Water Pipes Access Panel - 2003 DolphinLX

WimbledonDolphin · 02-14-2010, 05:31 PM

I have developed a leak behind the water pipe access panel that controls water flow thru the motorhome. This panel is in the basement compartment and has several levers, water input, outdoor shower, Tank rinser, etc. It appears that I will have to remove all levers, screws, etc. to remove this panel to get to the leak. Does anyone know a better way to get to pipes. Concern is after removing screws - what holds the pipes to the panel and how will I be able to realign. This may be a job for service center but I would like to try if I can. Thanks for any information you can provide.

Richard S. · 02-14-2010, 06:00 PM

You must remove the complete panel not the valve handles. You will have 8 or 10 screws that hold the water service panel in place. Remove the screws pull the panel out and down, now you have total access to the water distrubition system. The city water intake is a pressure regulator, it has 4 screws on the back side of that hold it togather.They often back off and will leak under pressure this would be a good place to start. If you have never checked your fittings you will most likely find them all loose. Good Luck

kennersonf · 02-14-2010, 09:32 PM

As Richard said, the panel comes out in one piece. You might have to take unloosen the compartment light to make it easier. I had a leak about two years ago. It was the fitting on outlet side of the water pump. It has an "O" ring in it but no one had the part. Went to Camping World and they didn't stock parts for the system put in the National motorhomes. Funning thing, sometimes it leaks and sometimes it doesn't. I've learned to live with it. There are a lot of fittings on in the water distribution system and anyone of them could be leaking. When you pull the control panel out it will propably feel like you're going to break something. There is enough slack in all of the water lines to allow you access. Good luck..

WimbledonDolphin · 02-16-2010, 06:42 AM

Thank You for your quick reply. I was able to fix the leak removing the panel. I appreciate the expertise from this forum and the time you take to reply to a user with questions.

Jeepster47 · 02-16-2010, 10:55 AM

WimbledonDolphin,

What was the leak and fix?

Ed

davebw31 · 02-17-2010, 01:19 PM

My 2 cents; What everyone stated and may I add, while you had the panel down did you check the tightness of the "thumb fittings" for the other water connections to see if they are tight? As the rubber gasket age they shrink, so it is a good idea while in there to check them for being tight! Also, while I was tighting the 4 loose screws at the pressure regulator cover (cause it was leaking and the reason I had the panel down), I also removed the water pump screen hsg. and cleaned the trash from the screen. Mine was not very dirty, as I always use a whole house water filter before the inlet at the "city water connection". This should be done annually or more often if not using a whole house water filter.

Samflhomes · 03-23-2010, 08:22 PM

I am very interested in this post as I also have a leak behind the panal that is coming out the bottom and the back wall. Sometimes it stops. I have been relinctant to start because it looks like the lever and all have to be removed. Now, after reading this, I get the idea that maybe my 2004 LX 8321 Sea breeze may be a simple as removing the screws.

Can anyone confirm for my model RV?

Thanks

Richard S. · 03-24-2010, 05:01 AM

Just remove the screws holding the panel in and it will come out.

Fred and Bonnie · 03-25-2010, 03:07 PM

I had a slow dripping leak that finally got to me. The city water inlet fixture/pressure regulator was the offending item.

Fred

davebw31 · 04-13-2010, 12:34 PM

Fred and Bonnie:

My pressure regulator is leaking again. ???? Two questions: 1) why does it not leak all the time and 2) were can I get a replacement or seal kit to permenately stop the leak? It is rusting the sheet metal and the wood under the waste tank is rotting.

Any help is appreicated!

WSRG · 04-13-2010, 02:49 PM

If your pressure regulator is made by shurflo,and I suspect it is, they are having problems with the design of this regulator. I went through 2 of them and they both leaked periodically. I ended up calling shurflo and spoke to a customer service rep. He removed a new regulator from their stock shelves and found that it also leaked. The problem is not the 4 screws getting loose [although tightening them will sometimes stop the leak for a short time], it is that the piece that the screws holds down warps. Although they were happy to send me a new one, I have since replaced mine with a regular city water inlet [without the regulator] and now use an external water pressure regulator.

Bill