[Trnelson]

Hi everyone :

While de-winterizing a GS Conquest 6320 for a trip to Green Bay, (Lambeau field for Packers game) I discovered that the straight stop valve off the hot water heater (hot line) has a leak. Not sure how this happened, maybe I failed to drain water sufficiently out of this line, resulting in freeze damage (although I do properly drain the lines and inject RV antifreeze throughout the plumbing).

It seems a gasket within the valve has failed, and now, once the water pump is engaged and there is pressure in the line, there is a slow to moderate leak from the bottom of the valve. At the bottom of the valve, there appears to be a rubbery material extruding from the plastic housing-this is the location of the leak.

It doesn’t seem like a difficult fix, but I’m unclear about the right valve replacement and the tool needed to crimp the lines.

I need to re-winterize the rig ASAP, but would like to make the repair prior to going through the process.

One question that comes to mind is the line diameter. I haven’t tried measuring it yet, but does 1/2 inch sound right!? Is this standard for RV plumbing?

Here are my questions:
1. Is there a technique or tool to remove the current crimps, or do I need to just cut the line and reinstall a new one? (The line itself is fine).
2. What is the correct straight valve part for replacement?
3. What tool is recommended to recrimip the line once the new valve is installed?
4. What is the right crimp part to complete the install?

As always, thanks for your help. This forum rocks!

Todd