Quote:
Originally Posted by KenHwy61
I took some photos of the differences between pex and barbed fittings and tubing including a close-up of a brass pex tee and a stainless steel barbed. Both types of fittings come in metal and various types of plastic and the tubing comes in multiple colors as well. Also posted pictures of the tools needed to make it much easier to correct the factory plumbing.
Pex tubing belongs on pex fittings with pex cinch clamps. Braided tubing belongs on barbed fittings with either worm drive clamps or the correct size cinch type clamps. The ID and ODs are slightly different between the two types of fittings and tubing so that is why it is important to use the correct type.
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To add to this information, there are three types of Pex tubing commonly used for plumbing. They are: Pex-A which is very flexible; Pex-B which is the red and blue you see in your plumbing (or white); and Pex-C which is orange and holds the bend. This is a must see YouTube video for a really clear explanation:
We had very little braided pipe on our 2500TS. When I added a winterizing valve, I got rid of the braided and used Pex-A which is just as flexible. This is a translucent milky white color and uses Pex fittings.
My suggestion is to find a plumbing shop that will sell you a length of Pex-A because it is the most expensive and you won't need a coil. Pex-B is available at most building supply locations in short lengths. Use Pex-B (the red and blue) where you can and Pex-A to replace the braided. Change the plastic fittings to brass as your plastic fittings will be damaged trying to remove them. Do not attempt to use a new fitting inside a previously crimped pipe end as it will likely leak. Happy plumbing!