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Old 02-21-2021, 02:58 AM   #1
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: A.C.E. 30.2
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THOR #20774
Fighting an in-wall leak (found ABS Pipe Joint with no cement)

So I've been fighting an in-wall leak that I just can't seem to remedy ... all the rain we've been getting here in N. Carolina hasn't helped the situation either.

Anyway, this particular pesky leak is in an interior wall that separates the bathroom from the bedroom (see arrow in floorplan pic). It all started after I found the the floor under the sink wet during a random inspection. It's led to me removing the fixed bedroom "nightstand" cabinet, the fixed bathroom vanity, and the wall covering on the bathroom side ... all in an attempt to track down the source.

First, I found a staple that had punctured a supply line feeding the bathroom sink ... occurred during assembly ... replacing that supply line required me to remove the fixed bedroom "nightstand" cabinet. Thought I had it licked after ... but, no.

Second, I found that the plastic in-wall check valve for the black tank washer had a leaky/loose fitting. To get to that, I had to remove the fixed bathroom vanity, and the wall covering on the bathroom side. While exposed, I took the opportunity to upgrade the valve to brass vs. the plastic version. Thought I had it licked again ... but, no.

I've been watching the area while everything is still out. The base of the wall is still getting wet. Absolutely no evidence of water higher than the base of this wall, nor anywhere else on the floor around it.

What I've found now is a dry ABS pipe joint (see pic) - this is the drain for the bathroom sink & "also" extends on up to the roof vent. The sink is not even installed, so no water has been going down this pipe since the last dry-out. They glued every single joint, but missed this one (thanks Thor) - as a low pressure pipe, I'm not sure if its a contributor - but, I'll probably go through the frustration of cutting it all out & getting it glued in anyway.

On the vent cover (roof), I also found a screw that didn't quite have Dicor completely covering it. I'd say that was the culprit (water running down the vent pipe); but, I see no evidence of such at all. I'll get it all sealed up proper nonetheless.

Other than all that, I'm starting to be at a complete loss as to why the base of this little wall keeps getting wet. Any ideas anyone? The water damage to the surrounding wood (some MDF) is starting to take its toll, so I need to get it fixed soon.




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Old 02-21-2021, 03:37 AM   #2
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https://www.amazon.com/Strips-Wide-R...NsaWNrPXRydWU=


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Old 02-21-2021, 04:28 AM   #3
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I am not familiar with your coach specific layout, but the following items come to mind as a start:


1. When it is not raining does the leak stop or at least slow down and then stop?
2. When city water is off and water pump is on, does the pump short cycle at all once the lines are pressurized and all water valves are closed?
3. Any correlation of leaking water at the identified wall, after or during fresh tank water fill through the exterior wall fill fitting, which on my old 30.1 is very close to your identified wall.
4. If the fresh water tank (which I assume is under the bed), is empty or only half full, do you still get any evidence of water leaking?

5. If you change the coach to a different “off level” position, does the water leak show up somewhere else that may give you information about a possible leak source point ?


If the installer was careless with the staple gun (which they were from your description), then they also may not have done a good job plumbing the fresh tank, or associated fill or vent tubes, outlet lines etc.
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Old 02-21-2021, 05:20 AM   #4
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Can you see all of the plumbing in question? Have you pulled the water schematics from thor? Javelin has a great idea about the water pump as it would cycle with the drop in pressure if it is a leak in the line vs rain down the vent.
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Old 02-21-2021, 03:06 PM   #5
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THOR #20774
It's absolutely a "when it rains leak"; as, everything is off & empty and has been since the fall. I have the wall opened up and simply cannot find any trace of water staining/damage above or around the base of this wall.

