Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 05-08-2007, 04:55 PM   #1
2 Rivet Member
 
Harlan , Kentucky
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 43
Question About Plumbing Gone Bad

I just found out my Argosy trailer is going to have to have all new plumbing because at some point the pipes have froze. Won it on ebay and was told it never needed winterized because it was in a warm climate It has the original copper pipes right now. It will be replaced with all new plex is what the dealer told me. Is this better than the copper? Also is there any reason to keep the old copper that is being taken out?
Denise M. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2007, 05:11 PM   #2
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
 
Inland RV Center, In's Avatar
 
Corona , California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
Images: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by Denise M.
I just found out my Argosy trailer is going to have to have all new plumbing because at some point the pipes have froze. Won it on ebay and was told it never needed winterized because it was in a warm climate It has the original copper pipes right now. It will be replaced with all new plex is what the dealer told me. Is this better than the copper? Also is there any reason to keep the old copper that is being taken out?
The plastic is easier to work with.

Keep the copper?????

You bet. You will be amazed at the amount of money scrap copper brings.

In California, they steal copper wire that is buried underground, for the money. Construction sites have guards, to guard of all things, the copper wiring.

Andy
__________________
Andy Rogozinski
Inland RV Center
Corona, CA
Inland RV Center, In is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2007, 05:19 PM   #3
Rivet Master
 
HowieE's Avatar
 
1991 34' Excella
Princeton , New Jersey
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,070
Images: 12
If you can locate the leaks in accessable areas consider repairing with Sea Tech fittings they fit directly to copper and plastic and require No Tools other than a tubing cutter. Far less expensive than a full replacement job.

With Sea Tech fitting you just measure and snap into place. The fitting has an O ring inside and metal fingures that grab the pipe. The fittings can be released without tools if you want to change something.

Look for the leaks at Elbows because copper will often push the elbow off at the end of a run.
__________________
WBCCI 12156 AIR 3144 WACHUNG TAC NJ6
2004 Excursion 4x4
1991 34 ft. Excella +220,000 miles, new laminated flooring, new upholstery, new 3200 lbs axles

HowieE is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2007, 05:35 PM   #4
2 Rivet Member
 
Harlan , Kentucky
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 43
I did ask the people working on the plumbing if the copper they were removing was worth keeping and they told me there was not enough to worry about it. What if any is this copper worth?
Denise M. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2007, 05:39 PM   #5
Rivet Master
Commercial Member
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples , Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
Denise,

Great advice from HowieE. You should have the plumbing system pressure tested (or you can do it yourself) and follow around every joint and elbow that you can find with soapy water solution to find the leaks. A simple way is to attach a small air compressor set at 60PSI to your piping. This will give you a constant pressure to find the leaking sections.

The cut out the offending spot and 'Sea-Tech and pex' a new piece or joint. If most of your copper is in tact, it will last a long time by doing this and save you big $$$$.

Of course, if there are 'more than few' spots leaking, then replacement might be the option of choice.
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
lewster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2007, 06:06 PM   #6
Rivet Master
 
3Ms75Argosy's Avatar
 
1975 Argosy 26
1963 24' Tradewind
Seattle , Washington
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,341
Images: 7
Good idea!

Some thoughts.... the Argosy's are prone to rear pipe leaks. There's a space where the wood is cut away for the black tank that subjects the pipes to freezing. The hot water tank is also subject to freeze damage.

However, I will tell you that I had leaks from behind the shower, under the rear sink, under the rear pullout bed, and by the freezer. It was easier to pull it all out and start over for me.

Any chance you might want to do it yourself? Plastic pipe is not hard to work with (Pex). See http://thevap.com for some ideas about easy, no tool fittings that push together.

I'd also save the copper. We've had stories of lamp posts being stripped of their wiring here in the NW for scrap.
Marc
3Ms75Argosy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2007, 06:53 PM   #7
Rivet Master
 
Wabbiteer's Avatar
 
1973 27' Overlander
Currently Looking...
Jupiter , Florida
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,060
Images: 2
Blog Entries: 2
A bucket of copper scraps will only appreciate in value... a little hammer and fold action and it should be good for another 30 years to see if you can earn back the whole purchase price
__________________
The days are short and the night is long and the stars go tumbling by.. . ~Airstream~
Wabbiteer is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
grey water tank BIG question escapeez Waste Systems, Tanks & Totes 19 09-05-2002 06:52 AM
Question on what kind of paint to use for interior respray williamhenshall Upholstery, Blinds, Walls & Interior Finishes 2 08-15-2002 05:39 PM
Question about a buying decision! escapeez Our Community 7 08-15-2002 02:29 AM
Plumbing problem Craig Fresh Water Systems 0 08-08-2002 05:40 PM
Question re how to cut aluminum sheeting and get a clean edge... williamhenshall Ribs, Skins & Rivets 7 06-12-2002 05:58 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:03 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.