Need help repairing water line.

[Bo]

We have a 2001 class C motorhome that has the new style blue and red plastic water lines. Termination at fittings appear to have a copper band crimping the pipe to the fitting. The copper band is smooth with no apparent crushing or crimping to clamp the pipe to fitting. We have a defective low point drain valve that I need to replace and I'm at a loss at how the valve can be removed from the line short of cutting the line, which I do not want to do. I could use some education on these pipes and thier ternmination at fittings or fixtures. What kind of special tools do I need to repair these lines?

Thanks for your help.

[Bo]

We have a 2001 class C motorhome that has the new style blue and red plastic water lines. Termination at fittings appear to have a copper band crimping the pipe to the fitting. The copper band is smooth with no apparent crushing or crimping to clamp the pipe to fitting. We have a defective low point drain valve that I need to replace and I'm at a loss at how the valve can be removed from the line short of cutting the line, which I do not want to do. I could use some education on these pipes and thier ternmination at fittings or fixtures. What kind of special tools do I need to repair these lines?

Thanks for your help.

[Don (W5IT)]

Bo, these bands area crimped by a special tool. The bands can be cut and removed if you are REAL careful. But I usually just cut the lines and add a splice to get the correct length.


You would still need the crimping tool to crimp the new bands after the valve is changed.


BTW, the tool will cost you between $150.00 and $200.00. I know because I had to buy one a few years ago. (For our repair shop)

Don

[RV Wizard]

Bo, since you are want to replace a low point drain valve, you could chacnge over to another style of fitting at that point. There are several brands that will work with the pipe. Flair-It has a compression type that you tighten with a nut and even a new one that I think is also by Flair-It that just pushes on the the pipe that uses "O" rings and barbs that grab on the outside of the pipe to hold it on.

[Hitchhiker]

Bo,

As an alternative to the professional grade crimping tool Don is referring to, there's also a block crimper available. I bought one for $50 to make a repair when one of my pipes froze and broke.



The system is called 'Pex' and the pipe, ferrules, etc can be purchased online from PexConnection.com.

[Bo]

Thanks for the info. While I take pride in doing things myself I decided that this job was best done by someone with the correct tools and experience. Repair is scheduled for Friday. I will be watching to see how a pro does the repair.