RV Leak Repair: Things To Know

As an RV owner, you know that these units are vulnerable to developing water leaks. There are many areas of an RV where leaks can develop, and finding the source of that leak to repair it can be challenging. The sooner you address a leak in your RV, the less damage that water will be able to do. Here's a look at some of the things that you should understand about dealing with RV leaks. 

Recognizing Areas Prone To Leaking

There are some common areas that are prone to developing leaks in an RV. If you're seeing water leaks inside, you should start with these areas to try to isolate the source. Any skylights that your RV might have can be vulnerable to leaking around the edges. Over time, the gasket that seals those skylights can deteriorate and allow water to pass through.

In addition, if your RV has a rooftop air conditioning unit, that can also create a vulnerable space for water leaks. Slide-outs, windows, and the seams around your doors are equally vulnerable spaces.

Detecting The Source Of The Leak

Even when you know the most common areas for RVs to leak, it can still be difficult to actually locate the source of a leak. That's because water doesn't always become visible where it enters your RV. Water will naturally flow through the path of least resistance, flowing downhill from its entry point. That means you may not notice the water where it came in, but a few feet away from the leak instead. You can try to trace the water path back, but that can be difficult if it's above the ceiling or in the wall.

Instead, you may want to reach out to an RV repair technician to have a pressure test conducted. These tests involve increasing the pressure inside the RV while applying a soap-based product to the outside surfaces. As the pressure increases inside the RV, the solution will bubble where the air is escaping. 

This allows you to pinpoint precisely where the leak is so that you can properly patch it.

Preventing Leaks From Occurring

The most important step that you can take to prevent leaks in your RV is a routine inspection and sealant application by your local RV repair technician. This helps you to identify areas that may be vulnerable before they actually become leaks, and can ensure that your RV has adequate sealant, quality gaskets, and proper containment to protect against water leaks.

These are just a few of the things you should understand when it comes to finding and repairing leaks in your RV.

Contact a local RV repair service, such as Pacific RV LLC, to learn more.