Forum Discussion

RECVEH2005's avatar
RECVEH2005
Explorer
Sep 02, 2013

Leaking water heater inlet

I have just discovered that my water heater COLD water inlet is leaking. I've tried to tighten the plastic "nut" which has 3 prongs for grip, but cannot get it tight enough to stop the drip (I hope it isn't cracked.) Like most things underneath an RV, it is difficult to get at. And, yes, I do always use a pressure regulator at the faucet.

My question is: Do you folks think that plumbers tape (which I have in my toolbox) would work for this problem? Any advice will be appreciated.

We're staying just outside of Glacier National Park, so are not near an RV repair facility.

Thanks.

Mike
  • sk734's avatar
    sk734
    Explorer
    Sep 03, 2013
    I can surely understand that!! Mine was not too difficult to get to when I did it. I am glad to hear your fix is working.BTW I used a heat gun to warm it up and it came out easily if you ever need to replace it.
    RECVEH2005 wrote:
    mobilecastile:

    It would be a MAJOR job for a repair person to change this connection to a metal one; it is a difficult place to reach. The water heater would probably have to be removed. That isn't going to be done out here in West Glacier, Montana.

    I was able to do the plumbers tape repair and as of last evening the connection was not leaking. I will continue to check it.

    Thanks.

    Mike
  • davent1946's avatar
    davent1946
    Explorer
    Sep 03, 2013
    Best of luck with the teflon tape. On my Big Horn they used PLASTIC short nipples on both the cold in and hot out. Plastic became brittle, cracked and when I tried to remove of course they both broke off. I didn't have to remove the heater to replace both and replace with brass but it was a pane in the arss/back to complete. Another one of the manufacturers nickle & dime efforts to save a buck along with the PLASTIC bushings in the shackle bolts.
  • RECVEH2005's avatar
    RECVEH2005
    Explorer
    Sep 03, 2013
    mobilecastile:

    It would be a MAJOR job for a repair person to change this connection to a metal one; it is a difficult place to reach. The water heater would probably have to be removed. That isn't going to be done out here in West Glacier, Montana.

    I was able to do the plumbers tape repair and as of last evening the connection was not leaking. I will continue to check it.

    Thanks.

    Mike
  • RECVEH2005's avatar
    RECVEH2005
    Explorer
    Sep 02, 2013
    Thanks, all. I'll try to reach in there; it's a tough place to get at.

    Mike
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Sep 02, 2013
    I would take the part out of the water heater. It could be a check valve. It could be cracked. I would also check the "nut closely for a crack.
    Look at the nut and the fitting in the tank. If it is a flare type nut, do not use any sealant, tape or otherwise.
    Look in the nut for a washer.
  • Bull_Rider's avatar
    Bull_Rider
    Explorer
    Sep 02, 2013
    I would give the teflon tape a go, wrap the fitting so that the tape lays down in the proper direction. I carry the yellow "gas" teflon tape too, it's thicker than the white tape, and I think it seals better.

    Good Luck.

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