding of Molded Fiberglass Trailers, Maintenance | Restoration | Modifications | Problem Solving, https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Pressurressure-40055/, https://www.amazon.com/Hose-Connectosplitter&psc=1, Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1. Its a little messy to look at but very functional & it was cold (wrapped lines & hose with ice melting cable for roof shingles & temp shut off) outside and wanted (needed) a shower (My boss said I smelled like a casino!). Water ran down between inside and outside wall and came out underneath trailer. So, what are advantages of this? I had a plumber at Home Depot tell me you could not use pex clamps on a plastic fitting yet my RV service manager says the RV industry has been doing just that for 20 years. 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. Be careful when you solder the pipes not to start a fire. I had the regulator leak when my AS was brand new. 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. DONT even bump them). Try removing the water heater water out fitting and poking around inside the tank. Steve, Yes, indeed you are the boss! Thats because the water lines in most RVs are plastic PEX pipe. The water inlet and regulator is made of plastic and can leak if the hose connection strains the assembly. Also, PEX is inexpensive. Do yourself a favor and get some spare nipples and seals and keep them in your RV. So I went with all PEX. I will eventually be redoing all the fittings complete with shut off valves, but I am going to pick away at it all. Check out some Youtube videos, you & I are not the only leaky teepees, sorry!
There are fittings for that, too. Nothing, then randomly it happened again later in the day. 12 I felt was too ridged so the next one up was 20. At first thought plastic doesnt appear to be a good choice.
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 .
The writers may only slightly more educated than the general populace but a short article such as this is only intended to stimulate thinking, not educate or solve specific problems. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; All nuts, bolts, screws, and fittings have torque specifications. Hot water pressure very lot water is hot. Maybe even a chunk of non-slip shelf liner or big rubber band wrapped around your fingers, whatever is handy. 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. Is there a better water supply hose to use that rodents dont like to chew on??? Fresh gasket is always a good idea with any hose. It may tighten up and it may not. However, when we connect to city water, a leak occurs and has gotten worse. This past weekend while visiting our site (we have it parked at a seasonal), we noticed that we had some water around the toilet. Unfortunately, it is the state of our world. In general we have a very uninformed population..its a sad statement on the PC education system.Im sure youre frustrated by it and, like me, spend a lot of time trying to help those who have a new found sense of interest. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; All Rights Reserved. Your words describe this old fart perfectly. Well I live but two towns over soooooo his winter was my winter too.) Plumbing is not so much complicated, just easy to make poor repairs and with grave consequence. thanks , good article .
a garden hose, the threads aren't the seal, its the tapered end of the male hose, into the washer into the flange behind the washer on the female end that make the seal. I bought it at the local hardware store years ago for a few bucks. Ed. It was the FIP side that I needed ( whatever a FIP is) So I drive 25 miles back get some hoses that were double FIPPED back 25 miles to the camper where I proceeded to finish my project. The leak pours from the compartment where the city water inlet lives, but flows under the trailer, not inside.
So it is probably a good idea to keep a few spares on hand. 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. I redid the plumbing in my 83 Coachman. Thanks. Any ideas on the cause and fix for this type of leak? Talking to other people, even the humongous motor homes and top of the line Airstream travel trailers suffer the same malady. I found them to be 50% blocked so I replaced them. 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. I have been searching in vain for info on easy or tricks-of-trade articles. Heat Exhaustion Symptoms To Look Out For While RVi RV Safe Turn By Turn Directions on Your Phone, Airstream Restoration, Repair & Parts Forums, http://www.airforums.com/forums/f443et-167804.html, leaking cold water bypass valve on water heater. All rights reserved, Early Mojave Halloween: Witches & Spiders. 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. Perhaps brass or stainless steel would be better. Maybe next time they will.Steve. I might have to pull the whole stupid sink just to get to one fitting. Just a thought that might work in some situations. However, I have never had to do any plumbing, so this article was informative to and for me. Lots of great advice, as usual, so I'll be trying some of your suggestions. I removed the fixture (old plastic), which gave me some better ideas on how to install a new one.
