Why Is The Fresh Water Tank On My Motorhome Leaking?

by Chris
(California)

Hi, I was just given a 1988 Winnebago Itasca. I was testing it out and tried filling up the water tank. In less than a minute I noticed that the tank was leaking. There is a small hole near the rear of the water tank about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch in diameter. The hole appears to be machine cut and is almost a perfect circle.

Inside the hole, there appears to be some yellow foam insulation and the hole is really deep. At first I thought it was just a simple patch repair, but I don't know what used to be there. Is it just a plug or something else?

Thank you!

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

You do not tell me if the hole is at the top or bottom of the tank. There are few possibilities listed below of what I think it could be.

1. If the hole is on or near the bottom of the tank, it is probably a drain hole used for winterizing and cleaning out the fresh water tank. If that is the case; the hole should be threaded and just needs the plug that goes into the hole.

2. If the hole is at or near the top of the tank then it is an overflow hole. Most fresh water tanks have a hole or vent that will allow water to escape the tank to prevent damage to the tank from being over-filled.

These are the two most common reasons you would have a hole in the tank. Of course I am just giving an educated guess here; because I cannot actually inspect the tank.

Leave your RV repair bills to us—Good Sam Extended Service Plan
If it turns out that the tank is actually cracked or damaged you have to make the decision on whether to replace or repair the tank. You may want to read the article I have listed below before you make your decision.

Leaking RV Holding Tank, Should You Repair or Replace It?

I hope that this information has been helpful to you.

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RVing Al

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