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rb52914's avatar
rb52914
Explorer
Aug 25, 2014

Leaky grey water tank

Grey water tank leaks

I have a 1999 Fleetwood Southwind Class A motorhome. Recently i noticed the grey water tank leaks from the top when approaching full. Any advice about how to locate the problem is appreciated. The tank and the top of the tank are not visibly accessible. There is no access panel in the compartment.Tank cannot be dropped down. Removal of a side panel underneath gives me a view of the side of the tank but not the top of the tank. Tank is located under the floor under the bed. would have to cut a hole in the floor and not sure if there are electrical and propane lines. Fleetwood was contacted but they cannot find the tech prints from 1999. Help!!!

9 Replies

  • Hi Dave, I had a leak in My tank and was able to drill a small hole at the leak,after draining down the water to below the hole by two inches,applied gob of 100% silicone and screwed the screw into the hole and put more silicone on the outside,let cure for 48 hr then use, has lasted for 8 yrs and still working.
  • if you can get to it, a hunk of eternabond will seal it up.
  • You may have to cut the drain pipe from sink to tank then the tank should come down. Tank is probably held up with band straps...would be nice if it were just loose fittings but you still have to get to it. I repaired a leak in my galley tank
    3 years ago with JB Water Weld.
  • Why can't you drop the tank? If the brackets are welded, u can always cut them, then use another piece of steel to bolt the brackets back together.
  • Hi Dave - the techs tell me it probably is a loose fitting at the top of the tank and not the tank itself. Any advice on how to access the top of the tank so I can check the fittings and connections ?
  • If you know it is the tank that is leaking and not some line, I can just about promise you that you will have to remove the tank and replace it. Most of these tanks are plastic, so most glues will not stick to them. You might be able to plastic weld the tank, but even then, if the tank cracked, it is likely the plastic has turned brittle, so the repair will not likely hold up long term.

    I had a similar issue and welded the tank. Shortly there after, it began to leak in a new spot. It was an ongoing problem till I finally gave up and replaced the tank. There is a reason the tank failed to begin with. If you have not addressed the root cause of why it failed, then you are not fixing anything.
  • I hope you don't have to do this if the tank won't drop you might have to go thru your flooring to get to the tank. Good Luck!
  • At least its the grey tank and not the stinky. :)

    Can you use a cell phone camera to reach in there and maybe take a video to see a leak spot?

    Why can't you drop the tank? Are the brackets welded in, etc..? Where there's a will, there's a way. Just might not be easy.