Pex water leaks
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12072
Printed Date: 19 May 2025 at 6:26am
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Topic: Pex water leaks
Posted By: SC for Huskers
Subject: Pex water leaks
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2018 at 9:22am
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I have a Jan. 2017 172 Pod, and I have had 3 water leaks. First was a pex fitting at the water pump, second was the P trap on kitchen sink, and now the third is the pex fitting on cold water of the shower faucet. On the water pump I used a standard automotive (1/4"?) hose clamp because I figured there wouldnt be any real pressure to worry about. But now on the shower, there is a constant higher pressure. I can cut the pex clamp off with a Dremel, and then replace it with what, another pex (expensive tool) or a hose clamp? Leaving on a trip in 2 weeks, so I cant take it to the shop. ( Don't trust them anyhow) What would you do? Thanks for any input. Tom ------------- Happy Traveling, Tom 2017 172pod 2011 F150 STX |
Replies:
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2018 at 9:42am
The more important question is, "What would MacGyver do?"  You may be able to use a Sharkbite connector. Have a look @ https://www.homedepot.com/b/Plumbing-Pipes-Fittings-Push-to-connect-Fittings-Connectors/N-5yc1vZbux3/Ntk-brandsearch/Ntt-sharkbite?NCNI-5N-5yc1vZbqpfZ4n3 - https://www.homedepot.com/b/Plumbing-Pipes-Fittings-Push-to-connect-Fittings-Connectors/N-5yc1vZbux3/Ntk-brandsearch/Ntt-sharkbite?NCNI-5N-5yc1vZbqpfZ4n3 Other than that I (MiniMacGyver) would use flexible reinforced hose (HD) and hose clamps. I would also not leave water pump on unattended and make sure you use a pressure limiter if using city water hookup. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: SC for Huskers
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2018 at 10:16am
Between Post and now, I found after removing faucet assembly, 1st. the faucet had been removed once before because of two addition screw holes on the right side of shower wall. 2nd, there is weight on the cold water side causing pipe to settle almost out of sight, 3rd. they used RTV silicone on the inside of the washer of the female fittings. (Guess it was Monday morning or Friday payday when my unit was built) Hate to think I may have to remove refrigerator to get to back side of bathroom. I will not disregard the Flex hose solution and will keep an eye on the pump. Thanks and keep them coming. ------------- Happy Traveling, Tom 2017 172pod 2011 F150 STX |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2018 at 11:55am
I have to second Fred's post. Although I'm not a big fan of Sharkbite in mobile applications I do have one in an a limited accessibility location and it's working fine. It's very important to use a pressure regulator in the city water input and turn off both pump and city water connection when you leave your camper unattended. Imagine what a failed hose clamp can do with unlimited city water available. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: SC for Huskers
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2018 at 12:04pm
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This is what I have found so far. The crimp tool is $65.00  and the replacement fitting that may be the real culprit is "https://www.homedepot.com/p/3-8-in-Brass-PEX-Barb-x-1-2-in-Female-Swivel-90-Elbow-UC531LFA/202270571 " (sorry,, don't know how to make that a link) and has 1 star rating, the washer seems to leak. Anyone had this problem with MAYBE a leaking washer? Forceps won't pull the washer out. So far, havent been able to find a flex hose to attach to Pex pipe. ------------- Happy Traveling, Tom 2017 172pod 2011 F150 STX |
Posted By: Ben Herman
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2018 at 5:03pm
| I used Sharkbite fittings to tap into a water line in my (former) house to install a supply line for a fridge ice-maker. Had no problems with it, seems that the ticket to them is following instructions carefully in terms of depth of pipe insertion, etc. In that instance I cut into the copper and used pex for new supply tubing. Water pressure from pump is not that high and as long as you have a regulator on city water line you should be good (following others advice on shutting off supply when leaving is always a good idea). |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2018 at 5:31pm
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Same here, I used a "SharkBite" to install a sink in basement, works great, not convinced I want that in an RV. Different set of circumstances. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: Ben Herman
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2018 at 5:57pm
What would you suggest? I'm not real keen on the crimp clamps that they use in the RPod original plumbing installs, would like to know what the best alternative might be. Going to change out my kitchen faucet and could use some suggestions.
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Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2018 at 6:18pm
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My 178 did not come with an outside shower box. When I installed I used hose clamps and tees, it has never leaked. I do use a pressure regulator. I check it at the start and end of every season. Not a drop. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 8:10am
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I have used a lot of PEX cinch clamps in Pods. Not one has leaked. When done by someone who isn't on the clock and being paid by the piece, they work and install well. DO NOT buy them at Lowes.. Amazon is your friend. I paid like $25 for my tool and 50 various sized clamps.I wouldn't put a sharkbite anywhere I couldn't see it all the time, but that's just me. Many of the older campers I have worked on had plain old worm gear hose clamps, some obviously for decades, not leaking. Some even had green water hose repairs, but that's another issue. LOL. If I was doing a repair in a tight space, where getting the PEX tool and clamp in place wasn't happening, a hose clamp would be my #2 option. ------------- |
Posted By: crankster78
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 8:54am
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Greetings I bought a hex clamp tool at my local Menards. I'm sure Home depot has them. You can buy the clamps for all the sizes of hex pipe. I live in a double wide, which is all hex piping and have used the tool to change the lines for my water heater. The clamp tool is a good investment and I would not depend on hose clamps. The tool is easy to use as long as you get the pipe all the way on the fitting. Hex piping is very tough stuff and will take a fair amount of expansion and abuse. It's being used more and more for house plumbing because of the ease of installation. Crankster78 ------------- Crankster 78 R-179 2015 |
Posted By: crankster78
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 8:59am
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greetings I meant PEX not hex Crankster78 ------------- Crankster 78 R-179 2015 |