Motorhome Magazine Open Roads Forum: Folding Trailers: Plumbing Leak


	Already a member? Login here. If not, Register Today! \| Help

Newest | Active | Popular | RVing FAQ

Forum Rules | Forum Help and Support | Contact

Open Roads Forum > Folding Trailers

Reply to Topic | Subscribe | Print Topic | Post New Topic |

brownchristian

Houston, TX

Full Member

Joined: 05/29/2006

View Profile

Offline

Posted: 09/06/08 06:56pm

Link | Quote | Print | Notify Moderator

Well after I finally got the hot water heater lit I guess the hot water cracked one of the pipes under the trailer. I know nothing about this type of piping. What is it called? Also I have read that it can be replaced with flexible tubing and radiator clamps. I have a fitting on my trailer that continues to leak with this setup. What other options do I have?

catvet

Atlanta

Full Member

Joined: 09/22/2007

View Profile

Offline

Posted: 09/06/08 08:17pm

Link | Quote | Print | Notify Moderator

What does the plumbing look like? If I had to guess, it is likely to be PEX (cross linked polyethylene) tubing. This type of plumbing is commonly used as it is more flexible and somewhat freeze resistant. It can be joined using special clamps (the clamping tool is expensive but can be rented) or by using compression fittings available at larger hardware stores. I doubt hose clamps would work on this type of tubing. You can buy sections at Home Depot and Lowes along with compression fittings to repair any breaks. I hear that Shark Fittings are pretty easy to use and are leak proof. Of course, I am just guessing that it is PEX since that is used in so many campers.

brownchristian

Houston, TX

Full Member

Joined: 05/29/2006

View Profile

Offline

Posted: 09/06/08 08:34pm

Link | Quote | Print | Notify Moderator

Thanks for the response. I believe it is PEX. I have since done quite a bit of reading and hopefully my local hardware store carries the shark fittings for 3/8" line.

brownchristian

Houston, TX

Full Member

Joined: 05/29/2006

View Profile

Offline

Posted: 09/07/08 02:38pm

Link | Quote | Print | Notify Moderator

Got the leak fixed with the sharkbite fittings. Sharkbite fittings are great. Super simple and they work with copper, cpvc and Pex. Couldn't find any PEX at the local hardware store so just purchased CPVC and it worked like a charm. Went ahead and replaced another fitting that has been giving me problems.

The only downside is that the fittings are a little expensive +/- $6 a piece but much cheaper than buying the crimping tool. Went ahead and bought a couple more to keep as spare parts.