One of the most frustrating things about living in a Recreational Vehicle is a smelly drip that sometimes occurs when your septic holding tank develops a leak. The neighbors get very cranky when this odor wafts their way so it is important to know what really will work as a repair! The hardware store probably has a small bubble-wrapped kit that is called a “tank repair kit” and, I agree, it probably would be enough to repair a pin hole leak. However, the majority of leaks that do occur are from physical damage or freezing. This results in a crack in the tank, sometimes more than 12 inches long. I will share the repair process as my wife and I used it, involving a crack that looked to be about 4 Inches long but turned out, upon closer inspection, to be a main crack 16 inches long that branched off in a ‘y’ shape to an additional 6 inch crack. If the crack is on the bottom of the tank, the repair will not require the removal of the tank from the RV, in most cases. We will address bottom repairs here. Other locations of tank repairs will be addressed as requested later. Now, let’s get down to the “bottom” of the matter: 1. Stop using anything that sends water or sewage to your leaky tank. If the leak is in your Black-water tank, make arrangements to park next to a public bathroom somewhere or get a ‘porta-potti’ to use temporarily in you bedroom or outside in a portable shower stall(both available at Wal-Mart). If the leak is in your Gray-water tank, temporarily put plastic bowls in every sink you have and empty them on out on the plants outside (assuming you are using bio-friendly soaps, etc.) 2. Empty the leaky tank and wash out well with clean water. 3. Drain the leaky tank completely and leave slide-valve open. 4. clear out anything that may obstruct your complete visual observation of your RV Tank from underneath your RV. Rake or sweep the area directly under the tank and level it. Lay an old blanket or rug to lay on next to the lowest end of the tank, usually next to the slide-valve T-handle. *What to buy at your nearest hardware store: -Rubber Gloves, Eye Protection, and Dust Mask. -Wire buffing wheel for drill. -2 inch wide flat PVC (window plate, strapping, etc.) measuring 4 inches longer than the crack. -PVC/ABS glue and a pop-rivet kit(with proper drill bit). -Marine Tex (or similar 2-part epoxy repair putty. -Fiberglass Resin/Hardener and Fiberglass repair cloth. -Course Sandpaper and sanding block. Category:Home › Autos • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 2 • You should never use after-market auto parts when maintaining or fixing your car • Should a new car be rust-proofed? • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 1 • Five safest cars in North America • How to ensure your teen drives safely after getting a license • Pros and cons of using an hydrogen generator for your car • DIY automotive maintenance: How to change the oil
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