Filling water tank

[Lucy815]

While using the exterior fill for the water holding tank, I noticed and overflow or leak on the opposite side of our '94 Excella. Is there an overflow on that side of the trailer, or should I be looking for a more serious problem?

Luc749

[DEITZ645]

Lucy749,
I would start simple...Is the fresh water drain valve open?

The fill tube, overflow vent, and drain valve on both our '87 and '06 are on the curb side, but other models might be different.

If your fresh water tank drain valve is closed, then I would think that you may have a more serious problem.

[SSChanger]

Lucy;
Where, exactly, on the other side of the AS is the leak? We have an identical unit, and have a leak in the gray water system.

[snake]

I recently purchased a 1994 Soveriegn, when I filled the fresh water tank there was a leak, and the tank drained overnight.

I learned from reading these forums that this is not an uncommon problem.

Removing the cover plate on the bottom of the water tank enclosure I found that the problem was a loose drain plug, a 1-1/2" pipe threaded yellow plastic plug that was so loose that I could remove it with my fingers without using a wrench in the hex socket in the plug. I replaced the plug with an ABS plastic plug wraped with teflon tape, being careful not to screw the plug too tight for fear of splitting the boss in the water tank. This fixed the problem.

One forum member recommended using a hose clamp around the boss in the water tank to avoid overstressing the aged plastic of the tank.

To check the simple stuff first is good advice. Good luck!

[dwightdi]

I agree using a hose clamp around the boss not only prevents the possibility of cracking the boss but also reduces the tendency for the plug to loosen because the plastic in the boss creeps with time and relieves the stress on the plug. Airstream should make it a standard practice to install the hose clamp when they first make the product. Steel has much better, lower, long term creep properties than any plastic.

[Lucy815]

Thank you all for the to-date suggestions on water tank issue. We will take your advice and go slowly in the repairs.

My husband noticed the water tank leak on the street side of the AS the same day he saw the droopy ceiling in the bedroom area had become worse than a "poofy" cloud. Lately, were it not for bad news, we'd have none. Thank heavens for the Forums and folks like you with experience who willingly share.

We'll follow up with our fix-it & findings as we go back and forth.

Lucy749