Kitchen sink Pex-pipe leak

Shin Pond Hunter · 12-14-2011, 05:19 PM

Discovered a puddle of water seeping out from beneath the kitchen sink area yesterday. Pulled the utensil drawers out and noticed the cold water Pex line for the kitchen sink was leaking. The majority of the leaking water had been draining down the GINORMOUS access hole into the tank/basement area. No idea how long this had been happening; observed some "wicking" on the wood, but, everything felt firm and obviously wet.

Upon closer inspection, the cold water delivery pipe had been weeping from two connectors. These connectors had been at the ends of a blue Pex-pipe and were extremely loose. It appears that this section of blue pipe should be removed when installing the supplied in-line filter.

I personally prefer to place my filtration at the source, before it enters my rig. It never occurred to me that the factory would not snug these fittings together. How does this pass their final testing procedures?

Well, I dried everything as best as I could; tightened all of the fittings I could see; and aimed the dehumidifier towards the access hole (I have commented on other "access holes" and how cavernous they are. Why not fill them in?)

I'm doubting that any long-term damage occurred, but, the whole situation bugs me...

Denise · 12-14-2011, 10:23 PM

Steve, I just checked out your blogspot. Looks nice and cozy and I noticed happy smiles! Where are you guys now? Hope the leak is all cleared up for you now

Shin Pond Hunter · 12-15-2011, 03:48 AM

Thanks for reading it. My DW has put a lot of effort into it (the blog - not the leak

). Currently we are staying in East Lyme CT. Great community; although, it is short term for us - until I finish a job for a friend. After here, who knows where we will end up. It depends on when we "pull anchor".

As far as the leak... Knock on wood! It appears dry. I may use some plumbers goop just in case; plus, I'll fill in that gaping access hole to keep the drafts to a minimum.

jim44646 · 12-28-2011, 07:39 AM

Check out this web site http://www.finehomebuilding.com/how-...nnections.aspx . it will come in handy some day.

Shin Pond Hunter · 12-29-2011, 04:12 AM

Great vid on the topic. Knock on wood, but, since hand tightening everything - it has been fine... Thanks again for sharing the info...

Terry · 12-29-2011, 10:03 AM

Neat video -- I really like that Pex system, only problem is it does not seem like a good do-it yourself system since the tools are so expensive compared to PVC. I imagine over time they and as it becomes more common the do-it-yourself market will improve. I have seen it starting to go in new houses in my area in the last couple of years.

Seann45 · 12-29-2011, 11:20 AM

Your problem appears to be the same I am having with the toilet in mine. No its not the recall type of leak, I finally got a video of the dripping but cannot get it small enough to post or email.

jim44646 · 12-29-2011, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tafische

Neat video -- I really like that Pex system, only problem is it does not seem like a good do-it yourself system since the tools are so expensive compared to PVC. I imagine over time they and as it becomes more common the do-it-yourself market will improve. I have seen it starting to go in new houses in my area in the last couple of years.

Yes,Tools are expensive . there r home owners versions that aren't as bad but more cumbersome to use. I picked my up when I was redoing my daughters house. Once you have them the more you uses you find for them. I've used then enough that they've paid for themselves. I should change my name to Jim the tool man.

Terry · 12-29-2011, 02:08 PM

Good deal Jim the Tool Man. Next time I need some plumbing work done - I will give you a call!

Duckogram · 01-07-2012, 10:16 PM

Forget about pex crimping tools and make life easy on yourself. Try Sharkbites. No leaks, removeable. Downside, a bit pricy.

jim44646 · 01-08-2012, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duckogram

Forget about pex crimping tools and make life easy on yourself. Try Sharkbites. No leaks, removeable. Downside, a bit pricy.

That's what I said in a earlier post. Sharkbites good for a couple of connections or even a hard to get to location but to do a whole job, pricey

Terry · 01-08-2012, 10:32 AM

Hey...those Sharkbites look cool...but wow...I would only use them in a pinch...you are right...they are pricey. Might have to get a couple for emergencies in the TT.

jim44646 · 01-08-2012, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tafische

Hey...those Sharkbites look cool...but wow...I would only use them in a pinch...you are right...they are pricey. Might have to get a couple for emergencies in the TT.

If your like me you'll not have the one you need

Murphie · 03-01-2012, 01:29 AM

Shin, we had a leak in the exact same location in our trailer. Fortunately we had stored a pot directly underneath where the drip was. We noticed it on our second day of camping so we were lucky. Like you I was upset that it wasn't caught during the dealer inspection. The line connection was misthreaded.

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