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03-28-2017, 11:01 AM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
1984 31' Excella
brandon
, Mississippi
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 26
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Pex vs Sharkbite
We are slowly changing out the plumbing a little a time. We are not gutting the 84 Excella but trying to update when it needs it.. aka leaks. Been reading a lot about the differences between Pex and Sharkbite.
We are newbies, no clue on where to start or even what tools we will need. Help please. and thank you
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03-28-2017, 11:11 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1955 22' Safari
Laredo
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,342
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Options
Pex is a plastic pipe material, and the obvious choice to replace copper plumbing.
Shark Bite is one type of connector that can be used with pex. SB's are easy to install without tools and are very reliable. They are also heavy, expensive and can be hard to remove.
Other alternative include tool-less plastic connectors (like Whale brand) or plastic crimp connectors (very economical and reliable but require a crimping tool to install and cannot be removed).
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03-28-2017, 11:12 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1986 25' Sovereign
2008 F350, 6.4L diesel
, Oak Harbor, WA
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 605
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PEX is a good choice for your plumbing. A Sharkbite is a style of connector, famed for no tools needed to install them. There are other type of connectors that uses tools to install. Which ever way you start you would want to keep going that way.
I like the type of connector that uses a tool. I use an old style and still go with those for me. I would recommend looking at the a ring type crimping method. I am sure users of those will explain how they work, and the ease of use.
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03-28-2017, 11:15 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1955 22' Safari
Laredo
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,342
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Other options
Having done it both ways, my advice is to swap everything at once rather than a little at a time. This way you can standardize fittings and sizes and avoid having to connect copper to pex.
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03-28-2017, 11:23 AM
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#5
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Full time Airstreamer
2014 30' FB FC Bunk
Anywhere
, USA Living.Somewhere.Yonder
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,359
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I'm starting to see shark bites used in commercial applications around here.
__________________
@living.somewhere.yonder | Instagram
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03-28-2017, 12:01 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
1991 25' Excella
2011 19' Flying Cloud
Santa Ynez
, California
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,185
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Aquapex
What I use and what our local pipe wholesaler now only carries(by popularity) is Upnor Aquapex. I have been a long time "copper only" plumber and in the last few years have grown to really like this product with the exception of it being difficult to use the tool in tight places, Aquapex uses an expansion tool that expands the end of the tube and it's ring to then slip over your choice of either brass or plastic fittings, plastic work fine are lighter and cheaper. The drawback is the tool is somewhat pricey to go this route for the one time repipe.
Also make sure your trailer is rodent proof, they can easilly chew thru to get a drink.
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03-28-2017, 12:09 PM
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#7
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Moderator
Vintage Kin Owner
...
, ...
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,696
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I use pex and crimp connectors. Sharkbite fittings are great but they are expensive and bulky compared to traditional pex crimp rings/fittings. I only use Sharkbite fittings when I am transitioning from old pipe to pex.
__________________
"One of the best lessons I've learned is that you don't worry about criticism from people you wouldn't seek advice from."
William C. Swinney
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03-28-2017, 12:20 PM
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#8
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FlamingoRoadTrip
2007 34' Classic S/O
Livingston
, Texas
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 18
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I used Whale fittings and tubing on my trawler for years with great success. It's easy and simple to install without tools and very easy to modify or repair.
__________________
Mark and Jane
FlamingoRoadTrip
2007 Classic Limited 34 with Slide
2015 Ram 3500 with Cummins 6.7 Diesel
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03-28-2017, 12:33 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
1972 27' Overlander
Denver
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 768
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I looked at the aquapex and agree they are the bees knees. But for a trailer, a pex tool and crimp connectors combined with a good regulator work fine
__________________
Lucky Dave, Denver NC
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03-28-2017, 03:23 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
1974 Argosy 26
Morrill
, Nebraska
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,014
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Look at "Flair It" fittings. Easy to use. No special tools. Good price with an endless variety of fittings.
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03-28-2017, 04:37 PM
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#11
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Dazed and Confused
Currently Looking...
1983 31' Airstream310
Hillsburgh
, Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,805
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If you want to do it right the first time, IMHO the very best system is the Uponor/Wirsbo PEX-A. The pipe expands to fit over the fitting, no crimping required and you can possibly rent the tool at the place that sells the stuff. Practically freeze proof, it is strong and durable.
Pex with crimps is second place to me.
The mantra it seems with the Sharktooth fittings is never to use them in a place that is unaccessible as they could leak, especially after a freeze thaw cycle. The fittings are hugely expensive compared to PEX or crimping.
Each to their own.
Cheers
Tony
__________________
Per Mare, Per Terram and may all your campaigns be successful.
“It’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it’s a depression when you lose your own.” "Harry S Truman"
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