Converting Camper Plumbing from PEX to normal PVC

[GalacticSton]

Is there any reason I can't go with standard PVC type plumbing pipes and fittings in my camper?

The plumbing in my camper needs to be overhauled, and after reading a ton of gripes about PEX fittings, I am thinking about getting rid of it all and using regular PVC pipes and fittings.

Has anyone done this?

[Jim-Bev-2363]

Do you think PVC fittings will stand the vibrations without leaking? How about the draining for Winter? Maybe if things are all fastened against vibration. For sure needs a vibration isolators for the pump. I never tried it. Good luck if you do.

[GalacticSton]

I live in south Florida, so winterizing is not a concern.

[Jim-Bev-2363]

I ran from 32 degrees in Naples. It only lasted a couple of days so maybe not so bad. I still winterize here in the Heartland. Better safe than sorry.

[Steve Collins]

I think the main issue would be the lack of flexibility in the PVC pipe and fittings. Years ago (think 1970's) RV coach builders used CPVC which for all practical purposes is the same as PVC for installation and behavior. They drifted away from it as PEX and other flexible tubing became available. Too many complaints of vibration shattering, and for for folks in cooler climes, broken pipes if not well winterized.

On the highway, PEX flexes and never creates stress points which will eventually break.

PEX is readily available along with copper or brass fittings. What I have not seen is plastic PEX fittings. The tool can be had in various degrees of quality and price. Alternatively, Flair-It fittings can be used on PEX. Flair-It is readily available and exquisitely easy to work with. The only tools needed are a utility knife and cheap adjustable wrench or pliers.

PEX bends, making it very desirable in RV's as you snake it through the walls, floors, etc.

I don't see any advantages to PVC in this application.

[GalacticSton]

I had not thought about the vibration issue much. So I will stick with PEX and learn to live with it. Thanks for input and it probably saved me a lot of trouble down the line.

[jim44646]

Originally Posted by Steve Collins

What I have not seen is plastic PEX fittings.

Yes Steve there are plastic PEX fittings. I have seen and used them, but I would stay with brass fittings in an rv because of the flex issue. Now that I have used pex I'm hard presses to go back to copper or pvc, even in a house. Pex will expand considerably when water is froze in it. Most freeze breakage is at the joints

[Tod Osier]

Originally Posted by GalacticSton

I had not thought about the vibration issue much. So I will stick with PEX and learn to live with it. Thanks for input and it probably saved me a lot of trouble down the line.

Buy a good crimp tool and jump in, fun stuff to do. I've only been annoyed with it when I've boxed myself into a corner trying to crimp somewhere awkward. Otherwise, it is fast and easy.

[mainah]

Once you learn to use PEX you'll never use any thing else.