How to fix RV plumbing leaks - Fixing Flex Pinch Clamp Tutorial (Part 1)

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Is your RV plumbing leaking? Ready for a RV industry dirty secret? Many RVs are plumbed incorrectly from the factory! Today's video covers method #1 of 3 methods for repairing incorrect RV plumbing.

[@StressLessCamping]

The video that every single RVer in North America should watch. Right now. And then go buy all this stuff.

[@MrEagleeye58]

I think for long term stability, I would coat a layer of Plumbers GOOP before I re-attach the hose. Clamp it and when the goop dries it would never leak until the hose breaks - A bit messy and you need 24 hrs for drying.

[@charliebrushwood9019]

thanks Jim

[@undercoverrvtech]

Thanks for watching!

[@Spiederia]

Thank you telling us about the plumbing issues. I just bought a 2024 Grand Design which unfortunately has some flex tube. I am replacing all with pex.

[@shawnshreves1243]

That video really helped me see what I need to upgrade all the piping that's not PEX in my Forrest River 5th wheel. Another "idea" I've had would be to extend the catch tray that is normally below the "user" side of the nautilus panel to catch leaky hoses and channel the water to outside/underneath the trailer and build a catch tray behind the nautilus panel where leaks often go undetected until major damage is done. I saw this idea recently at a local RV show and wondered why manufacturers don't design the water system to deal with leaks and channel them out of the RV instead of creating damage. Thank you!

[@Nat-zr9jq]

That’s a good idea.

[@rickgriffith1]

Thanks Jim. You too Jacob! I have a feeling this playlist will prove to be invaluable once I get our rig.👍🏼😎

[@SpykersB]

This is the first video I have seen of someone showing these stupid tools n how to use em. Thx! When i researched pex stuff 2yrs ago i was a bit overwhelmed because i came across the different types of clamping, then the wording jargon not consistent on the web added to the confusion, so I still have not bought any tools except a quick solution in a crunch, a set of pvc/pex cutters n a couple of sharkbite end caps, lol. Saved your video for the future now too. I’ll wait until I need to shop for fixing, and then I’ll also put in a shut off valve at the offending leak when it happens…..(not if it happens) lol. 🍻

[@docholiday7072]

Thanks for all you do. Recently purchased your course, watched video, read the book and they opened my eyes to ALOT of issues on new RV's, such as: the spacers on the outrigers, flex tubing on pex fittings, the differences In water heaters, and the variety of materiels used to build cabinetry. It is no secret the wife and I are planning to purchase a new 5er to replace our TT. Some of the nonsense coming out of some of the salespeople made me feel empowered...so again, thanks for sharing the knowledge.

[@philipjohns542]

Enjoy all your videos. Can you please review the Gulf Stream Vista. I am interested in the 23RSS. Thank you

[@bobanddangsjourney]

Great content and very well explained! We look very forward to the rest of the videos in this series ( we have a grand design! ) I have replaced 2 of the crimp ends at the faucet feeds so far, and I'd like to find a better way. We appreciate the level of detail and high production quality of your work - Thanks for making this!

[@seancorliss8997]

Bought the course/app and I have my eye on a few floor plans that are not on the list! I’ll be grading them next week at the Ft Wayne RV show. Love the videos and info!

[@stevem268]

why pex B? i would have used pex A. i've used it lots in home renovations. the id of the fittings is much larger and less restrictive

[@northwestcountrytractor2497]

Thanks Jim

[@iproject1850]

Pure gold my friend!

[@undercoverrvtech]

Thanks!

[@PaulLevy-fu8rk]

Love PEX-A. PEX-B is a poor second... Pinch Clamps and go-no-guages which is silly given PEX-A. Why not use PEX-A aways???

[@williamtoney2599]

Now I gotta start bugging you for part two 😂

[@undercoverrvtech]

Editing it still! It's coming!

[@williamtoney2599]

Thanks Jacob!

[@stuff3508]

What about the plastic pex fittings themselves? Are they prone to leaking / cracking due to movement while the RV is moving?

[@alejandrojarquin2132]

Thanks Jim

[@OutdoorsEngineer]

So, watched your Grand Design-Brinkley-Alliance video. And was a bit discouraged with your rating and never would buy. But I thought of that as a not so bad thing either. The main reason (I took from the video) was because of the bad plumbing. Please correct me if I am wrong. My 2023 Reflection 311BHS already is showing signs of this issue. In the basement, there are a couple spots where RV antifreeze was puddling on the floor. So, before we get busy this summer, I am working to re do all of the plumbing. I am doing pex where I can with brass fittings and copper and stainless crimps. The. Where I need to use flexible for now, I am transitioning from pex to flex using 1/2 pex to 1/2 FIP brass connected to 1/2 MIP to 1/2 barb brass fittings. At my water pump, I would like to use flex as I feel like it could reduce vibrations. What is your opinion of the best option fitting to go from 1/2" flex hose and connect onto the 1/2 MIP on the pump? I feel like transitioning to a 1 1/4" piece of pex is a waste just get the pex swivel fittings. Although not that expensive in scheme of things.

