Underbelly of RV full of Blue water

[bjliche]

My husband and I are currently living in our 2015 Keystone Carbon Toyhauler due to work situations. One day while draining the tanks, I noticed the noise of water dripping inside the undercarriage of the RV. I was able to pry the covering enough to see that it was totally full of water. The underbelly was sagging a lot. My husband cut a hole in the center of the covering and blue water immediately began pouring out. We thought perhaps the water had all drained but two days later, more water began dripping from that same opening. It was blue water. We are assuming it's from the toilet because blue is the color of the toilet solution. My husband crawled underneath the RV and began cutting open the entire underbelly covering. As soon as he cut more openings, more blue water came out. The insulation was totally soaked, so he removed that. Following the water, we are now at a point where there is a constant drip but we cannot explore anymore, because it goes up into an area that has so many other parts and pieces. We are not experts on RV design or builds so we have contacted a mobile RV Repair to come out and help us with this situation. If anyone else out there has had a similar issue, please provide any help and share your situation and possible fixes. Because we are currently living in our RV, hauling it back to Texas to the RV store where we purchased it for repair would be difficult.

[Ice-breaker]

Sounds like it is time to unload your stick built trailer and buy an all moulded fiberglass trailer. Most of the people who frequent this forum are either owners, potential owners or enthusiasts of all moulded fiberglass trailers. Although toilet leaks can and sometimes do occur with fiberglass rv's, the magnitude of problems associated with leaks of various kinds are typically much reduced in fiberglass trailers over more conventional stick-built trailers.

[Donna D.]

Hello Brenda. I'm sure you found us on the WWW because of the title FiberglassRV. However, our trailers are small and built like boats, unlike your trailer and build type. While we may be able to guess at a solution for your issues, you'll find better help at a forum dedicated to your type of trailer.


May I suggest you pose your questions at: http://www.irv2.com/forums/


and the Open Road forums at RV.net

Best of luck!

[Jon in AZ]

Brenda, this site is devoted to all-molded (frameless) fiberglass trailers- "egg" trailers. You will be more likely to find someone with specific knowledge of how your trailer's plumbing is set up on a general RV forum, like iRV2.com.

If this is a new trailer under warranty, I would think the manufacturer should be able to set you up with another dealer near you for repair.

Good news, if it can be called that, is that a big leak is usually easier to trace than a small one.

Hope you're able to get some good help soon!

[steve dunham]

I would be concerned about damage done to you undercarriage.
Many of the toilet bowl chemical will quickly corrode metal
( Trailer frame) because they are caustic. The cleaners also can damage the parts / seal / valves in a toilet which may be the source of your problem

[bjliche]

Well, I have done research on google regarding our current situation with our RV. In my research I was led to this particular website as an RV forum. As several of you have made it abundantly clear that I do not belong here due to the type of RV we own, I will gladly remove myself from this site. No sense staying where I'm not wanted. Thanks to everyone for letting me know I don't belong here. Good bye and perhaps I will find a more friendly RV forum.

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by bjliche

Well, I have done research on google regarding our current situation with our RV. In my research I was led to this particular website as an RV forum. As several of you have made it abundantly clear that I do not belong here due to the type of RV we own, I will gladly remove myself from this site. No sense staying where I'm not wanted. Thanks to everyone for letting me know I don't belong here. Good bye and perhaps I will find a more friendly RV forum.

You have misunderstood the messages you have received. You are perfectly welcome to stay here and post, no one is trying to run you off. It's just that this forum is focused on a type of trailer very different from yours and not too many people here will be familiar with your trailer or the problem you are having.

So please stay with that understanding, but also consider the other forums that were suggested since they are likely to have a bigger audience who will be better able to help you. That advice was intended to help you with your problem in the best way possible. I would be happy to have someone tell me how to get help as well as some of the folks here did in the above suggestions.

