Ace 29.1 Hot Water Tank

[Ron Lechner]

I have a 2012 Ace 29.1 that has developed a small leak from below the hot water tank when the pump is on, and leaks more if on city water (probably due to higher water pressure) It seems to be cold water, so I am assuming that the leak is from the water tank inlet. I am not able to access the rear of the water tank from the inside to check. Just wondering if the metal shroud around the tank, visible from underneath, needs to be removed to access the plumbing? Any help would be appreciated.

[javelin]

Hi Ron, I am not familiar with your coach water heater specific connections, but I would suggest checking your water heater manufacturer’s manual first because they sometimes include installation details with reference drawings showing how hoses are attached/clamped onto the actual water heater tank lines. I suspect the hoses may push on (hot and cold) and may be held by clamps (or some form of Pex adapter) so probably no water heater case removal should be required for a hose connection leak (assuming the leak is not from an internal heater water line weld crack). Also you could try to use the water heater winterization bypass valves to confirm your leak is actually on the cold supply pressure line (bypass tank appropriately to see if leak stops – this assumes water heater contents are not also leaking out too – held in place by vacuum from set bypass feeder valves and hot water tank outflow integral anti backflow valve). Of course use care to leave heater (gas and electric if equipped) off during your tests and especially if the tank contents are drained/leak out.