Plumbing repair kit - what do you carry?

ttavasc · 07-16-2015, 05:20 PM

I'm looking to add a few extra emergency repair supplies to keep in the trailer prior to an extended trip coming up later this summer. I'm interested in what others carry in the way of plumbing supplies for emergency repairs. The PEX fittings are new to me so I'm trying to determine what it makes sense to invest in. There does seem to be a wide array of crimp tools and accessories and I'd rather not guess at what might be useful or not. Thanks in advance for any feedback you have.

bedrck46 · 07-16-2015, 05:44 PM

In a previous pop-up I had a problem with the out side shower hook up in that a hose failed and the back flow valve on the city/gravity water line failed I had caps and plugs on hand and was able to get thru the weekend otherwise I may had needed to shut off the water for the weekend. On the present RV the valve for the toilet flush was leaking and again having plugs and caps I was able to stop the leak until I could replace the valve. Check and see where you would be able to use them and get yourself at least Two of each. Most connections use some sort of a threaded fitting that can either plugged or capped.

Grumpy · 07-16-2015, 06:13 PM

Buy "Shark BIte" fittings they slip on and you don't need any crimping tools. They come in just about every configuration.

SmokerBill · 07-16-2015, 06:51 PM

I've been lucky. Haven't had one problem with the plumbing in 4 years. Well, that's not true. I had to replace the shower head because it wouldn't shut off all the way.

So... I don't have any plumbing supplies on hand. Lot's of other parts and such, though.

Edited to add:
I did have to replace the water valve on the toilet. It' the valve that turns on the water flow. It started leaking when closed, and almost flooded the TT.

But I don't have a valve on hand either.

Jagiven · 07-16-2015, 07:55 PM

I do not carry any plumbing parts. The only issues I have experienced, are loose threaded fittings. Easy fix.

SouthCo · 07-16-2015, 08:13 PM

I carry hand tools and duct tape... If that can't fix it, I'd just shut the water supply off.

Tunce the traveler · 07-16-2015, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jagiven

I do not carry any plumbing parts. The only issues I have experienced, are loose threaded fittings. Easy fix.

X2

clutch · 07-16-2015, 11:42 PM

I always have epoxy in the tool kit. It works on grey water and black water plumbing.

TWP723 · 07-17-2015, 06:04 AM

Never really thought about it. When I had my pop-up, I replaced all the water lines will steel braided lines (under the dinette) and have never had problems. My first trip with the Eagle, I didn't know where they hid the winterizing valves. But with the help of this forum, I was directed. Never had leaks or problems. (knock on wood).

I will definately consider putting a kit together!

spoon059 · 07-17-2015, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthCo

I carry hand tools and duct tape... If that can't fix it, I'd just shut the water supply off.

This is my theory too. Rather than carry a lot of supplies I may or may not need, I would rather shut off the water and hit a Home Depot or Lowe's for the exact supplies that I need.

BCx213 · 07-17-2015, 06:40 AM

I carry Teflon tape for dealing threaded connections and a roll of emergency pipe wrap to temporarily seal leaking or cracked pipes to tie me over till I get home to do the repairs.

need-a-vacation · 07-17-2015, 07:14 AM

I recently started carrying a couple of the shark bites (straight coupler, 90*, and faucet fitting) and a section of pex as well. This is after having 2 of the plastic fittings crack on our current '01. Luckily we caught both (two different events) when we first turned the water in.

mike837go · 07-17-2015, 09:16 AM

^^This^^ Idea ^^

A few connectors: elbows and splicers with several feet of PEX and the tools to the work will allow you to keep rolling on an extended excursion.

For those of us doing extended weekends... the rubber wrap to stop a leak in the field and proper repair when we get home.

Plowtoy · 07-17-2015, 02:03 PM

I dont keep a "plumbing" kit, but do keep a bunch of misc parts and pieces in the camper in case of emergency (including wheel bearings and seal). One year we were camping at a northern michigan state park with electric only hook up. The fw tank was full and pump on. While sitting at the campfire next door, we heard a pop and water running and found that my "check valve" in the city water connection blew out and the pump was pumping all the water out of the camper. A quick trip (30 miles away) to walmart on a sunday evening to purchase a gardern hose Y adaptor with shut off valves was enough to get me by until I got home to replace the entire piece.

ttavasc · 07-18-2015, 10:12 AM

Many great suggestions and ideas for things to consider - I appreciate everyone's input. I'll look over my plumbing a bit closer and see what might apply and equip accordingly. Since I did have one small leak shortly after purchase (was fixed under warranty right away) I do feel like having a few simple things on hand is probably a good idea.

In regards to the PEX fittings - has anybody switched to or used a standard hose clamp instead of the PEX crimps? If that would work in a pinch then it might be worthwhile to have a few of those on hand.

need-a-vacation · 07-18-2015, 11:09 AM

I don't think a standard hose clamp will work with the PEX. BUT... I have swapped out a PEX line for a reinforced flexible line and used hose clamps on that. I was recently told the hose clamps are not rated for the possible pressure the water may have, but I do use a pressure regulator (fixed Camco model) when hooked up to water. Haven't had an issue w/ the pump causing a leak either (knock on wood! Lol).

Lady Fitzgerald · 07-18-2015, 01:18 PM

A credit card?

**norty1** · 07-18-2015, 05:25 PM

I have a small PEX crimper, all I need is directions to Lowes!

mike837go · 07-20-2015, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norty1

I have a small PEX crimper, all I need is directions to Lowes!

I never got the small crimper to work properly. The connections always leaked.

I spent the serious buck$ and got the 3' pliers-type. Much better.

gijoecam · 07-24-2015, 03:45 AM

If you want to buy the tool, get a good one, and then all you need are a handful of fittings and crimp rings.

I carry a set of shark bite fittings for temporary repairs. A 90, a coupling, a tee, and a plug, and about 18" of tubing. That should allow me to repair any two broken fittings it a split line long enough to finish out a trip, and don't require any expensive tools beyond a Pocketknife.

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