Community Forums

gitarwmn · 04-06-2014, 03:14 PM

Hello, attached is a photo of my water heater underneath my sink on my Thor Daybreak 34 KD. I went under the sink to inspect for leaks like I often do and found that the pipe in the photo was dripping. This seems like an easy fix but I wanted to run it by some more experience people before I go monkeying around with my water heater.

This is an Atwood model GC6AA-10E. I'm thinking I just need to empty the tank, loosen the pipe and reapply plumbers tape. Is there anything else I should be concerned about? Thanks

Bobbi
The Culinary Camper

98FPA · 04-06-2014, 03:45 PM

I'd be a little concerned as to why it started leaking. Have you been using the heater? If it is the red hose, thats PEX tubing and the plastic fitting appears to be a female swivel. Not sure by the picture where your leak is. Maybe it justs needs snugged up a little to stop leaking. Sometimes there is a rubber washer cone in that fitting also, this may need to be replaced. Your plastic swivel may have a hairline crack in it too. I think you are on the right track as far as draining etc. and with a little luck that may all you have to do.

MJ56 · 04-06-2014, 04:10 PM

My 1st instinct is to check tightness of the threaded connection, see if it tightens, if not, no harm done.
3 possible leaks.
Threaded connection to tank
Swivel seal if there is one
Hose connection to elbow

If you can't see which point is leaking, turn water off, dry up the fitting, have paper towel ready.
Turn water on slowly until you see 1st drip, turn water off. Start drying again, slowly from the lowest point and follow where the water is coming from.
The edge of the paper towel is best for finding the smallest drops of water.

94-Newmar · 04-07-2014, 03:45 AM

Bobbi, all above is excellent advice....however, do not use teflon tape or pipe dope on that connection. As mentioned by Ken/98FPA above, that fitting does indeed have a rubber washer in the back of it and teflon tape will prevent it from tightening down all the way allowing it to seal properly.

chboone · 04-07-2014, 10:58 PM

I had to replace the plastic female fitting on mine last year, the seal just gave out from old age. Most any RV store will have a replacement fitting.

Chuck

gitarwmn · 04-09-2014, 12:34 PM

Hey thanks everyone for the advice. I went to an RV parts store and got some new washers (gaskets or water ever they are called) and released the pressure from the water heater. Then I loosened the pipe and checked that the gasket was still good. It looked fine so I re-attached and tightened the pipe. Just turned the water back on and the water heater is on as well and so far so good, no leaking. Thanks again for your advice! I'm getting better at fixing these little issues.