R-pod Owners Forum : slow drip from insulation around low point drains https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : I need HELP!!! : slow drip from insulation around low point drains Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 21 May 2026 15:58:56 +0000 Mon, 05 Oct 2020 16:00:12 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=14034 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ slow drip from insulation around low point drains : The third valve is for the feed... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136896#136896 Author: JR
Subject: 14034
Posted: 05 Oct 2020 at 4:00pm

The third valve is for the feed side of the water pump, it either allows flow from the fresh water tank below the flooring or it allows feed from the short hose "that goes nowhere".  You can use the short hose to feed RV Antifreeze (the pink stuff) into the water system for winterizing the water system.  The valve only controls the feed source for the water pump.  Hope this makes sense to you.  Have fun.]]> Mon, 05 Oct 2020 16:00:12 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136896#136896 slow drip from insulation around low point drains : I have an in and an out valve... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136892#136892 Author: Kingbro
Subject: 14034
Posted: 05 Oct 2020 at 1:30pm

I have an in and an out valve at the water heater.  I also have a inline valve that goes to a short piece of plastic tubing that goes nowhere. what is this third valve for? I just purchased a 2018 180. ]]> Mon, 05 Oct 2020 13:30:38 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136892#136892 slow drip from insulation around low point drains : Maybe add half a gallon or so... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136572#136572 Author: mjlrpod
Subject: 14034
Posted: 26 Sep 2020 at 10:37am

Maybe add half a gallon or so anti freeze into fwt, then run the pump to suck it into the line, should be good. You gotta sanitize the fwt in the spring anyway. ]]> Sat, 26 Sep 2020 10:37:19 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136572#136572 slow drip from insulation around low point drains : Originally posted by PoddyStephenH... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136476#136476 Author: StephenH
Subject: 14034
Posted: 23 Sep 2020 at 9:59am

Originally posted by Poddy

StephenH "(If you empty the tank and run the pump until it is just pulling air, there will not be enough water in the line to freeze. )" Will this burn up the pump, running it dry with no water to source?
These pumps can run dry without damage. as they use a flexible diaphragm for pumping, not a metal-on-metal piston. I wouldn't run it for extended periods, but for the brief time I suggested, it will not cause any damage.
 
]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2020 09:59:22 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136476#136476 slow drip from insulation around low point drains : StephenH "(If you empty the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136470#136470 Author: Poddy
Subject: 14034
Posted: 23 Sep 2020 at 8:41am

StephenH "(If you empty the tank and run the pump until it is just pulling air, there will not be enough water in the line to freeze. )" Will this burn up the pump, running it dry with no water to source?]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2020 08:41:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136470#136470 slow drip from insulation around low point drains : Sounds like you found it, that's... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136468#136468 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14034
Posted: 23 Sep 2020 at 8:38am

Sounds like you found it, that's great. ]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2020 08:38:41 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136468#136468 slow drip from insulation around low point drains : I was just outside (in the rain)... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136467#136467 Author: Poddy
Subject: 14034
Posted: 23 Sep 2020 at 8:31am

I was just outside (in the rain) and i think (i hope) i caught the source of the leak above the low point drains. The ac outlet outside needs to be caulked- water was dripping down the wall inside and maybe finding it's way to the low point drains insulation and dripping to the ground.]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2020 08:31:33 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136467#136467 slow drip from insulation around low point drains : I can see getting water back in... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136461#136461 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14034
Posted: 23 Sep 2020 at 6:28am

I can see getting water back in the pump suction line if the trailer is moved and ends up tilted toward the suction line after the tank is drained. Might want to get that end of the tank lower when you drain and then park it level afterwards. ]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2020 06:28:45 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136461#136461 slow drip from insulation around low point drains : If you empty the tank and run... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136457#136457 Author: StephenH
Subject: 14034
Posted: 22 Sep 2020 at 9:12pm

If you empty the tank and run the pump until it is just pulling air, there will not be enough water in the line to freeze. Then use the winterizing valve and hose to pump RV antifreeze through the lines. That will get the water that just air seems to miss. Be sure to bypass the water heater first. Drain the water heater by removing the anode rod after relieving the pressure. I use the air/RV antifreeze combo. This makes absolutely sure my pump and the various valves are protected from damage. Getting rid of the RV antifreeze residual taste in the spring is not that difficult. After sanitizing with bleach, follow it up with baking soda dissolved in water. That will go a long way to get rid of the odor and taste.]]> Tue, 22 Sep 2020 21:12:17 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136457#136457 slow drip from insulation around low point drains : Originally posted by offgridIf... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136448#136448 Author: poston
Subject: 14034
Posted: 22 Sep 2020 at 4:58pm

Originally posted by offgrid

If you're concerned about the pump feed line freezing it might be better to just disconnect it than to try to apply pressure to the tank. I'm not sure how pressure would do better than just adjusting the tilt of the trailer and draining the tank anyway. 

Originally posted by lostagain

+1 to disconnect the line if it's in danger of freezing.

 

Good advice, thanks.  I'm never fond of disconnecting and reconnecting fittings, but if it'll avoid further damage, I'm willing to do it.

