fresh water tank plug and valve repair

**john hd** · 06-30-2003, 06:52 PM

hi all,

had a minor leak on my fresh water tank, here is what i found.

the drain plug and petcock were shot. the plug disintergrated, basicly falling out when i removed the inspection cover. the threads were completely gone.

never seen plastic plumbing parts do anything like this???

the petcock was brittle from age and was cracked around the mounting flange.

got a 1 1/2" cleanout plug from the local mom and pop hardware store, need to get a new petcock. a local dealer has these, just need to get over and pick one up.

lubricated the treads of the plug with dielectric silicone grease.

here are some pics...

john

**john hd** · 06-30-2003, 06:54 PM

here they are for your viewing enjoyment

**john hd** · 06-30-2003, 06:55 PM

and the soon to be replaced petcock...

updates to follow...

john

davidz71 · 06-30-2003, 09:18 PM

Great pics John. I downed a few of those on the 4 day fishing trip that started June 27. Bass and catfish were caught and what a grand cookout we had that Saturday night along with boiled shrimp. One of the guys caught a flathead catfish weighing 13 lbs. While not the biggest (35-50 lb. cats are caught) it sure was good eating. The trailer airconditioning worked fine all 4 days in contrast to last year's fiasco the next site over.

wingfoot · 06-30-2003, 09:45 PM

Good Photos. I just replaced the petcock on my 87 Sovereign. It cracked just as you described while I was disinfecting tank.

I did not remove bottom cover plate. I saw no moisture so I didn't touch. Now you have me nervous.

**john hd** · 07-01-2003, 04:37 AM

craig,

good deal on the fishing trip!

gotta make some time to get away and do that. haven't been fishing since there was ice!

wingfoot,

don't worry to much, it is a very easy repair. at least if it leaks it just runs out of the pan. cant wreck much unless you leave it go too long. if it ain't leaking it is most likely o.k.

side note, when i get everything buttoned up i plan on wire brushing the pan and painting it with some cold galvanizing paint.

john

**john hd** · 07-07-2003, 02:53 PM

here is the $1.49 valve.

so cheap i bought two so i have a spare!

john

**john hd** · 07-07-2003, 02:55 PM

here is the installation after some cold galvanizing paint and stainless steel screws.

not bad in all, $4.50 total and three beers!

john

**flyfshr** · 07-07-2003, 06:34 PM

Nice installation John. Funny, that's how I measure repair time too - in number of beers.

Brad

skipj · 07-16-2003, 11:00 AM

Did you purchase the petcock from a Airstream Dealer?
SkipJ

**john hd** · 07-16-2003, 04:56 PM

got it froma mom and pop rv place.

don't know if it is an airstream only part. i could be because the owner has a couple of vintage trailers.

for a buck and a half, i'd bet it isn't a airstream only part!

john

BIG H · 06-09-2004, 09:43 AM

JOHN, THANKS FOR THE INFO RE THE PETCOCK VALVE. I HAVE A 1985 SOVEREIGN AND THE PLASTIC VALVE IS ALMOST GONE. I CAN'T FIND AND SUCH THING AND HAVE BEEN LOOKING. COULD YOU PICK ME UP TWO....I WOULD PAY IN ADVANCE.
THANKS........BIG H JHDUNN1@AOL.COM

**john hd** · 06-09-2004, 05:33 PM

big h

got one left in my stash, lemme run out and see if i can get you some this weekend.

if i can't find any you are welcome to my extra one.

john

wingfoot321 · 04-05-2006, 12:59 AM

John HD,

Had to go back to one of your 2003 posts on freshwater tank repairs. My trailer is a 1987 and the large drain plug has finally disintegrated enough to where it started to leak last month.

I called Kim at Airstream parts and she gave me the part number 600-155 for a replacement plug. Guess this happens to 15-20 year old water tanks? Called my Airstream dealer, gave them the number and the plug will be here next wednesday.

Apparently the plug has been a problem because they stock a replacement and it is a black plastic vs. the yellow/white hard plastic that is failing.

Old posts do pay