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Topic: Water hoses in bathroom '84 LD MP 22ft (Read 3 times) previous topic - next topic
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Water hoses in bathroom '84 LD MP 22ft
Yahoo Message Number: 105212
Hello, I have searched the FAQ and archives as recommended.  Cannot find any reference to my current project - so sorry to ask another question:
 In removing the carpeting from the bathroom I unexpectedly and unhappily exposed two plastic flexible water pipes.  They run along the floor from the shower area, around the front of a 14x14 wooden "box" up against the outside wall, then around the toilet, then through the door to feed the little vanity sink just outside the bathroom wall.
 These hoses are clamped down to the floor, one in front of the other with plastic brackets, about 2 inches from the "box".
 My plan is to remove the brackets, push the hoses close to the "wooden box" and stack them one of top of each other to open up about 3 inches of floor space.  Not a lot of space, but when a "big guy" uses the bathroom, more floor space is always good.
 Question"  Anyone have any clever ideas as to how to hide these hoses?
 We are installing the base flooring and woodlook vinyl tiles on Wednesday and just now trying to figure out with our flooring guy how to "hide these" hoses.

Thanks Cathi
Re: Water hoses in bathroom '84 LD MP 22ft
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105215
"Anyone have any clever ideas as to how to hide these hoses?"
 I think stacking them vertically as you suggested is a good idea. My first thought would be to box them in with a two-piece (front and top only) assembly made from wooden molding or lath, sized as small as possible so that the pipes just fit inside.

Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Water hoses in bathroom '84 LD MP 22ft
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105224
To box them in, as Andy suggests, you'll want to cut a couple of "cleats", strips of wood just a little wider than the diameter of the pipes (plus any additional width if pipe fittings are wider}. One of these strips will be thin (we'll call it "A" and will slide under the bottom pipe, the other will be thicker, perhaps 3/4" and it'll be "B".
 Cleat "A" will go under the pipes. Cleat "B" will attach to the box above the pipes using glue and screws - - enough to hold it in position until the glue dries anyway.
 Next, a strip of finish plywood, veneer, or you might even use your flooring tiles, will be attached to the face of the upper, thicker cleat using glue for tiles, finish screws for wood trim (if you want to easily access the pipes), or even finishing nails if you don't mind re-nailing it if you ever have to take it apart to get to the pipes. Finish trim strip can also be applied to top of the upper cleat. If attaching trim with nails or screws, make sure they aren't so long that they can go through and hit the pipe.

all the best,

bumper
bumper
"Yonder" '05 MB
"WLDBLU" glider trailer
Re: Water hoses in bathroom '84 LD MP 22ft
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105238
Quote
In removing the carpeting from the bathroom I unexpectedly and unhappily exposed two plastic flexible water pipes.  They run along the floor from the shower area, around the front of a 14x14 wooden "box" up against the outside wall, then around the toilet, then through the door to feed the little vanity sink just outside the bathroom wall.
From the vintage of your m'home, I have to ask if these hoses are gray? If so, are they attached to fittings with gray plastic flare nuts? If this is the case, the material is polybutylene. The issue here is chemical aging of the material that will kink the hoses if bent sharply, and fittings that become fragile and crack, and this is a concern over time even if you do not move the hoses. I would recommend you attempt to re-hide the hoses in some fashion that appeals to the eye without moving them. If the fittings crack, they can be replaced with standard brass ones, but the hose will end up shorter and may not reach. This type of plumbing is no longer available, so another option would be to re-do the job with newer materials.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Water hoses in bathroom '84 LD MP 22ft
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105240
Uh Oh - yup their gray - okay - enough said.
 We will do a cosmetic coverup without touching the hoses. I am sufficiently concerned about the issues you point out.

Thanks.
Re: Water hoses in bathroom '84 LD MP 22ft
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105260
Thanks Steve for the info.
 We will use the Daizy for occassional weekend getaways (we fulltime in a 5th wheel but are landlocked in a permanent site)
 The bathroom sink is tiny and not important to us.  We may rebuild that area as our "entertainment center".
 Because of this - I am thinking that it might be best to cut the two pipes and "cap" them off, thereby eliminating the problem.
 I am not certain if the cold water line feeds to the toilet for flushing?  If so, then this is not an option.  Or perhaps just removing the hot water pipe.
 Does this seem a better way to go?  If so, what would be the best way to "cut" and "cap off" one of both of the hoses?

Thanks for your invaluable expertise.

Cathi
Re: Water hoses in bathroom '84 LD MP 22ft
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105264
You can use a little hack saw called a "tiny tim" available at your local plumbing supply house. Also pick up some compression fitting "caps". I can't remember the exact size of the plastic tubeing but you may be able to read it on the sides of the grey tube/pipe. Have fun John in the ol 85'.
Re: Water hoses in bathroom '84 LD MP 22ft
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105271
Quote
Does this seem a better way to go?  If so, what would be the best way to "cut" and "cap off" one of both of the hoses?
Follow the hose back to its source, and disconnect and cap the fitting there. Brass flare caps can be found at any hardware store. I recommend you save as much of the old tubing as possible for future repairs. I also recommend you check ALL the plastic flare nuts for cracks and/or leaks. At their age this problem is inevitable and will eventually affect most or all of those nuts.
 I don't know the plumbing routing in the MP, but I would guess it goes around the base of the back wall, then forward to the kitchen area. The toilet would likely be the last stop in the cold water line, so you'll have to keep that active. A 'tee' fitting should be located where the plumbing splits from sink to toilet, and the sink line can be capped at that point. The hot water line will likely be cap-able in the kitchen.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
 
Re: Water hoses in bathroom '84 LD MP 22ft
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105280
This is in response to Steve's previous recommendations:

Quote
From the vintage of your m'home, I have to ask if these hoses are gray? If so, are they attached to fittings with gray plastic flare nuts? If this is the case, the material is polybutylene. The issue here is chemical aging of the material that will kink the hoses if bent sharply, and fittings that become fragile and crack, and this is a concern over time even if you do not move the hoses. I would recommend you attempt to re-hide the hoses in some fashion that appeals to the eye without moving them. If the fittings crack, they can be replaced with standard brass ones, but the hose will end up shorter and may not reach. This type of plumbing is no longer available, so another option would be to re-do the job with newer materials.

Steve
Hi Steve, I checked out the hoses and fittings thoroughly.  Our LD is 25 years old - yet we find many things in "new" condition.  The hoses are clean and like "new" - the fittings are very clean and show no signs of trouble, leaks, cracks, or anything of any concern whatever.
 This goes for the under sink area (kitchen and bath), shower and toilet hoses.  I know they were not replaced by the PO because they are grey and exactly as you described.
 We continue to be amazed that aside from the severely sun baked exterior and roof, the inside  appliances, furnishings, etc. are like "new".
 Just a touch of water damage on one corner wall in the cabover, and a a little water damage on the opposite diagonal corner at the back window.

Kudos again for delivering a quality product.

Cathi