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Cla's avatar
Cla
Explorer
Aug 17, 2013

How I fixed gray water holding tank largely damaged

During our last trip a tire blew up and cracked almost in half the gray water tank. :MThis is an old 1994 four winds (oldie but goodie) and I had no idea on how or where to get it fixed. I was also worried about the cost of such repair. :(

Today I fixed myself with a heat gun, two flat screw drivers and abs cement. It was very easy and took me less then two hours. The tank was cracked in several places and across the entire top length. I call this a miracle.

First, I aligned the cracks as best as I could and used the heat gun to soften the plastic.
At times I left the screwdriver in the cracks to hold the parts at the same level. As the plastic started to melt I used the tip of the screwdriver to "spread" the plastic on the crack. It took me very little time to figure out the best way to do it. I was amazed to see how it easy of was.

Last I covered the "scars" with abs glue. Several coats. I let it sit for about an hour and the first test showed no water leaks at all. :C

I hope it did not jinx it and I hope this post will be helpful to other rv owners.
I have pictures to post in a little while or email me if you want to see them.

Going to the Virginia beach tomorrow.... :)

Picture 1
Picture 2
  • If you decide to make it any stronger, look at Plasti-Mend.
    http://www.plasti-mend.com/

    Their kit uses fiberglass window screen for reinforcement. Supposedly you can make your own Plasti-Mend, or something close, by mixing ABS shavings into the solvent.
  • Cla wrote:
    Ha ha ha !!! The cracks are on the top of the tank not the bottom. The water only "runs" where the cracks are to the deep part of the tank.

    Looks like the bottom of the tank to me.

    Thanks for sharing.
  • Ha ha ha !!! The cracks are on the top of the tank not the bottom. The water only "runs" where the cracks are to the deep part of the tank.
  • Water weighs a lot. I'm so glad this is not your black water tank. :R
  • Thanks !!!

    Well.... The tank is under the truck, you can only see it if you crawl under the RV. The second test showed no leaks again......finger crossed..... The Va Beach trip tomorrow will be the final test....
  • I'm not going to say that it looks good:), but if it has stopped leaking, Function wins out over Form any day!

    I'll have to put this in the repair box, if I ever have the problem.
    I think you can also get soldering irons with a flat tip that will do this same thing, and it may be even easier:)

    Good job...thanks for passing it along....and have a nice trip to VA-Beach!!