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wizard, the pipe inserts (hard plastic or even metal) should be used on caravans aswell as domestic properties! the insert allows the pipe to remain in shape so that the crush ring and the o ring maintain their shape and structure as one unit. i just assumed the inserts would be fitted as the norm.

i am not convinced re the 'freeze' causation. lots of homes have their water systems drained down when unoccupied, but i doubt many of them have leaks when reinstalled, even if they have been left empty over the winter

the fittings will have been tested with inserts when produced, designed, so why would the fittings be fitted into caravans without using the inserts? perhaps thats the reason they fail and its not deterioration of the o rings themselves, but the failure of the fitting and pipework. or more correctly the failure (negligence?) of the installer. some fittings also need the outside 'nut' turning to actually lock the fitting into place.

i have carried out a few small plumbing jobs on vans Inc outside taps etc and NEVER had a problem, either inside the van or externally (which are more susceptable to freezing) but i ALWAYS use inserts!

Quote: Originally posted by Johnnie Boy on 05/4/2011

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I got the van back after the warranty work on the leaking fittings, they said one had been changed (i had told them several joints where leaking) and was also told the system had been tested !.
So off we went on a weekend break and guess what, spent the first day with no water cos the fittings they never changed where leaking and it was'nt just a drip !.
Spent the second day running around looking for fittings where I repaired it my self on site. Just like to mention it was the whale fittings which were leaking and the spare I fitted was the all black one ( sorry but I forget the name !!)
I intend doing the same .. checking the system at the storage yard a day or two before the next outing in the van, after two outings with leaking plumbing you get a bit paranoid.

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Hi Dave , went to the van today to sort the pipes , i removed the old ones and you can just see where the O rings have pushed into the plastic over a long time , had there been inserts fitted from the start i don't think i would have had any leaks .
I've fitted new pipes and now have no leaks and was able to pressurize the system .
I didn't change any other fittings just the pipes .
I tried quite a few places to try and find the inserts but had no luck as they are 9mm O/D , so had to reassemble without them .

atb

Wizard