First Timer Plumbing Fix

Mr&MrsSmith · 03-29-2018, 08:24 PM

So I came into find a slight puddle of water coming from under our pantry. Traced it to the "water in" valve that controls the city or tank fill. It appears to be the 90 degree angle that comes in from the hose to the valve. My question is this, I tried to tighten it at both ends and it doesn't seem to tighten or loosen, is there a trick to this PEX piping? This is my first plumbing repair on the RV. Any tips or tricks would be appreciated. Replace with a brass fitting?

Sundancer330 · 03-29-2018, 08:44 PM

Your best bet is watch a video on Youtube on how to repair, easier to watch than trying to explain. If you have to replace a fitting I would use a Sharkbite fitting which is just a push together fitting is easy to use and holds up great, you can buy them at Home Depot

Mr&MrsSmith · 03-29-2018, 08:57 PM

I did a quick search and will watch a few to see what this is all about. Thanks for the reply.

Mr&MrsSmith · 03-31-2018, 10:58 PM

3/8" is the size of pipe from the water inlet to the city/tank fill valve. From the valve it goes to 3/8" PEX. Hope this update helps someone. This is in my 2015 Jayco Eagle HT 29.5 FBDS.

Cosmik Debris · 04-01-2018, 05:39 AM

Seems odd. All I've ever seen used throughout these is 1/2" pex.

havnfun · 04-01-2018, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cosmik Debris

Seems odd. All I've ever seen used throughout these is 1/2" pex.

Me too, on the 1/2" pex line. If 3/8", my 1/2" shark bites for traveling repairs won't do me any good. Guess I'll have to check my lines soon.

Happy RVing,
Jeff

wags999 · 04-01-2018, 09:38 AM

Every RV I have had that used pex was 1/2".

Hoppy220 · 04-01-2018, 10:40 AM

Remove and pressure check the elbow. I had the same issue after my first winter with this my current unit. The winterization process fails to mention that if you don’t cycle all the valves on your docking station water gets trapped on the back side of the valve. My drip was coming from the elbow it’s self, it had cracked right in the casting seam, you couldn’t see it at all but if you held a finger over one end and blew in the other you could feel it.

Mr&MrsSmith · 04-02-2018, 03:25 PM

Hmmm, I am almost certain it was 3/8". I picked up both 3/8" and 1/2" as I wasn't sure. It was a leak discovered when heading out the door for a distant vacation lunch and sight-seeing. Went into the hardware store where we had lunch "blind" grabbing everything I thought the problem would be fixed with. I know for certain the hose inlet to the valve is 3/8". I will confirm on the PEX and update.

Mr&MrsSmith · 04-02-2018, 03:27 PM

Yep, it was the elbow. Cracked right in the corner and would only leak when pressure built up when hooked up.

Cosmik Debris · 04-02-2018, 05:15 PM

When you return the 3/8" fittings, grab an assortment of common fittings to carry with you. I also carry some pex and a tubing cutter. Its like carrying an umbrella, so it won't rain.

Chrisb-24 · 04-03-2018, 09:06 AM

Hello, sharkbite is the only way to go and all RV plumbing lines are 1/2" pex. Good luck in your repairs!

ifallsguy · 04-03-2018, 09:25 AM

I called Jayco months ago and was told it's 1/2 inch pex

wags999 · 04-03-2018, 11:13 AM

Sharkbite fittings are great but pricey. At some point, especially if you have PEX at your stick and brick, it may make sense to purchase the tool to use crimp rings. Pex fittings cost a fraction of the sharkbite fittings.

Mr&MrsSmith · 04-03-2018, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wags999

Sharkbite fittings are great but pricey. At some point, especially if you have PEX at your stick and brick, it may make sense to purchase the tool to use crimp rings. Pex fittings cost a fraction of the sharkbite fittings.

I completely agree! I couldn't believe the price when grabbing my assortment.

We had the water pump worked at the dealership before taking delivery, they used the PEX piping, but put on standard hose clamps because of the tight spacing. I ended up using brass on my repairs since it was the piece that connected to the hose. I was thinking rigidity. We will see.

ifallsguy · 04-03-2018, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wags999

Sharkbite fittings are great but pricey. At some point, especially if you have PEX at your stick and brick, it may make sense to purchase the tool to use crimp rings. Pex fittings cost a fraction of the sharkbite fittings.

The thing to consider is the $60+ cost of the tool. Sharkbite is available on Amazon and at home supply stores.

I picked up two couplers, a Tee, removal tool and a 5 foot stick of 1/2 inch pex at Lowes for $27.

I agree if you have either a lot of issues with your RV plumbing and/or pex in your hard mounted home, it might be worth buying the tool.

wags999 · 04-03-2018, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr&MrsSmith

I completely agree! I couldn't believe the price when grabbing my assortment.

We had the water pump worked at the dealership before taking delivery, they used the PEX piping, but put on standard hose clamps because of the tight spacing. I ended up using brass on my repairs since it was the piece that connected to the hose. I was thinking rigidity. We will see.

Standard hose clamps wont work with pex. Pex piping is pretty ridged and you can't get enough clamping pressure with the standard hose clamps. It may work in the short term but once you get pressure on it, it will leak. The clamping pressure of the pex fittings are many times more than a screw clamp.

Mr&MrsSmith · 04-03-2018, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wags999

Standard hose clamps wont work with pex. Pex piping is pretty ridged and you can't get enough clamping pressure with the standard hose clamps. It may work in the short term but once you get pressure on it, it will leak. The clamping pressure of the pex fittings are many times more than a screw clamp.

All the things you learn with something new. I took the guys word for it. He was the technician that did the actual work. No leaks at the hose clamps yet. Knock, knock.

I saw the tool when buying my supplies and I have no idea how I would have gotten that into the area for the repairs.

**norty1** · 04-03-2018, 12:14 PM

I purchased this tool at Lowes for $12 bucks. It's great for a quick repair, Not for a big job. I carry it with me and have used it for repairs a few times. You have to provide your own Lock Grip pliers.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Superior-To...Pliers/3139743

Mr&MrsSmith · 04-03-2018, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norty1

I purchased this tool at Lowes for $12 bucks. It's great for a quick repair, Not for a big job. I carry it with me and have used it for repairs a few times. You have to provide your own Lock Grip pliers.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Superior-To...Pliers/3139743

This is perfect for the space I worked in. I will see if my local Lowes has one today as I have a sprinkler leak at home...it is always something.

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