Size for plumbing lines

[newellkev]

I did a search and really couldn't find an answer so here goes. Due to my own stupidity the first year I got Rolling Home the water lines froze. D:oH! So, now I am going to replace them. The lines I have now are what looks like 1/4" copper. I am going to go with PEX. What I would like to know is 1/4" the right size to go with or would 3/8" be better.  i?? Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks to All in advance !!

[Froggy1936]

Hi.  My rig has all the original plastic line and they are 3/8 the supply at the faucets is good. I think 1/4 would be to small.    Frank

[tiinytina]

I think all of Gone's lines are 5/8" but she is done all in butyl. I'd like to go with Pex or drinking grade pvc if I had to redo them.... I will be redoing most of the lines around the water heater and I will probably go with pex at this point for that area because there is a lot to weave around.

Tina

[JDxeper]

I think mine in the 78 Tumble Bug is 3/8" butyl..   The 68 has both 1/2 and 3/8 copper with more patches than a boy scout..  I think when I redo the system on the 68 I will go with 3/8 of some sort. Probably a 3/8 plastic reinforced type that I can get at the farm store.

My answer, I would go with 3/8.   Y! i?? Hm?

[4winds]

Mine is mostly original and is 1/2 inch cpvc! If I have to replace will probably go with PEC.  Ed

[Oz]

Pex tubing and fittings have been the option of choice, according to our members.

I would look at the sizes which are currently being used and use the same thing, unless you are looking to change (like faucets, water heater, etc.) and if they have a different size, just change the lines to those items, but keep the primary line the same.

[salplmb]

the thing about water lines is the volume of water u get through any given size line is determined by the length and pressure. our rigs are pretty small and the smaller the line the faster u will get hot water. cold is the same but u don't have to wait for cold water. so if u stick with 3/8" lines u should be fine. it really doesn't matter in our small rigs. the runs are pretty short. if u still have a air pressure system the volume through the lines will drop as the pressure goes down. on a in line pump set up the pressure will stay constant. the size only really matters if u r running more than one fixture at a time.
u can probably tell i am a plumber by trade because i give to much info. this is my area of expertize. hope this helps.
sal

[DanD2Soon]

It's never too much Sal.  Nice knowing you've got our backs. 
Do you still have a loaner PEX tool?

[newellkev]

WOW, Thanks folks for all the input !! It looks like Pex it is!! And I believe I'm going with 3/8". The 1/4" copper that is there just seams to darn small.  Again thanks to all (dang I just love this site) Y!

[RV Mech Tech]

Please check my latest post on the General Board titled, "Parts & Information Websites"  for RV plumbing supply info.   

[newellkev]

Well I went and done it now!! I snatched up Melody and off we went to our high tech RV supplier (Menards). Got us a 100 ft roll of 3/8" Pex and a bunch of the shark bite type fittings I'll be needing to redo the plumbing.  Only spent 61$ and got most of what will be needed. At this rate I figure it will cost just about 100$ for all. My fresh water tanks and pump are still good the only thing I'm not sure of is the hot water heater i??. Will know more about it soon.

[Oz]

Much cheaper than re-plumbing a house, yes?

[newellkev]

And with going to pex it's much easier to !!

[JDxeper]

Been shopping for pex water line, found red !/2" in pex at Home depot for $16.00 per 100 Ft,  the white is about $26.00 per and and 3/8" about same as the white.  But HD had no 3/8" fittings.  Went on to Lowes, nothing else to do on a dreary afternoon, they were about the same price except the red was $26.00 also.  Blue was higher than either red or white, same as HD.  Crimp tool is another story.  The cheapest one I could find was $38 at Lowes, looks like it's 1/2" pex for me.  I'll get a roll of white and a roll of red and do both units. Any cheap crimp tools ?