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12-21-2020, 03:45 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Flagstaff
Posts: 3
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Low point cap replacement question
Hi all! I believe my hot low point line is leaking from the fitting (see pic). It drips a little making the pump run periodically. Probably because I have overtightened the caps and should have used some thread sealant tape.. so I wanna take care of it and I’m thinking I would like to just replace the fitting and cap with a valve like the link at bottom.
I’m posting because I’m not very familiar working with PEX tube.. what kind of fitting is on there already? and can I adjust it at all. Maybe I can just epoxy putty it as a quick fix... any suggestions or thoughts?
If there isn’t something super easy to be done I’m thinking I’ll cut the tube and install the drain valves and maybe screw clamps.
Thanks!!
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-22223-D...8594161&sr=8-3
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12-21-2020, 04:07 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 979
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You could use what’s shark bites. Sold at lows and Home Depot
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Bob/Kay
Jacksonville, Nc
2020 Keystone Cougar 5th wheel 29 rks traded now
2021 3761 fl Montana 5th wheel
Pulled with a 2022 F350 King Ranch
Retired LEO after 35 years just enjoying life now.
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12-21-2020, 06:38 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,238
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If the fitting isn’t cracked, then the washer inside has probably failed. I call them “volcano” washers but I’m sure there is a technical name.
You could cut the ends and install “shark bite” (brand) fittings with valves. 1/2” is what your looking for.
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2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.
Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
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12-21-2020, 07:06 PM
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#4
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Bellevue
Posts: 22
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I installed the SharkBite Polymer 1/2-in PEX Barb Ball Valve when my end caps leaked. A pair were about $10 at Lowes.
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Robert & Penny
2018 Cougar 310RLS
2017 Ford F350 6.7L SRW
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12-21-2020, 08:28 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Picacho, Az
Posts: 6,809
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By the looks of the differing amounts of exposed threads on each line I'd guess you've either crushed the "volcano" washer or lost it. The washers are available at any home improvement store selling pex, you may want to pick up a new cap & a couple washers to have as spares, most all of the pex fittings will have the same washer.
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Full-timed 10+ years
Sold '13 Redwood FB
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Replacement undetermined
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12-21-2020, 08:47 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 2,899
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A while back, I bought this tool from Amazon, and it works great. https://www.amazon.com/IWISS-Fasteni...%2C347&sr=8-10
The fittings and stainless steel crimp rings are available from Lowes.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/SharkBite-2...ing/1000182823
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Ecopoly-2-P...lve/1002562398
As time goes on, you will discover the tool and some rings, maybe a small assortment of simple fittings, will allow you to make quick and secure repairs. I don't think you will have much luck with a screw type clamp on PEX pipe because it is so hard and won't seal. The crimp tool and those rings exert quite a bit more squeeze than you will ever get with a screw clamp.
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Bob & Becky
2012 3402 Montana
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC
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12-22-2020, 05:31 AM
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#7
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Flagstaff
Posts: 3
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Thanks for the complete answers! Just what I was looking for, a “Volcano” washer is inside the cap now I understand. I bet it’s just crushed.
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12-22-2020, 06:58 AM
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#8
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Joppa, MD
Posts: 11,714
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Here's what I replaced mine with. https://www.amazon.com/Flair-16860-P...3&sr=8-16&th=1
A worm gear clamp will not work on PEX. You can cut off the fitting and use a Shark Bite 1/2" compression fitting with a valve. Use an alcohol prep wipe to wipe off the outside of the pipe about 2" to remove any possible debris. The PEX tool, while cost has come down I still don't own one. First the only PEX fitting in my world are in the camper as our house is all copper supply water. In the camper, the low point drains are the only fittings that the crimper could be used on. The other fittings are in cabinets or areas where the tool won't fit.
Those caps should only be tightened by hand. If you crank them down with pliers you'll most likely crack the cap and they'll never seal again.
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Marshall
2012 Laredo 303 TG
2010 F250 LT Super Cab, long bed, 4X4, 6.4 Turbo Diesel
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12-22-2020, 07:08 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Waco, Tx
Posts: 5,456
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As a note; you can also use the Flair-it fittings without having to carry tools, clamps and whatnot.. https://www.homedepot.com/b/Plumbing...toreSelection=
I carry an assortment of both Pex fittings, Flair-it along with a bag of Pex clamps and the crimping tool.. I rarely need it myself but I've become several people's momentary best friend because of my stash..
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2015 Ford F350 DRW 6.7 Diesel XL
2020 Avalanche 313 RS
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12-28-2020, 06:26 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: NE Ohio
Posts: 503
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I believe what you are referring to as "volcano" washers also called cone washers, are actually a (Elkhart 6435 Swivel Seal)
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2018 Cougar 26RBS
2016 Chevrolet 3500DRW D/A
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12-28-2020, 06:44 PM
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#11
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Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,601
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I've used several things on pex but and veered away from the "push on" shark bite fittings until a couple of weeks ago. IMO (unless it develops a leak) THAT is the way to go. Not cheap but quick and easy. Our plumber back home had suggested using them and now I can see why.
