This is one of those posts where I (Kim) literally didn’t even know that this project had happened, let alone have enough technical know-how or understanding of the project to write an entire blog post about it.
…But Jereme was kind enough to fill in the pertinent details so we could document another “checked-off” item on our good ole “never-ending” boat project list.
When Jereme was working on the water tank replacement and had removed the water tank, he noticed that the old copper pipe was broken. He also heard a hissing noise when the pump was turned on.
The previous owner or original boat builder had run copper pipe to the head, turning the pipe at a 90-degree angle WITHOUT using a 90-degree fitting!!! So, of course, right where it made the turn is where we had a leak. We have no idea how long this area has been leaking. Awesome. 🙁
Jereme replaced the old 1/4-inch copper (hot and cold) water pipe that runs from the supply pump/hot water tank, under the cockpit in the engine compartment, about 20 feet forward to the head. This pipe supplies the head with hot and cold water for the shower and sink.
Instead of using copper pipe, Jereme used 1/4-inch PEX (a strong polyethylene pipe).
This product isn’t readily available at our local Home Depot or Lowe’s, so he special ordered a 50-foot roll. He used basic compression fittings to attach the PEX to the sink and to the hot water tank and supply lines. He removed the old copper pipe and ran the new PEX pipe in its place.
Since the PEX was gray in color, he made sure to mark the hot line with red permanent marker every foot or so, so that we would know which line was which if we ever need to fix it in the future (smart boy!).
Jereme has one more fitting to attach and this project is complete. No more leaking water pipes!!!
>>Thanks for visiting our LAHOWIND sailing blog! We’d love for you to get to know us and follow our story as we attempt to navigate a whole new world of sailing.