Subject: RE: [airstream] Plumbing problems.
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 1998 15:51:52 -0700
From: "Richard Keppler" rkeppler@telusplanet.net
Reply-To: airstream@h2eau.net
On Tue, 13 Oct 1998 12:45:19 PDT, Ron Witherspoon wrote:
As a fellow Canadian, I send along this advice. The 1/2 inch copper fittings in Canada did not fit the 1/2 inch copper pipe in my 74 Airstream. In talking to a dealer, he had run into this problem. The fix that I developed was to take a plastic compression fitting and a very fine round file, and create a larger fitting that will fit over the existing copper pipe in the
trailer. Only took 5 minutes once I got the idea.
If you have a lot of leaks, replace all the copper with the grey plastic pipe that is freeze rated. While at it put in a valve to isolate your hot water tank because some day it is going to start to leak.
Actually, there is a correction to make here. The copper pipe is the same OD and the fittings work fine. The problem is likely the lines have been frozen with water in them and have expanded the tubing. I am currently going through the above process myself and while most of the lines are fairly accessible, the two worst spots are behind the toilet in the corner (rear bathroom) and behind the tub in the other corner. What a bear of a place to get at the lines! I totally agree with Ron though. I am running short sections of copper right now to patch what I hope are the last two breaks, but I had decided prior to this to replace the whole system next spring or possibly earlier. I have read prior discussions on this and the split seems about 50/50 as to replacing the copper with copper or freeze rated plastic
pipe. The main problem with the copper is being able to bend it properly and soldering joints in tight low access spots. Soldering can be avoided if you wish by using brass compression fittings. The plastic is easier to work with but requires bulkier fittings to tie things together. Unfortunately, the
plastic tubing is going through a manufacturing process revision and the freeze rated stuff is not easily found locally and may not be available in the future. As well, the freeze rating is only for the tubing itself. Fittings are not included (junctions, tees, what have you) and of course the faucets, toilet, fresh and hot water tanks, etc must be clear of water.
Complete draining, blowdown and RV antifreezing is still a must! I figure that I will carefully think through the whole process before making a decision. Right now I just want it leak free so that I can properly blow down the lines and antifreeze everything properly.
Rick.