Water Tank Repair

[Memphisdoug]

Due to some shoddy work from a previous owner I now find my water tank has a couple of small holes in it. They were caused by the tank shifting and coming in contact with a couple of sheet metal screws. The holes are located in the corner transition of the tank from the bottom to the side of the tank. Can I fix these by heating the surrounding area with something like a soldering iron to melt the holes closed or do I need to do something else? Like I said, they are small holes the size of a sheet metal screw. Once the holes are fixed I plan to do something to keep the tank from moving around so the problem doesn't happen again. Right now, it is just sitting on a piece of plywood between the frame and crosspieces. Thanks in advance for any help.

[Memphisdoug]

John Wayne wrote:
Can you screw strips of wood on each side of the tank to keep it from moving???

That's exactly what I did!

[John_Wayne]

Can you screw strips of wood on each side of the tank to keep it from moving???

[Gene_Ginny]

Thanks for posting your fix. It may help the next person.

[Memphisdoug]

I got my holes plugged today. I used a new, flat tip on a soldering iron to melt the plastic. I used a clear polyethylene bag as filler material. Heated up the area of the hole then used the soldering tip to mash some of the bag material into the hole. A little more heating of the whole area to smooth things out and I now have a leakless water tank. Total cost to repair - nothing excluding my time. Now I just have to figure out a way to keep the tank from moving around to prevent a the problem from happening again and I'll be all set.

[Rvpapa]

Find yourself something made from HDPE. The plastic containers that ODORLOSS toilet stuff comes in are a good example. Cut a few little strips (for welding rods) and then use a NEW soldering gun tip as shown. One used to solder will screw up your work. Oh yeah, practice a bit fist.
Art.

[ktmrfs]

white fresh water tanks are almost always polyethelyne (sp?) Good news is that it is easy to spin weld, bad news is that not many things stick to it long term. IMHO the best choice is to spin weld a patch onto it if possible. next would be to use a heat source to melt the plastic over the hole, same process as spin welding. Spin welding uses friction to melt the plastic and form a permanent bond.

Third choice would be to try JB weld or other things people have had good luck with.

Another option would be to drill out the hole to the size of the plug used for tank sensors and install a tank sensor sender. course that only works if it is on the side or top of the tank, not the bottom.

[rockhillmanor]

ledcomp wrote:
My fresh tank had spun plugs that were leaking. I used Water Weld made by JB Weld. this stuff is safe for fresh water tanks. I have had it on there for 3 years now and no problems.

X10!

JB Water Weld really works. Will even cure under water so if tank is wet no problem. Incredibly easy to apply. Just mix clay stick in your hands and apply. I keep a stash of it on board the RV at all times.

[ledcomp]

My fresh tank had spun plugs that were leaking. I used Water Weld made by JB Weld. this stuff is safe for fresh water tanks. I have had it on there for 3 years now and no problems.

[Memphisdoug]

TUCQUALA wrote:
Had a crack in corner of fresh tank on a new Jayco, fixed myself by using a soldering gun with the flat, round tip which can be used for plastics. No more leaks in 5 yrs with trailer. AND, didn't have to leave for weeks at dealership and fight with the mfgr.

I've got one of those. I'll give it a try. The holes are small. It shouldn't be a big deal to seal them up.

[TUCQUALA]

Had a crack in corner of fresh tank on a new Jayco, fixed myself by using a soldering gun with the flat, round tip which can be used for plastics. No more leaks in 5 yrs with trailer. AND, didn't have to leave for weeks at dealership and fight with the mfgr.

[Memphisdoug]

This is my white fresh water tank

[time2roll]

Black ABS - PlastiMend
White polyethylene - probably needs to be welded.

[Gene_Ginny]

Depends on which water tank. Is it the fresh water, grey water or black water tank?

The grey and black tanks are probably ABS and you need to use an ABS cement for that. JB Weld, mentioned earlier, makes an ABS cement. Lowes has Oatey ABS cement, 8 oz can for under $5.50. Both will do a permanent weld on ABS by softening the ABS and welding it together. If done carefully you well never see the "patch". Been there, done that.

[jalichty]

How about 3M 5200, cures under water and is practically indestructible.