[@GreenwoodHypnotherapyBellevue]

Wonderful resource. I joined the course and am looking forward to using all the great material. You asked for recommendations for trailers to report upon. I would appreciate learning your thoughts on the Forest River GeoPro 21" G19FDS, or others in that model. Thanks!

[@DeborahMartin-bm5xr]

Thanks Jim

[@robertbarry79]

I am trying to find a few types of lead free brass barbed fittings to fix some of the Grand Design plumbing issues you have discussed in this video, but I am having trouble finding lead free options at every hardware store (most don't carry barbed fittings) I have checked and Amazon. What brand and/or reseller are you using to source lead free options? Thank you very much for your help!

[@janinewillmore8088]

What kind of repair person do i look for to fix the plumbing issues? Should it be an RV repair shop or can you use a reg plumber?

[@Hugo-Hernandez]

Great video, can you make video on how to work with flex tubing ? I have heard you can't use the same clamps that use for PEX.

[@undercoverrvtech]

Yes, that will be part 2&3 which are on the way soon!

[@Hugo-Hernandez]

@@undercoverrvtech Thank you 🙏

[@DavidJackman-wd4ps]

At the 4:20 mark you show how to crimp the "ring" on the PEX; is there a reason a screw type hose clamp cannot be used instead? Great videos, by the way. Looks like a long term project is at hand. Thanks for the outstanding info.

[@luminousveiws]

Pex is too stiff for a screw hose clamp.

[@williamtoney2599]

Thanks Jacob!!!!!😊

[@ronw7209]

Appears to me they used a pex fitting for a flexible hose not going to work successfully

[@rogerjohnson7667]

I subscribed to your inspection program, but now I can’t access it. Can you help me?

[@jackmason7518]

good Morning. Question about the Clear tubing with string stuff in it. The size odd for most fittings. I have seen a lot of complants abut it. Jack

[@brianfatka7184]

At 0:30 you say that the "replace with PEX" method is the most preferred method. Does that mean it is preferred to plumb an RV with PEX over flexible (vinyl) tubing? Why is that? Why is it more preferred to replace the flexible tubing with PEX rather than keep the flexible tubing and swap the fittings to be the correct ones?

[@daniel408young]

Is there a recommended water pressure when your RV has flex vs. pex? Do you have any videos on water pressure regulators for the RV?

[@undercoverrvtech]

No, it should be the same for both, max 55psi. The issue is faucets etc. that are not designed for high pressure, it is not just an issue with tubing or fittings.

[@scottwhitesell5476]

Why do you see so many 90 degree fittings and short segments in RVs instead of doing home runs? Seems like fewer connectors would mean fewer opportunities for issues.

[@mikesnifferpippets3733]

And cheaper for the builder

[@melissacomer8404]

Why not use push to connect with pex? John Guest or Sharkbite fittings. I use them where we plumb ag planters. They don't leak and are a quick installation with NO special tools.

[@Robnord1]

Because Sharkbite fittings are trendy garbage and the mark of a total amateur plumber. They tend to release even in a slight freeze, are expensive, and unproven for long term use. I only use one for an emergency, temporary repair. 26 year master RV tech.

[@bobbafett1971]

I had to replace all my vinyl with pex on my grand design solitude 2023....1 week after picking it up. Leaks all over.

[@undercoverrvtech]

Yikes! I mean, no surprise really....but yikes!

[@vjamodeo]

Hi Jacob. Just found your videos. We are looking at a new 5th wheel next year. I am concerned about the flex hose issue you point out, but in reality, how bad is it? Is it just a potential issue? Our almost 5 year old Rockwood Signature Ultra Light travel trailer has the same set with PEX and flex tubing and we've never had a leak. I contacted Grand Design and this is their response: "We are aware of the talkings about flexible hoses with PEX plumbing and have it on our radar. However, we have simply not had enough warranty claims pointing to this being an actual issue with our units. If we begin to see a pattern and an increase in claims, we always address the issue immediately." Comments?

[@Idontknowjack-]

How about option 4. Sharkbite makes a slip on PEX to hose barb adaptor

[@undercoverrvtech]

Do you have a link for that? I've looked and not seen it.

[@Idontknowjack-]

@@undercoverrvtech I can’t seem to find it now. It may not of been sharkbite brand. I have purchased them before but I can’t for the life of me find them now. I have also in the past used sharkbite slip on fittings that have the whips built to attach to a fixture. Especially when it’s in a hard access area.

