How to fix RV flexible tubing plumbing leaks - Tutorial (Part 3)

[@scottpowell6710]

This is most likely the best RV repair channel out there. After months of trying to find a specific pluming repair that is an actual engineered design for a specific issue, I found it here and it just confirmed what I had known for quit awhile. RV manufactures have been connecting flexible water hose to Flair-it fittings incorrectly for years and some are still doing it in 2024. There has been no specific dedicated engineered design to make this connection that I could find any place until recently. Manufactures would just use a cinch or pinch clamp to make this connection and this method was never designed for this application. They just made up a way of connecting the two very different types of plumbing materials. Well guess what happed to me the connection failed on me and sent water under my coach under the floor and fortunately not into the coach. They connected the flexible 1/2" hose to a Flair-it Tee and the ID of the flexible hose is not the same as the OD of Flair-it fitting designed for Pex piping so it's not a tight fit at all and it's secured with a cinch clamp that was not installed correctly at the factory. The clamp was installed too high on the shoulder of the fitting and one day it just came off while we were hooked up to city connection at a RV park and yes I did have a pressure regulator in place to prevent any over pressurization of my RV plumbing system. Fortunately only 5 to 10 gals of water was released into the RV, but it sure did create a lot of work to dry it all out and to replace some floor insulation, and of course I had to cut some of the under belly to do all of this. And if anyone wants to know the manufacture is Northwood MFG an Artic Fox which is not a cheap coach, but they are not perfect either. Many thanks to Rigor RV for showing the correct way to make a connection from Flexible hose to a Flair-it fitting and thanks to Flair-it for Engineering a specific fitting for this application !

[@flyfshrmn09]

The entire RV industry is the same way. They are not interested in quality work or materials. Their entire focus is to build fast, as cheaply as possible and get the completed vehicle out the door. They do not design for durability, ease of maintenance, proper fitting of electrical and plumbing components, nor do they take into account the constant movement and pressure applied by the road travel. The dealerships are caught in a dilemma, since they have to do so much prep work to get a unit ready to go out the door, and most of them refuse to pay a decent wage to good repair and mechanical people, so they are constantly understaffed and getting anything repaired at a dealer is a multi month project, mostly with the vehicle stored out in the weather and subject to invasion by rodents and other vermin.

[@nathanurick8320]

This may be the best rv repair channel on line, thanks sir.

[@undercoverrvtech]

Wow, thanks!

[@crookedman54]

Thank you Jacob for your expertise on basic RV repair and maintenance ! We as RVers need to know how to do these repairs because you never know when these issues will crop up ! Keep up your great work 👍

[@JamesJarrard-nu2jm]

I have a 2028 Solitude. These videos make me feel lucky. I have had no leaks or other significant problems. I will be double checking some of the connections.

[@sharon314]

This is Aug, 2024, and you got a 2028 model , how did that happen ???? That's amazing!!!!

[@nathanurick8320]

I’m obsessed with your videos, i enjoy learning and just watching how things are repaired.

[@jerrytalley802]

Jacob, I really like these fittings, will probably take this route.

[@stevenmullins9799]

I watched this video and immediately ordered $150 worth of parts and the tool from RecPro. I've had 3 minor leaks in my new trailer in its first year and am going to replace all of the trouble connections that aren't too hard to get to. Thanks so much.

[@stevenmullins9799]

Well there you go. RecPro just refunded my whole order. WTF? They might not be a good vendor for this.

[@zLigHt44]

​@@stevenmullins9799Were they out of stock?

[@stevenmullins9799]

@@zLigHt44 One item was missing so they cancelled the whole order, but then it came back in stock days later and I got it all quickly

[@zLigHt44]

@@stevenmullins9799 Thanks for the heads up!

[@coderedfit]

Fellow Tech here, learning a lot and appreciate the overall presentation. ❤

[@undercoverrvtech]

Happy to hear that! Thanks for watching!

