Plumbing problems

[fishforsport]

Hey All,

I have a 1993 Dutchmen 26' Classic 5th Wheel with a plumbing issue.
The problem is the unit is parked at a lake lot and when we started the
water system, a leak can be heard somewhere underneath in the washroom area ( opposite from the door) Anyway, I have never repaired anything like this before, so
I am seeking some guidance as to how I can go about this myself. I'm assuming
the problem is at a connection, but after a short examination, it appears that the
bottom is sealed, with no visible access points ?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks, Brian (helpless and water-less at the lake)

[wildwest450]

You're going to have to remove at least part of the under belly. If you know approximately where the leak is you may be able to cut a small access hole, just make sure it's by a cross member so you can fasten it back. it may be easier just to take a 3-4 foot section out all the way across the camper, leaks have a way of coming out far away from the actual problem.

[DesertRat]

Is it also leaking if you use the pump & not campground water?

[Pirate]

Not sure what the underbelly of your RV is covered with, but our 2014 has an underbelly cover of "black plastic cardboard". I can get "white plastic cardboard" at HomeDepot. I bought 30"x36" sheets for about $8.

So I cut holes in the belly cover by doing some investigating where the drain plumbing comes through the belly cover.

I made sure that I could cut pieces of the "white plastic cardboard" about 2" larger per side. I then used half inch self tapping screws to attach the replacement covers, then covered the screws and joints with some really sticky black duct tape.

This way you can cut one hole, say 1ft by 2ft so that you have a place you can get your head up inside and look for the source of the leak.

If necessary cut several of this size hole, rather than once all the way across...because small holes are easier to cover than big holes.

When you figure out where things are, get help and use a tape measure to identify where things are from. And...take lots of pictures!!! Make a sketch of where things are, then scan it and save it on your PC or jump drive where you have other RV stuff!!!

Just thoughts from an old Mechanical Engineer!!!

Pirate

[lcv800]

Knew there was a reason you were so "handy". Mechanical Engineer!
Rusty

[fishforsport]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I now have a better understanding as to what
I'm up against (I think) ?? It should be an interesting project and a huge learning curve for me. Hopefully the repairs will go smoothly.

Feel free to share other thoughts to help ease the pain !!

Best Regards !!

Brian