Over the weekend I was thinking about reinstalling my basement back wall. It been off for months. I think I have my last water leak fixed, and its camping season again.
I found the latest leak because of a foot long icicle hangin off the frame below the water heater. It took awhile, but I finally narrowed the leak (a really slow drip) down to the flex hose that goes from the water heater to the water heated bypass valve. Heartland uses a crimper that is very difficult to remove. I had to cut the flex hose to get the L-adaptor off of the bypass valve. I walked around Home Depot for awhile until I figured out that a bolt cutter would cut the crimp off. If you try this make sure to wear safety glasses and point the crimp away from you.
Those are PEX crimp rings. Easiest way to get them off is to get a pair of concrete nippers at Lowe's or Home Depot. There are tile nippers and concrete ones. You want the ones where the jaws actually meet. Cut and twist the tab, and they should break off. With a little care, you can use the same tool to recrimp the fitting. Having a few more pennies than brain cells, I've got the tools to handle both styles of PEX crimp rings and deal with prepping the tubing. I've had to fix a small leak, myself.
Even with the walls off, if you have to work in there, be ready for sore knees and a sore back, maybe even a sore noggin from banging into things. It's not the easiest place to work, almost qualifies as a PERMIT REQUIRED - CONFINED SPACE.
