Must have been a tough winter up here (ya think??). Got one of my leaks repaired (see other thread) but need a tad of help with the second.
The leak is at the Cold water supply going into the hot water heater. Must have cracked the 90 degree fitting that connects to the actual tank. On one end its a compression nut on the tank nipple. That's easy. On the other end, its a "banded" factory fitting into the blue cold water supply. I've purchased the replacement part that uses compression fittings both for the tank side and for the water supply pipe side. Apparently, that's how the repair is always done.
My question is about the best way to deal with that factory crimped metal band on the water pipe side. Can it be safely removed without damaging the pipe and if so how? Or is the proper technique to simply cut the tubing just behind the connection and start with "fresh blue pipe". I'd hate to lose too much length as not sure how much play I have there. If I lose too much, I'll have even more work to do replacing tubing all the way back to the "T". I'm sure I'll do a "test stretch" before I actually cut but your experience is appreciated.
JSGlow John, Stacey, Sarah, and Jack
2002 Ford Explorer (EB) 4.6L V-8, 3.73
2004 Antigua 215sso
1999 Starcraft Starfire 160DC
When removing similar fasteners I use a dremel tool with abrasive wheel.
Simply cut the crimped band without damaging the tubing.
Use the new PEX system to replace the parts. The crimp tool can be rented.
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