Pex Loop...

[Phodeaux]

I am in the process of repairing some freeze damaged pipe and found a loop of Pex installed by a local Airstream dealer. It is located next to the water heater and I am wondering if it is necessary? I was about to remove it but wondered if it served some important purpose. I think it is cold water, hot marked with red...

[Jammer]

Is there a one-way valve in the loop? Some outside faucets are set up that way, so that the hand valve turns off the faucet but still allows city water to come in.

[Phodeaux]

Good point! This is on the source from the pump so it may have a check valve in the loop. I guess I had better leave it in place. Thanks for your help! I knew this would be the place to find the answer!

Now, can you tell me how to get three or four hands behind the toilet and under the water heater to replace the pipe? ;-)

[Jammer]

1) start by getting a basin wrench

2) try removing large assemblies and fixing them where there's room, then putting them back

[idroba]

I would guess it is part of a made to fit water heater bypass system so the water heater is out of the loop when RV antifreeze is put in for winterizing.

[BigAl]

It is possible that the line without the valve has a pressure reducer in it. By closing the valve in the parallel line you would control water pressure. Mine has something like that.
Al

[Phodeaux]

Lots of good ideas! I think the pressure reduction option makes sense as there seems to be a strange "thing" in the loop... In any case, I left it in and fixed the leaking fitting.

Now there seems to be another leak at the toilet connection! I disconnected the toilet and it leaks when I reconnected it! I am constantly reminded why I don't like to get into this stuff!