Dutch Star Kitchen Sink Drain Leak

[Retiredesq]

I have a 2020 DS 4081 and had a leak from the kitchen sink drain hose which i had repaired by the dealer using OEM parts. I Discovered the leak with water in the basement as you cannot see this hose without removing a courtesy panel on the right side of the sink cabinet. The hose is a heavier version of a washing machine drain hose which flexes every time the slide is operated. The hose cracked at the lower bend point. This,in my opinion, was a product design failure. Newmar rejected my request to stand behind the repair stating it was a maintenance issue.

A friend just had the same problem on a 21 DS. I offered to try a repair with a heavy duty reinforced 1 1/2 ID clear vinyl tube rather than the OEM corrugated plastic. This tube does not kink or crush. The job is a bit of a contortionist act but doable in a couple of hours. Hints remove cabinet doors and bottom shelf with slides. You may want to remove the drain from the sink as well. Parts on amazon. 11/2 in threaded and barb fitting ;reinforced 1 1/2 in i d hose;hose clamps,ptfe thread sealer and heavy duty zip ties. After you reattach be sure to secure the hoses so they do not rub on the aluminum supprt when the slide operates. Run the slide in and out a couple of times to check.
I plan on doing mine before it fails again.

[bizzerbiz]

Some things never change. I had a 2000 DS3865 that in 2019 developed the same leak while we were in Tucson. Found the same type of tubing at the hardware store and fixed it. Same tedious job as yours. I agree, your clear tubing with the inside ribs is a better choice.

[Craig1960]

Explains why an 08 I looked at this summer while shopping for a new to us m/h didn't have the panel on that you mentioned. I didn't get around to asking about it because it wasn't one I wanted so it didn't matter.

[hogdriver]

I had the same leak on my 21 DS 4369 during the first year. Dealer repaired but what a PITA to discover. I bought pool pump hose. Same size as factory. After repair I stashed the pool pump hose for future problems. Since that time I’ve really zip tied that hose and tested in/out for abrasion.

I’m not a fan of that design but I can’t think of a different method.

[richpatty]

Good info to have. Will tuck this away for future use.

[Rev. Roy]

Unfortunately yours is no an isolated issue. I know of others with the same issue and one of them asked Newmar to explain how this is a "maintenance" issue. He got some pathetic reply about inspecting for wear and tear and loosened connections. I hope Newmar has corrected this but I doubt it.

[UMXHAULER]

It’s not a maintenance issue. It is a bad selection of materials. The pipe they use is flexible pvc like they use to pump up portable jacuzzis. It’s designed to flex but not over and over. It’s also very stiff which puts a lot of stress on the attachment points. I replaced mine with swimming pool vacuum hose. Been problem free for three years. Original went bad first year. Also, I left the panel off so you can actually inspect it. I also had to replace the subfloor bar insulation as a result of the leak. It would not dry out.

[Mr. T]

Thanks for the post!
I was going to remove the "courtesy panel" to the right and have a look around. I just noticed one screw up front. Are the others going through the bottom bracket that I can't see?

[Retiredesq]

The panel has staples along the bottom which you cant access. Remove the screw and pull it out. Double face tape works to replace

[Retiredesq]

Nope still using it as of 22

[Mr. T]

Thanks!,
I'll put one of those battery leak detectors in there.

[Retiredesq]

Thank you all for the responses. Great idea to put an extra leak detector in that area. I have them under the sinks as well since the traps tend to loosen up over the miles

[MMoniuszko]

Originally Posted by Retiredesq

This,in my opinion, was a product design failure. Newmar rejected my request to stand behind the repair stating it was a maintenance issue.

.

It is a design issue, and Newmar knows it. The hose sourced is incorrect. Also, the hoses are provided in spools to the point of use, so if an operator cuts them too long when routing, it only compounds the issue.

It’s unfortunate that Newmar, and most of the other manufacturers, choose to let the warranty clock dictate what will get fixed or the the chances that RVIA will get involved. There could be an argument here that the routing of that hose does not meet the pitch angle requirement by RVIA and you may be able to point that out to Newmar. Unfortunately, Newmar history tells me they will simply say your unit is out of warranty and they will walk away.

[Retiredesq]

A more pliable hose that doesnt kink.
Maybe like the macerator hose