[@starhopper457]

So far no leaks but in your post as of this date, we have discovered that we have a flexible tube connecting to the water pump where they used screw clamps onto the male ends of flair fittings. Our rig is 2005 so the industry has been doing it since then. I was sizing up the situation to install a water actuator and confirming which side of the water pump to install it on - is when I made that discovery. We've been completely revamping the plumbing. Thank you Sir!

[@denniscody3799]

Great video but where did the gray adaptor cap and insert come from??? Does it come with the kit or bought seperate???

[@undercoverrvtech]

www.amazon.com/shop/rigorrvrepair/list/13D47N5C3TIHU?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d Hope this helps!

[@james5037]

THANK YOU!!! I have been looking for this...your channel is going to blow up, great content.

[@undercoverrvtech]

Glad it helped!

[@st6795]

Love the flair it brand!

[@WayneWilliams-c2t]

Hi Jacob. There is a brass fitting out there by Shark Bite (union connector) that is designed for PEX (with crimp fitting) on one side and flex hose (with a hose clamp) on the other side. Have you considered these for this application? Wayne W.

[@envyrvllc]

Wayne, excellent info. Would you please do your leak tests using the flex tubing and a “Pexlock” fitting?

[@undercoverrvtech]

Sorry for the late replay, I just saw this. But yes, I'm actually planning on a 4th video testing and using PEXlock fittings. Thanks for watching!

[@tonydeleo3642]

In this video, you replaced a Tee with a straight coupling. How would you connect the third line?

[@markallen4630]

Ive faced this issue. After the proper repair, you could add a Pex T just down the Pex line using proper Pex clamps..

[@scott144]

Your videos are quick and to the point! Thank you!

[@tompfender8732]

Thanks Wayne!

[@linkfloyd4908]

Jacob, are there any shark bite fittings that would work for this problem? Thanks for the video!

[@undercoverrvtech]

No. Push to connect fittings, aka Sharkbite, can't work on flex tubing.

[@09keller]

Thank you!

[@undercoverrvtech]

Thanks for watching! Glad the video was helpful!

[@coderedfit]

Thanks Wayne, you rock!❤

[@09keller]

On the white flexible water line, not Pex, should I use teflon tape at the toilet threaded screw on connector?

[@RealQuickComics]

Seeing how easy it is makes you wonder why they aren't doing this in the factory

[@algau5025]

$$$$$$ , Sorry !

[@carlgshock]

Thanks Wayne

[@RobertHasty]

Could you do a comparison test on Rockwood, grand design and take your pick. Would love to see it.

[@LifeIsAJourney4Us]

the flex tube is used to connect to the back of our toilet using of course the clamp for regular pex which leaks. What is the proper connectors to connect flex tubing to the back of a toilet? Is it just changing the clamp or is there a specific hand twist piece and clamp that should be used? I cannot replace the whole tube because it disappears below floor

[@dennisg.7498]

Great video on a fix for my East to West RV that's full of flex hose. As of 2/17/24 everyone is out of the adaptors. None to be found. Word got out quick ( Or did you buy them all? )

[@undercoverrvtech]

I think the suppliers had low inventory because nobody was buying the adapter. I hope they start stocking more, which they probably will if they are always selling out. I asked FlarIt to add the adapter directly on Amazon. They said they are working on it.

[@bryangrubaugh4167]

It's Wayne's World up in here! (Thanks)

[@oldengineer1519]

Good series on plumbing repair when forced to deal with flexible hose. I noticed you use pinch rings for PEX connections. I have a full crimp tool and materials setup from working on my house and would prefer to use those since I already own them. Is there any reason not use copper crimp rings?

[@undercoverrvtech]

No, I occasionally see copper crimps on RV's and it is a proper and high-quality method of attachment. Thanks for watching!

[@oldengineer1519]

@@undercoverrvtech Thanks.

