Community Forums

CJ7365 · 01-03-2017, 06:27 PM

Was thinking about this as I was organizing my tool/spare parts.

Does anyone carry a pex crimping tool, extra bands and pipe to make repairs?

Was wondering if anyone has had a leak, where these would come in handy.

My house has pex pipe, along with a manifold where I can shut off a specific pipe if it develops a leak.

My RV has pex pipe but does not have a manifold.

jacwjames · 01-03-2017, 07:00 PM

The problem with the plumbing in the motorhomes is that is was installed before the coach was built on top of it. It would be nearly impossible to get a pex tool on most of the fittings.

In a pinch I can always use small hose clamps to get by and fix permanent when I get home.

I am currently building a SB house and will use pex. I thought about installing a manifold to isolate different zones. A smaller one would work to isolate 6-7 different areas. Possibly make it easier to winterize if we ever intend to leave for extended periods.

ralphie · 01-03-2017, 07:06 PM

Yea, after my first leak LOL.

mrt_1111 · 01-03-2017, 07:13 PM

I carry the crimper, crimp rings, fitting, pipe and a spare water pump

RV-Writer · 01-03-2017, 07:14 PM

On my 98 HR endeavor, the low point shut off valve leaks. I asked the dealer to fix it but asked for a quote. 250$ - told them to forget it. I will buy a new shut off valve, cut the pex and put in a new one - cost about 15 bucks. So yep, I will have pex tools with me

Sweetbriar · 01-03-2017, 07:16 PM

Yes I do carry the tool and extra crimps only because the coach is the only thing I own that has Pex. House is CPVC and copper. I can get to all the potable water lines except for a couple of feet under the shower pan and supply to the shower valves.

C-PHartley · 01-03-2017, 07:28 PM

Home Depot carries a smaller crimper that works with a pair of Vice Grips to squeeze the tool around the ring. It has worked for me in a pinch and doesn't take up much space. I hope the helps.

Sent from my iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum

Rossi6998 · 01-03-2017, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrt_1111

I carry the crimper, crimp rings, fitting, pipe and a spare water pump

Ditto!

4x4van · 01-03-2017, 07:37 PM

Why bother with the crimp type fittings and crimper? PEX compression fittings have been available for at least 10+ years that simply screw together:
https://www.doitbest.com/categories/...ssion-fittings
My entire MH is plumbed with them (it's an '04 Itasca).
Or even easier, just carry a few Sharkbite type; straight, elbow, T, etc. for any repair issue that comes up.

phranc · 01-03-2017, 07:44 PM

I carry a few Shark Bite fittings , some straight , some ells . Good for connecting pex. They even come with the male or female pipe thread .
A little pricy but work very well and a snap to use if needed . If I should need some serious repair I would stop at Home depot/lowes and purchase supplies .. Now that the vice grip style crimper is available I might carry one and a few rings ..

kustom · 01-03-2017, 07:48 PM

what size tool do you use ? i just looked on line and see 3/8 1/2 & 3/4 in crimpers ?

Roosters 67 · 01-03-2017, 07:49 PM

Yes, crimper, bands, brass tees,elbows,plugs, 3/8-1/2 adapters and other assorted fittings for faucets,water heater, etc. Section of 1/2 and 3/8 PEX tubing. And a couple 3/8 sharkbite caps for the speedy emergency use.

Must be the Ole Boy Scout in me, Be Prepared.

CJ7365 · 01-03-2017, 08:24 PM

I do carry a couple of the shark bite fittings, but think ill purchase a kit because I could also use it on the house plumbing as well.

I have noticed too, it looks to be a real pain to get to some of the fittings.

Here is the kit I am going to get.

Come with 1/2" and 3/4" rings, it also has the small pex crimper head
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GPA36FO...ing=UTF8&psc=1

777 Driver · 01-03-2017, 08:39 PM

I've experienced a cracked fitting on my PEX cold water system. I used SharkBite fittings to repair the leak. I first looked at buying a PEX crimping tool and the necessary parts to repair the leak. It became apparent to me that the location of the leak would make it extremely difficult to access the leak location with a crimping tool without significant disassembly. The SharkBite fitting was much easier to use than the PEX crimper would have been.

I hadn't seen the Flair-it adapters mentioned in a previous post. They look like they're worthy of further inspection.

For sure, if you're building a complete water supply system and have unobstructed access to the pipe locations, a PEX crimper and bands would make sense to me. Quick, easy, and economical (when you amortize the crimper cost over numerous connections). A complete water system with SharkBite connections would certainly be much more expensive.

It just doesn't seem like the best idea for an occasional leak repair in a potentially cramped location.

Take care,
Stu