R-pod Owners Forum : Fresh water tank leaking https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : I need HELP!!! : Fresh water tank leaking Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 21 May 2026 10:44:05 +0000 Tue, 09 Jun 2020 17:19:10 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=13345 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Fresh water tank leaking : Sounds like you nailed it. Good... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=132190#132190 Author: crw8sr
Subject: 13345
Posted: 09 Jun 2020 at 5:19pm

Sounds like you nailed it.  Good luck on the repair.  Keep us updated.]]> Tue, 09 Jun 2020 17:19:10 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=132190#132190 Fresh water tank leaking : So I finally got around to attempting... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=132172#132172 Author: Prestone
Subject: 13345
Posted: 09 Jun 2020 at 10:06am

So I finally got around to attempting a fix for the leak around the fresh water drain flange. Thanks for the discussion here, I would have slapped some silicon on there without all of the thoughts you all provided. The flange area is an obvious weak point so I didn’t want to spend big bucks on a fix considering the future likelihood for failure.

I decided to go with JB WaterWeld for three reasons...1) it’s drinking water safe, 2) it’s low cost ~$5, 3) application fits my skill set as a DIYer.

What’s the worst that could happen?.. I can always buy a new tank.

Here’s what I did. Cranking the tongue all the way up gave me enough room to slide under. Then I drilled stop holes on either end of the crack to prevent spreading. Next I took a drywall saw and sawed along the crack to increase the width (gap) careful to only cut on the pull stroke to prevent getting plastic shards in the tank. The idea was to create a small gap that the putty could fill instead of just spreading it on the surface. Finally I pushed the putty into the crack and spread it around the area a bit to get full coverage and applied a little upward pressure with a reversed quick clamp to keep alignment between the sides of the cracks as it was sagging a bit before.

So far so good, it held water overnight. We’ll see what effect time and usage have.

In the pics below you can see the crack with drilled holes, the texture of the putty and the clamping arrangement.



]]> Tue, 09 Jun 2020 10:06:53 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=132172#132172 Fresh water tank leaking : I’ve been traveling for the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=129096#129096 Author: Prestone
Subject: 13345
Posted: 01 Feb 2020 at 11:38am

I’ve been traveling for the last couple of weeks so I haven’t done anything yet. Good call on the drilling, I’ll have to read back through these posts when I’m ready to attempt a fix.]]> Sat, 01 Feb 2020 11:38:26 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=129096#129096 Fresh water tank leaking : One more thing I just rembered,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128877#128877 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13345
Posted: 16 Jan 2020 at 8:31am

One more thing I just rembered, if you haven’t done the repair yet. Stop drill any crack(s) first, otherwise they will almost certainly just continue to propagate.]]> Thu, 16 Jan 2020 08:31:10 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128877#128877 Fresh water tank leaking : The TAP site states a lap shear... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128808#128808 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13345
Posted: 10 Jan 2020 at 3:11pm

The TAP site states a lap shear adhesion of 2000 psi on flame treated HDPE. The West Systems site states a tensile adhesion of around the same number on the same material, also flame treated. But there is a difference between the two tests, the TAP one is done pulling on a lap joint so is measuring resistance to shear, while the West System one is a pull test perpendicular to the glued joint, putting tension on it. I’m quite sure the tension test is more difficult than the shear test, so if it were me I’d stick with the gFlex. Either way though, flame treatment is in order. ]]> Fri, 10 Jan 2020 15:11:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128808#128808 Fresh water tank leaking : TAP provides the adhesion technical... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128806#128806 Author: lostagain
Subject: 13345
Posted: 10 Jan 2020 at 12:48pm

TAP provides the adhesion technical data too:  https://www.tapplastics.com/uploads/pdf/Tech%20Data-2011-%20Poly-Weld.pdf

I should have looked at the West System site since it didn't show up on the Google search.  I've been using West System products for more than 40 years and they are very reliable.  Looks like either the TAP or the West g flex products would be good choices.  But, the West Systems data doesn't say wether it can be used to repair food/water containers for human consumption as is cautioned about by TAP in their video.  Bottom line, if you repair your fresh water tank with any product that is not certified for food/water containers, it might be best to test the water safety on Fido or someone else's children first.
]]> Fri, 10 Jan 2020 12:48:27 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128806#128806 Fresh water tank leaking : The West Systems gflex tech specs... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128805#128805 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13345
Posted: 10 Jan 2020 at 10:56am

The West Systems gflex tech specs give specific adhesion strength data for polyethylene with and without flame treatment. I don’t know why anyone would use a product that doesn’t specifically provide that data when there is at least one that does.