[Jack L]

You could have a cracked holding tank or pipe fitting. Possibly it froze ? Or something much easier like a loose hose clamp. The first thing I would do is clean up the mess. Sadly, that blue water probably contains some other unpleasant substances that you need to address. If the trailer is severely contaminated with human waste, it's a major issue. Is your trailer still under warranty? Do you have insurance that might cover the cost ?


Also, there are businesses that specialize in repairs like this. They usually do marine repairs but much of the system in any RV is similar.

[Darwin Maring]

"You have misunderstood the messages"

I don't think there was a missunderstanging at all. I thing the replys to that person was downright rude.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Darwin Maring

"You have misunderstood the messages"

I don't think there was a missunderstanging at all. I thing the replys to that person was downright rude.

Really? Pointing out better forums to ask questions for a problem than can be found here is rude? Oh my...

[LyleB]

While I don't think anyone who replied was rude, certainly not intentionally so, it is obvious that that is what was perceived - apparently by at least two folks.

Perhaps, in the future, to try to avoid misunderstandings, we should attempt to offer some initial advice. Most of us knew what some of the causes could be for what they found, we could have suggested some of those, and THEN pointed out that there may be other forums where more specific advice could be given by folks more familiar with that particular coach.

I'm quite certain no one here wanted to intentionally alienate anyone, but some folks are either very emotional and upset in the moment (possibly this woman - looking for a lifeline for their troubles), or just plain thin skinned. A bit of commiseration before suggesting they go elsewhere may have set better with her.

Just a thought for future situations.

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by Darwin Maring

"You have misunderstood the messages"

I don't think there was a missunderstanging at all. I thing the replys to that person was downright rude.

I beg to differ , my response to the OP'S guestion was not rude in the slightest. Some of the other responses possibly could have been worded differently to avoid any misunderstanding but they were not rude but simply a statement of fact.
If one does not want to get honest responses than the only thing left is to NOT ask the question .

[sharon_b]

Brenda, maybe the previous posts weren't clear. you are welcome here & the people here are extremely helpful! however, our RV's are made very different from yours & all we can offer are educated guesses, not specific fixes for this particular problem. it sounds like you have a big problem & need help fast! the others weren't trying to run you off, merely pointing you to other websites that could help you better, faster. although our equipment may vary, there are many things our 2 types of RV's have in common & there are many cool tips & tricks you can learn from all these experienced people. I do hope you stick around!
sharon

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by LyleB

While I don't think anyone who replied was rude, certainly not intentionally so, it is obvious that that is what was perceived - apparently by at lease [least] two folks.
....

And I am pretty sure that at least 95% of the people who read the replies saw no rudeness in them at all. The replies were made by people who took time out of their day to offer good advice and even encouragement with comments such as Best of luck and Hope you're able to get some good help soon.

I almost wrote a similar reply suggesting that this was not the best place to get advice for this problem, and I am sure glad that I did not. In fact I can tell you that my reply was 180 degrees from my initial impression after reading the offended OP's response to the helpful advice and encouragement. But I had some hope that if the OP understood the good intentions she could see the replies in a different light. But I think shes gone for good so her misunderstanding, over reaction or whatever else caused her to feel unwanted will remain.

And now we have a situation where I, and no doubt others, will not be willing to inform new members who stumble onto this site while not understanding the focus on molded fiberglass trailers that this might not be the best place to ask their question. In fact, I have concluded sometimes it is not worth the hurt feelings and criticism that sometimes results from giving perfectly valid advice and information. And this post might very well fall into that category also. Oh well.

[sharon_b]

Gordon, you too are a valued member. don't be afraid to speak up!
put yourself in her shoes for a sec - living in the trailer (not a temporary vacation), vast amounts of tell-tale blue everywhere, no one local to help, visions of many dollar signs flying away. I'd be panicking too! a very high emotionally charged situation. I don't envy them, can only empathize.

