Repairing a fresh water tank

[Eagle]

Should your fresh water tank develop a leak from a crack, being hit by whatever on the road, etc. it does NOT have to be replaced at a cost of several hundred dollars as most camper service centers claim.

The fresh water tanks are made of polyethylene plastic ~ the same plastic used to make milk jugs, plastic gas cans, plastic pails and even glue containers as nothing sticks to the polyethylene plastic ~ and neither will most regular glue products.

Heating the polyethylene plastic with a 'plastic welder' as one would weld metal is recommended. These 'plastic welders' are NOT available at your local hardware/home/farm store.

I've found some sources for product/process allowing quick and easy homeowner repairs without investing in a new fresh water tank.

https://www.permabond.com/2015/03/31...-polyethylene/

https://www.tapplastics.com/product/...d_adhesive/435

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Loctite-...1925/100371829

This is a public service announcement.

[Agnitio]

Tap plastics permabond has some really nasty chemicals in it. Not sure how healthy it is once cured. HDPE welders are not that expensive, i would have to recommend investing in one for a potable water tank. Kayakers use them a lot, i would look atbthat industry for the tools and materials.

https://m.harborfreight.com/welding/...ent-96712.html

[Hilda]

I've used a plastic welder on a black water tank crack and on my kayak. The repair on the black water tank didn't hold, but the kayak repair is fine. but I'm confused. aren't fresh water tanks usually inside the trailer?

[Eagle]

Originally Posted by Hilda

I've used a plastic welder on a black water tank crack and on my kayak. The repair on the black water tank didn't hold, but the kayak repair is fine. but I'm confused. aren't fresh water tanks usually inside the trailer?

The XT276 fresh water tank is located forward of the axles underneath the unit ~ not inside.

[twinster2]

Some older models had the fresh water tank inside and above the floor. Newer models like my 2010 have the fresh water tank under the floor and between the frame rails.

[Hilda]

Ah. live and learn! I have to say, I like it under the dinette seat. But that's the only place I was familiar with finding it!