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Topic: pressed on fittings on the gray water lines in a 1996 (Read 2364 times) previous topic - next topic

pressed on fittings on the gray water lines in a 1996

Ok. I'm trying to install the new water accumulator tank. The gray plastic pipe that has the 3/4 nut on it is to long for the new tank to let the nut seat. I can cut it off a skosh and should work fine however I got to thinking about replacing these pressed on fittings like the T to the tank has, I wouldn't know how or where to begin. Do they make press on fittings now like shark bites? There isn't a bunch of room to get a crimping tool in there.
Options?
Thanks
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: pressed on fittings on the gray water lines in a 1996

Reply #1 –
I have used some SharkBite with good success, in tight spots.  I added two shut off valves on either side of the fresh water pump, so that I can change the pump without having to drain the tank.  Same, with the fresh feed to the hot water heater,
Dave Cobb
Buckhorn Lake Resort The Club, #6202, Kerrville TX
check the map.  I do rent it out when I am traveling!
2001, U320, 36' #5887, in Kerrville, FT Club #17006, (7/23 to present)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Summit, white
EX: 98 U295, 36' #5219, (mid door), (4/13-10/23)
EX: 93 U225, 36' (4/11 to 4/13)

Re: pressed on fittings on the gray water lines in a 1996

Reply #2 –
Just went thru this with some leaks,the pex fittings are the best to use,the grey piping is getting old and brittle,you can use the less expensive pex rings the are stainless steel,if you reuse the grey you can heat it with a blo drier to get the fitting on.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: pressed on fittings on the gray water lines in a 1996

Reply #3 –
I will second Dave's comment.

The grey pipe is called "Polybutylene" and it has a bad reputation.  Google it for more info.

I have used SharkBite brass push-on fittings in multiple places on our coach.  Based on my experience, they work great with the OEM gray plastic water lines.  I have also used them to cross over from grey plastic pipe to PVC pipe, and to cross over from grey pipe to PEX pipe.  They worked fine in each case.  I have had zero leaks in any of my "amateur" water system mods.

See photo below for a few examples.  The brass fittings are SharkBite.  The white plastic 1/4 turn valves are Watts brand - they also work fine with the different types of pipe:

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
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Re: pressed on fittings on the gray water lines in a 1996

Reply #4 –

Specifically for going fron 1/2 to 1/2 of the Polybutylene (grey end) to pex, (tan end).  I paid about $8.50 each for mine, surprised they have increased this much.  May be available for less elsewhere.  I believe I had to get ten to get the $8.50 price.

"The fitting has color-coordinated collars on each end to identify which side goes with which pipe - the gray collar end is compatible with polybutylene pipe and the tan collar end is compatible with PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT and HDPE pipe."

SharkBite U4008LFA Conversion Coupling, 1/2" x 1/2", Brass - Pipe Fittings -...

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Re: pressed on fittings on the gray water lines in a 1996

Reply #5 –
Had a mobile RV tech come out. He had to cut the entire T out and replace with a newer style t compression fitting. The Compression ferule on the old gray to the accumulator would not let the nut make up to the new accumulator tank 3/4 fitting. Good now. He got the new fittings at true value hardware
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.