[Gennaver]

Originally Posted by bjliche

Well, I have done research on google regarding our current situation with our RV. In my research I was led to this particular website as an RV forum. As several of you have made it abundantly clear that I do not belong here due to the type of RV we own, I will gladly remove myself from this site. No sense staying where I'm not wanted. Thanks to everyone for letting me know I don't belong here. Good bye and perhaps I will find a more friendly RV forum.

Oh no, it isn't that you aren't wanted or welcome here at all!

Please know that members were trying to steer you for more specific and useful help for what you need.

However, it appears you took your self away in a huff, shame really.

Jen
p.s. we see and find what we expect in others, as a reflection from where we are coming from, hope things turn brighter for you and or at least you can see this

Originally Posted by Darwin Maring

"You have misunderstood the messages"

I don't think there was a missunderstanging at all. I thing the replys to that person was downright rude.

edit: I'm blown away by this, please refer to my p.s. above and hopefully everyone who sees and feels such rudeness will recover from whatever has them jaded or feeling so badly.

[RB Arthur]

Locating a leak can be tricky at the best of time, however I would think you have narrowed it down due to the blue coloring of the water revealing to check the Black water tank. It may leak more when the tank gets heavier as the tank fills or get to a certain level. Use a mirror and flash light or possibly a digital camera pushed up their. If it is wet keep looking up till you feel dry. Push up on the tank does it flex or is it mounted securely, you may find a crack around the tank connection to the 3'' drainline/ dump valve (some Keystone owner reported this on other models). The tank may need to be secured as it moves with the starting and stopping of the fluid and stresses the tank area. Maybe adding some plumbers galvanized strapping might secure it. Your tank maybe ABS with YouTube showing multi repair method, I have also sucessfully used Marine goop on a few non pressure piping project if this fails you may have to even lower your tank to repair it or it replace it. Tough to really diagnose until you actually locate the problem, be sure to drain and flush the tank to remove the chemical additive.

[Borrego Dave]

I think we've all done some web surfing and ended up in left field. A wrong word or two in the query can be interesting. There have been a number of folks that have ended up on this site that have been helped out with their SOB TT's. Most have thanked those that took the time to do so. I'd like her to come back to let us know what the problem was. One thing that I've noticed from SOBs comments after they're informed this is a molded site, is they only see the big word "fiberglass" in the title .

[Randy J.]

Oh heavens - and this poor person asked for advice...

Just a question - does the place you bought your RV have a website or a phone number? They might be of some help. Your trailer manufacturer no doubt has a website as well and you may even be able to download a manual on your system.

Is there ANY RV repair place close to where you are? They may well have the necessary skills to perform at least a temporary fix to stop the leak and get you home. For that matter, my plumber friend tells me that plumbing is pretty much plumbing, so long as he can find the parts. So if all else fails, find a plumber.

For now I wouldn't get too excited about the "damage". Smart to remove the insulation and try to ventilate the space. Maybe, since it's been wet already, try and rinse the chemical out as best you can.

And finally, welcome! There's an old saying that a village is judged by how well it welcomes strangers. Good luck and I hope this may have helped.

[Mike_L]

Hi Brenda,
I've been trailering for 40 plus years. The type of trailer doesn't matter. If a trailer person has a problem and someone can help, they should. If any trailer has plumbing, the plumbing can leak. Water always runs down hill and will collect at the lowest level. This is a common problem. I've seen it numerous times. It isn't hard to fix. The membrane on the bottom of your unit is intended to keep water and other things out. It will also keep leaked water in. Your "blue" water is likely grey or more likely black water. Not only do you have a leak problem, you may also have a biohazard problem. This could be a health hazard. That why you should address it sooner rather than later. You have removed the membrane and the insulation. Hopefully, this hasn't made anyone sick. Your plumbing system can be isolated into sections and pressure tested to determine where the leak is. Once the leak is fixed areas exposed to the grey or black water may need to be treated with a germicidal cleaner. The insulation and finally the membrane will need to be replaced. If this isn't something you are comfortably doing yourself you may want to contact a reputable dealership who will have the necessary expertise. Good Luck!