How do you look for leaks?
Okay here is where the rubber meets the road. I have been reading the comments on the merits of fiberglass or stick and tin with supporter and detractor on both sides; all agree water is bad. N...
Forum Discussion
myredracer wrote:
How much is a pressure test really going to help to find water leaks? There are lots of places where air can leak that aren't a problem (requiring repair) like the weep holes at the bottom of windows; around holes through the floor around pipes, ducts and wiring; around the fridge opening; ceiling vents; slideouts; etc. Just curious, maybe I'm missing something...
Water can ingress even in through hairline cracks in a wall or roof membrane that you can't even see sometimes. That's been one known cause of water ingress in buildings and mold and became more commonly known as a result of the "leaky condo crisis" of the 80s.
I would think a close visual inspection would be better along with regular maintenance. I think an RV cover would help somewhat as a preventative measure.
The fact that water CAN ingress through hairline cracks and other place you can't see IS the reason for a pressure test. You pressurized the camper then spray on the mixture of water and dish soap and look for the bubbles. Of course you're not going to worry about the weep holes and other natural leaks, but you want to take care of the leaks that aren't supposed to be there.
You can inspect all you want visually, but even what looks like a good seal can leak. My first camper was a good example of that. Bought it new and within 3 years, there were at least 4 rotten places in the floor with no visible leakage signs on the ceiling or walls. My guess is it was leaking through the door/camper seal and window seals that all looked fine to the eye.
