how many seasons for 3/16 tubing

[georgelineman]

How many seasons are you all getting out of a run of 3/16 tubing? This is the 4th season on same tubing . I flush it real good at the end and take it down. When installing this season it seems to have lost some of its elasticity.

[220 maple]

What of brand of 3/16 Leader or Dominion and Grimm

[DrTimPerkins]

Tubing is generally sold with a life rating -- typically 5, 10, or 15 yr tubing. If it wasn't specified, it is likely 5 yr. Rigid tubing will often go longer and not stretch, but the line tension starts to round off the barbs on fittings and they separate. We've had 5-yr tubing go 4 yrs or 10 yrs. We have some 10-yr tubing that is still in good shape at 15-yrs. Once it starts to go...plan on replacing it. It will not get better with time, and you don't want to start to get a lot of brittle failure right at the beginning of the season.

[georgelineman]

Thank you very much

[markdahl]

Is there a better/easier way to repair leaks than cutting the line and installing a union?

[DrTimPerkins]

What is the nature of the leak? Pinhole, squirrel chew?

In general however, no...the best way is to cut out the damaged area and put in a union. Some people will use electrical tape as a temporary fix, but it will most likely fail at some point down the road, necessitating another trip out to find and fix it (the right way).

[markdahl]

Thanks Tim
Mostly squirrel chews. I have not found a better way either. We have 3/16" on a pretty good slope so it is a constant battle to keep the lines repaired so we can take advantage of the natural vacuum.

[Jonsto]

Running 6 years on my 3/16 tubing. Had minimal repairs this year and last year mostly squirrel chews. The fittings seem to be getting brittle and breaking more than the tubing giving up. Usually have to repair a little while we're tapping and check it during the first good run then it's good to go. I'm using CDL and Leader - tubing and fittings. Running around 1000 on 3/16.

[motowbrowne]

Thanks Tim
Mostly squirrel chews. I have not found a better way either. We have 3/16" on a pretty good slope so it is a constant battle to keep the lines repaired so we can take advantage of the natural vacuum.

The only improvement that I've found in my method of fixing leaks is to leave the two handed tool on the shelf and carry a one handed tool and tension hooks (mine are from cdl). Much lighter and I can carry those two tools without really noticing that they're in my pockets. As a result, I'm much more likely to have them when I need them.