PEX and freeze resistance

[Per Walthinsen]

Got caught in Central Oregon with a forecast of 22 degrees overnight. I had some antifreeze and managed, but I just finished putting in a water heater bypass setup so that I can more easily winterize on the fly if necessary.

On the other hand, my system is all PEX tubing and Flair-It connections. They say it is freeze resistant to -90 degrees, but they don't claim that it is freeze proof. Could be a big difference.

Has anyone had a frozen PEX or Flair-It fitting break? One fellow claimed that the tubing won't but the fittings will. How I do future "really-cold" camping is dependent on the answer.

[Roger H]

Per, I'd be as much concerned about the drains and faucets themselves as well as all of the OTHER plumbing fittings that AREN'T PEX. As long as you have the water heater and furnace running the inside stuff isn't likely to freeze. If you're going down the road the next day for more than an hour or so with water in the lines, drains, tanks, and faucets there's a potential for problems.

I use mine late into November and December after I winterize, and begin again in late February or early March (depending on snow... I don't tow in snow... cold doesn't stop me) but I typically use a porta-potty in the trailer, and "dry camp" with bottled water and a tea kettle for a water heater. I use a plastic wash basin in the sink rather than the drains.

One of the biggest issues for me isn't winterizing/dewinterizing/rewinterizing, but finding a nearby place to dump the tanks that isn't frozen. And then, of course, there's no fresh water to rinse the stinky slinky or any of the fittings. The wash basin contents just go discreetly out the door to an appropriate place, and the porta-potty can be emptied in any toilet.

Roger

[Gerry]

Got caught in Central Oregon with a forecast of 22 degrees overnight. I had some antifreeze and managed, but I just finished putting in a water heater bypass setup so that I can more easily winterize on the fly if necessary.

On the other hand, my system is all PEX tubing and Flair-It connections. They say it is freeze [b]resistant to -90 degrees, but they don't claim that it is freeze [b]proof. Could be a big difference.

Has anyone had a frozen PEX or Flair-It fitting break? One fellow claimed that the tubing won't but the fittings will. How I do future "really-cold" camping is dependent on the answer.

I am a machanical engeneer in the state of Maine (Fancy word for Plumber) and the -90 degree is in referance to the tube being still pliable and it will expand and be workable but in no means does it mean you can fill it with water and not expect troubles when the water freezes, Hence no claims. But your right the fittings WILL crack and break so thinking all the woes are gone think again and drain all lines and valves and anti-freeze all drain lines when temps are getting low
Gerry