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Topic: Pro tips locating leak in water system? (Read 212 times) previous topic - next topic
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Pro tips locating leak in water system?
I have a leak...somewhere. Filled the tank yesterday afternoon, was empty yesterday evening! On deck for this afternoon is locating the problem, but as a newbie-who-is-all-thumbs, any tips from you seasoned veterans out there wd be much appreciated...
Sean
2001 26' Mid Bath
Re: Pro tips locating leak in water system?
Reply #1 –
"I have a leak...somewhere."

I'm presuming you are referring to the fresh water tank?

First place I'd look is around the tank enclosure to be sure the water is not accumulating within the rig.

Next I'd check to see if the drain valve was completely closed.   :o
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Pro tips locating leak in water system?
Reply #2 –
I’m far from a season veteran but I have a few ideas.   First, does your water pump run when all the faucets are closed?  If not, the system is holding pressure with no leaks.

Is the water tank drain valve leaking or partially open?   Is there any water near the water tank or water pump?   Have you observed any drips or puddles anywhere underneath your Rig?  Is the hot water drain plug leaking or is the pressure relief valve closed?

So if it was me, those would be the areas to examine. 
Re: Pro tips locating leak in water system?
Reply #3 –
The issue reminded me of an incident shared with me by a Camp Host in Yellowstone NP.   A couple of inexperienced RV renters complained to the Camp Host after trying to fill their water tank at the campground water spigot that they still didn’t have any water.  The Camp Host asked the Renters to show him where they were filling water.  The Camp Host told them it wasn’t the water fill connection but their fuel tank!  

There’s a bit more to the story but I’m sure most can see that the Renter’s problems were just beginning.
Re: Pro tips locating leak in water system?
Reply #4 –
You need to find the water in order to give us some clues.

If you can tell us where the water is exiting and finding the ground, we can start narrowing down the options. 

Also useful - does the tank empty while the water pump is off, or does the pump need to be on for the water to disappear? 

Rich
2003 MB
Re: Pro tips locating leak in water system?
Reply #5 –
Steps:
1 - How do you know the tank is empty? Is it because the tank gauge above the stove says so, or because opening a tap brings no water, or because you can see where a lot of water has exited the tank?
2 - There is always a way to get a visual on the translucent tank to check the actual level - varies by floorplan and year.

Once you have answered the above, we can help with the diagnosis.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
 
Re: Pro tips locating leak in water system?
Reply #6 –
Sensor told me tank was empty. BUT problem solved. Line into water pump was loose (ugh). But resolved.

Pro-tips for getting it dry again under there?  ::) 
Sean
2001 26' Mid Bath
Re: Pro tips locating leak in water system?
Reply #8 –
"Pro-tips for getting it dry again under there?"

Suction pump, lots and lots of paper or fabric towels, sponges, a bucket to bail or just to remove and carry water.  AND ASAP!   8)

A wet/dry shop vac might come in handy as well.
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Pro tips locating leak in water system?
Reply #9 –
If you have AC power available, a 20" box fan is cheap and will do a good job of moving air around. Open all doors, vents, and windows (assuming there's no rain in the forecast, of course), and use that fan to push air through.

The same thing happened to me about twenty years ago, due to Camping World screwing up a water pump installation. I went off for lunch with a friend, and when I came back there was a literal sheet of water pouring from the bottom of the downhill side of the rig. But I got it dry in a couple of days with the method I just mentioned, and there was no apparent harm done.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Pro tips locating leak in water system?
Reply #10 –
I find it is always good to have a AC powered dehumidifier on hand for water issues (found on Amazon), particularly in higher humidity geographic locations (like anywhere east of the Mississippi River). Do as Andy suggested opening all the drawers and cabinets but leave the doors and windows closed and place the dehumidifier near where the water soaking occurred and run it for a couple of days or longer if it is still puling a lot of water into the bowl. Drain the catch bowl when necessary. This will literally suck the water from the wood, cracks, crevices, and upholstery.
The sooner the better so black mold doesn't have a chance to grow.
Those living out west are in a much drier climate and just a fan is good there.  
Mike
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'