Ed. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; 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. Furthermore 1/2 COMP means 1/2 compression TUBE fitting. 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. Any final answer for the leak and bandaid count? Please vet your articles carefully. Check female side of connector on trailer to make sure no small crack or out of round (if metal). You may find other brands of quick-connect fittings to meet your needs as well. Those without any mechanical fortitude will never think to look at an article like this one or at any How-To articles, they will I fact shackle themselves to the dealerships that will charge them a huge amount of money in labor for something that may take some time and inexpensive parts. I replaced my Suburban water heater which came without nipples for the water cold and hot connections.
This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This detailed introductory article is appreciated. Recreational vehicles need a lot of maintenance. I thought possibly condensation, nope. Im not a plumber, and didnt know about Flair-It fittings. This site was built with recycled electrons to save the environment from global warming. You are better off to remove the leaking fitting, clean it, apply pipe thread sealant, and re-install. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; Your not alone! So far all is well.
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 wanted 16 1/2 x 1/2 but they didnt have any. DIY is the only option for many of us, due to pure necessity. And for the past 20+ years, most recreational vehicle manufacturers have been using PEX fittings to plumb the water systems. Flushing the water heater storage holding tank several times. The PSI has been since we opened the camper around 50, but this visit it was around 60. so i will check that out and lower it. I did find a YouTube video that was nearly my very same issue. To take this connector apart, remove the collet clip. I located it and also tightened the connections, slowed it down, but now looks like a piece of the line has a leak.. 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. That way you can make the permanent repair at your leisure. In RVs, manufacturers typically use translucent non-colored PEX for all runs. Rule #4 ; Do not over-tighten a plastic compression fitting the fitting will crack, and usually where it can not be seen and leak! If access holes in wall and cabinet panels are big enough for a tube fitting to go through, use a coupling to connect the old and new tubing and pull the new tubing through when pulling the old tubing out. PEX tubing in homes is color-coded for hot and cold. Although nowadays most hardware stores carry PEX fittings, they dont stock the seals. Would enjoy visiting with you about my up coming project of plumbing repair. I cant even see and barely reach the fitting that needs attention. How To Find RV Dump Sites Near Your Location While How To Stay Cool In Your RV This Fourth Of July. I am going to replace the pex pipes under the bathroom sink with stainless steel braided lines. I am in a 2002 and still have pretty drastic water pressure limits that I would like to get away from. 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. This won't address and fix your current problem, but as I've aged my hands no longer have the grip they once did. And replacing a PEX fitting requires specialized tools. I too had the flush valve spring a microscopic leak in the seam. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small fee from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to the purchaser. Not enough for even a shorty screw driver. We've already replaced rubber gaskets on hose. The next step is to tighten the nut. Appreciate all the great advice. amzn_assoc_asins = "B006OGDJL6"; Tube is typically thin wall where pipe is usally thicker. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; Nothing like taking cold showers! Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit";
I used a couple braided lines too (some have a quarter turn shut off built in) and then switched to braided vinyl tubing stainless hose clamps & a Marey tankless water heater. Criticism is fine, youre just insulting. So it makes sense to keep a few of these seals on hand, if you can find them. It can be a bit difficult to maneuver your hands in place to shove the tubing onto the fitting and to tighten the nut.
amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit";
I look forward to it. Basically, good enough and more or less just what I was looking for. I usually go with a PVC pipe cutter, which makes a clean edge and can be used on PVC pipe as well. Not only is aluminum soft (easy to damage the threads), but when connected to other types of metal such as brass, steel, etc. But when you discover a leak in your plumbing, its that not simple.
I already had two of these Dometic 385314349 Water Valve Assembly pieces fail due to plastic cost cutting assembly that I first thought was from water pressure. When something goes wrong with plumbing in your house, the fixer can be at your door within a couple of hours. They range from simple couplers that allow you to fix a break to tees that are for jobs when adding a new run.
If it is too tight the threads will stretch and the same problems will arise. 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. This is the common threaded pipe youll find most everywhere .
