Hi everyone,new to this site! The heat tape failed in this trailer and the hot water tank is probably original.I am going to the township this morning to get an idea of what codes need to be followed.who ever put the plumbing in for this hot water tank cobbled,bandaded,and it looks like they never heard of codes.they used galvanized pipe,pvc and a myriad of connectors.I am going to replace the hot water tank and all tubing... my question is,is there a rule of thumb for the piping,tubing to be used?. thanks for your time... chazmataz

Check with your local Building Department to be sure that a licensed plumber isn't needed to replace your heater. Having said that, You replace with the same size heater and pipes. The only difference being that I would replace the piping with copper or CPVC. Are you planing on repiping the entire unit or simply the water heater. If you're handy it should be less then a 2 hour job. Click on back if you have more questions. Good luck, Tom