How Do I Fix The Water Lines In My RV?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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How do you fix plumbing on a trailer?

What type of plumbing do RVs use?

However, in an RV, the plumbing system is

generally composed of PVC as opposed to metal

, so make sure you purchase RV-specific parts if you need to replace something. Looking for more information about travel trailer parts and accessories that’ll make your camping trip even easier?

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.

What size are RV plumbing fittings?

A majority of modern RV’s use PEX tubing and piping because of its several benefits. As we say above, there are two standard sizes of PEX used in RVs –

3/8 inch and 1/2 inch

. So if you are replacing your lines, make sure you get the proper size to avoid leaks and other issues.

What type of PEX is used in RVs?


1/2” PEX pipe

– PEX pipe comes in different sizes, and 1/2” is pretty standard and plenty big for what we’re doing here. The length needed will vary depending on the size of your camper, distances the lines need to run, etc. It also comes in different colors (red, white/clear and blue).

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.

How do you fix a leaking RV shower?

How do you fix a PEX water line?

What is PEX in plumbing?

PEX plumbing is

a type of plastic tubing made from high-density polyethylene

. Apart from being the newest player in the water supply line game, PEX is also used for radiant floor heating tubing.

Why is RV plumbing black?

The black pipe is

designed for drains and venting not for pressurized pipes

. The PVC and CPVC are for pressure lines, i.e. hot & cold water supply.

How does an RV plumbing system work?

RVs have a pretty straight-forward plumbing system. Freshwater comes from either a direct campground faucet hook-up or the onboard fresh water holding tank.

Water is heated by the water heater and sent to the faucets either by water pressure from the campground faucet or by the onboard water pump

.

What are RV pipes made of?

I notice all RV internal pipes are always made of

plastic

including the heads/screws.

How do I find a plumbing leak in my camper?

What are the red and blue hoses under RV?

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.

How do I find a water leak in my motorhome?

Early signs you may have a water leak inside your RV or travel trailer include

water stains, damaged lamination, discolored wood, and bubbles in your paneling

. Unchecked, you may have damage in the walls or floors, slide-outs and other mechanicals.

How do you repair an underbelly on a camper?

How do you repair coroplast?

Why Is My RV fresh water tank overflowing?

What size is RV drain pipe?

The standard drainpipe size for most RVs is

3 inches

. However, older RVs sometimes have different drainpipe sizes. Since sewer hoses are designed to fit 3-inch drainpipes, an adapter may be needed for the hose to work with an older RV with a drain size other than 3 inches.

When were polybutylene pipes used?

Polybutylene (PB) was a plastic manufactured

between 1978 and mid-1995

for use as piping in home plumbing systems. It was inexpensive and offered plenty of advantages over other materials, such as flexibility, ease of installation, resistance to freezing.

Are RV toilets vented?


Without a free exchange of air from the tank’s air vent

, flushing the RV toilet creates a vacuum. With no outlet for escape, the noxious tank fumes seep into the RV, creating an unpleasant environment. If the RV has been in storage, a bird or rodent nest may be obstructing the vent at roof level.

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”.

What size does PEX come in?

PEX tubes range in diameter from

3/8-inch to 1-inch

for residential applications. For adequate water flow, it’s a good idea to install 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch PEX for your main lines. The standard when replacing old water supply lines with PEX is to use the same size.

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.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.