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. I used a flashlight, mirror & my camera phone to see what was going on. Did you ever have the water line freeze on you? For now, we fill the fresh water tank and work from it. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; I know no such word but this whole story is meant to be humorous )I used my wifes hair dryer and heated the ends up a bit and they slid right back on like I not only knew what I was doing but like I was the BOSS! There are worm gear clamps and pex used. See I am used to things going wrong not wrong but slightly less than perfect. Typically, this pipe is connected using a special tool and metal fittings that can complicate the fixing procedure for RVers. Even information that may appear basic to you may be quite informative to those just starting out in the lifestyle. Replaced it and the problem went away. Inside the fitting can be male or female pipe thread. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Even hose clamps have torque specs. Gosh Len, your response was a tad on the harsh side to say the least. I am a widow and have to do a lot of things for myself..
It takes some of the stress of the heavy hose off the trailer connector, which can cause a leak. On our last trip our water heater started leaking (again see this post about some of the repairs Ive had to do over the years, including a similar water heater leak). But the seal is a little different size. The more you do the easier they get. 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.. Im an engineer with RV manufacturing (Safari Motorcoaches) experience and concur with your assessment of the article. I tried to troubleshoot it, it doesn't happen when I flush and I can not replicate the problem.. You could try putting plumber's tape on the threads and see if that stops the leak.
In many cases, a break or leak in an RV water supply line is often a literal snap to repair. 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. Flex hose needed on new city water inlet/pressure regulator? 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. That may be your problem if the leak is inside. And one of those strange types wrenches specific to hard to get into areas is worthless. (*Note: The tube stiffener not visible as its inside the fitting).
Generally speaking, Pipe is sized by the inside diameter and Tube is sized by the outside diameter. Were on a cross-country road trip and are using our fresh water tank and pump until were docked long enough to investigate.
Thank you Mr and Ms De Maris. The Best RV Trip Planning Apps For Great RV Advent Visit Sun Retreats Cape May In New Jersey. I want to install a manifold system with a shut off at the fixture it supplies. Plus it is gravely inaccurate by claiming that plumbing is easily accessible in RVs.
Im not so young and not so intelligently experienced on repair on my 1990 Pace Arrow. Here are a couple of styles particularly useful to RVers when it comes to plumbing: The assembled tubing inserted into the fitting. I tried the other end and it fit just fine. Something I should have done a long time ago. We have water to the tube/shower, but none to the bathroom and kitchen sinks, toilet. Hope this helps. Required fields are marked *. Others include adapters that allow you to shift from one size of tubing to another. Some of the larger stores sell other brands of fittings, and of course, price comparing is the order of the day. why be such an . Makes toilet repairs much simpler going forward. A very fine mist came out occasionally. Its what the hose attaches too.
Now I do, and can go to my nearest Ace Hardware and get some for emergencies.
Not yet.
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.
Featured Destinations - Campgrounds and Sights to Visit Sun Retreats Cape May In New Jersey. This gave me even more of a chance to use those sweet cutters. Are there additional valves that must be opened or what.. Or do we have a kink or plug that we have not yet discovered. That happened on mine. What? I have, on some occasions, just removed the toilet if the work was going to be a bit involved and the area really cramped. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Pipes are joined and sealed by tapered threads that MUST include sealant,(normally teflon tape) to be successful. Anyway, I believe that that is all I have for now. 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.
Trailer: '04 Scamp 19D, TV:Tacoma 4.0L 4door, SB, I use one of those plastic Y fittings on the. 2017 27FB. Would like to finish this project quickly so I can have access to water and a working toilet, and can spend my time fixing the portion of my roof that rotted out That project has been easy by comparison. So I had thought that by taking the hotline and the cold line out completely it would be easier to work with. ( 316-409-9109 ) Would like to compare notes and ideas.
Additionally, the Watts fittings allow you to attach to a host of other plumbing materials, including copper and CPVC. whats your water pressure? We have this neighbor who sits outside with a hose end and just watches the water flow, its her therapy! 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). amzn_assoc_asins = "B000KKVWL6"; Misleading novice owners is a disservice which I am sure is the opposite of what you want to be.
Well mission complete! Anyone with the slightest bit of mechanical fortitude can figure out how to do most any repairs on their RV. The metal is not forgiving and can chew up a plastic fitting. If that rubber cone washer is deformed or damaged, water can leak past it to the threads and drip onto the floor.
