How Can I Stop The Fresh Water Tank On My Motorhome From Leaking?

by Daniel Deveau
(Cyr Plantation, Maine)

I purchased a 1996 Catalina Coachman Class C tandem axle motorhome on eBay.com last week. The previous owner stated everything works. I later found out the motorhome has been idle for 6 years. As I am filling the water supply with a garden hose on the water supply inlet it approached 80% fill capacity it started leaking.

Do I have to remove siding or whatever to access the fresh water tank to investigate where these leaks are coming from? I have looked everywhere and cannot find diagrams to assist me.

Thank you

Danny

ANSWER: Greetings Danny thanks for submitting your question on our Ask An RV Question Page.

I believe based on what you are saying that there is not a problem with your fresh water holding tank. I believe that the problem you have is with the water level sensor in your RV's fresh water holding tank. Holding tank gauges and sensors on RVs are notorious for giving inaccurate readings.

Even though the gauge is showing that the tank is only at 80% capacity I believe that indeed the tank is actually at a 100%. When a fresh water tank is filled up above 100% it is designed to leak out the excess water. So in my opinion you do not have to take out your fresh water tank as there is no problem with it.

If I were you I would not even go to the trouble or expense of replacing the fresh water level sensor or gauge. Just remember that when the gauge reads 80% that it is actually at 100%. Or you can do what most RVers do (including myself) and fill up your fresh water tank until water starts coming out and then you will know it is full.

I hope that this information is helpful to you and I also hope that you enjoy your new RV.

Happy RVing

RVing Al