Replacing Fresh Water Hoses/Lines

[michaeld]

I can't be the only one that has had this predicament. We have original hoses that run along the port hull from the aft tank to the forward head passing through bulkheads where they meet the hull. So far, they have proven to be impossible to remove where they pass behind the galley stove and freezer.

Certainly there must be someone among this crowd that has conquered replumbing without rerouting hoses using makeshift tools and techniques.

Your experience will be greatly appreciated.

[bstreep]

Hmm. Sounds like the hoses might have been put in place prior to the stove and freezer installation?

We replumbed with PEX a few years ago. Took a weekend. 21 outlets. It's way easier to work with, and fittings from supplyhouse worked perfectly.

[s/v Jedi]

Remove stove and freezer to gain access.

We too replaced with PEX.

[michaeld]

Yes, I'll remove the stove/oven and the "firewall" behind it. Easy enough although time consuming. The built-in top loading freezer/refrigerator is a different story. I'll document and report on my success or failure freeing and replacing the hoses. Stand by.

[Jammer]

No one good way to do it but lots of things to try.


You can maybe use the existing hose as a sort of messenger line to pull something through (like PEX, which is flexible and slippery). You can maybe pull 1/8" (or larger) amsteel through the existing hose with a vacuum cleaner and use that to pull the new line or put enough force on the old line to break it free from whatever clamps etc are holding it in place.



You can maybe put tubing inside the existing hose, if oversized. (3/8" pex is all you need)


You can abandon the existing hose in place and run new lines somewhere more accessible.


You can use a cheap digital camera to scope out the situation and find more options.


You can use a cable bit:


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...8350/203115401


I have two of them in different sizes and the handful of times they have been successfully deployed have left me grinning like a Cheshire cat. Maybe you could use one to make new holes in your bulkheads.