I’m Rick Callahan—Master Plumber, 25+ years in the trenches, and Product Expert at Plumbing Supply And More (PSAM). Mobile home and RV plumbing looks simple from the outside, but the materials, code requirements, and space constraints make it a different animal. I’ve rebuilt burst PEX systems on roadside RVs in January and fixed underbelly leaks in manufactured homes where one wrong fitting size stalls the whole job. Let’s walk through what actually works, where you can save, and where you absolutely shouldn’t cut corners—using product names, specs, and the kind of practical know-how you only get by doing it for decades.
Before we dive in, remember: when you need a real plumbing supply near me with expert guidance, we’re serving contractors and homeowners across the region with same-day delivery within 50 miles and emergency after-hours pickup by request. And yes—unlike the big orange and blue stores, we stock the parts that actually fit mobile home and RV systems.
Understanding Mobile and RV Plumbing: What Makes It Different
Mobile homes and RVs typically use PEX-A, PEX-B, or flexible polybutylene (older units) with crimp or clamp connections, lightweight trap assemblies, and compact water heaters. You’ll see 1/2-inch as the dominant size, with 3/8-inch supply lines in tight runs, and 3/4-inch mains on some manufactured homes. Why it matters? Because a standard residential shutoff or trap arm won’t always fit or last in these systems.
I frequently encounter customers who bought a pretty faucet from a retail aisle only to learn the deck thickness or tailpiece threads don’t match their RV sink. Save yourself a trip: mobile/RV fixtures often need adapters like a 1/2-inch FNPT to 3/8-inch compression or a specialized faucet base plate to cover odd cutouts.
- Pro tip: If you’re converting from old gray polybutylene, use SharkBite U362LFA or Sioux Chief 770-series transition couplings rated for poly-to-PEX. Test to 80 psi cold before insulating.
And about quality: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components, so your repair is a one-and-done, not a “see you again in six months” situation. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short on oddball fittings or RV water heater parts, contractors call me.
PEX, Clamps, and Fittings: The Backbone of Reliable Repairs
I recommend PEX-B with stainless cinch clamps for most RV and mobile home repairs. It’s forgiving in tight spaces, and the tooling is compact. For new runs, PEX-A with expansion fittings (Uponor/Wirsbo) gives you higher flow and fewer bottlenecks but needs the expansion tool.
- Go-to brands: Uponor (PEX-A), Viega (PEX-B), Sioux Chief (PowerPEX), SharkBite (push-to-connect). We carry all four because different jobs demand different systems. Tooling: Milwaukee M12 ProPEX Expansion Kit (2432-22) for PEX-A; RIDGID or Oetiker clamp tools for PEX-B.
I’ve used SharkBite 1/2-inch elbows (U248LFA) in tight RV compartments where torching is impossible. They’re rated for potable water and ideal for emergency field repairs. Price-wise, expect $0.50–$1.50 per brass crimp fitting, $1–$2 per clamp, and $5–$12 per push fitting. A 100-foot coil of PEX-B runs $35–$70 depending on color and brand.
- Insider secret: For freeze-prone RV runs, install Sioux Chief 696-G2 arrestors at the pump and near the shower. Less hammer, fewer leaks.
And if your usual plumbing supply house doesn’t carry these exact SKUs in stock, that’s half your day gone. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—we’ll spec the fittings and set you up with the right tools at the counter.
Water Heaters and Pumps: Sizing, Venting, and Safe Upgrades
RV and mobile water heaters operate under tighter clearances and different venting. Suburban and Atwood/Dometic are the staples. I’ve replaced dozens of Suburban SW6D (6-gallon, DSI gas) units and upgraded to Girard or Truma tankless for customers who boondock and need consistent hot water.
- Common models we stock: Suburban SW6D, SW10D; Atwood/Dometic G6A-8E; Girard GSWH-2 tankless. Pump choices: Shurflo 4008-101-E65 (3.0 GPM, 55 PSI) for standard RV use; Aquajet ARV for higher-end coaches.
If you’re upgrading from a 6-gallon to a 10-gallon tank, check framing and door size. Mobile home water heaters must be HUD-approved; a typical residential 40-gallon won’t meet vent or combustion air requirements in many manufactured homes.
- Price guide: RV tank heaters $450–$900; tankless $650–$1,300; Shurflo pumps $80–$150; accumulator tanks $40–$80. Install time: 2–4 hours for a like-for-like swap; 4–8 hours for tankless with gas/electric adjustments.
Need help choosing? While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—we’ll check your compartment dimensions, venting, and BTU draw before we sell you a box.
Valves, Traps, and Fixtures That Fit Tight Spaces
Under-sink space in RVs and many mobile homes is unforgiving. Standard S-traps are a non-starter. I like HepvO waterless valves (model 307-40) for showers and lavs—they prevent siphoning, stop odors, and solve “trap thaw” in cold climates.
- Compact traps: Keeney 100WK series, 1-1/2-inch x 1-1/4-inch reducing, with slip-joint washers—ideal under shallow sinks. Valves: 1/4-turn angle stops with 3/8 compression outlets—BrassCraft G2CR19X are reliable and compact. Faucets: Keep the weight down. Moen 82602 for mobile kitchens, or Dura Faucet DF-NMK852 for RVs—both stand up to vibration.
