Are The Red Lines In My Camper Hot Water Feeds?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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That hose is the

low point drain

in the cold (blue) and hot (red) water lines. They usually have caps for them. They must not have been reinstalled after the unit was winterized. Check with the RV dealer, they should be able to give you some.

What kind of water lines are in a camper?

Modern RVs use

PEX pipe or PEX tubing

. It is cheaper and easier to install than metal tubing. PEX tubing comes in all colors, but red tubes are normally used for hot water, and blue ones for cold water. Manufacturers, looking to cut costs, usually use a white tube for both hot and cold water.

How does the hot water system work in a travel trailer?

The first thing to know about RV water heaters is that they’re powered by propane. … Most RV water heaters use

a pilot light

. Some models may come with direct spark ignition. If you have the latter installed in your RV, you’ll use a switch inside the RV or trailer to turn on the water heater once parked.

What are RV water lines made of?

That’s because the water lines in most RVs are

plastic “PEX” pipe

. They are not buried inside walls and are usually accessible for easy repair. PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene. Typically, this pipe is connected using a special tool and metal fittings that can complicate the fixing procedure for RVers.

What are the two hoses under my camper?

There are two low point drains.

one for hot water and one for cold

. As the picture shows, those two drains are very close to the water heater, sink, shower, etc.

How do I find a water leak in my RV?

What does the low point drain on RV?

The low point drain drains

the water system

. Meaning its the lowest point in the water system. Looks like you didn’t put the cap on tight enough.

Does low point drain empty water heater?

Assuming you have a typical Suburban water heater,

the low point drains do not drain the water heater

. You need to remove the anode rod to drain the water heater.

What size water line is in campers?

Typically, most RV’s use

1/2 inch

PEX lines for the water lines. However, some RVs use a 3/8 inch PEX.

What size is red PEX tubing?


1/2 Inch

Pex Tubing, 5 Foot Length – Red Color. The tubing has a 1/2 Inch size and comes in 5 foot lengths which is great for smaller applications that require a shorter distance of tubing.

What is PEX water line?

PEX, short for cross-linked polyethylene, is

a flexible plastic used for plumbing

. The tubing has become quite popular over the years, replacing traditional copper and galvanized steel water supply lines.

Where is the hot water heater in a camper?


The switch for the water heater is on the inside of your vehicle, but the ignition system can be located in a compartment on the exterior wall of the passenger side

. Modern RV units utilize easy-to-operate direct ignition systems, which means the heater will kick itself on when the water temperature drops too low.

Should you leave RV hot water heater on all the time?


It’s safe to leave your RV water heater on all the time

, just like at home. You’ll want to make sure that there is always water in the heater. And that it’s turned off before moving your RV.

Do you leave hot water heater on in RV?

Just like in your home,

it is safe to leave your electric powered RV water heater on all the time whether stationary or on the road

. There are other downsides such as cost and environmental impact of fuel consumption – but safety should not be a concern.

How do I fix the water lines in my RV?

How long can you shower in an RV?

If water conservation is a priority because you’re dry camping, 5 minutes or less in the shower is recommended. If you have water hookups and conserving water isn’t necessary, you can technically take a shower for as long as your hot water will last. When RVing, a

10-minute shower is reasonable

.

Is RV PEX the same as House PEX?


The outside measurement of the Pex in your house will be the same as the Pex in your Rv

. (if you are sure it is Pex)It is the same as rigid copper as well. Not only does Home Depot sell the PEX tubing you need, they also sell a line of “push-on” connectors sold under the name “Shark Bite”.

How do you access RV plumbing?

RV water lines can sometimes be difficult to locate. But typically, by

removing a panel or an accessible flooring section

, one can successfully gain access to most of the fresh water plumbing system. The clue to a removable panel is to look for screws instead of staples holding them in place.

Where is the fresh water tank drain?

Typically, the fresh water tank drain location is located

on the underbelly of your RV, right underneath your freshwater tank

, and will be attached to a pipe or hose. However, this will vary by manufacturer and model.

Can you live in an RV?


Yes, it is legal to live in an RV

. To stay within the law, you will need to take care to follow local zoning laws and ordinances that may govern where you can park your RV. You may also need to access to water and sewer if you plan to park in one place or on your own land on a permanent basis.

Do all travel trailers leak?


All Campers Can Leak

All campers have the potential to leak, but that doesn’t mean that they have to. Water damage is something no RVer wants to deal with, but it’s important to educate yourself on how it happens, where to spot it, and how to prevent it.

How do I know if my RV plumbing is leaking?


Open all overhead cabinets, and look in the top corner where the walls meet the ceiling for any discoloration or feel for any soft spots

. This would indicate a leak at the seam where the sidewall and the roof attach. Check in all outside storage compartments for any indications of water leaks or water damage.

Why is my camper leaking water underneath?

The most common places for water to enter the RV are

punctures in the roof, siding that is coming loose, or a weak seam that needs reinforcing

. If you’ve had some recent damage to the RV, driving under low-hanging branches, or impact from a collision, it may be obvious to you where the hole is.

How often should you drain your RV hot water heater?

How Often Should I Drain My RV Water Heater? You should drain your RV water heater

at the end of every season, anytime it’s stored for more than two weeks, or if there’s a possibility of it freezing

.

Should I drain my RV water heater after each use?

RVs are supposed to be parked by rivers not have rivers flowing in them. I want to emphasize the importance of draining your water heater.

I would recommend you draining it every time you’re done camping if you are going to let the RV sit for more than two weeks before your next trip

.

When would you use a low point drain?

This is being used

to empty the piping system after hydrotest

. A low point drain can also be used as a process drain, but in that case, it is not closed with low point drain caps or low point drain plug but Like a High point vent it has also a flanged connection that is blinded after a pressure test.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.