Repairing & replacing plastic plumbing connections

**NCeagle** · June 21, 2023

After nearly 3 years and over 10K miles with our LEII, I had my first plumbing connection failure and leak. One of the plastic connectors on top of the hot water heater cracked. Luckily I had been carrying some spare plumbing parts and was able to temporarily repair the broken connector with a copper one.

I'm home now and I am replacing ALL of the plastic plumbing connections with copper connectors and stainless cinch rings. I'm finding that my handheld cinch ring tool opens too wide to get at most of the plumbing connections down near the floor. I can use stainless hose clamps in those tight areas (doubled up if necessary) but would prefer to use the cinch rings. I know others have had to replace the plastic fittings and I'm hoping for some advice on how others have tackled the problem in the tight spaces.

Thanks in advance!!!!!

**Frank C** · June 21, 2023

That plastic connection at the top of the hot water heater (Truma) seems to be a common failure point due to vibration when towing. After seeing other owners experience that failure I pro-actively replaced my Truma fittings with brass connections and braided flexible supply lines (to absorb any vibration). Sharkbite “push to connect” fittings used to make the transition to the original plumbing.

**ScubaRx** · June 21, 2023

4 hours ago, NCeagle said:

After nearly 3 years and over 10K miles with our LEII, I had my first plumbing connection failure and leak. One of the plastic connectors on top of the hot water heater cracked. Luckily I had been carrying some spare plumbing parts and was able to temporarily repair the broken connector with a copper one.

I'm home now and I am replacing ALL of the plastic plumbing connections with copper connectors and stainless cinch rings. I'm finding that my handheld cinch ring tool opens too wide to get at most of the plumbing connections down near the floor. I can use stainless hose clamps in those tight areas (doubled up if necessary) but would prefer to use the cinch rings. I know others have had to replace the plastic fittings and I'm hoping for some advice on how others have tackled the problem in the tight spaces.

Thanks in advance!!!!!

Not having those tools, I don't routinely use the cinch rings. I do have the tools for the copper crimp rings and that's my go-to. There are some cinch tools that will pinch from the front or the side which might be easier in tight spots.