[@sharon314]

I am trying to find my SHOT OFF VALVE, I am going to buy my stuff tomorrow ad I have a water leak under the bathroom sink, ( The Plex line ) but the bad line has Water in it, so when I take it off the water is going to flood !!!! Mine is a 2015 trail lite crossover. Donyou know when I can find the SHUT OFF VALVE????

[@bobmcmichael]

Great video. I'm confused, though, about how to fix TEE-fittings where two lines are PEX and one is flex.

[@undercoverrvtech]

Just use the gray adapter on the flex. The white lock collars work on PEX.

[@JonSoucy]

Neither of the Flair-It Adaptor suppliers you linked in the description have these in stock or listed as unavailable. I also can't find them on Amazon, any other suppliers that might have these? I cannot get Pex to where these connections are so I'm stuck using the Flair-It solution, but without these vinyl tubing adapters I'm stuck!

[@avdude4654]

Was looking into buying a 2023-2024 grand design either imagine or reflection. I saw your video that they are doing their plumbing this way. If I did this to all the plumbing would that fix the issue? Thanks in advance!

[@undercoverrvtech]

Yes, but keep in mind some fittings are not easy to access. Under the shower for example you can find a mess of fittings that are very difficult to work on. Plumbing aside, be sure and ask about frame problems with the model you want on forums before buying.

[@NMLongshot]

Oh my. What a great video. Does the flare it fitting have the same barb on both ends, and it is only the threaded collar / insert that differs depending on if you are using pex or flex? Do the fittings come with two pcs each of flex and pex ring and bushing?

[@undercoverrvtech]

The fittings only have the PEX collar. You can take that off and install a flex adapter bushing and collar (sold separately) wherever needed. If you look at the video description links you will find the fittings in my Amazon store, and the adapters linked to two other websites.

[@coffey2go313]

We are having a few leaks in our 2021 Grand Design Momentum 397Th. I am wondering if there would be any issues changing out as many plastic fittings as I can with Brass ones as well as switching to the soft pex piles/hose.

[@williamtoney2599]

Jacob, are these same fittings available in L’s and tee’s ?

[@undercoverrvtech]

Yes they are!

[@garyfolkes5911]

Thanks

[@ksqd453]

Both suppliers listed are out of stock, the Flair-it website is not the best they do have a catalog, but the "06325 RV Fresh Water Plumbing Coupling 1/2" MPT to 1/2" Flex Hose" part number is part of a water heater bypass kit and not a single part number like the rest. Is there another supplier that a guy could order some? Thank you for the tutorial and finding this solution, everyone must have bought up all of the inventory once the fix was revealed!!

[@undercoverrvtech]

I have searched many times and only found those two suppliers. My guess is that they don't stock large quantities because historically they have not sold many. They will probably start stocking more as they keep selling out. Sorry, I wish I could tell you something other than check back!

[@evam6555]

I'm now terrified to buy a 5th wheel because of all the frame failure videos. Do you have any thoughts on it?Thanks for your channel

[@mikepowers6357]

Where can I get the vinyl tube fittings to go to the sink?

[@roythomas3221]

Hi I have a 2021 jayco with flex tubing to PEX and not in places I can get to I'm ,71yr old I had dealer put different fittings on at shower and outside kitchen and it still leaks after I use hot water and then cooling down mostly on hot water connections I put two worm gear clamps and it seems to work but their are PEX tees that I can't get to and if I could and have to cut it out then the PEX would be to short to replace fitting.ouy side kitchen was able to add hose clamps but not the shower. Doesn't seem to be leaking but at night sometimes I hear pump kick on for a moment. What should I do? Need help and it is out of warranty. Think you RY

[@bi66badjohn]

Can't seem to find these flex tube adaptors anywhere....Out of stock

[@gordy2286]

How would I use this to change the plumbing that connects to a sink?

[@dianajdanj]

Pretty awesome

[@RandomProjects2112]

Great channel!

[@undercoverrvtech]

Thank you!

