Community Forums

zinom · 07-27-2017, 12:39 PM

The 1/2" flare pex T fitting that that has a 1/4" threaded stem for a 1/4" threaded valve to connect to the refrigerator water line has cracked I am unable to find a source anywhere. Any ideas?

BFlinn181 · 07-27-2017, 02:35 PM

I've not heard of flare fittings being used on PEX tubing. They are usually fastened by compression rings fastened on with special clamping tools. Since those tools are expensive, for small repairs many people use 'Sharkbite' fittings available at home improvement stores. I suggest you search the aisles of a local store to find a Sharkbite fitting or combination of fittings that will do the job.

wolfe10 · 07-27-2017, 02:38 PM

Is this it? If not, can you post a picture:

https://www.ebay.com/i/322472558221?chn=ps&dispItem=1

DrDaveMA · 07-27-2017, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

I've not heard of flare fittings being used on PEX tubing. They are usually fastened by compression rings fastened on with special clamping tools. Since those tools are expensive, for small repairs many people use 'Sharkbite' fittings available at home improvement stores. I suggest you search the aisles of a local store to find a Sharkbite fitting or combination of fittings that will do the job.

Bob, the OP has an Alpine coach. WRV did many things in a different way than other manufacturers, with water lines they used a flared/compression/threaded fitting (called Flare-it) like Wolfe10 shows in his posting below.

https://www.ebay.com/i/322472558221?chn=ps&dispItem=1[/QUOTE]

These fittings do not use a special clamping tool and are not fastened by a compression ring.

BFlinn181 · 07-27-2017, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrDaveMA

Bob, the OP has an Alpine coach. WRV did many things in a different way than other manufacturers, with water lines they used a flared/compression/threaded fitting (called Flare-it) like Wolfe10 shows in his posting below.

https://www.ebay.com/i/322472558221?chn=ps&dispItem=1

These fittings do not use a special clamping tool and are not fastened by a compression ring.[/QUOTE]

Is the tubing then true PEX or another type of plastic? Plastic fittings like those pictured on Ebay that are only hand tightened could be a source of leaking as they vibrate and jiggle down the road.