Sealing poorly made PEX penetrations

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scampalicious
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Sealing poorly made PEX penetrations

Brand new Scamp 16', Layout #4. There are 2 low point drains for both hot and cold water on the portside of the camper. Sadly, the penetrations look like someone foregoed a drill, and instead made the holes using a claw hammer... The "chipped out" areas are not covered in resin.

 

What materials would be best used to seal the openings from water intrusion, understanding that the Uponor PEX-A pipe has limitations on what can come in contact with it. For example, certain materials can degrade the pipe over time.

 

I was considering using canned spray foam (Great Stuff), since Uponor does allow closed-cell spray foam to come into contact. But I am not sure how "weatherproof" great stuff is, as it might be open cell, and since it's not a two-part cure foam, I am not sure if the solvents in it could be damaging.

 

I might be overthinking this - perhaps simply a large glob of silicone is all that is needed. Another option is to wrap the pipe with insulation and then seal the remainder with some sort of flexible adhesive sealant.

 

Any ideas?

 

salukispeed
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Joined: 08/20/2018 - 13:45
Silicone

Drilling holes thru the OSB type floor are rarely tidy. Ours was sealed on the inside with ample white silicone. I chose to also seal as best i could from the out side too. I had the similar appearing penetration where the fresh water drain came thru. and it is in the water spray area behind the tire.  

2019 Scamp 13 standard

scampalicious
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Yes, I need to inspect other

Yes, I need to inspect other areas as well. I might just try some expanding foam, it seems like it's OK around PEX.

Here's another fun one for you. Screw through the OSB coming straight into one of the gray water hoses. Sigh.

Camper to Scamper
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Last seen: 1 year 7 months ago
Joined: 05/16/2015 - 17:41
How disappointing! This is

How disappointing! This is how it left the factory? What is the lesson of this story? Should we take a mechanic creeper board to go underneath when we pick ours up from the factory? What is your suggestion? Will Scamp cover cost of your taking it to an RV service? 

scampalicious
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They probably would, but it's

They probably would, but it's not worth my time to do so. I'd rather just fix it myself. I can move the hose a bit inwards. Currently looking for a way to seal the puncture without resorting to replacing the line.

salukispeed
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Last seen: 1 year 4 months ago
Joined: 08/20/2018 - 13:45
disappointing for sure.

Did it actually pierce the 1 inch tube. If not it is only a drain and no pressure. and could move the tubing by  repositioning the clamp.  If you remove the tub/hose from the gray tank be very careful of the fitting attached to the tank. It is light weight and brittle and pop riveted and glued in place. Dont ask how I know. verrrrry carefully work it off the nipple.  or it will break. and do not stress it with the  hose weight or bends. Sometimes weight savings are over done.  Even if a tiny piercing I might prefer to seal and tape or lightly clamp over it. . It is new and we want it perfect but sometimes a good fix is a good fix..   

2019 Scamp 13 standard

scampalicious
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I ended up using some 'SealIt

I ended up using some 'SealIt Rescue Tape 1" x 12' Pipe Repair Tape'. It's a silicon tape that you stretch over and wrap around the puncture. I then relocated the clamp a couple inches away from the screw, being careful not to put too much stress on the line.

I then added an extra 60" Valtera Sewer Hose Carrier, which was the original reason for climbing under the trailer :). OEM "shorty" carrier is to the left.

salukispeed
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Last seen: 1 year 4 months ago
Joined: 08/20/2018 - 13:45
Good

Looks like a great fix. I really like the self vulcanizing Silicone tape like you used there.  for many things. We have yet to need a longer "Stinky Slinky" but you have a nice set up worth looking into. 

2019 Scamp 13 standard

Gordon2
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Last seen: 1 year 6 days ago
Joined: 04/26/2015 - 09:01
For the low point drain lines

For the low point drain lines I just wrapped a little butyl tape around the pipe from above and pushed it in the holes a little.  Six years later its fine.  Didn't take much longer then reading and replying to this thread.