update: plumbing/pump change in '95 BB

[Pete Masterson]

Just to update folks on my project to replace my water pumps with a
Shurflo variable speed 'demand' pump. I found the "Flare-It"
connectors at Pex Connection <http://www.pexconnection.com>. It seems
that California is the one state where PEX isn't in the building
code, so no local hardware stores normally carry it nor the Flare-It
connectors. The original plumbing in a '95 is made from polybutylene
("PB") pipe that was discontinued 1998 after a series of class-action
lawsuits.

I successfully installed PB to Pex connectors, some Pex tubing and
the variable speed pump. Started up the pump, and after clearing the
air out of the lines, everything seemed pretty good ... except, the
fresh water drain valve had some pre-existing cracks that 'let go'
under the slightly higher pressure of the new pump. I had the
foresight to order an extra PB to normal pipe thread connector, so
I'm on my way to the hardware store to try to replace the leaky
valve. Once that's fixed, I'm going to pressure up and look at _all_
the visible connectors under the sinks, etc. to check for leaks. The
variable speed pump indicates that its operating pressure is 65 lbs.
-- somewhat more than the 40 lbs. nominal pressure with the old
pumps. I suggest that others that might be contemplating this upgrade
take that into consideration.

(I can add, that I'm not thrilled with the idea of replumbing the
coach, if it comes to that!)

Pete Masterson
aeonix1@...
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42'
El Sobrante, CA






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