Tyler0215 wrote:
I've always thought the way to repair a leak is from the inside to the outside. Start by taking the damaged pieces off on the inside and follow the trail to the leak.
The only way. Fixing a leak on the outside does nothing to stop the damage on the inside and make no bones about it, the damage will progress, leak or no leak because the inside is already wet.
Easiest way to determine the extent of the damage is with a thermal imaging camera.
Second way is with a non-contact IR thermometer. The water logged rotting areas will register a higher than normal temperature. Rot and mold generate heat and the mold generates toxic spores.
When taking it apart, always wear a mask and dispose of the impacted areas properly.
Myself, I prefer a thermal imaging camera but they are expensive.
Determining the extent of the intrusion damage will tell you if the unit is worth fixing...or scrapping.
If it's beyond repair cost wise, pull all the appliances and mechanicals and sell them and landfill the remainder.