Certainly there is not enough rain water entering the vent pipe (factory installed Siphon 360) to leak from the un-glued joint? As well, if it was a roof leak, I'd think I'd see much more evidence than just at the base of a wall ... even if it was running down the vent pipe. I'm at a loss - will just have to chase everything I see & wait for the next bout of rain to come in.
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Old 02-21-2021, 03:23 PM   #6
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Could it be coming from the shower area? Does this happen when stationary or only while traveling in the rain? Looks like it may be above the wheel well a nd there is generally a removable "door" in the wheel well to get to the bottom of the shower plumbing.
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Old 02-21-2021, 04:11 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by 16ACE27 View Post
Could it be coming from the shower area? Does this happen when stationary or only while traveling in the rain? Looks like it may be above the wheel well a nd there is generally a removable "door" in the wheel well to get to the bottom of the shower plumbing.
No .. the RV has been stationary in a level "storage state" since the fall.
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Old 02-21-2021, 05:52 PM   #8
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Just a suggestion, but I would not wait for a rain. Get a hose and shower lightly a small section of roof, then another near the leak area until the leak gives up its secret hiding place.
Some RV service centers do a pressurized smoke test to find leaks, but I heard that is kinda pricey and not all that common.
Keep going and you will find it.
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Old 02-21-2021, 06:50 PM   #9
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THOR #20774
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Originally Posted by mcr1010 View Post
Just a suggestion, but I would not wait for a rain. Get a hose and shower lightly a small section of roof, then another near the leak area until the leak gives up its secret hiding place.

Keep going and you will find it.
Just got done doing this ... leak found! It's a lesson in to not always go by the visual. Had the wife on the roof with the water hose on shower spraying right over the vent cap ... inside, water came running down the vent pipe.

It's likely the aforementioned sparsely covered screw that's letting the water in ... but, I'm going to take the entire vent cover off, replace with new, & reseal the entire area proper.

Thanks all for helping me work through this ...
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Old 02-21-2021, 06:54 PM   #10
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Consider one of those winged covers while you're doing the repair.
It appears a bit voodoo-ish, but it sure SEEMS to work for me.
I'm happy enough with it that I haven't bothered with my 12v fan adapter.

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Old 02-21-2021, 06:55 PM   #11
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Is there a skylight above the shower? Could be leaking and the water has found a way down the wall between the interior panel and the exterior panel through the fiberglass insulation. When it gets to the floor level it finds a new path under a joist to then appear on the floor. It's also possible that it is leaking in at the roof and wall seam joint as well. Finally, are there any screws that are on the exterior of that wall ( light fixture, awning, etc) that may be allowing water into the wall?
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Old 02-21-2021, 09:02 PM   #12
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Glad you found it. Seems the leaks are not in the oblivious places.
Thanks for posting results.
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Old 02-27-2021, 07:54 PM   #13
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our leak...

My leak (Thor Vegas 24.1) was under the kitchen sink and came from the outside TV compartment. The rubber gasket around the door had become compressed and did not work. Rain came pouring in....
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Old 04-05-2021, 03:08 PM   #14
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THOR #20774
As I was trying to pin-point the final source of my leak, I posted several threads - this was my last, so I'll round it out here ...

My leak turned out to be caused by a sloppy installation (at the Thor Factory) of the "360 Siphon" vent stack on the roof.

Because the pipe was cut jagged & was also not glued per the 360 Siphon installation instructions ... rain water was getting past the "screen" in the 360 Siphon. Instead of the water just running down "inside" the pipe to the holding tank(s), it would make its way to the outside of the pipe and run down inside the wall (bathroom wall on the A.C.E. 30.2).

I removed the old vent stack, leveled the ABS pipe, and replaced all with new. I had trouble getting the screws to bite, but it is what it is at this point.

This is a hidden area .. and I'd have never known if I'd have not pulled the bathroom vanity drawer out and looked underneath during a regular inspection. Something to think about if you also have a A.C.E. with a similar design.



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Old 04-05-2021, 04:04 PM   #15
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Geez looks like they cut that with a chainsaw!!
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Old 04-05-2021, 06:24 PM   #16
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Someone practicing for Black Belt at the factory!
Crazy!
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Old 04-05-2021, 07:05 PM   #17
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Geez looks like they cut that with a chainsaw!!
Not that far off - sawzall - you can tell by the jagged cut. Another quality job from your favorite RV factory. And yes, they're all near the same.
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