RE: [SilverStreak] Pex Job and Propane Lights

["Bev Harris" <zia@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Mitch,

I don't know the answers to most of your questions, but I've just started 
working on my water lines after trying to collect lots of info.  I thought I was 
going to do crimp Pex.  Mostly because I thought that was the only way.  
However, the standard tools are HUGE, and inside my trailer, everywhere I 
need to make a connection is in a pretty small space.  I bought a small 
crimp tool that works with a vise grip -- but I think even that will be difficult in 
the spaces. 

As I wrote earlier today, I decided to go with the Watts Quick Connect.  I 
hooked up a little test just to make sure when I started fitting things together 
for real, I'd know whether I was capable of pushing the parts together, and 
2) I'd know what a good fit felt like.

I'm pleased.  The pieces go together quite easily.  I used plumbers sand 
paper to sand the paint off the existing copper pipe where the connection 
was to be made.  The pieces go together easily and can be removed and 
reused.  Thus if I use a part to test (like a cap), I can just remove it once I 
know the line holds pressures, and continue working.  No special tools 
except for cutting the pex and cutting the copper.

The Watts line of quick connectors advertises that you can rotate the fitting 
even with a line under pressure attached, and I found that to be true.  They 
also say they won't come loose due to vibration.  I hope that's true as well.  I 
found the parts at my local Ace.  Lowes seems to carry them too, but I'm not 
sure how much variety they carry.  

Bev

-----Original Message-----

> Greetings All,
> 
> 
> I finally hooked up the water line today to see what I have to work with.
> Water, water everywhere!! Looks like it will be easier to replace all the
> lines with Pex than to try to patch everything. Had a line unhooked to the
> shower, also had a line with a crack in the shower. Not real sure how the
> toilet line is connected or how to remove the toilet.
> 
> We have the rear bedroom and mid bath. The water lines crossing the body of
> the trailer to the toilet and vanity are laid on top of the floor and were
> covered by carpet. There are tapered pieces of wood on each side to make a
> little channel for the lines. Is this factory or has this been added at a
> later time?
> 
> What is the consensus on quick connect fittings versus the crimp type?
> 
> Looks like I have more of a project than I planned on. Was hoping to have
> her ready for the maiden voyage next week. I think I will still go but won't
> have the water system working, oh well.
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Mitch