Forum Discussion

HuckFinn410's avatar
HuckFinn410
Explorer
Nov 07, 2016

Found my water leak......

Perhaps you can learn from my mistake. I have.

I had some minor leaking in my camper…just around the flooring near the dinette. Due to slope, it drained across the entire floor and has caused some strange discoloration of my linoleum? I am now going to rip out the linoleum and plywood subfloor and replace it. Not a fun job.

In searching for the source of the leak, I discovered that the leak came in from the hot water heater enclosure. It seems that when I winterized the water heater in years past (some years multiple times due to winter usage), it leaked into the inside of the camper.

Typical RV gas water heater……I would pull the “pressure” relief valve and unscrew the anode rod to drain the water (in reverse order). It turns out that even with me being careful and at times fashioning a sort of water redirect contraption, just enough of the water would settle into the bottom of the metal surround of the water heater and leak back into the camper.

I am going to see if I can waterproof that tin surround or build some kind of “ramp/redirect” thing that can be used in the future. Do they make something for that purpose? Maybe I’ll have to try some of the flex seal junk….or do they make a better alternative?

Well, at least now all my roof seams have been covered in eternabond tape and resealed.

So, be careful when you drain your water heaters….

Huck

3 Replies

  • It is purely amazing how much damage a teeny tiny wee little drip of water can cause, in'it?
  • Use one of those heavy duty foil pans for roasting turkeys.
    Our bathtub has a tiny leak around the drain no mater how I seal it. I stuck a foil pan under it and was able to mold it into place. I never have to drain it as the water evaporates over time.
  • Make or have made, an aluminum pan located under the water heater. Flex Seal should not be on your mental list of materials to use. It is water soluble. Any urethane based sealant will be better to use, especially if the surface contains moisture.

    I would bet that you can find a piece of aluminum cookware to fit underneath the water heater.

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,149 PostsLatest Activity: Jul 17, 2025