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03-30-2017, 09:23 AM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Knoxville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 23
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Complete Plumbing Replacement
Considering a 1970 Airstream Safari. Have not inspected it yet. The owner lists everything works except they are not sure about the plumbing. I take this to mean the entire plumbing system needs to be replaced.
I'm not a plumbing professional but have home plumbing repair experience using pex and connectors, installing copper pipes and faucets and feel confident in doing the repairs. Can all the plumbing be replaced from the interior spaces? Is as simple as pulling the copper out and replacing with pex. Thinking the pex could be attached to the copper with a Sharkbite while pulling the copper to get the pex in place.
Please enlighten me. Thanks
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03-30-2017, 09:35 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1974 27' Overlander
Baltimore
, Maryland
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,042
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Yes, basically all the plumbing is interior and accessible. I doubt that will be your only project, but if you're familiar with PEX, you should be able to knock out the plumbing pretty easily.
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03-30-2017, 09:53 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1973 21' Globetrotter
Houston
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,314
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Unless the copper pipes have frozen and split, I don't see any need to replace the entire plumbing system, that is, unless you are gutting the trailer and replacing everything else anyway. The faucets will likely be shot, but I wouldn't replace perfectly good copper "just because you can." There are some obnoxious and awkward to access areas, especially in the bathroom area.
good luck!
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03-30-2017, 12:42 PM
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#4
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2 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Knoxville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Belegedhel
Unless the copper pipes have frozen and split, I don't see any need to replace the entire plumbing system.
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Great thought, the best plan would be to hook up to water and see were it leaks.
No plan to gut the trailer. It is original 70's decor which is quite dated but can be replaced over time.
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09-06-2021, 09:39 AM
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#5
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3 Rivet Member
1976 31' Excella 500
St. Augustine
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 122
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I would not use PEX in an Airstream. Yes, it's good stuff, but what they don't tell you is that rodents like to eat it. When I replaced the plumbing on my '77 30' Excella 500, I moved the incoming water port to the Rt side of the camper, near the fresh water fill. I also put some plywood blocking around the charge controller to deaden some sound from the unit and also force the warm fan forced air down the sidewall into the shower/sink/HWH cavity. I've been in 28° weather overnight and not had any freezing issues. The old water line input was on the Lft rear corner and was just begging to freeze up!
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09-06-2021, 10:23 AM
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#6
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Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,675
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Hi
Freezing is about a lot more than what the local weather station reports. A trailer sitting here or there can be significantly warmer or cooler than what they report. Wind blows this way and that pipe freezes. Wind blows the other way and the same pipe is fine overnight.
Copper will / can / does freeze and split. It's happened to us several times over the years. PEX pipe is quite robust in this regard. We've had it survive multiple hard freeze events. Fittings and the crimps on them may or may not do ok. It depends a lot on which ones you use and even on the crimp tool involved.
Rodents also can "eat" wiring, drain pipes, water tanks, hoses, gaskets, and chew through wood. Killing them off before they get a chance to do damage is the only practical answer.
Bob
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09-07-2021, 03:59 AM
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#7
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3 Rivet Member
1976 31' Excella 500
St. Augustine
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 122
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I didn't go back in with copper. I really don't know of a "perfect" plumbing medium, but I know how to glue pipe. I ended up using CPVC,
. And I keep rat poison salted around in place the pets can't get to, lol.
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