[@timf6916]

Great information

[@brianhilligoss]

Glad my rv had the correct plumbing. But they used cheap quick twist on connects to go from pex the the flex tube. So in 2 years I’ve replaced all of them with brass fittings. All the flex lines in my rv are stainless steel lines so don’t think this would work.

[@flyfshrmn09]

The Flair-It fittings are worthless, in my opinion. I tried replacing the lines in my Forest River popup with the 1/2 x 5/8 fittings and 1/2 x 5/8 tubing. Installed without the bushings and they leaked, no matter how they were tightened. finally got the bushings and reinstalled. Put pressure on the lines and the fitting on the pump side of the city water feed blew off. Checked the rest of the connections and was able to pull the lines free with little effort. There is insufficient compression to hold or seal the lines. I'm switching all the fittings to hose barbs and double clamps.

[@Sydneysss]

That elbow 90 degree fitting looks like mine that goes to a shower faucet so the new stuff youre putting on there wouldnt help if its leaking from the hose to the fitting.

[@mobelue]

Have you reviewed Oliver trailers? New to your channel. Ty.

[@undercoverrvtech]

Not yet but they're on my list, thanks for the suggestion!

[@tombrizzi8904]

Have you ever located a 1/2” barbed to 1/2” PEX fitting and just use a worm gear hose clamp on the tubing/barb side and a crimp clamp on PEX? Much simpler way to go from PB tubing to PEX but not removable like your more expensive fitting. Please share link if you have seen a barb to pet adapter fitting. Thank you.

[@undercoverrvtech]

I have looked many, many times. Unfortunately it does not exist as far as I can tell.

[@tombrizzi8904]

Thanks for the quick response. Another suggestion on future video would be to make sure people know the difference between braided vinyl (PVC) tubing and the gray PB (Polybutalyne) pipe that uses barbed fittings. I don't think the PB barbed fittings are interchangeable with braided vinyl tubing barbed fittings. Last challenge is differences in 1/2" braided vinyl tubing. RV manufacturer's buy tubing manufactured by CAMCO that is smaller than what you can get at Home Depot. Camco vinyl tubing is probably made slightly smaller just because all these RV Manf. want to use PEX fittings and cinch clamps trying to reduce this problem of not using the right fittings.

[@dougharder6258]

Great video!

[@undercoverrvtech]

Thanks!

[@MichaelWiencek-z6l]

Where can I purchase the insert bushings for the flair-it nut?

[@undercoverrvtech]

I put link for the only sources I know of right now in the video description. They sold out soon after I posted, so the best I can tell you is to check back until they have them in stock again.

[@flyfshrmn09]

The 90 degree plastic fittings connected directly to the pex, or to a section of reinforced vinyl which is in turn connected to pex are simply not able to take the constant pressure placed on them by the stiff tubing. They eventually start to deform, both the seal and the fitting assuming an oval shape, and the seal is broken. Replace them with standard faucet fittings or stainless hose barbs with double stainless hose clamps. Check them every trip and as part of a pre trip maintenance scheme. The manufacturers are not going to change their cheapskate approach to buying parts and materials and will continue to pass the problems to the dealers and owners. The only way to make them stop is to refuse to buy their products and to educate potential customers.

[@Mike-te1xx]

First!! Thanks Wayne!!

[@rcrosson01]

These videos would be good if you could bring all of your plumbing to the bench and had all the room in the area to work, but real world leaks are in hard to reach and cramped places. As in my Winnebago View, these fixes won’t work unless you remove the shower. Even then, still very cramped and most of the connections are tee connections.

[@undercoverrvtech]

Yep, I generally don't recommend that people buy Winnebago for that reason. They have lot of problematic connections. If you are dealing with leaks already, I'm very sorry. I wish the industry would stop using this type of connection.

[@cesarrosales3409]

Why cant they just do it like this from the factory? Save all of us the headache! Now ill be carrying this parts for when it does happen.

[@walterrafolski5662]

Thanks, Wayne

[@davidmokrzyckiii725]

Thanks Wayne