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Preventing RV Plumbing Leaks and Repairs: Tips and Tricks

Posted by ProPride Hitch on 13th Jan 2020

Preventing RV Plumbing Leaks and Repairs: Tips and Tricks

As an RVer, you know that a leak in your RV plumbing system can put a serious damper on your camping adventure. Whether it's your tanks, water heater, pump or pipes, dealing with puddles and moisture is never fun. But, with a little know-how and some preventative maintenance, you can keep your plumbing in tip-top shape and avoid costly repairs.

RVs present their own set of maintenance challenges - they're essentially houses on wheels that are constantly on the move. While you could wait for a repair appointment or call a plumber out to your campsite, why not take matters into your own hands and learn to DIY your plumbing repairs? Not only is it more affordable and convenient, but it can even be enjoyable!

By understanding your pipes and keeping them perfectly maintained, you'll be able to fix any issues that arise with ease and prevent problems from occurring in the first place. That's why we've put together some handy tips to help you keep your RV plumbing in top condition and know how to respond when something does go wrong. With these tips, you'll be able to hit the road with confidence and have the time of your life!

1) Get to Know Your Pipes Like the Back of Your Hand

When it comes to RV plumbing, the key to avoiding leaks and repairs is understanding your pipes. That's why the first step in preventing problems is getting familiar with your pipes. Take a look at where they come out of the tanks, study the fittings, trace the pipes into the RV and get a good look at the fixtures. Your RV's manual with labeled diagrams can be a helpful tool as well.

By familiarizing yourself with your pipes and understanding how each one works, where it goes, and what it does, you'll be better equipped to identify and fix problems when they arise. And don't be surprised if you see flexible plastic tubing instead of traditional rigid pipes. Many RVs now use PEX pipes, which are cost-effective, durable, easy to replace and fit better in tight spaces. Whether it's PEX, copper or PVC, knowing what you have will make repairs and maintenance much easier.

2) Label Your Pipes for Easy Repairs

When you're dealing with RV plumbing, knowing which pipe runs hot water and which runs cold is crucial. But, the manufacturer may not have labeled them for you. So, what do you do? The solution is simple: label them yourself.

While you could pull out the entire lines and replace them with red and blue PEX tubing, a more practical approach is using electrical tape. Swing by the hardware store or order red and blue electrical tape online. Then, wrap a strip of the appropriate color around the piping at every joint you can reach, including the ones behind the sink.

In case you're doing a repair on a pipe you haven't seen before, Keep the electric tape handy and label the hot and cold lines before detaching them for any additional work. This will help avoid any accidental swaps and make repairs a breeze. With colored-coded pipes, you'll have the peace of mind knowing that the water coming out of your faucets will be the right temperature.

3) Be Prepared with an RV Plumbing Repair Kit

As an RVer, you know that unexpected repairs can happen at any time, so it's always wise to be prepared. That's why having a plumbing repair kit on hand is essential. It's just as important, if not more, than having an emergency sewing kit for ripped pants or popped buttons.

Your plumbing repair kit should have two sets of supplies. First, you'll need a water tank patch kit. These kits usually come as a package deal, so it's a good idea to grab two or three, just to be safe. Leaky water tanks can be a real problem, especially when you're out camping, so it's essential to have the materials you need to fix them quickly and easily.

The second set of supplies you'll need is a bit more varied, but it can either be purchased pre-made at a premium, or you can make your own. You'll want to get a roll of PEX tubing, and if you want to make your life easy, you can pick up two rolls, one for hot water and one for cold. You'll also need a PEX cutter tool to make sure your cuts are clean and a selection of spare fixtures. Experienced RVers suggest that while you can use flare type compression connectors, for a few cents more you can grab a few quick or push-connect fittings which are much easier to work with in tight RV spaces.

By keeping an RV plumbing repair kit ready, you'll have the peace of mind knowing that you have what you need to tackle any repairs that come your way, and you can get back to enjoying your road trip in no time.

4) Solving the Smelly RV Toilet Mystery

RV toilets are designed differently than the traditional toilets you might be used to. Instead of holding water in the bottom, they use a trap-door and water flush system to keep a solid seal between the cabin and the black water. However, over time, small bits of undissolved toilet paper can get caught in the groove where the trap door is supposed to seal shut, which can make it difficult to close completely.

If you notice a bad smell coming from your bathroom, it's likely that the trap door is not closing all the way. This means that there is a gap left by the trap door, and the smell is coming from there. To fix this, you need to clean the groove where the trap door is supposed to settle very carefully. Once it's clean, the seal should complete itself and your toilet will work properly again.

