How to Fix a Broken Water Pipe in a Travel Trailer

Water damage in travel trailers results from either an internal or external source. Leaks from the outside are intermittent depending on precipitation, but a broken water pipe leaks every time the system is pressurized. Water systems in travel trailers are usually made from high-density polyethylene polymer -- usually called PEX piping -- or standard PVC pipe.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the city-water connection; turn off the 12-volt water pump and drain the system at the external drain-cock. Follow the leak and trace it back to its source.

2

Create free access to the source of the leak by removing panels or cabinet interiors. This does not typically cause much disruption, because most travel-trailer water systems are confined to a relatively small area. The fresh-water storage tank is under a bed, sofa or dinette close to the galley, which is adjacent to the bathroom and the city-water inlet.

3

Cut through the pipe with a fine-toothed hacksaw. Cut to either side of the leak if a small split has occurred in the PEX or PVC; this is most frequently caused by water freezing and expanding inside the pipe. A split of an inch or so in length is usually repaired by cutting out the split, and replacing the damaged piece of pipe with a straight coupler.

4

Obtain a compression-fitting straight coupler. Take the sawn-out piece with you to ensure you buy a fitting of the correct diameter. Use a craft knife to remove burrs from both cuts, slide the straight coupler into place and finger-tighten the external nut on either end of the fitting. Reinstate the pressurized water supply, and check that no water is spraying from either end of the coupler. Use a properly-sized wrench to tighten the nuts in one-eighth turns until the joints are sound.

5

Replace a run of pipe if the damage is greater than 1 inch in length. Cut out the damaged run with the fine-toothed hacksaw, and buy replacement pipe and two straight-couplers. Cut the replacement run to length, and install one coupler at either end between the new and the undamaged pre-existing pipe.

6

Reinstall any trim, paneling or cabinets.