Thank you for speaking so clearly on this subject. Even information that may appear basic to you may be quite informative to those just starting out in the lifestyle. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "popupbackpack-20"; Polyurethane sealant! Thats because the water lines in most RVs are plastic PEX pipe. Its been that way for 62 years. Mine water inlet was leaking badly and wouldn't tighten up for love nor money. The metal is not forgiving and can chew up a plastic fitting. If it is too tight the threads will stretch and the same problems will arise. Now they find themselves in need. amzn_assoc_linkid = "b0e1bc428dbd12fe7991d919d28640b1"; Youll need thread sealant for the part of the nipple that goes into the water heater. Lots of great advice, as usual, so I'll be trying some of your suggestions. They are less expensive than quick-connect fittings. Quick stop to the RV parts store and I had a new one that matched 100% to the old one. Here are a couple of styles particularly useful to RVers when it comes to plumbing: The assembled tubing inserted into the fitting. Not too many plumbers make RV house calls. Anyone having same issues, past year my hot water pressure has decreased to a trickle cold water pressure normal. oh, yes I was thinking of is there a shut off that I can install. Were on a cross-country road trip and are using our fresh water tank and pump until were docked long enough to investigate. Replaced it and the problem went away. Patrick, FIP is Female Iron Pipe, otherwise known as NPT-F or sometimes FPT. Others include adapters that allow you to shift from one size of tubing to another. Ive run out of things to check. Make sure you get them long enough. A simpler fix for any DIY that follows details and precautions and in many Rvs the plumbing is easily accessible(if your body allows working under ANY sink). This happened to me once and it resulted in the water inlet fitting cracking just inside the wall. 
+10 that LHC plastic fitting is excellent, and a pair of pliers are going to deform/damage the brass fitting. 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. Flex hose needed on new city water inlet/pressure regulator? Do campgrounds increase the pressure as they get more campers? amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "popupbackpack-20"; 
BTW, we live in Palm Springs, CA and the trailer will NEVER be in freezing temps! pray! 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. The good news is you can skip the tool altogether. Hand tight and turn a 1/4 turn is something I often see. Trailer: Escape 21, behind an '02 F250 7.3 diesel tug. Makes toilet repairs much simpler going forward. Braided vinyl Great tip. I thought possibly condensation, nope. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; water rv inlet doityourselfrv leaky deal . DONT even bump them). So it is probably a good idea to keep a few spares on hand. 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). Made a world of difference for me. I did come to the conclusion that it is from the water hose connection, it felt wet but why? Thanks. I was able to secure the water lines before I tightened it down. 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. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates in any way. If that rubber cone washer is deformed or damaged, water can leak past it to the threads and drip onto the floor. So I appreciate the advice and help now and if I could just be a contortionist it would be a bit easier. Plumbing is not so much complicated, just easy to make poor repairs and with grave consequence. 
I take great pride in tackling mechanical issues that many women I know would not attempt. washing machine hose leaking hoses install connection leaks connections fill I am a pro at this now so if there are any questions please feel free to ask. In many cases, a break or leak in an RV water supply line is often a literal snap to repair. Your email address will not be published. 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. I had the regulator leak when my AS was brand new. 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. While working on water lines, you just need a tool to cut the PEX tubing itself. So it makes sense to keep a few of these seals on hand, if you can find them. Yup, I cut that darn thing nice and square and a split second after I cut it then dawned on me how the heck am I going to get this back on?. Rule # 1; Reduce the number of connection fittings. 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. Ed. Even hose clamps have torque specs. Thats an untenable situation, especially for snowbirds. Just take it off and bring it with you.
What?
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. My 83 Coachmen had alot of water damage on the floor from other owners so Im working on that. Recreational vehicles need a lot of maintenance. I could not find the correct plastic fitting at any hardware store. I got rid of all the pex. In some cases it was the tenth youtube video that gave me the confidence to move forward. The only thing i am 95% sure of is it happens when I use the hot water heater (am and pm for dishes and showers). All Rights Reserved. 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.
In my case I replaced the whole part and that solved the leak. Now I always disconnect the water line if nighttime temps are going to be down around freezing. Not only is aluminum soft (easy to damage the threads), but when connected to other types of metal such as brass, steel, etc. 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. Maybe even comment on what you were looking to see. There are a series of waterlines in an RV and ensuring quality tubing is recommended. Were on a cross-country road trip and are waiting until we dock for an extended period before we investigate. This isnt brain surgery. At what point did RV manufacturers start using pex? So, what are advantages of this?
Camping Chair From Trippy Outdoor Is Rugged, Innov 10 Best Outer Banks Campgrounds For RVers. Nothing like taking cold showers! My standard advice for plumbing proceed at your own risk. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. So I had thought that by taking the hotline and the cold line out completely it would be easier to work with. There are many of us out here who would appreciate it. Water ran down between inside and outside wall and came out underneath trailer. rv camping tips travel trailer living trailers generator water campers camper diy hacks sewer hose stuff david mounting simple site Perhaps this helps. I too had the flush valve spring a microscopic leak in the seam. Its what the hose attaches too. Trailer: 2018, 21ft escape 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie, Using a pair of channel locks to tighten the water connection is a sure way to bend the brass fitting causing it to leak, I find that wearing a pair of rubber-coated work gloves instead of channel lock pliers and plumber's tape works 99% of the time when tightening hose connections to stop any. Hose clamps made it simple as possible, they have been used on heater hoses for years. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Your not alone! Plus it is gravely inaccurate by claiming that plumbing is easily accessible in RVs. tank grey water disassemble caulk 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. It is possible that some hard water residue has blocked the fitting.