Camping Chair From Trippy Outdoor Is Rugged, Innov 10 Best Outer Banks Campgrounds For RVers. I had little puddles here & there. Try some silicone thread tape and a pressure reducer even if you replace the city water inlet. Although it seems that some readers may have those talents. I was able to secure the water lines before I tightened it down. amzn_assoc_linkid = "94aa6270e77e003a3ff41bcde4ca0234"; Once the new nipples and seals were delivered, it took about 10 minutes to change everything. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; The hose has not been run over by a car or the trailer! so thanks. This has been a minor pain in my butt. Now they find themselves in need. I'm having a hard time stopping the water hose from dripping where it screws on to the connector on my trailer. Want to add a shut-off valve to turn the water off to your toilet (or whatever) without shutting down the whole RV supply?
Years ago I installed a Suburban water heater in our 1992 Starcraft Meteorite and it had a similar setup. Next project may be the windows scraping and resealing/caulking them. I just installed a new white water hose, so that shouldn't be the issue. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "popupbackpack-20"; Water did not leak at the hose connection and water did not run down the outside. Both insert material into the flow, but the tube stiffener appears to block less water flow.
Local rv dealer stocked them, said he sells plenty of them. What Does An RV Propane Gas Leak Smell Like? Mine actually froze up twice and thawed out no problem it did expand a little bit so I replaced it to be on the safe side. Our heater is made by Atwood.
I could not find a picture of a plastic one similar to mine.
Removing the cabinet access panel inside the trailer to get to the water heater, I could see water coming out of the hose connection fittings to the water heater. Do campgrounds increase the pressure as they get more campers? amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "popupbackpack-20"; Im a DIYer and found the article extremely valuable. Im sure the author wasnt trying to cover EVERY situation.
I have done several R&R jobs on my vehicles, both under the hood and in dash, unsupervised, with positive results. Conversely, MIP is Male Iron Pipe AKA NPT-M or MPT.
Whats more is the quick-connect fittings and the plastic compression fittings will connect directly to polybutylene tubing. An easy test if try another hose.
Ive been using the vinyl braided tubing for years in the restaurant business. Maybe even comment on what you were looking to see. 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. Its been that way for 62 years. 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? And yes indeed it was. Blessings to you and yours! Randy, I am considering replumbing my trailer, 2017 Bighorn. Not too many plumbers make RV house calls. thank you for your advice, I will look at it when we are down there on Friday. The reason I got away from PEX was is the cost of the tool and I couldnt get in some places with it. Compression fittings typically have a brass sealing ring that is compressed by the threaded jamb nut to seal around the tube. I now use a flat non-slip jar opener to tighten the hose fitting to the trailer and the hose/regulator bib. I could not see the crack it was so fine until I took the whole inlet fitting out. No, but professionally 4 years with his own crew. Massive Blessings! Whether its the roof or the plumbing the saying is not will it leak, but when? In some cases it was the tenth youtube video that gave me the confidence to move forward. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; My thinking was the pressure would go down as we got more campers, but clearly it has gone up with more campers. I hope she gets better! While in there checking that cone washer I would suggest giving some thought to installing an inline 1/4 turn on/off valve and a residential flexible connection hose to the toilet.
I bought a 3 years old 5th wheel and found several leaks in the plumbing behind the dividing wall in the basement.
At what point did RV manufacturers start using pex? I did come to the conclusion that it is from the water hose connection, it felt wet but why? So I tried and of course, I couldnt get enough pressure on it.
- Luxury Apartments Birmingham, Alabama
- Castello Di Santa Severa Wiki
- Adams Wheel And Tire Cleaner Dilution Ratio
- Army Fatigue Pants Walmart
- Skullcandy Dime 2 Specs
- Best Asian Novels Of All Time
- Rove R2-4k Dash Cam Setup
- Dutch White Clover Lawn
- First Friday Chabot Space Center
- Men's Teal Short Sleeve Shirt
- Round Trellis For Climbing Plants
- Worx Hydroshot Battery
- Tarte Double Duty Beauty Foundation Shades