[@jasonmontes9346]

So i keep hearing that the flex tubing is not ok, but is there a way with different fittings that it is ok to use or is it just bad in all situations. I have a freedom Express and yhe only place that it has the blue flex tubing is the inlet from fresh tank to water pump and my winterizing port off the water pump. We rarely camp without water connection tho.

[@undercoverrvtech]

I'll show fittings that work with flex in another video soon! Thanks for watching!

[@fredrau5279]

Thank You

[@undercoverrvtech]

Welcome!

[@justaguy4918]

Can you still sanatize your system with a bleach solution if you use the brass fittings?

[@Robnord1]

Sanitize your tank, okay. Your pipes...no need at all. 26 year master RV tech. No way I'd pump sodium hypochloride through my RV piping. Pex is not designed for that.

[@davidjackman5773]

Question; can you use a hose clamp on the flex tubing? Would that stop the leak? I just discovered you today.....great videos, full of useful information in an easy to understand format. Thank you.

[@mdimascio67]

Cant hear it!

[@DesireeRogers-w9b]

🤩thanks!

[@ericbauer3412]

Recommend using Sharkbite connectors with PEX or avoid Sharkbite products and use pinch clamps.... or are both ok? Thanks for the video!

[@Robnord1]

Sharkbite fittings are trendy garbage and the mark of a total amateur plumber. They tend to release even in a slight freeze, are expensive, and unproven for long term use. I only use one for an emergency, temporary repair. 26 year master RV tech.

[@explorationsrenovations5982]

Is there a connector that is made to join flexible vinyl tubing to pex tubing? I see a line of white compression fittings I’m told are made for this.

[@undercoverrvtech]

Kind of....I'll cover that in another video soon.

[@scapflci]

The Sungator 1/2" barb fittings in his Amazon list leak just as badly as the PEX fittings do with the 'garden hose' parts on my Grand Design. Especially the hot lines, seems they have expanded and simply won't seal right anymore. The only real solution here is to replace with 100% PEX. I wasted a lot of time trying to transition these vs. fishing PEX everywhere (which turned out to be pretty easy overall).

[@undercoverrvtech]

Thanks for the feedback. All PEX is also my preference. I'm sorry to hear the barb connections did not work for you. I only have the video about barb fittings for the situation where the plumbing is in a slideout and you can't easily remove and replace the hose with a pre-made flex hose assembly that has 1/2 NPT connections. Barb connections with screw-type clamps can leak if not tightened enough, and the clamp may need to be re-tightened after hot water goes through and softens the hose. I'm glad that you were able to replumb with all PEX, that should serve you well. Best of luck with your RV!

[@robertbarry79]

I would love to hear more about how you replaced with PEX in your Grand Design. I was about to start doing the repairs suggested in this video but am having trouble finding lead free options for the various brass barbed fittings I need. Thank you very much for your help!

[@undercoverrvtech]

Thanks for your comments. I'm actually changing my recommendation on barb fittings and clamps for a few reasons. as you've pointed out not all brass is lead free and good for potable water applications. I've linked stainless barb fittings in my Amazon store now. Second, I found a T-bolt high-pressure hose clamp which is twice as wide and works better than a standard worm drive clamp. Hope this helps, thanks for watching!

[@robertbarry79]

​@@undercoverrvtechI looked at the new recommendations and was wondering about the new clamp as the one you have in your list still looks too big for a 1/2" barb fitting, no?

[@undercoverrvtech]

@@robertbarry79 I have them on my bench and have installed that clamp on a 1/2 barb fitting. It works fine. I'm in process of updating that tutorial with the new reccomendations, but am also working with an engineer to prototype a direct PEX to bard brass adapter, (It will be lead free) and will include that in the update. In the meantime your best bet is stainless barb and the t-bolt clamp.

[@markvasquez03]

My travel trailer has a flex hose from the fresh water tank to the pump. The tank has a barbed make fitting and the pump has a twist on fitting with a rubber seal inside. Like a faucet hose. They both have small hose clamps. How would I correct it using pex on the tank with the plastic male fitting with barbs. The tank is soft plastic.

[@undercoverrvtech]

Keep an eye out for my next videos about plumbing. I'll show the types of fittings you would need to change to PEX. Thanks for watching!

[@Writhgaar]

For the love of all things holy and good, don't forget to change the block from "Cut" to "Crimp." I know this seems obvious but, I promise, you'll realize that you forgot at the worst time😅😅

[@moisesb5247]

*promo sm* 😩

[@luminousveiws]

So there's 2 fixes and you only talk about one. Then you point to another video, that doesn't talk about it either. NOT GOOD

[@undercoverrvtech]

Don't worry, it is coming!

[@sew_gal7340]

This channel is a bait and switch, i unsubbed