So I tried and of course, I couldnt get enough pressure on it. leaking oct And replacing a PEX fitting requires specialized tools. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; I had the regulator leak when my AS was brand new. Now at least I know some specifics, so I can head off for the 3rd time now to lowes and HD to at least get the right parts.
However, I found a package of 6 on Amazon for under $10. Im a DIYer and found the article extremely valuable. If your leak is running down the outside and is visible at the hose connection, make sure it is not being overtightened causing the gasket to push up into the end of the hose. Something I should have done a long time ago. To clarify, the pex fittings were only used on pex hose and the worm gear clamps only used on white Camco hose. rv sewer hose storage water mobile dump gray joys class 5th wheel tank Currently on the first week of an 8- week cross-country trip in our 2008 Classic Limited. 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? 2012-2022 Nick Gatel. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; Probably be out on Amazon. Further, two sizes are used, 3/8-inch and -inch. I am in a 2002 and still have pretty drastic water pressure limits that I would like to get away from. An easy test if try another hose. I usually go with a PVC pipe cutter, which makes a clean edge and can be used on PVC pipe as well. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Although it seems that some readers may have those talents. Quarter turn ball valves. Whether its the roof or the plumbing the saying is not will it leak, but when? 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.
I am a widow and have to do a lot of things for myself.. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; Almost reassurance, proceed with caution. 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.. PEX tubing in homes is color-coded for hot and cold. Inside the fitting can be male or female pipe thread. Try some silicone thread tape and a pressure reducer even if you replace the city water inlet. in walls, and under floors. I bought a 3 years old 5th wheel and found several leaks in the plumbing behind the dividing wall in the basement. Seems like after every trip there is some little thing that needs repair. These pipes are sized by the approximate size of the inside of the pipe. The rest of us poor ignorant fools appreciate back to basic type articles like these so that we can make sure we are headed in the correct direction or learn the basics. It takes some of the stress of the heavy hose off the trailer connector, which can cause a leak. So, I consider myself a DIYer. Ive seen braided vinyl tubing freeze, thaw & still not leak. why be such an . Anyway Thanks again Ed and Blessings to you and your family! Again, new to this type of camping. Also, PEX is inexpensive. They are simply writing for their audience. rv toilet ruin leaky problems let trip road don water valve camping hacks plumbing shut hose If you are indeed as well versed as you believe that you are then perhaps sharing some of that knowledge would be a better way to express yourself. Water ran down between inside and outside wall and came out underneath trailer.
Each one is a potential future leak. it stays dry for hours then randomly there is a puddle. Be careful when you solder the pipes not to start a fire. If it aint broke, dont fix it, while under there(DONT THINK, well, while Im under here lets tighten all of these other fittings too. Another important consideration is the water tank is made of aluminum. Cleaned up and monitored it. After all else failed, I installed a new city water inlet assy and -- voila! 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.
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. Unfortunately, it is the state of our world. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; 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. 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. Not enough for even a shorty screw driver. jeannie I wanted 16 1/2 x 1/2 but they didnt have any. whats your water pressure?
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. Very much success! Additionally, the Watts fittings allow you to attach to a host of other plumbing materials, including copper and CPVC. I would have to source the parts (and spares) once we got home.
Im an engineer with RV manufacturing (Safari Motorcoaches) experience and concur with your assessment of the article. I m DIY and when it comes to plumbing for my RV its usually a nightmare before its finished. forums water airstream tank gantt streaming Some of the larger stores sell other brands of fittings, and of course, price comparing is the order of the day. I must have had 20 leaks, bad water heater, furnace and refrigerator in my chipmunk condo aka 83 Coachmen. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Your critique of the article is a bit harsh. It can be a bit difficult to maneuver your hands in place to shove the tubing onto the fitting and to tighten the nut. And yes indeed it was. The water in fitting was one of those ones that flare as you tighten.
All I saw that it said was 1/2 x 1/2 x 20 grabbed two and took off( well I paid for them first then took off). Maybe next time they will.Steve.
I could not find a picture of a plastic one similar to mine. Want to add a shut-off valve to turn the water off to your toilet (or whatever) without shutting down the whole RV supply? But on valves the threads are straight (not tapered). amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Next project may be the windows scraping and resealing/caulking them. windjammer rockwood 3006wk forestriverforums water dripping from city water hose attachment location when NOT hooked up to city wa, Leak in belly, by city water inletHELP, Airstream Trailer & Motorhome Owners Community, Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1. Whats more is the quick-connect fittings and the plastic compression fittings will connect directly to polybutylene tubing. All rights reserved, Early Mojave Halloween: Witches & Spiders. I would guess that almost every recreational vehicle with a water heater has either a Suburban or an Atwood brand water heater. Rule #4 ; Do not over-tighten a plastic compression fitting the fitting will crack, and usually where it can not be seen and leak! I redid the plumbing in my 83 Coachman.
The new sharkbite series are OD fitting and o-ring sealing compression-(less) fittings that are intended for tubing.