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Danny and Susan, wife of 56 years
2019 Ram 3500 Laramie CC SWB SB 6.4 4x4 4.10
2020 Montana High Country 331RL
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12-31-2020, 09:40 AM
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#12
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Romney Indiana
Posts: 91
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You could cut those off and install one-touch valves. This may be what previous folks referred to as shark-bite-I'm not sure. We used one touch fittings for everything but hydraulics in industry, they do well with everything from vacuum to 100+ psi air lines. Available at Lowes or Menards, I am tired of messing with pex fittings that are very difficult to take apart so have been gradually replacing with these. Watts brand Aqualock is what Menards sells, my trailer is all 1/2".
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12-31-2020, 10:23 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Qualicum Beach
Posts: 555
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RK1978
You could cut those off and install one-touch valves. This may be what previous folks referred to as shark-bite-I'm not sure. We used one touch fittings for everything but hydraulics in industry, they do well with everything from vacuum to 100+ psi air lines. Available at Lowes or Menards, I am tired of messing with pex fittings that are very difficult to take apart so have been gradually replacing with these. Watts brand Aqualock is what Menards sells, my trailer is all 1/2".
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It would help if you can provide a link to Amazon or Walmart or Menards
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2018 Keystone Montana 3811MS
2017 Ford F450 diesel dually
600AH Battle Born Lithium Batteries, 6x180 watt solar
3,000 watt hybrid inverter with 120A charger
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12-31-2020, 10:56 AM
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#14
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Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,601
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sonofcy
It would help if you can provide a link to Amazon or Walmart or Menards
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You may want to google both the Aqualock and Shark Bite push fittings. They both work essentially the same way. The selling point for the Aqualock it appears is that it doesn't require a little tool to remove the fitting as the Shark Bite, but, that is what worries me about them. If the little snap on retaining ring pops off could/would they come off? I don't know but you might want to look into the two. Like RK1978 I'm tired of messing with fitting that are a real pain to replace including the SharkBite connections using rings. I've not had any issues with the push type.
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Danny and Susan, wife of 56 years
2019 Ram 3500 Laramie CC SWB SB 6.4 4x4 4.10
2020 Montana High Country 331RL
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12-31-2020, 03:21 PM
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#15
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Lil West of PDX
Posts: 67
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bobbecky
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thanks for the info... im a bit new to PEX tubing... PVC sure.
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2020 2900RLWE Keystone Passport
2018 Ram 2500
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01-01-2021, 12:28 PM
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#16
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Idaho
Posts: 7
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It appears that you have 1/2 pex, with a 1/2 npt adapter and a 1/2 npt cap. Exactly like a huge majority of travel trailers. You can, as the option i took, remove that cap, use a little Teflon tape and replace the cap with a "1/2 pvc ball valve, 1/2 female npt". It'll thread right on to what you have without cutting anything and also they are generally under 5 dollars at most local hardware stores.
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01-01-2021, 03:09 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Monroeville
Posts: 1,548
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I got these for mine:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Apollo-1...212S/301921260
if you have the volcano washers in there, those are NOT available at any home center. I searched high and low. So I just screwed that valve on there (with teflon tape) and now I also have a quick valve type drain as well. Should screw right on and you can have the whole problem solved in less than 2 minutes. Been using for over a year on my hot/cold water drains, and just installed on my FW tank last month.
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2014 Bullet Premier 29bh in Charocal
2019 Ram 2500 HD 4x4, CC, 6.4L
2011 Passport 2510RB (Sold)
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09-07-2023, 11:50 AM
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#18
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2023
Location: Disputanta
Posts: 1
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PEX vs Quest
FYI - Just went to Lowes and the "plumber" there told me that the fitting is Quest not PEX
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09-07-2023, 01:17 PM
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#19
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Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,601
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CooplaKu
FYI - Just went to Lowes and the "plumber" there told me that the fitting is Quest not PEX
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What was the "plumber" referring to? Quest pipe (polybutylene) was banned in 1995 and the OP's trailer is 2017.
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Danny and Susan, wife of 56 years
2019 Ram 3500 Laramie CC SWB SB 6.4 4x4 4.10
2020 Montana High Country 331RL
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09-07-2023, 06:33 PM
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#20
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,846
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CooplaKu
FYI - Just went to Lowes and the "plumber" there told me that the fitting is Quest not PEX
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Lowe's carries the brand name "John Guest" fittings in their plumbing department as one selection for "PEX fittings"... Is that possibly what the "Lowe's Plumber" was referring to ??? Guest fittings are "push on fittings" similar to and a competitor of Shark-Bite fittings.
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John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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