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gripper · 05-07-2011, 10:51 AM

I thought I would relate my experience with broken hot water heater lines with anyone that might be interested in preventing the flood problems I've had. This might pertain only to Fleetwood owners, but any RV that uses the Attwood Water Heater is subject to the problem.

My first flood was during a trip through Virginia, in June of 2009. We were camped in Virginia Beach, and were getting ready for bed. The DW walked into the bedroom and felt water oozing up, through the carpet and wetting her feet. Our whole bedroom was flooded.

Long story short, we maded it through the night and I called a mobile RV tech the next day. What had happened, was the hose fitting, mating the hot water pipe, from the heater, to the house water line had cracked, split and fell off the heater, gushing water everywere. It took most of the day, for the tech to locate the problem and replace the $10.00 hose. Total cost, approx. $350.00.

Yesterday, about two years later, we are camped in my son's yard for a week and the same thing happened, with the same heater hose that was replaced before. We didn't know about a leak, until I went to walk the dogs and saw water, running (actually gushing) out of three storage bays,on the passenger side and under/near the water heater. I immediately turned off the water supply, but the bedroom was already flooded.

This morning, I searched for the leak and ultimately found the same water hoseline/fitting broken. Since the water line has a plastic fitting, where it connects to the water heater, my opinion is that as it expands and contracts during the use of hot water (and/or the weather effects), the plastic can't take it an finally cracks (after 2 years, with me). Soooo, beware all of you, with Attwood water heaters like mine!

P.S. The tech in 2009, managed to replace the hose fitting W/O removing the water heater. However, I tried, but I am going to have to take the RV to a shop, because due to it's location, I think the W/H will have to be pulled out.

Korryp · 05-08-2011, 08:12 AM

Had roughly the same thing last year. Saw water dripping off the right rear of the coach and figured it was the two air conditioners on the roof dripping. It wasn't. Found the same line had a split it in. Replaced it with a stainless hose instead of the plastic.

Larry & Rita · 05-08-2011, 09:02 AM

I have a 1999 Pacer and have just replaced the hot water line in the kitchen with reinforced clear tubing-it slips over the old tube which I cut about 2 inches from the joint, Hose clamp and everyone is happy-One thing be sure the tube is drinking water safe! I got mine from Home Depot along with about 4 foot more for emergencys.
After you turn the water back on check the connections and tighten the leakers,I had one.

wa8yxm · 05-08-2011, 10:26 AM

You can get short METAL flexible hose lines (They have a rubber hose with a metal braid if I'm not mistaken) Designed to make hooking up a sink, lav or toilet easier.

I wonder if you could use one of those coming off the heater?

I do know that in house plumbing putting plastic within so many inches of the hot tank.. NOT allowed.. but then that is PVC, not PEX

njs42 · 05-08-2011, 10:30 AM

I had one of these cracks--never gave much thought to the cause because mine drained into the area where I do my water/sewer hook up no harm no foul. I wonder if jarring incidental to travel might be a cause---a better fitting of course but as I think some are suggesting also build some flexibility into the hose.

I know I replaced a plastic bath sink with a ceramic one and thought that maybe they are plastic so they flex during travel----so Installed a flexible pipe before the pee trap---no problems--but I have no idea really if I would have had one. Seems a good idea---so I share it with you.

gripper · 05-08-2011, 10:46 AM

As I said in myinitial post; the line is inaccessible (for my short arm). So I will have to take it to Lazy Days, in Tampa and let them to pull the W/H and replace the line. I will insist that they use a metal or braded line and to give it some flexibility.

Gadget Man · 05-08-2011, 11:16 PM

Gripper,

This thread caught my attention since we have the same coach. What model is your Providence?

My 39J has a water heater access panel inside the bedroom closet. Based on this thread I'm going to open mine up and replace the supply hose with a braided one.

Had the same thing happen in our sticks and bricks home a few years back, with the water supply hose to the washing machine....very costly flood. Replaced that hose with a braided one after the damage was repaired. Never thought of this being an issue with the water heater. Thanks for sharing.

Craig

gripper · 05-10-2011, 11:41 AM

This thread caught my attention since we have the same coach. What model is your Providence?
Never thought of this being an issue with the water heater. Thanks for sharing.

Craig[/QUOTE]

You're welcome. If just one person is able to prevent a flooded bedroom, then my purpose of posting was worth it. My Providence is a 39S. I should have checked behind the tech that replaced the first line, to see if he put a metal or braided hose fitting, but I didn't and he didn't.

There was a small opening in my closet, for access to the rear of the washer/dryer and water heater, but the tech had to cut it bigger, just to get one arm in. Still too small and too deep, for me to reach the hose.