RV PEX & Braided Flexible Hose Fittings and Clamps

Introduction to RV Plumbing Systems

RV fresh water plumbing delivers clean potable water for your sinks and showers. The fresh water plumbing in RVs primarily consist of two types: PEX pipe and braided flexible hoses. The most common diameter being 1/2 inch.

PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, has gained popularity in plumbing applications due to its flexibility, resistance to corrosion, and ability to withstand variable temperatures. This material allows for easier installation, as it can navigate tightly confined spaces within the RV’s framework with minimal fittings. Specifically, 1/2″ PEX fittings are commonly used to connect piping systems seamlessly, optimizing the water distribution process without leaks.

On the other hand, braided flexible hoses, which typically consist of a durable flexible hose containing a visible nylon braiding, are often employed for connections where RV components vibrate or move, such as water pumps and slide-outs.

Understanding the characteristics, benefits, and applications of PEX plumbing and braided flexible hoses is vital for RV owners. The right choice can significantly affect water flow efficiency, installation ease, and long-term durability to avoid water leaks.

Properties and Benefits of PEX Plumbing

PEX’s notable characteristics contribute to its widespread adoption, particularly for RV water supply systems. The key benefits being light weight and low cost when compared to rigid copper piping. Note that there are two common types of PEX piping, PEX-a and PEX-b. PEX-a is more often used in traditional homes. PEX-b is stiffer than PEX-a and is used most often in RV’s. Both will work in an RV but more often then not you will find PEX-b in the RV. So for this article we will assume your RV is using PEX-b. A primary advantage of PEX is its flexibility, allowing for easy maneuvering around obstacles during installation, thus minimizing the need for numerous fittings. As a result, it serves as an efficient alternative to traditional rigid piping.

Another significant property of PEX plumbing is its resistance to scale and chlorine, making it an ideal choice for water systems where these elements can pose challenges. Unlike metal pipes, PEX does not corrode, ensuring a longer lifespan and maintaining the quality of water. In addition to this, the ability of PEX to withstand freezing temperatures without bursting is particularly beneficial in RV applications, where water may be exposed to various climatic conditions.

PEX plumbing can be red, blue, white or opaque colored. This doesn’t affect functionality, it just makes it easier to identify hot vs cold water lines. So you will find various colors of PEX in RV’s, it differs by RV manufacturer.

Properties and Benefits of Braided Flexible Hoses

Braided flexible hoses are highly regarded in RV plumbing, due to their unique construction and properties. One of the main benefits of braided flexible hoses is their excellent flexibility and durability. The internal protective braid strengthens the highly flexible tubing, extending the lifespan of the hoses. Braided hoses are more flexible then PEX so are more easily routed around tight spaces.

Moreover, braided hoses excel in environments where vibrations and movements are frequent, as they can better absorb these disturbances. Therefore, in instances where traditional PEX would be more prone to cracking or kinking, braided hoses can provide a more reliable option. That is why in RV’s you will often find both PEX and Braided Hoses. PEX being used for most of the straight run piping and braided hoses where vibration or movement occurs such as around water pumps and slide-out rooms.

Braided flexible hoses can be red, blue, white or opaque colored. This doesn’t affect functionality, it just makes it easier to identify hot vs cold water lines. So you will find various colors of braided hoses in RV’s, it differs by RV manufacturer.

Fittings and Clamps: Ensuring Water Tight Connections

When it comes to connecting PEX plumbing and braided flexible hoses in RV plumbing, selecting the appropriate fittings and clamping mechanisms is critical for preventing leaks and ensuring system reliability. Both PEX and braided flexible hoses use different types of fittings, which may include 1/2″ PEX fittings, 1/2″ barb fittings, as well as FIP (female iron pipe) and MIP (male iron pipe) fittings.

For RV 1/2″ PEX plumbing, typically a 1/2″ PEX fitting is used with a 1/2″ PEX clamp, also called an ear clamp. The fittings can be brass or plastic, pick whatever fits your budget and use case. PEX clamps are specified for 17.5mm diameter PEX pipe.

The installation process involves sliding the clamp over the PEX pipe, inserting the PEX fitting, and then using a crimping tool to secure the clamp around the pipe. This method provides a permanent connection that can withstand high pressures, making it an advantageous choice for RV plumbing systems. However, it is essential to use the correct size fitting and crimp ring to avoid any potential leaks.

In contrast, braided flexible hoses typically utilize barbed fittings, which require the use of barbed hose clamps for secure connections. Braided hose clamps have a larger diameter to account for the larger diameter braided hose compared to PEX pipe diameter. This is a key issue to note to avoid water leaks. Pick a PEX fitting and clamp for PEX pipe but pick a barbed hose fitting with a hose clamp for braided hoses.

For RV 1/2″ flexible braided hoses, typically a 1/2″ barbed hose fitting is used with a 1/2″ hose ear clamp (18.5 mm). The fittings can be brass or plastic, pick whatever fits your budget and use case.

Mating PEX To Braided Flexible Hose

Sometimes you may want to connect a PEX pipe directly to a flexible braided hose, in this case you would need an adapter coupler, also called a union. One with a 1/2″ PEX side and the other with a 1/2″ barbed side such as this below.

Where To Get Stuff

Below is a list of my favorite couplers, adapters, and tools for your RV plumbing DIY projects.

PEX FIttings

PEX Clamps

Braided Hose Barbed Hose FIttings

Braided Hose Clamps

PEX/Braided Hose Adapters

Plumbing Tools