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ac1948's avatar
ac1948
Explorer
Feb 02, 2015

Frozen pipes

Just purchased a 2000 Pace Arrow which has been unused for several years. In the process of reviving it I found it has leaking pipes which are not accessible. My question is does the floor have to be cut for access or is there another way. One leak seems to be behind the water heater. Thanks, Jerry

6 Replies

  • Before making any holes, consider that sometimes it is better to run a new pipe on a new route and abandon the old pipe.
  • Thanks for the replies. I will take a good look at it tomorrow. Jerry
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Generally there is another way.. But I'd need eyes on to suggest it.

    Someone already commented on the back of the water heater.

    Other pipes, lengthwise may run along the floor/wall junction, look for a "Step" like at the spot where wall and floor join

    Cross pipes likely run between/over/under water/waste tanks.

    |
    |_
    |*|<-Pipes here
    Floor
  • Probably busted at the fitting. Near the heater should have some access. If a long pipe through the floor needs replaced I would use the old to pull the new pipe in.
  • For the leak behind the water heater (been there), I had success by removing the water heater then re-plumbing to avoid the problem joints (I think joints are where most RV plumbing leaks come from).

    You can also bypass the bad plumbing by running new lines yourself. Consider flexible Pex, and use good fittings like sharkbite.
  • The back of the water heater is most likely accessible from inside the coach. You may have to go in through a cabinet, remove a drawer or two, or remove a false panel. Never seen one that wasn't....

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