Posted 2013-08-28 8:11 AM (#154373) Subject: Speaking of water issues...
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342
Location: MS
I am in process of changing out the sink and faucet in my LQ to prettier, fancier ones. Since the sink is a different shape, it fits into the counter a little different, so the faucet is also in a slightly different place. The original plumbing was all done in pex pipe. Since the new faucet is in a different place, the original pipe no longer reaches. Pex is difficult to work with...inflexible and requires special tools to do any adjustments. I got the flexible woven stainless hoses to couple the old to the new, but the cold water side is so close to the underside of the counter that it is crimping the hose. I am thinking of replacing all or most of the pex with something else a little more user friendly. What would be your suggestion?
Posted 2013-08-28 8:15 AM (#154374 - in reply to #154373) Subject: RE: Speaking of water issues...
Expert
Posts: 2453
Location: Northern Utah
PEX is about as user friendly as it comes. Remember sodering copper pipe before PEX came on the market.
If you don't want to buy or rent the crimping tools. Look into the Sharkbite connectors that you can buy at Home Depot or most plumbing supply stores. They are like the old Chinese finger traps. Just cut the pipe and push the end into the connector.
Posted 2013-08-28 8:33 AM (#154375 - in reply to #154373) Subject: RE: Speaking of water issues...
Expert
Posts: 2953
Location: North Carolina
Painted horse's post is spot on.
But since we can't see your problem, perhaps a 90 degree fitting or other will help. In another situation, a longer hose that can make a loop instead of bending will work.
Posted 2013-08-28 10:47 AM (#154381 - in reply to #154373) Subject: RE: Speaking of water issues...
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342
Location: MS
Thanks for the suggestions! I will check into the sharkbite connectors...or renting the crimp tool. All I need to do is shorten the two lines that go to the hot and cold connections on the faucet, if I want to avoid replacing lines. Then I can use the flexible line between the two.
Posted 2013-08-28 1:49 PM (#154390 - in reply to #154373) Subject: RE: Speaking of water issues...
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402
Location: Valentine, NE
Just my 2 cents....the more connections, the more risk of leaks...Maybe drop it buy a plumber or RV place and have them lengthen the PEX.....The reason PEX is used is that it expands and not breaks if frozen...make sure what you put in to extend will also........
Posted 2013-08-29 8:16 AM (#154419 - in reply to #154373) Subject: RE: Speaking of water issues...
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342
Location: MS
Here is a small album showing some of the pipe and it's Rube Goldberg configuration. I did manage to get the flexible hose hooked up and the water flowing without leaking. But I will probably do something different after I am able to get to the hardware store and see my choices. Whoever initially designed this setup was not thinking about less connectors for less leaks...they must have had a surplus of connectors to use up! http://www.horsetrailerworld.com/forum/photos/photo-thumbnails.asp?...
Posted 2013-08-29 9:25 AM (#154420 - in reply to #154373) Subject: RE: Speaking of water issues...
Veteran
Posts: 203
Location: Lander WY
The PEX pipe in the photo seems to be done the way it should(crimp bands are correctly placed). Although PEX is now the water pipe of choice for many applications- it can look a little overwhelming. It is often very hard to make short water line runs in confined spaces due to the size of crimpers that must be used to make connections- to be read: (sometimes you have to increase the length of the run to make it all work )- If it doesn't leak you are good to go....