Hose barb to pex in fiberglass tank

[zboss]

Folks,

Looking for some plumbing advise regarding a conversion from hose barbs to pex tubing connectors.

Our boat has a drop-in/glassed-in fiberglass tank from 1987 that is in great shape - we may consider replacing it in the future but its one of those "if it ain't broke don't fix it things". The water exits the tank via a hose barb that is glassed in at the side-bottom of the tank.

In our eyes, our optimum solution would be to completely move away from the old hose barb to a direct PEX fitting but I am having difficulty conceiving of the best way to convert the old PVC hose barb.

Option 1: cut out the old hose barb and glass in a new fitting
Option 2: fill the old hose barb and create a new hole and new fitting.
Option 3: fill in the old hose barb and then draw from the top of the tank from a new port.

I don't see anyone that makes a pex fitting suitable for glassing in.

Any ideas are appreciated...

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by zboss

Folks,

Looking for some plumbing advise regarding a conversion from hose barbs to pex tubing connectors.

Our boat has a drop-in/glassed-in fiberglass tank from 1987 that is in great shape - we may consider replacing it in the future but its one of those "if it ain't broke don't fix it things". The water exits the tank via a hose barb that is glassed in at the side-bottom of the tank.

In our eyes, our optimum solution would be to completely move away from the old hose barb to a direct PEX fitting but I am having difficulty conceiving of the best way to convert the old PVC hose barb.

Option 1: cut out the old hose barb and glass in a new fitting
Option 2: fill the old hose barb and create a new hole and new fitting.
Option 3: fill in the old hose barb and then draw from the top of the tank from a new port.

I don't see anyone that makes a pex fitting suitable for glassing in.

Any ideas are appreciated...

A short piece of hose or tubing attached to the barb and then to a PEX fitting. Cost <$5. Time: <1/2 hour.

[sailorchic34]

The simple fix is to go from pex to male with a sharkbite fitting then add a female to hose adapter. Two extra fittings and no mucking about changing the hose barb.

You could add a tank bulkhead fitting which is what a through hole is.

http://www.amazon.com/Banjo-TF100-Po...khead+fittings

This does require inside access to install. But it's probably what your thinking of

[wrwakefield]

Originally Posted by zboss

Folks,

Looking for some plumbing advise regarding a conversion from hose barbs to pex tubing connectors.

Our boat has a drop-in/glassed-in fiberglass tank from 1987 that is in great shape - we may consider replacing it in the future but its one of those "if it ain't broke don't fix it things". The water exits the tank via a hose barb that is glassed in at the side-bottom of the tank.

In our eyes, our optimum solution would be to completely move away from the old hose barb to a direct PEX fitting but I am having difficulty conceiving of the best way to convert the old PVC hose barb.

Option 1: cut out the old hose barb and glass in a new fitting
Option 2: fill the old hose barb and create a new hole and new fitting.
Option 3: fill in the old hose barb and then draw from the top of the tank from a new port.

I don't see anyone that makes a pex fitting suitable for glassing in.

Any ideas are appreciated...

Zboss,

In a similar recent thread about similar issues with holding tanks, Peggy Hall recommended using a Uniseal.

I haven't tried them yet, and don't know if you can get materials usable for potable water, but I think it may be worth a look.

The Uniseals are so cheap I'm considering stocking various sizes in my spares kit.

In case this is worth considering for your current needs.

Cheers!

Bill

[zboss]

Originally Posted by rwidman

A short piece of hose or tubing attached to the barb and then to a PEX fitting. Cost <$5. Time: <1/2 hour.

I had thought about that.

I'd like to get away from all the vinyl tubing and especially the nipples from 1987 Coast Rica which are probably still leaching banned chems into our water.

I went to home depot today to try and find a PEX fitting that was along the lines of what sailorchick34 mentioned but it looks like I'd have to go with her fitting and attach it to a PEX fitting, rather than just have a unified fitting.

[Saltyhog]

That's exactly what I plan to do for our tanks. Bulkhead fitting to NPT - PEX adapter.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[sailorchic34]

Originally Posted by zboss

I had thought about that.

I'd like to get away from all the vinyl tubing and especially the nipples from 1987 Coast Rica which are probably still leaching banned chems into our water.

I went to home depot today to try and find a PEX fitting that was along the lines of what sailorchick34 mentioned but it looks like I'd have to go with her fitting and attach it to a PEX fitting, rather than just have a unified fitting.

Yes, I tried to find a single fitting too and I don't think it exists. Still two fittings are better then one.

Most of the fittings you buy from US sources from five years ago onward will be lead free with aluminum substituted for the lead in bronze. That's due to California banning all lead in brass/bronze fittings and valves a few years ago.

For domestic / potable water, brass rather then bronze was safer as there is no lead in the mix.

[zboss]

I have an update.

After moving a bunch of stuff out of the way it was determined that the plastic fitting was first connected to a bronze fitting which in turn was embedded in the fiberglass tank. So, I just removed the plastic and screwed in a new PEX fitting - so everything is hunky dory. In fact, we have completed the conversion of the water system to all PEX and it is MUCH MUCH better tasting. We also added a carbon block filter and a pelican knock off. Although we did not use a true manifold, we can turn off most lines individually.

We also added a thermostatic mixing valve to the hot water heater - now we don't scald ourselves and our hot water lasts a lot longer. I wish they made a two gallon hot water heater - we don't need anything close to 6!