Regardless of what adhesive is used, do flame treat the area first. That is really easy, all you do is wave a propane torch over the area first. Polyethylene is a low surface energy plastic which is what you want for a fresh water tank, so gunk doesn’t stick to it. The flame treatment temporarily activates the polyethylene surface so stuff can stick. ]]> Fri, 10 Jan 2020 10:56:15 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128805#128805 Fresh water tank leaking : Googling the issue brought up... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128803#128803 Author: lostagain
Subject: 13345
Posted: 10 Jan 2020 at 9:55am

Googling the issue brought up several possible solutions:

TAP plastics has an adhesive they claim works well, but they note it hasn't yet been approved for food/water containers.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-9yhanz5DE

These folks also claim to have a fast bond material for polyethylene:  https://tbbonding.com/glue-polyethylene/

Of course, Amazon always has something:  https://www.amazon.com/Technicqll-Adhesive-Polypropylene-Polyethylene-Silicone/dp/B006U49M3G

And a Google User Group has an thread on this issue:  https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/rec.woodworking/uuss6b0W6sI

I have not tried any of these methods, but it looks like they may be worth looking into.  The TAP product looks like the best for holes or cuts in polyethylene tanks, but for until they designate it food safe, it may be best to use it only on waste tanks or you might be growing a new appendage or some other exotic new body part.  Indeed, with all of suggestions in this thread, it may be well worth looking into the food use safety issue.

]]> Fri, 10 Jan 2020 09:55:49 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128803#128803 Fresh water tank leaking : JB makes an epoxy putty called... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128802#128802 Author: Prestone
Subject: 13345
Posted: 10 Jan 2020 at 7:40am

JB makes an epoxy putty called WaterWeld as well. It says it’s good for portable water tanks (many of which are made of polyethylene) but doesn’t specify whether it’ll work on polyethylene or not. I like the putty for ease of use in this application. I’ll get under there to take a better look at the crack this weekend before I decide. ]]> Fri, 10 Jan 2020 07:40:19 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128802#128802 Fresh water tank leaking : I like the JB products, used them... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128800#128800 Author: mcarter
Subject: 13345
Posted: 09 Jan 2020 at 6:39pm

I like the JB products, used them for years. Choosing the right one is important.]]> Thu, 09 Jan 2020 18:39:34 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128800#128800 Fresh water tank leaking : Originally posted by Pod... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128799#128799 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 13345
Posted: 09 Jan 2020 at 6:24pm

Originally posted by Pod People

I just looked it up—it is called JB WEld epxy putty for plastic
It was $7.99
Vann

I looked that stuff up at JB Weld and I either have the wrong stuff or else it specifically excludes polyethylene with the following statement:

"Does not adhere to polyethylene, polypropylene or some other plastics."

This is the stuff I am looking at:

https://www.jbweld.com/product/plasticweld-epoxy-putty

However....

I did some more searching and came up with this stuff:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Loctite-Plastics-Bonding-System-2g-Super-Glue-681925/100371829

This is a glue from Loctite. In its specifications it says:

"Works well with polyethylene and polypropylene surfaces"

That is $4 for a 2 gram tube. I have no idea how large an area that might cover. It doesn't sound like much.
]]> Thu, 09 Jan 2020 18:24:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128799#128799 Fresh water tank leaking : I just looked it up—it is called... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128798#128798 Author: Pod People
Subject: 13345
Posted: 09 Jan 2020 at 5:35pm

I just looked it up—it is called JB WEld epxy putty for plastic
It was $7.99
Vann
]]> Thu, 09 Jan 2020 17:35:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128798#128798 Fresh water tank leaking : We had a similar leak. JB Weld... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128797#128797 Author: Pod People
Subject: 13345
Posted: 09 Jan 2020 at 5:32pm

We had a similar leak. JB Weld makes a 2 part glue system specifically for polyethelene. We bought a kit and it worked. It was instant and easy. Make sure the tank is empty and the area dried and cleaned as noted above. We found the JB Weld kit at Home Depot.
Vann
]]> Thu, 09 Jan 2020 17:32:40 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128797#128797 Fresh water tank leaking : Ok well I have some options, I’ll... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128791#128791 Author: Prestone
Subject: 13345
Posted: 08 Jan 2020 at 6:34pm

Ok well I have some options, I’ll have to decide which one fits my skill set best . Thanks for the research and advise everybody. Now I just have to find the time. ]]> Wed, 08 Jan 2020 18:34:04 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128791#128791 Fresh water tank leaking : The fresh water tank is polyethylene.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128790#128790 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13345
Posted: 08 Jan 2020 at 4:31pm

The fresh water tank is polyethylene. Not much adheres to it. Flame treatment improves adhesion. Clean and dry the area first, alcohol wipe, then flame treat it, then apply the adhesive. I have had reasonable success on PE with West Systems gflex epoxy which if more flexible than regular expoxies.