A tip from years of callbacks: stackable washers and odd-thread tailpieces in RVs cause “mystery drips.” Use a proper 1-1/4-inch RV trap adapter, not a 1-1/2-inch crammed with tape. If you’re unsure, bring the plumber supply house old part. Our counter team will match threads and bevels—no guesswork.
And yes, we’re your closest plumbing supply with counter pros who’ve installed this gear. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More for fittings and fixtures that actually match RV and manufactured home plumbing.
Waste Systems: Tanks, Valves, and Freeze-Ready Solutions
Black and gray tank systems need the right gate valves, flanges, and venting to avoid clogs and smells. Valterra and Thetford are the names I trust. I like Valterra T1003VP valves and double-valve assemblies for combined gray/black outlets. If you’ve got repeated clogs, upgrade your 90-degree outlet to a sweep and add a transparent elbow to monitor flow.
- Venting: Camco Cyclone sewer vents help with draft and odor—simple rooftop installs. Winterizing: Blow out lines to 30–40 psi with a proper fitting; then use RV non-toxic antifreeze (propylene glycol), not automotive mix.
If you need replacement ABS fittings, don’t mix with PVC without the right transition cement. I’ve seen more than one underbelly come loose because someone used PVC glue on ABS. We stock transition cements and mobile-rated ABS adapters—ask for Oatey Green transition cement and ABS couplers.
Need it tonight? We maintain a stocked 24 hour plumbing supply locker for account customers on emergencies. Call ahead—our dispatcher will set it up.
Filtration, Regulators, and Freeze Protection: Extend System Life
RV park pressure can spike over 80 psi; I’ve measured 110 psi on holiday weekends. That’s a PEX-fitting blowout waiting to happen. Install a brass adjustable regulator—Renator M11-0660R or Valterra A01-1117VP—set to 50–55 psi. Pair with a sediment filter; Clear2O or Camco 40043 is fine, but if you’re full-time, consider a 10-inch canister system with 5-micron cartridges.
Heat tape and insulation matter in mobile homes. Use UL-listed heat cable (Frost King or EasyHeat AHB) and fiberglass insulation wrap. Keep connections dry and GFCI protected. I like Armaflex tubing for exposed PEX under manufactured homes—clean, insulate, zip-tie to joists, and skirt properly.
- Pro tip: Add a low-point drain (Sioux Chief 660 series) for quick winterization—saves hours every season.
Looking for a plumbing supply store near me with freeze solutions in stock? Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components like Renator regulators and EasyHeat cables—no flimsy imports that fail mid-season.
Code, HUD, and Practical Compliance for Mobile Homes
Manufactured homes have HUD requirements. Water heaters must be mobile-home listed, combustion air must be adequate, and drain materials need to match listed assemblies. For North and Central regions we serve, local inspectors often require:
- 1-1/2-inch minimum trap arms; 2-inch shower drains on remodels in certain jurisdictions. Dielectric unions on water heater connections. Listed heat tape on exposed piping with accessible GFCI.
We keep code sheets at the counter and can print data sheets for your permit packet. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—we’ll provide spec sheets, submittals, and cut sheets on the spot for brands like Suburban, Uponor, and Viega.
Stocking Your Mobile/RV Kit: Rick’s Picks
Here’s a lean kit I’ve built for customers who travel or manage multiple units:
- 50–100 ft 1/2-inch PEX-B, Oetiker stainless clamps, and a ratcheting clamp tool SharkBite U248LFA elbows, U072LFA couplings for emergency push repairs BrassCraft G2CR19X 1/4-turn angle stops and 3/8 compression supplies Renator M11-0660R regulator and Camco sediment filter Valterra T1003VP gate valve and spare seals
That kit solves 80% of what I see roadside. If you’re a property manager, we’ll turn this into a bulk order with labeled bins. Ask about contractor accounts and bulk pricing—we beat the national averages without sacrificing quality.
And if you’re searching for a plumbing shop near me or a local plumbing supply that stocks real inventory—not just “we can order it”—come see us. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise.
Where to Buy: Selecting the Right Supply Partner
I’ve dealt with every kind of supplier. Some are “order takers”; some are true partners. For mobile and RV, you need breadth and brains. We’re a full plumbing supply company and contractor plumbing supply with a deep commercial plumbing supply backbone, so our inventory isn’t just retail odds and ends.
- Need a wholesale plumbing supply account with same-day delivery? We’ve got you. Want to shop plumbing supply online and pick up curbside? Done. Looking for quality without the markup? Our discount plumbing supplies section carries shelf-pulls and contractor overruns.
We routinely outperform Ferguson, Menards, and Amazon for real-time availability on specialized SKUs. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More. And yes, we’ll price-compare—fairly.
You’ll see us listed when you search plumbing supply store, plumbing supply store near me, economy plumbing supply, plumbing supply house near me, plumbing wholesale near me, and even heating plumbing supply near me. If it’s RV, manufactured housing, or light commercial, our counter knows the difference—and that’s everything.