 
]]> Tue, 22 Sep 2020 16:58:06 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136448#136448 slow drip from insulation around low point drains : +1 to disconnect the line if it's... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136442#136442 Author: lostagain
Subject: 14034
Posted: 22 Sep 2020 at 12:02pm

+1 to disconnect the line if it's in danger of freezing.]]> Tue, 22 Sep 2020 12:02:01 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136442#136442 slow drip from insulation around low point drains : Be careful how much pressure you... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136436#136436 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14034
Posted: 22 Sep 2020 at 10:27am

Be careful how much pressure you put on the tank, it is not meant to handle anything more than about a foot of water column which is about 0.5 psi. Adhesives don't stick well to low density polyethylene (LDPE) which is what the fwt is made of, so its easy to blow the fittings out. 

If you're concerned about the pump feed line freezing it might be better to just disconnect it than to try to apply pressure to the tank. I'm not sure how pressure would do better than just adjusting the tilt of the trailer and draining the tank anyway. 
]]> Tue, 22 Sep 2020 10:27:17 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136436#136436 slow drip from insulation around low point drains : Originally posted by offgridA... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136434#136434 Author: poston
Subject: 14034
Posted: 22 Sep 2020 at 9:54am

Originally posted by offgrid

A little water left in the bottom of the tanks isn't going to damage anything when it freezes. 

True, but I did not blow out my fresh water tank, and over the winter I developed a hairline crack on the flex line coming from the tank.  So, I will be blowing out the FWT this winter!

]]> Tue, 22 Sep 2020 09:54:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136434#136434 slow drip from insulation around low point drains : OK, I understand now that you... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136429#136429 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14034
Posted: 22 Sep 2020 at 8:05am

OK, I understand now that you are using vacuum from the shop vac to pull out water rather than the pressure side to blow out water. That might cause a problem I guess creating a weak vacuum in the fresh water tank because that isn't meant to handle pressure changes like that. I would suggest not applying pressure or vacuum to that in future. 

Just use the pressure side of the vac or better an air compressor set to 30 psi or so to blow out the pressure lines of the trailer, leaving a faucet open. That way you're not asking any of the plumbing or fixtures to do something they're not designed to do. A little water left in the bottom of the tanks isn't going to damage anything when it freezes. 

Have you determined the cause of your water drip yet? 
]]> Tue, 22 Sep 2020 08:05:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136429#136429 slow drip from insulation around low point drains : Off grid, well that's a relief.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136424#136424 Author: Poddy
Subject: 14034
Posted: 22 Sep 2020 at 6:08am

Off grid, well that's a relief. But i will say the shop vac did collect way more water than i thought it would. Had to empty it while in the process (i also dropped the nose of the pod as far down as it would go, i found that helped too with getting "hidden" water.)]]> Tue, 22 Sep 2020 06:08:31 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136424#136424 slow drip from insulation around low point drains : No way a shop vac can create more... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136418#136418 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14034
Posted: 21 Sep 2020 at 7:55pm

No way a shop vac can create more than a couple of psi of pressure. That wouldn’t damage the plumbing. I was thinking the opposite, it might not produce enough pressure to blow out the lines.]]> Mon, 21 Sep 2020 19:55:11 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136418#136418 slow drip from insulation around low point drains : How am i connecting the shop vac... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136413#136413 Author: Poddy
Subject: 14034
Posted: 21 Sep 2020 at 6:34pm

How am i connecting the shop vac to the water system? Not really connecting it, just putting the hose at the fresh water tank drain (underneath), the fresh water manual fill opening (on the side), and at the hot water heater drain (anode). Im hoping i didn't put too much pressure on any of the fittings/ lines.]]> Mon, 21 Sep 2020 18:34:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136413#136413 slow drip from insulation around low point drains : Originally posted by PoddyFolks,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136406#136406 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14034
Posted: 21 Sep 2020 at 5:44pm

Originally posted by Poddy

Folks, I was blowing out the lines with a shop vac ( i had hot and cold Fawcett taps on inside in the kitchen sink), collecting water from the fresh water tank drain and noticed a small drip coming from the insulation (foam) around the low point drains. There's no way to see whats happening because it's all enclosed. Another question too, why is there two low point drains (hot and cold?).

Look from the inside and see if there is a leak at one of the tee fittings that feeds to the low point drains. Its unusual for a pex clamp fitting to leak but not unheard of. 

There have to be low point drains for both hot and cold since they are separate systems. 

How are you connecting the shop vac to your water system? 
]]> Mon, 21 Sep 2020 17:44:07 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136406#136406 slow drip from insulation around low point drains : Mine drain when caps open. Lines... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136401#136401 Author: mcarter
Subject: 14034
Posted: 21 Sep 2020 at 4:34pm

Mine drain when caps open. Lines are read and blue, hot and cold low point.]]> Mon, 21 Sep 2020 16:34:45 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136401#136401 slow drip from insulation around low point drains : Forgot to mention, i had the caps... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136398#136398 Author: Poddy
Subject: 14034
Posted: 21 Sep 2020 at 3:42pm

Forgot to mention, i had the caps off the low point drains as well]]> Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:42:40 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136398#136398 slow drip from insulation around low point drains : Folks, I was blowing out the lines... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136397#136397 Author: Poddy
Subject: 14034
Posted: 21 Sep 2020 at 3:39pm

Folks, I was blowing out the lines with a shop vac ( i had hot and cold Fawcett taps on inside in the kitchen sink), collecting water from the fresh water tank drain and noticed a small drip coming from the insulation (foam) around the low point drains. There's no way to see whats happening because it's all enclosed. Another question too, why is there two low point drains (hot and cold?).]]> Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:39:14 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14034&PID=136397#136397