Bertram33 User Forum

The problem with Polybutylene (gray) pipe was the fittings. When they first started using P.B. pipe they used Polybutylene fittings which I think is what Bertram used. When copper fittings were used I've never heard of a problem. They make a coupling to attach Polybutylene pipe to pex pipe. Pex pipe comes in white, red or blue color and is what is used now if you're not using copper. Making the transition from either pipe is not a problem if you have a crimping tool for the copper rings. Once you transition over to pex pipe install a pex three way tee then transistion back to P.B. pipe. Sometimes you can go to an old hardware store and they have the old copper fittings for PB pipe. The pex fittings do not work on PB pipe. Maybe you can rent the tool from a hardware store. I never liked the fittings Bertram used on the P.B. pipe. Thought it looked unprofessional. I always liked the copper fittings that use the copper rings. It's really an easy problem to fix if you can get to it to fix it. Buzz

Scott, Thanks for a good laugh!

Brian, I found myself in the same situation with the FW manifold set for both hot and cold water on my 83SF while replacing the head faucet. It may not be up to code but rather than get all wrapped around the axle trying to come up with the right combination of impossible to find fittings, or re-plumb the entire boat, I ended up using a 1/2 barbed end Shark Bite fitting took a 1/2 clear reinforced PVC tubing, double clamped it with high grade SS hose clamps, cut off the female 3/8 gray plastic connector and double clamped a long section of the clear PVC over the line. No leaks, no problems in the last 6 months. I do have the advantage of being able to access it by removing one pannel below the vanity. If it wasn't this easy to get at I am not sure what I would have ended up doing.