Online, Local, and Specialty: Finding the Exact Part
Mobile and RV parts sometimes cross into marine and small appliance categories. We bridge that gap. Our counters pull from our wholesale plumbing supply company aisles and our decorative plumbing supply gallery when you want a nicer faucet that still fits a thin deck.
- Brands we stock: Suburban, Dometic/Atwood, Shurflo, Viega, Uponor, Sioux Chief, Oatey, Watts, BrassCraft, Camco, Valterra, Moen, Delta, Dura Faucet. SKU help: Bring the part or send a photo. We’ll spec it and text a cart link for plumbing supplies direct checkout.
If you’ve tried internet plumbing supply or SupplyHouse plumbing and got lost in the options, call us. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—real plumbers at the counter, not just order clerks. We serve contractors throughout the region with radius delivery and on-site drop-offs for park managers.
Price Ranges, Timelines, and What to Expect
Let’s keep it real on budgets:
- Typical leak repair with PEX and fittings: $40–$120 in materials; 1–2 hours. Faucet replacement (RV-compatible): $80–$250 faucet; $10–$25 supplies; 1–2 hours. Water heater swap: $450–$1,300 parts; 2–8 hours depending on model and venting. Waste valve rebuild: $25–$60 parts; 1–2 hours. Winterization kit with regulator, filter, and fittings: $120–$250.
DIYers: I’ll talk you through it at the counter. Contractors: open an account and get bulk discounts, job staging, and spec packets. Property managers: we’ll build you a standard mobile/RV parts list for your units and park lots—saves time and cuts emergency calls.
Our shelves are deeper than any general plumbing supply in the area. We’re your best plumbing supply option for mixed fleets—mobile homes, RVs, and standard residential stock in one stop.
FAQ: Mobile Home and RV Plumbing—Straight Answers
- What’s the safest way to replace old polybutylene lines in my manufactured home? Use PEX-B with crimp or clamp rings, or PEX-A with expansion fittings if you want max flow. Transition using approved couplers (Sioux Chief 770 series). Pressure test to 80 psi before you button up. We can loan gauges and sell test caps at the counter. Can I install a residential water heater in a manufactured home? Typically no. You need a mobile-home listed unit with proper combustion air and venting. Look for “HUD-approved” on the nameplate. Bring your closet dimensions; we’ll match a Suburban or similar unit that fits. What water pressure should I run in my RV to prevent leaks? Set a quality regulator to 50–55 psi. Avoid cheap plastic regulators—they fluctuate under load. The Renator M11-0660R or a brass Valterra unit is solid. Add an accumulator tank if your pump cycles rapidly. My RV trap keeps drying out and stinks—what fixes it? Use a HepvO waterless trap (307-40). It prevents evaporation, backflow, and odors, especially in seasonal rigs. I’ve installed dozens—zero callbacks for smell with proper venting. What’s the best way to winterize quickly? Blow out to 30–40 psi using a blowout plug, then pump RV antifreeze through all fixtures and traps. Don’t forget outside showers and washing machine hookups. Add low-point drains during your next service—you’ll cut your winterizing time by half. Do you deliver to parks and service lots? Yes. Same-day delivery within 50 miles for account customers, and emergency options after-hours. Call our technical team for project-specific recommendations and ask about contractor discounts.
Why Pros and Serious DIYers Choose Us
Here’s the difference you’ll feel when you walk into PSAM: you’ll talk to people who’ve sweated copper in crawlspaces and replaced RV pumps in freezing lots. We stock the right parts, we know why they’re right, and we stand behind them. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components that last. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support. And yes, When Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards, and Amazon fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More.
If you’ve been searching for a trustworthy plumbing supply house near me, a knowledgeable plumbing and supply partner, or a responsive plumbing wholesale near me, come see us. We’re the plumbing supply shop that actually picks up the phone, the plumbing supply places that stock the obscure RV gate valve, the plumbing and heating supply counter that has heat tape in January, and the consumer plumbing supply team that explains the difference between ABS and PVC without making you feel like you should’ve known it already.
Searching terms like plumbing supplies direct, direct plumbing supplies, plumbing spares near me, economy plumbing and heating supply, coastal plumbing supply, city plumbing and electrical supply, contractors plumbing and fire supply, standard plumbing supply, or even plumbing kitchen and bathroom plumbing supplies—you’ll find us ready to help. Yes, we also have cheap plumbing supplies sections for overstock and discount plumbing supplies that still meet spec. And our plumbing supply online catalog mirrors our shelves, so you can check stock before you drive.
Visit our showroom to see the quality difference. Check our current inventory online or call ahead. Ask about our contractor discount program and delivery options. Our experts can walk you through the installation process, from “Plumbing Supply Essentials for Mobile Homes and RVs” kits to full re-pipes. If you’re managing a park or a fleet, we’ll build your standard SKU list and keep it reserved at our warehouse.
Need help now? Talk to a real plumber at the counter. That’s the PSAM way—practical, professional, and prepared.