Finding the Water leaks? January 30, 2017, 11:23:32 am One of the regulars was discussing finding water leaks a wile back using an IR Thermometer. How much temperature difference did you see? I have a small leak under the refrigerator next to the water tank on the floor line in a '88 MB. I am only seeing 2 degrees difference across the surface of the wood and the aluminum. At this point i will fill the water tank and look, else it is seal everything close before the next monsoon hits San Francisco Bay.
Re: Finding the Water leaks? Reply #1 – January 30, 2017, 12:59:18 pm "One of the regulars was discussing finding water leaks a wile back using an IR Thermometer. How much temperature difference did you see?"In my case, I didn't look at specific temperatures. I was using a Flir 1 thermal camera attachment on my iPhone. While it does measure temperatures, I wasn't paying attention to that, but rather to the overall image. The tipoff was a large cool area in the overcab ceiling, which showed up as an irregular purple blob.A two-degree difference isn't much; it may or may not be significant. IR thermometers are good for many things, but tracking down a leak on the basis of temperature differences is much easier with a visual image than with a series of spot readings. Of course a thermal camera costs five to seven times as much as an IR thermometer, so it's not for everyone.Sorry I can't be more helpful. Hope you find your leak! As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Finding the Water leaks? Reply #2 – January 30, 2017, 01:11:11 pm I meant to include a thermal image with that last post, but somehow it didn't come through. Here goes again... 1 Likes
Re: Finding the Water leaks? Reply #3 – January 30, 2017, 01:11:56 pm Quote from: rodneyhelfrich - January 30, 2017, 11:23:32 amI have a small leak under the refrigerator next to the water tank on the floor line in a '88 MB. I am only seeing 2 degrees difference across the surface of the wood and the aluminum. I have found that neither a infrared camera or thermometer has been all that useful in finding small water leaks. Major ceiling leaks, like what Andy experienced, are the exception.A leak under the refrigerator, that isn't cause from condensate from the refrigerator, may have water entering from the refrigerator compartment, if the wind blows rain in. Other places to look are the refrigerator vent, the kitchen sink window or a leaking front cap, at the front of the coach, by the driver's door. Has the roof been resealed?With a near 30 year old rig, the leak could be coming from many places. Pressure testing is one way of finding hard to locate leaks.Leak detection | FlickrLarry
Re: Finding the Water leaks? Reply #4 – January 30, 2017, 02:05:45 pm Quote from: Larry Wade - January 30, 2017, 01:11:56 pmWith a near 30 year old rig, the leak could be coming from many places. Pressure testing is one way of finding hard to locate leaks.Leak detection | FlickrInteresting, Larry! Reminds me of testing watertight compartments onboard Navy ships.
Re: Finding the Water leaks? Reply #5 – January 30, 2017, 02:37:32 pm Thank you!I did some roof sealing in December and looked there yesterday. Gave it 1 degree tilt to the rear to drain Lake Newton.I had better shelter in place for the next San Francisco Bay storm front , Wednesday.The outside refer hatch, Kitchen hood vent, quarter round aluminum bar at floor level, kitchen window, and an "open vertical siding seam are all in the area. I will have to seal them, test the water tank and inspect the Refer condensate trays.
Re: Finding the Water leaks? Reply #6 – January 30, 2017, 02:57:17 pm It may be a long shot, but I'd check the refrigerator condensate drain system all the way to the ground. (It exits under the coach in a 1/2" diameter tube with a black, perforated "sprinkler head" plug.) Shove a straightened coat hanger or something up there to make sure it has not become clogged with mold or dust.Larry's point about finding leaks with a thermal camera is well taken. Given the many normal temperature variations in the rig, and the plenitude of thermal "leaks" due to inadequate sealing or poor design, a small water leak could easily go undetected using this method. A large leak such as the one I had stands out like a sore thumb, however.
Re: Finding the Water leaks? Reply #7 – January 31, 2017, 09:54:16 am Thank you for your guidance.I cleaned and caulked everything I could with a tube of No Sag last night. Found a few spots where sealant had pulled away. The Aluminum 1/4 round shows signs of galvanic corrosion and rusty screws, smeared that too,Ugh! I will see when the rain starts Wednesday.It is not a pretty sight doing this in the dark! Guess I will be making it pretty in the summer.
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