Plumbing tubing and connectors

**JonS55** · 06-03-2009, 10:24 AM

My TM didn't do well over the winter and I've got a couple leaks. So I'm redoing some plumb. The tubing. My TM is a 1996. So whatever they used then. The tubing is clamped on with metal. I'm not sure how to repair the stuff or if I should just replace it.

mcgyver210 · 06-03-2009, 10:40 AM

I have a much newer one but it sounds like yours still used pex or something very similar. If it is you can buy the tools to fix it on eBay there is even a seller with a small tool for tight places. But remember there are differences in the rings/clamps used so you will need to make sure you have correct ones for tool used.

One more thing you can also use the Shark Bite fittings found at Home Depot to fix most plumbing issues in TM & around your house. I used them to install a Softener under the sofa bed. So far they are GREAT & haven't leaked even a drip. The best thing about them is they are removable/reusable which is what I needed for my softner since it will need to be recharged after every trip. I now keep some pex tubing & extra Shark Bites in trailer for those unforeseen repairs.

**ShrimpBurrito** · 06-03-2009, 10:40 AM

My 2000 TM has PEX tubing. If the leak is at a connection, the connection has to be replaced. You can remove the connection with a knife or Dremel or a special PEX removal tool. You will have to borrow, rent, or buy a crimp tool to attach new connections using PEX crimps, or, although I've never done it before, you can also use Sharkbite connectors. PEX is cheap, Sharkbite connectors are not, but if you only have a few connections, that's probably the way I'd go. You can get them about 50% off on eBay.

When installing new PEX, be sure you don't introduce any new low points, as that will make draining more difficult and more prone to freezing.

Dave

**Bill** · 06-03-2009, 02:37 PM

Mcgyver210 suggested the Shark Bites. They are kind of expensive at about $3 per fitting. But guess what? I happened to run into my plumber in the local Ace Hardware the other day, and we got to talking about the plumbing at my camp (that's Maine-speak for lakeside cottage). He walked me over to the plumbing aisle, pointed to the Shark Bites, and said "Bill, never fool with sweat fittings or glue fittings or crimp (PEX) fittings again. It just isn't worth it. Especially in tight quarters. PEX is wonderful if you have a lot of fittings to do, and the tools to do it with. But for a onesy-twosy, you can't do better than this. This is what you need."

This guy is young, he is VERY good, he has handled winterizing/summerizing my house in Maine for several years. I trust him implicitly.

Take it for what it is worth.

Bill

mcgyver210 · 06-03-2009, 04:25 PM

Yes I have recently purchased a Tankless Water Heater for our house & plan on using Shark Bites to install it since I have never been very good at Sweating Copper. The convenience is what you are paying for & it is worth it to me at least.

As I said I can also carry extra tubing & fittings for any repairs while on the road. They also haven't leaked at all & are very easy to remove & reinstall. Try doing that with a sweat joint.

**JonS55** · 06-03-2009, 04:50 PM

Thanks guys. I'm going to looking into the Sharkbites. First I have to reconnect the shower faucet and pressurize the system to see where the leak under the sink is coming from. The shower was obvious.

Next question. Can you mix sharkbite with Pex in the system? I've got a lot of connections and probably only have to replace a couple.

**ShrimpBurrito** · 06-03-2009, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonS55

Next question. Can you mix sharkbite with Pex in the system? I've got a lot of connections and probably only have to replace a couple.

Not sure what you mean. If you have 2 pieces of PEX that you want to connect, you can use a Sharkbite connector to join them. They come in tees, elbows, etc. What type of connector, such as a Sharkbite, you use at any particular junction has no impact on what kind of connectors you use at other junctions.

Dave

**JonS55** · 06-03-2009, 05:09 PM

thanks, that answers my question. Boy, the Sharkbite connectors sure aren't cheap.
I've got to measure my tubing. It looks like 1/2". Does that sound like standard TM?

**ShrimpBurrito** · 06-03-2009, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonS55

It looks like 1/2". Does that sound like standard TM?

That is what is in mine.

Dave

mcgyver210 · 06-03-2009, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonS55

thanks, that answers my question. Boy, the Sharkbite connectors sure aren't cheap.
I've got to measure my tubing. It looks like 1/2". Does that sound like standard TM?

No they aren't cheap but have you priced the tools to use pex crimps & also remember the pex tools need room to do their job the Sharks only need enough room to fit physically.

There are pluses & minuses to both but if you only need a few it wont make any difference really.