Water Lines - replace barbed fittings

[NJCAMPR]

I have a coleman westkake and some of the t-connections(barbed fittings) cracked.  They are held in place by a copper ring which compresses the hose onto the barb and makes them difficult to remove from the line.  I know I could just cut the line but I wanted to keep the length the same - just in case the new fitting is not exact fit.   What is the best method to removing the copper ring? and the broken barb inside the hose?  Propane Heat?    any help would be apprecuated.

[austinado16]

Mmmm.....34 views and no answers for the NJCAMPR.

Consider posting a photo (host it on //www.photobucket.com) so we can see whatcha got and then maybe you'll get some ideas.

A couple thoughts:

Can you patch the cracks with clear silicone or "shoe goo" or similar?

Can you cut the copper rings off using a pair of dykes or wire cutters, or your dremel tool with a fiber cut-off wheel?

Can you heat you tubing with a hair blow dryer until it's soft enough to be rocked back and forth until it pulls off the T fittings?

When you install new T's can you put your existing water lines back on by heating them with a hair blow dryer, pushing them onto the fittings, and then using nylon zip-ties to secure them in place?

I'm all about work arounds, so when I see a situation like this, I'm looking for ways to repair it, that may not include the factory method.

[popupcop]

My dad is a plumber and I worked with him (and in a hardware store) several years ago.  



The ring is not really made to remove without damaging the tubing.  You might carefully run a hacksaw across it but it would be nearly impossible to do so without damaging the tube.  



If you have a little play, cut the tubing and replace the barb connectors.  If you don't have any extra left, you may have to either add a coupling and a length of tubing or just completely replace an entire run of tubing to get your length.  



The rings are sometimes available at home stores and some of the stores even rent the tool to crimp the ring on the pipe.  It is more expensive but easier to replace barb fittings that have been clamped with a hose clamp.  Be sure and use all stainless steel hose clamps if you go this route.   Also, you may find brass barb fittings more expensive but much less likely to break under stress.  



Most of the tubing itself will survive being frozen but the barb fittings, neither plastic nor brass are impervious to swelling and breaking in the cold.



I hope this helps... 73 Popupcop

[wavery]

Pics are the answer. There are several types of connectors that use a ring. Are you sure that there is a "Barb fitting" in the hose?

What year and model camper??

[Recumbentman]

I came across these new plumbing fitting at home depot. they are called Sharkbite  take a look maybe they are what you need to fix your connections.

[wavery]

I came across these new plumbing fitting at home depot. they are called Sharkbite  take a look maybe they are what you need to fix your connections.

I use those for plumbing repairs in my apartment building, they work great and are easy to install. I'm not sure how well they would work in a camper. They rely on constant water pressure to force the seal against the pipe to prevent leaking. My only concern would be that they might leak a little every time that you turn on your water, as pressure is building up.

It's not a problem in residential plumbing because the water pressure is higher and pretty instantaneous when the water is turned off then back on again. On an RV, the water pressure takes a few seconds to build up.

OH.......did I mention......they are very expensive.......

I may be all wet on this one but it's just an observation.