Forum Discussion

noteven's avatar
noteven
Explorer III
Jul 19, 2015

Identifying holding tank material

The grey water tank in our Carriage 5th wheel is dripping at a previously repaired spot right at the outlet connection. The previous repair appears to be a hardish white material finger applied to the area. It has been holding for many tank cycles but started to drip last trip. I would like to remove this patch and weld the leak.

The tank is hard black plastic with a faint "orange peel" appearance, and is a bit glossy. Does this identify whether it is ABS or polyethylene?

If no can tell this way, I would have to remove more cover / insulation to see if I can discover a label or part number...

Thanks

8 Replies

  • ktmrfs's avatar
    ktmrfs
    Explorer III
    Jul 22, 2015
    And, if you need to build the area up, get a piece of ABS (pipe etc.) use a course wood rasp to make a pile of ABS filing. Then mix it with either MEK or Acetone into a very thick paste and quickly build that up over the repair area.
  • noteven's avatar
    noteven
    Explorer III
    Jul 21, 2015
    Yes I am drying the area then going to remove the current prev owner patch...by the nature of that patch I think I might have a chance with some ABS supplies I have on hand.

    Thanks
  • DaHose's avatar
    DaHose
    Explorer
    Jul 20, 2015
    Agree with ktmrfs. ABS glue is MEK with ABS dissolved in it. Might be all you need.

    Jose
  • ktmrfs's avatar
    ktmrfs
    Explorer III
    Jul 20, 2015
    description sound like ABS. And ABS is really easy to repair with a solvent weld. in fact if the hole is small hardware store ABS thick bodied black cement may be all it takes.

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