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ts8501 · 07-20-2008, 08:53 AM

I have now discovered why we ran out of water so quickly on our recent boondocking trip. I also believe this is why the water pump ran for a second or two twice per hour. We have a pretty sizable fresh water tank leak.

I can clearly see where the leak is coming out underneath the trailer. The tank appears to be galvanized. Is this the case? Can it be fixed, or must it be replaced? What will I find for parts on the now 18 year old 1990? I am hoping I do not need to replace the tank, but I will await the advise I am soon the receive from all of you.

Chuck · 07-20-2008, 09:04 AM

a leaking tank won't cause the water pump to cycle; from the tank to the pump is a suction line. the pump will run when the pressure in the other end of the system gets too low...so I'd bet your leak isn't in the "tank"; its in a supply line between the pump and your fixtures. somewhere....

I doubt the tank is galvanized. probably plastic, sitting inside a metal box.

ts8501 · 07-20-2008, 09:09 AM

The pump is now off, and the water drips are still dripping. Where do I even begin to research this leak? If the galvanized pan is what I visually see, then the water must be collecting at the lowest level of the "pan", and coming out there, but is starting somewhere else. I guess I need some assistance on where/how to find the source of the leak.

**azflycaster** · 07-20-2008, 09:11 AM

A tank leak should not cause the pump to cycle on and off. The pump will turn on when the pressure drops on the output side of the pump. This can be caused by a leak in the plumbing or water going backwards through the pump. If you fill the tank with the pump turned off, does it still leak out the bottom of the trailer?

ts8501 · 07-20-2008, 09:18 AM

Richard & All: Yes, the pump is off, and the tank still leaks. Or at least the galvanized "pan" is where I see the water coming out, and it is at the lowest level of the pan. Since I have always been on city water before last week (bought AS 12/31/07), this is the first time I noticed an issue (tank went empty in 2 days). Best as I can see from a few feet away, it appears water has been coming out of this hole in the pan for some time now, as I might even see the brown/red of rust in the pan. What now?

Thanks, Tim

**azflycaster** · 07-20-2008, 09:28 AM

Time to get dirty.
You need to drop the pan and the tank. I am not sure of the specifics of your model and year trailer. Basically you need to disconnect the fill line and the line to the pump. There should be an over fill line and some wires as well. Drop the pan and remove the tank.

You may be able to see the leak if you just remove the pan. Make sure there is no water in the tank when you do this. At 8 pounds per gallon it can really add up.

If someone has more detail on this, please jump in...

thecatsandi · 07-20-2008, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ts8501

Richard & All: Yes, the pump is off, and the tank still leaks. Or at least the galvanized "pan" is where I see the water coming out, and it is at the lowest level of the pan. Since I have always been on city water before last week (bought AS 12/31/07), this is the first time I noticed an issue (tank went empty in 2 days). Best as I can see from a few feet away, it appears water has been coming out of this hole in the pan for some time now, as I might even see the brown/red of rust in the pan. What now?

Thanks, Tim

You may be seeing residual pooling of water running out of the trailer. Wait to see if it stops then put more water in the tank and see if it starts again.

ts8501 · 07-20-2008, 10:13 AM

The drip has slowed way down, and the tank is far from empty. I can refill a gallon at a time to find out the exact amount of loss. Since I just calibrated the fresh water, it shows it down about 1/4 of 50 gallons (3/4 full). A very broad amount I know, but does this suggest the leak is in the upper part of the tank? Maybe one of the fill locations?