Fresh water plumbing on a 400 express question

[jonsm114]

My 400, a 96 model, has a white flexible hose used to plumb the fresh water distribution on the boat. What is the material called? Can it be obtained from a RV supplier? I want to add a water line for an ice maker.

Thanks,

Jon

 

[Mike Blake]

You will have to tap into it with a 1/4 " line for the ice maker.

 

[jonsm114]

Thanks.....I am familiar...but the plumbing for fresh water on the boat looks like a 3/4 inch line and is white in color...need to get some more and don't know what its called.

 

[GregM]

Jon,
If the line you're referring to is the the small 1/4" opaque line that uses brass compression fittings its polypropylene. You can buy that at the hardware store. If that's not the line let me know I have an engineering degree in plastics.
Greg

 

[GregM]

Jon,

Just copied this off West Marine site. Should help.

[h=3]Freshwater supply hoses[/h][FONT=&quot]Potable water hoses must be made of FDA-approved, non-toxic materials so they won’t cause bad taste in drinking water supplies. Pressurized systems must use reinforced hose to withstand pump pressure (approx. 40-60PSI). For fill and vent hoses in water tanks, extra-heavy-duty sanitation/water hose should be used, while reinforced rubber hose is the best choice for hot water up to 140°F.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Alternatively, you may use a reinforced vinyl hose reinforced with nylon braid. Series 162 (polyester reinforced clear PVC hose), FDA approved; Series 140 VAC Standard (steel wire reinforced PVC hose); Series 148 Multi-Purpose (vinyl helix hose) FDA approved, ideal for critical drain and fill applications.[/FONT]

 

[h_gerry]

Just a few questions: Is the icemaker in the cockpit below the sink or are you adding a new installation somewhere else? Where is the hose that you are referring to located? Is the hose corrugated (does it have ridges like a bilge pump hose)? When I reinstalled an icemaker on my boat (the original unit was DOA), I replaced the hose from the faucet located below the forward helm seat step on the port side to the cockpit sink and taped into it. I used vinyl reinforced water hose and added a 'T' near the sink to feed the icemaker through a 1/4" water line. Virtually all of the parts I used came from the plumbing isle of my local hardware store.

I think the simplest solution is cutting the hose where you need to and adding a brass 'T' fitting using two hose barbs and clamps. You can also check the integrity of the hose when you cut into it and if any concerns just replace it.

 

[jonsm114]

she had a nuline ice maker that had gone bad. the electrical outlet is there and a water valve. installed a vertifrigo ice maker, flush model and plugged in and plumbed the furnished water line through 2-coconut charcoal filters in series and she works like a charm. furnishes all the ice we need to cool beer and make slush drinks. Very happy with it.

 

[jonsm114]

Jon,
If the line you're referring to is the the small 1/4" opaque line that uses brass compression fittings its polypropylene. You can buy that at the hardware store. If that's not the line let me know I have an engineering degree in plastics.
Greg

yes.....standard ice maker line like on a fridge at home