Low Point Drains

[Adony]

I have 3 low point water drains in my trailer (Picture) that have PEX pipe plastic caps on them. The caps are OK but I would like to replace them with simple on/off valves. I have checked the local plumbing supply stores for such a valve but they don't know what I am looking for.. I am looking for a light weight nylon/plastic valve that would easily install on these lines with common tools. Ideas?? Suggestions??

[Herk7769]

Mine are NPT threads (I forget if they are 1/2, 3/8, or 1/4 inch).
They are standard and stocked at Home stores.

[depo]

My low points have the gate valves on them so I pull them just as I leave the campsite and open the bathroom sink so that air can get the system and drain the water.

[onetonford]

Mc Master Carr they have many types of plastic ball valves to choose from and they are priced OK .

[dilgerc]

I refused to pay 25$ apiece for them at my dealer so I went to Home Depot and bought 1/2" PVC valves and threaded adapters for less than 8$ total. Works great so far.

[dezeldad]

I have the threaded plastic ball valves with a thumb switch that you turn, 1/2 inch I think. Bought them at Menards for less than $3. I'll take a picture of them i you need me to.

[Adony]

If you have the time, a picture would be nice... Thanks

[rkswyo]

I replaced my caps with 1/2" threaded PVC ball valves from Home Depot. Make sure to use teflon tape on the threads or they will potentially leak.

[Herk7769]

Was 1/2 in NPT thanks. Have not been back out to the camper to check and that mode was a long time ago.

[dilgerc]

These are what I bought at HD

[dezeldad]

Bought this at Menards, already threaded (no need for adapter). $2.57 each for the 1/2". Can't get a picture of it installed right now since the camper is at the dealer for some warranty work.

Joe

[New2Rvs]

I have drain tubes on both sides of my Class C Sunseeker. I didn't get a owner's manual so I'm assuming both sets drain the hot and cold water lines. I have toilet and kitchen sink on one side and shower on the other.

Is it good to drain the lines when leaving the campsite or is it just for winterizing?

Thanks,
Tom

[dezeldad]

I only drain the water lines when I winterize. I drain the fresh water tank when I'm done using it after each trip. That way I am not traveling with the extra weight and movement of the water. I also like the idea of starting the next trip with a batch of fresh water.

[New2Rvs]

I found a valve under the bed near the water tank. When I opened the valve, water dumped out under the rig. I didn't look to see where is was draining from but it seems like it's a uncapped tube. Is this how your drain your fresh water tank?

[dezeldad]

New2RVs,

It sounds like it probably is your fresh tank. On the four trailers that I have owned, they each had three drain lines. two for the water lines on the exit side of the water pump and one near the fresh tank for draining that tank.

Joe

[dilgerc]

I drain my lines and fresh water tank after each trip. It is my understanding that it's good for the water heater as it flushes it out. Just leave the hot water faucets open when you drain so it can get air.

[myredracer]

I was also thinking of making this change to the drains also and using brass PEX valves. I'd hate for one of the plugs to fall off on the road somewhere.

Standard 1/2" PEX crimp fittings will also work. That's what our local independent RV shop uses. I also bought a few compression fittings from them for spots where I couldn't reach in with a crimper but they are rather expensive. I ended up using a bunch of PEX crimp fittings for the various plumbing mods I made in our trailer. I have a PEX crimper tool so I didn't have to rent or borrow one. RV piping (the red & blue stuff) is very close standard PEX. The ID of the red/blue piping is slightly larger but the copper PEX rings cinch the pipes just fine.

[B47]

Originally Posted by dezeldad

I only drain the water lines when I winterize. I drain the fresh water tank when I'm done using it after each trip. That way I am not traveling with the extra weight and movement of the water. I also like the idea of starting the next trip with a batch of fresh water.

dezeldad - not low point drains - but my 29rk FW has a fresh water drain aft of the axles on the left side.

I never have fully drained the fresh water tank as I would not like to make a mud hole at the CG site -but I am tempted to if it is raining next time I pull out of the CG - what could it hurt?

[crocus]

Are the valves protected from flying stones and stuff off the highway? I could see them getting cracked if struck.

[Herk7769]

I like the idea of shortening the PEX tubing and using a PEX valve. The overall length should not increase by more than an inch or so.