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Cranedaddy's avatar
Cranedaddy
Explorer
Dec 10, 2013

Had a water leak today

Hey guys and gals, newbie here.

It's been pretty cold here in Texas lately and my bathroom water lines froze up last night. I checked them this morning and for some reason when I checked them I didn't turn the water back off :o

Needless to say I had a LOT of water coming out of the camper when I got home from work. I keep my tanks closed so the water backed up through my shower and into the inside of the camper. I got the water cleaned up on the inside which wasn't very bad thank god but there is a lot of water trapped under the sub floor. I cut a slit in the underbelly where ever I could tell there was water accumulated but I can tell there is still some left in there.

So here's my question(s): What should I do now? Should I leave it to dry out itself or figure something else out? The trailer is only 5 months old so there is no previous damage. How much damage will this cause just for being soaked this one time?

Thanks in advance for the help.

11 Replies

  • GrandpaKip's avatar
    GrandpaKip
    Explorer II
    Dec 12, 2013
    If you have a vinyl floor, you might want to check under it for water. Easiest way is to use a moisture meter. Or, you can get in a closed area that doesn't show and slit the flooring. Nothing wrong with OSB as long as it isn't continually wet. Been using it since it came out in the 80's. Good luck.
  • Cranedaddy's avatar
    Cranedaddy
    Explorer
    Dec 11, 2013
    Well I just got to get under there and inspect things in the day light. The insulation is wet at the bottom, I removed that and the floor seems to be 100% dry from what I can see on the bottom. The wood beams running underneath the floor are wet in spots, maybe 1/8 to 1/4 high but they appear to be treated wood so I think the damage will be minimal. Thanks for the honest replies guys, it's really appreciated.
  • tbred's avatar
    tbred
    Explorer II
    Dec 11, 2013
    I think the key is to truly getting it dried out. If that means removing floor coverings to get at the trapped water, I would do it. They can be replaced but they are now trapping moisture in. Running the furnace and a residential sized dehumidifier (just make sure you empty it!) would also be in order.

    Years ago we ended up with quite a bit of water in an unfinished room above our garage. It was probably there for days before we found it. Once the situation was rectified, the OSB floor dried out perfectly fine and is no worse for the wear.
  • I_am_still_wayn's avatar
    I_am_still_wayn
    Explorer
    Dec 11, 2013
    mobilefleet wrote:
    if your subfloor is OSB it will soak it up like a sponge and is compromised.


    OSB will actually repel water and unless exposed to water for extended periods, it will not be harmed any more than dimensional lumber. That is why it is used for roof decking. You must be thinking of particle board which will soak water.
  • calamus's avatar
    calamus
    Explorer
    Dec 11, 2013
    Ours TT has flooded a few times granted it is not a new camper 1989 tip the front all the way up get a couple of fans going and towels at the very back to soak up the water get under all the cabinets and drawers towel dry leave all the cabinets open. Take some pictures in case you need to turn it in to insurance. I have not had any issues. There is nothing in our underbelly that would retain water.Most all of us have had this happen if you have been rv camping long. Another reason I dump my grey water in the bushes 24/7
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Dec 11, 2013
    You can argue this and argue that...osb vs plywood, etc...... but, come on guys, tell the original poster the truth, even though it may hurt.

    Completely flooding an RV like he did is really not good and the result is always big problems.

    To the op. I am sorry for your situation and sorry for my blunt answer to your question. I wish I could tell you, "No problem, no big deal," but that's just not the way it is.
  • Shadow_Catcher's avatar
    Shadow_Catcher
    Explorer
    Dec 11, 2013
    Actually OSB is more water resistant than conventional plywood because of the resins used to hold it together. Having said that you do want to make sure it gets dry as quickly as possible and if there is damage you may have to use CPES to coat the wood. You did not say where the leak was if in the walls this is a serious concern. You southern folks do not normally concern yourself with winterizing but with the increasingly freakish weather which is likely to increase you should at least blow out the lines with compressed air.
    Our trailer was winterized once school started (wife teaches) and lines blown out and antifreeze added. Looking out the window it is snowing now.
  • Cranedaddy's avatar
    Cranedaddy
    Explorer
    Dec 11, 2013
    Thanks guys, it's a Kingsport stick and tin trailer if that makes any difference.
  • mobilefleet's avatar
    mobilefleet
    Explorer
    Dec 11, 2013
    call your insurance company and report a claim. if your subfloor is OSB it will soak it up like a sponge and is compromised.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Dec 10, 2013
    The insulation is probably film backed bubble wrap type.......if so it won't soak up any water.
    The underbelly material is probably coroplast (plastic cardboard) and it won't soak up any water

    Cold weather won't allow any kind of growth

    So get it drained....let it dry out

    Might remove screws on one end directly under shower area enough to pull down and check it out.

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