So next time you notice a bad smell in your RV toilet, don't blame your traveling companion, it's likely a minor repair issue. With a little bit of cleaning, you can fix it and avoid the bad smell and enjoy a comfortable bathroom on your trip.

5) Rubber parts are an important part of your RV's plumbing, but they don't last forever. In fact, they have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced regularly to avoid leaks and other problems.

The interior of an RV is designed to be semi-disposable, which means that some of the materials and methods used for plumbing have a much shorter lifespan than what you would find in a stationary home. Rubber parts, in particular, are prone to wear and tear, especially when exposed to extreme temperatures while camping or sitting in a carport.

It's a good idea to assume that all rubber parts in your RV have a lifespan of about three years and replace them accordingly. Even if a rubber piece seems to be holding up after three years, it's better to replace it as a preventative measure. This will save you the trouble of having to repair and dry out after a series of leaks caused by aging rubber parts.

By proactively replacing rubber parts and keeping a close eye on them, you can avoid leaks and other problems and enjoy your RV adventures without any plumbing issues.

6) Empty Tanks ASAP After Getting Home

When you're ready to embark on your RV adventure, it's crucial to have a game plan for your tanks. Your RV is equipped with three tanks: one for fresh water, one for gray water, and one for black water. The fresh water tank is where water from the faucet, shower, and toilet flush is stored. The gray water tank is where the water from the faucet and shower goes, and the black water tank is where the contents of your toilet and water flush ends up. To ensure a smooth trip, it's best to have your gray and black water tanks empty, and your fresh water tank filled to the brim.

Once you've returned home from your journey, it's time to tackle the tanks once again. Dumping all three tanks is the best way to keep your RV in tip-top shape. While the fresh water tank may not need to be emptied, it's always a good idea to do so if there's even a remote chance of freezing weather. A cracked freshwater tank from frozen water expanding can be a costly and unpleasant problem to deal with, not to mention the potential leaks that could occur. So, empty those tanks as soon as you get home and avoid any potential headaches down the road.

7) After a Leak, Dry Out Everything

No one wants to deal with a leak, but it's a reality of RV life. If you find yourself facing a leaky situation, whether it's from a water tank, loose fitting, water heater, or a DIY project gone wrong, it's essential that you act fast to dry out the affected area. First things first, open up those windows and doors to let some fresh air in. Next, grab an electric fan and point it at the wet area to speed up the drying process.

But why is it so important to dry everything out as soon as possible? Well, for starters, water can wreak havoc on pressed sawdust cabinets or floors. If water soaks through these materials, they can crumble and become unusable. Even carpets aren't immune to the damage water can cause. If water soaks deep into the carpet and isn't dried out within 12 hours, you may need to pull the carpet up, dry the floor underneath, and dry the carpet separately. In short, to prevent further damage and avoid costly repairs, always dry out everything as soon as a leak is detected.

8) Inspect Before Departure Every Time

Before hitting the road on your next RV adventure, it's vital to do a thorough inspection of your RV's plumbing. This should be a regular part of your pre-departure routine to ensure that everything is in working order. Fill up your fresh water tank and take a look around the bottom of your RV for any signs of leaking. Turn on your water pressure pump and wait for it to stop running. If it starts cycling every few minutes, it's a tell-tale sign that there's a leak draining your water pressure.

Inspecting your RV's plumbing is an essential step to ensure that everything is working as it should be and to avoid any unpleasant surprises on the road. Check under the kitchen sink, flush the toilet to make sure it works properly, inspect the base of the toilet, and examine where the pipes connect to any fixtures. These may seem like small details, but by giving your RV a quick check-up before you depart, you're saving yourself from a potential headache down the road.

When it comes to your RV's plumbing, taking care of it today can mean a longer lifespan for your pipes and fixtures and fewer repairs in the future. By following the tips shared by the full-time RV community, you'll be well on your way to keeping your RV's plumbing in tip-top shape. The key is to stay proactive, to be diligent and take regular preventive measures, to keep your RV's plumbing healthy and functioning when you need it most.

Think of it this way, your RV plumbing is like a loyal companion, a trusty sidekick that will be there for you on every journey as long as you take good care of it. So don't hesitate to reach out to the RV community or contact us for more tips and tricks on how to keep your RV's plumbing in optimal condition. Your RV will thank you, and so will your wallet.