Cold weather and Trailer PEX water lines

[Joe ricard]

much to my surprise I discovered a couple cracked /split water lines in my 5er while getting ready for a camping trip next month. 2004 model year I noticed the PEX lines are different looking compared to the new PEX-A I got from local home improvement store.

It was also obvious the Previous owner had some such problem in the same area of the water heater in the basement. He used some shark bite fittings to replace some of the lines. Anyway we are now going to be in the 20's again tonight and I plan to put a ceramic 150W heater element I used to use in my Bearded Dragon tank in the basement.

Oh and prior to storing over the prior cold spell I did or at least thought I drained out all the water lines. Must be some trick I need to learn

[hamm2018]

On your 2004 model look for low point drains for the water system. These should be 2 drain lines hanging below the underbelly. These are used to drain the water lines. To drain the water heater, you need to remove the plug/anode rod and open the relief valve.

You said temps will be in the 20's, what 20's, 21 or 29? It also makes a difference of how long it is going to be that cold. If it is going to be 29 for
2-hours is different than being 24 for 2-hours.

Also, if you have water in the fresh tank, it may be drained.

[MFL]

You said drained water lines, rather than blew out the water lines; so that may be what you are missing?

Normally pex water lines are quite forgiving, as far as freeze protection. If the pex actually split, I'd be concerned about other fittings, faucets, and toilet. Hope you are lucky, and get by with an easy repair!

[Joe ricard]

Hamm, Since I live south of I-10 anything below 40 is freakin freezing for me. But I see your point and should be only for a few hours.

MFL I did not blow out pipes. but that explains why there is an Air compressor fitting rubber tipped with trigger in the bucket of "things" left behind from Previous owner.

I also noticed the old piece of tubing is shark bite branded. I bent it not real far and it snapped in half. I did the same thing with new PEX-A and it just kept bending. the shark bit pieces and only a few with the rest of the tubing being stock trailer (original).

On the good side of thing I have a new spiffy PEX crimper and a bag of rings. Might go get another 10 ft section of PEX-A and some assorted fitting for the tool kit.

[jacwjames]

When I winterize I drain all the lines and tanks and then blow the air lines with a large compressor set to ~35psi, needed for the air volume. I start by opening one faucet and the go around opening one and closing the last one. Do this multiple time, takes 30-45 minutes.

[Argosy]

You need Pex B tubing for your crimper and rings.

Pex A fittings are larger and the sealing method is different. The two systems components aren't interchangeable.

[Joe ricard]

I understand what you mean. But the tubing is labeled PEX-A the crimps, fittings and tool are all labeled PEX-A.

[TB673]

The PEX pipe is relatively forgiving, but if your rig is plumbed with plastic PEX fittings, that will most likely be the failure points if frozen.
When I winterize (with antifreeze), I leave all faucets open to give the liquid someplace to expand when the temps drop.
By the way PEX A pipe needs to be expanded with a tool to get the PEX A fittings inserted into the pipe.
PEX B fittings can be used with both PEX A and PEX B pipe.

Tim

[Urbanhermit]

Wait a sec -- did Pex pipe split? From its first appearance on the market it has been the pipe of choice, almost exclusively, for all the stilt-built buildings in our area of the Gulf Coast and inland flood areas. I was told by a knowledgeable person that if water freezes in Pex, it will make a balloon that can be struck with a hammer without damage to the pipe. However I've been unaware of a second generation of Pex. Is that just a different fitting system or is there a difference in the chemistry of the pipe itself?

[shootist]

The pex b copper rings will leak after several freezings. The pex b stainless
Pinch clamps will not leak. As others mentioned the fittings are the most vulnerable, brass being the most susceptible to cracking.