RADAR~~you are off to the typical start, finding what needs to be fixed!

My grandson is working with the same problem. For starters, I would suggest blowing out the entire system, draining all tanks before you get a freeze. Then abandon all lines and replace with the most recent semi-flexible plastic line. I know it is not polybutylene, but a successor to that without the toxicity. Run 1/2 inch piping. At this point, I join you: I am not smart about plumbing.

You'll have lots of fun and get a lot of satisfaction out of doing things yourself. You are off to a great start.

Donald