Good luck! ]]> Wed, 08 Jan 2020 16:31:39 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128790#128790 Fresh water tank leaking : Originally posted by GlueGuy There... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128789#128789 Author: Olddawgsrule
Subject: 13345
Posted: 08 Jan 2020 at 3:49pm

Originally posted by GlueGuy

There are a bunch of links all over the web about how to repair a polyurethane water tank. I just looked at this one, and it looked like it might actually work:


This one might be a better bet that could actually work in your situation. A DIY poly welding kit:


Both these look good to me and can't see why either wouldn't work. Except for where the crack actually is..
You issue is: You're working upside down.. really tough to weld (braze)... I think I'd try the fiberglass style. If you have never brazed before, I will say again, try the fiberglass system first, you can get into a lot of trouble fast if you don't know how to braze.

Looks like you caught the 1 in 1,000 pebbles flying around under there right on the drain plug.. 


]]> Wed, 08 Jan 2020 15:49:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128789#128789 Fresh water tank leaking : There are a bunch of links all... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128787#128787 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 13345
Posted: 08 Jan 2020 at 2:45pm

There are a bunch of links all over the web about how to repair a polyurethane water tank. I just looked at this one, and it looked like it might actually work:


This one might be a better bet that could actually work in your situation. A DIY poly welding kit:

]]> Wed, 08 Jan 2020 14:45:07 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128787#128787 Fresh water tank leaking : Ok so it unanimous, don’t use... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128786#128786 Author: Prestone
Subject: 13345
Posted: 08 Jan 2020 at 1:06pm

Ok so it unanimous, don’t use silicon and look for someone with plastic welding experience. Any recommendation for the Houston area? No one suggested a new tank... too expensive?

I’ll try the remedy suggested for the valve reset this weekend.

Thank all ]]> Wed, 08 Jan 2020 13:06:10 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128786#128786 Fresh water tank leaking : That is a friction welded piece.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128784#128784 Author: furpod
Subject: 13345
Posted: 08 Jan 2020 at 12:51pm

That is a friction welded piece. Silicone won't work. Plastic welding will. I also am of the mind it struck something.

The back filling is a bad or most probably misaligned check valve flap in the front of the water pump. Turn off the city water, open a tap, then turn on the pump. That should reseat the flap.
]]> Wed, 08 Jan 2020 12:51:01 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128784#128784 Fresh water tank leaking : The water back-filling when hooked... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128780#128780 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 13345
Posted: 08 Jan 2020 at 11:23am

The water back-filling when hooked to city water would most likely be a check valve problem. The location of that varies a bit depending on the R-pod model.

And Motor7 is correct, silicone would not stick very well to that plastic. I think (but am not 100% certain) that it's some kind of polyurethane plastic. Polyurethane is notorious (and or famous) for being impossible to glue. I would think your best option is to find someone that has the equipment and expertise to try to plastic weld it.
]]> Wed, 08 Jan 2020 11:23:33 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128780#128780 Fresh water tank leaking : It looks like something struck... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128776#128776 Author: Motor7
Subject: 13345
Posted: 08 Jan 2020 at 10:49am

It looks like something struck the drain stem, notice the fractures on each side sweep in the same direction? Silicone won't stick to it, I know there is adhesive for that plastic, but I don't know which one works. Another option is to plastic weld it, but again some expertise is needed.]]> Wed, 08 Jan 2020 10:49:19 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128776#128776 Fresh water tank leaking : While camping this past weekend... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128774#128774 Author: Prestone
Subject: 13345
Posted: 08 Jan 2020 at 10:27am

While camping this past weekend I noticed water dripping from the fresh water tank. Upon inspection it looks like there is a crack around the drain plug where it meets the bottom of the tank (see pic). From the pic it also looks like there is a failure in the silicon (or other caulking material) that binds the flange of the plug to the tank. But I’m not sure about this, maybe the crack is a brittle failure of the tank plastic.

Anyone knows what’s going on here? I’m contemplating slapping some silicon caulk on there to see if it holds.

Also, I was hooked up to city water at the time and the tank was empty prior. I thought city water supply bypassed the holding tank? Am I misunderstanding something here?

Thanks

Pres

]]> Wed, 08 Jan 2020 10:27:56 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13345&PID=128774#128774