Airstream Internation 28" Pex Leak Fix
 

Hi All,

I've had a small leak, I think for years, that I have tracked down to a leaking join in the hot water line, directly under the fridge. I have made the equivalent piece of pex and am trying to push it in with the push in fittings. I need to just push this thing in another 1/4 of an inch ...

https://imgur.com/a/GpNBtEu

Any tips on how to get this thing pushed in? I effectively have to lay face down in the cabinet under the stove just to reach it with both arms. So pushing it together is the equivalent of holding both arms out straight overhead and pushing together. It's tough, I got it pretty far. And most of that was squeezing the fitting and the tubing with my hands.

Any tips?

Austin

Looking at the other end, it was clear that I had cut that side of the PEX at an angle. So it's possible that my mark is 1 1/4" in instead of 1", depending on where I measured the mark from. Proceeding on the assumption that I had pushed it together sufficiently, I put the rest of it together and connected water. What do you know? No leaks! I didn't turn the hot water heater on though, that's the only time it had leaked before, presumably the hot line is under higher pressure when the heater is actually on.

Any advice on how to better test the line could be useful. Otherwise, I will be trying the hot water heater tomorrow AM. Getting too hot now.

Thanks, and safe travels to all!

Compressed air, similar to winterizing or how new home construction roughed in plumbing is tested. If you know the exact area of concern and can see and reach it apply a regulated 40PSI or so to city water connection and soap bubble test the area.

I made a combo winterizing and leak down test tool for water system. If you'd like further details, ask I'll describe.

Gary

Good suggestion, I got the brass adapter, I'll get a regulated air compressor and try that in a few months when I pick it up from storage again. I might try redoing the plumbing, getting a different cutter so I can make a more even cut.

Thanks

- Austin

Thanks Gary,

This worked out, I got a regulated air compressor as well as the brass fitting. I tested it up to 75 psi with no leaks. Oh, I just checked the manual and the in-line regulator is set to 65psi, so I guess I am good to go (some reason I remember it being higher).

- Austin