In line water heater valves frozen shut.

[twinster2]

In preparation for the first camping trip of the season I discovered that the water line valves leading to and from the water heater were frozen shut. Has anyone replaced these valves? If so, what valves did you use and how did you remove them from the crimped sleeves?

[herdbull]

I've replaced 1 in a previous 5th wheel. Easiest way, unless you have all the crimping tools, is just to cut out the old one and use a valve with shark bite fittings. Not ideal because they are much bigger and definitely not cheap but there's not a lot of options. This kind of be a PIA depending on how much area you have to work with. It's possible that it might be easier to disconnect that section of lines with the valves and bypass from the camper and work on it outside.

something like these: https://www.homedepot.com/p/The-Plum...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

[RipVan]

Originally Posted by twinster2

In preparation for the first camping trip of the season I discovered that the water line valves leading to and from the water heater were frozen shut. Has anyone replaced these valves? If so, what valves did you use and how did you remove them from the crimped sleeves?

Were the valves working the last time the camper was used? How long was the camper in storage? Have you tried a tiny bit of “brute force” to free up the valve? Maybe some light tapping with a plastic hammer.
A few years back, I had a leaky valve in the line leaving the water heater. I bought a new valve, some PEX tubing, some cinch type clamps and a special tool for the clamps. The fix was pretty simple. I’m sure (well not absolutely sure) there’ll be some discussion RE: the best method to secure PEX fittings (cinch clamp vs compression ring) but for me, the less expensive cinch clamp method works just fine.
Bottom line, try freeing up the valves first (assuming that hasn’t been tried). Otherwise, it’s a DIY project.

[twinster2]

Valves have been replaced. I was able to buy a cheap crimping tool and replacement valves from Amazon and some PEX tubing and unions at Menards. Was able to save all of the original fittings by gently cutting the crip sleeves with a hacksaw. Pictured below is the final result.

[RipVan]

Originally Posted by twinster2

Valves have been replaced. I was able to buy a cheap crimping tool and replacement valves from Amazon and some PEX tubing and unions at Menards. Was able to save all of the original fittings by gently cutting the crip sleeves with a hacksaw. Pictured below is the final result.

Nice job! The plumbing coming out of my water heater is nearly the same (as I suspect it is on many FFs). I thought that I’d be using my PEX fitting crimping tool more often but (perhaps fortunately) haven’t had the need! I guess it’s better to “have and not need” than “need and not have”!