Replace plumbing? Help!

[bugaboogirl]

Hello every body,

i need some help on how i can fix the plumbing pipes
in my 1977 air stream, they froze in the winter. I have friends moving in there and they need the water and the sewer pipes working how can we fix them? i think we have to replace everything how can we do this?do you guys have any advice. please email me at bugaboogirl_69@yahoo.ca

[Zeppelinium]

you can actually remove most of the pipes without removing anything else. I've done three plumbing systems and have even managed to slide copper pipes under the edge of the shower pan to get from the back to the front. If you really did bust all your pipes (I doubt it), maybe you should consider using PEX--it can withstand the expansion of water when it freezes. I haven't gone that route, yet, but there are several threads where members talk about redoing their trailers with it.

Good luck.

[juel]

Welcome to the forum. You have a lot of ambition. Use that SEARCH key up on the right hand side and put in plumbing. You should have all the information you can use. Good luck with your project. Let us know how you are doing.

[Uberlanders]

Welcome to the forums. We encourage people to post their advice here rather than emailing people directly. This way others can share in the advice as well. Usually when someone has a question, there are more out there who would like the same answer. Hope you find your answers here.

Kathleen

[cameront120]

Welcome from North Vancouver! Good to see another BCer!

[lewster]

BBG,

IMHO, PEX or a similar poly tubing will be much easier to work with and quicker to install.....no soldering (which is an art in itself). There are a few threads dealing with this topic, just use the search key and enter PEX and follow the links.

Otherwise, welcome to the Forums and enjoy your 'Toaster' .

[Frank S]

Hi bugaboogirl--Had a similiar problem with the copper water pipes in my A/S. I cut out the bad sections, and replaced with 5/8" ID clear flexible plastic tubing slid over the OD of the copper pipe, and held in place with stainless steel hose clamps. Some repairs are 18-years old with no leaks. Be sure to use a water regulator on your city water, which will keep it in the 40 to 45psi range. Hope this helps dry up your A/S.--Frank S

[sfixx]

I replaced my water pipes with copper of the same size. I would recommend first isolating the leaks. If the pipes have only split in 1 or 2 spots you may be able to simply splice in a patch. The problem is that when the ice expands inside the copper pipe it stretches and you will have trouble finding an area of original diameter to splice to. I've seen patches made by splicing in reinforced vinyl tubing and using hose clamps to attach to the original...I assume that it works in a pinch and some would even consider it a long term solution. Best of luck, Steve

Busted pipe picture:
http://static.flickr.com/7/8155071_1b6302f5bd.jpg

p.s. I see Franks reply now Good idea! I just hope that your split sections are accessible.