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Post by justing1976 on Jul 20, 2020 18:07:06 GMT -8
I recently replaced the propane-only water heater on my wife’s and my 1967 Kenskill. The copper piping in the trailer is not 1/2” but more closer to 9/16.”
On the cold water line, a 1/2” Shark Bite adapter fit, allowing me to complete the connection with pex to the water heater. However, on the hot water line, which appears to be the same size copper piping, no matter how much I try, there’s no way the Shark Bite adapter will slide on the copper deep enough to ensure the gasket is making a water-tight seal. Because of that, I can operate the water heater, but with the slightest of leaks.
Any solution(s) on how to fix that leak would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Justin
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Post by danrhodes on Jul 20, 2020 21:07:15 GMT -8
Wouldn't trust shark bites to plumb my outhouse. Even if they once worked, the fact that they are sold at home depot means they have been reduced to the lowest cost possible. I'd get the right fitting and solder or attach as originally intended.
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Post by vikx on Jul 20, 2020 21:11:30 GMT -8
Been there, done that. It's very frustrating.
The copper lines swell with age and the cold/warm cycles. I would replace any copper water lines with Pex. The copper lines love to split and leak as well.
I agree, Sharkbite are a bit iffy for a trailer. Bouncing down the road can't be good for them.
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Post by justing1976 on Jul 21, 2020 4:37:21 GMT -8
Thanks guys.
I intend to replace all the copper line with Pex, but not this summer. Because of the difficulties working with the Shark Bite, and now knowing that SB aren’t recommended for RV/trailer use, I am contemplating swapping out the SB fittings for Watts fittings.
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Post by vikx on Jul 21, 2020 10:49:06 GMT -8
Just remember that one line isn't a "normal" size and fittings would probably have to be adjustable. I'd say small radiator clamps and a coupler tube would work temporarily.
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WhitneyK
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'67 Shasta Compact
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Post by WhitneyK on Jul 23, 2020 7:49:51 GMT -8
Shark bite fittings are designed for sweat (rigid) copper, cpvc, & pex lines and work as intended.
Copper water line used in campers is flair copper.(soft) Big difference.
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roadtripper
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Post by roadtripper on Jul 23, 2020 11:26:04 GMT -8
My experience with shark bite is great, when used in my house and cabin, and pex to pex in my trailer. They are sold at Contractor plumbing supply outlets all over. I did just learn something about pex. There is an A grade, probably only available at that type of the supply. It is far superior to the pex sold at the hardware or Home Depot type stores. The A grade is used in the expansion type fittings, as opposed to the crimp type sold in hardware stores. The B grade will not recover near as well as the A. Especially after freezing, I’ve been told ( by a supplier in Montana).
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