water dripping from range hood

[JaneM.]

I searched the forum, but didn't see anything ... we've got water dripping from the back of the range hood onto the counter space behind the sink/stove and can't figure out where it's coming in (Casita 17' SD). The outside vent looks good, but i haven't tested it for leaks as it's still raining. Has anyone else experienced this? Can anyone give some guidance as to where to look for the leak other than the outside vent?
thanks so much,
Jane

[Francesca Knowles]

Hi, Jane!

Is it dripping when you've been cooking, or only after a rain?
I ask because stove burners make a lot of water vapor, easily enough to create the effect you describe...
Other than that, I'm not familiar with Casitas, but I'm sure that someone that is will chime in before long

Francesca

[Doug P.]

Is the vent riveted on, if so make sure the rivets a caulked so water doesn't leak through them.

[JaneM.]

It's leaking while it's raining - and it's quite a bit of water. I don't see any rivets, but I went over this morning and it's possible the caulk around the vent is failing. It appears that way. This Casita has been in Palm Springs for the past 6 years and is new to us - that kind of heat is pretty rough on things. I'll search the archives to see what folks recommend for removing and resealing (I don't think it's silicone) and see if that does the trick.
thanks!
Jane

[Francesca Knowles]

Hi, Jane

You might want to take a look at this recent discussion:
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...oof-42334.html

Francesca

[JaneM.]

Thanks, Francesca. I think it's coming in through the little range vent that's on the side of the trailer - above the range is dry, but I will check the thread -- all hints and tips welcome!
Jane

[Francesca Knowles]

oops!
I thought you meant up top!
If you do remove and reseal, butyl plumber's tape is in my opinion the best sealant to use...
You can buy it by the roll at most RV places and some hardware stores.

Good luck!

Francesca

3/4" x 30' Gray Butyl Tape: Mobile Home Parts Store

[JaneM.]

Thanks! Do you think I should remove the vent? I was thinking I could just remove the layer of caulk/sealant around the vent and replace that. You sound like you're much more an expert at this than I am so I'd really welcome your advice!
Jane

[Francesca Knowles]

Well, I can only speak from my own experience- I guess that makes me a little bit of an expert!
My motto seems to be "If a thing is worth doing, it's worth doing TWICE !"- I usually get it right the second time!
My experience with patching leaks without removing the vent/window has been that I'll have to do so eventually anyway... patching with silicones, etc. hasn't worked very well for me.
It's easy enough to remove a vent cover- I think. As I said, I'm not familiar with Casitas- if the cover's plastic and brittled by age/sun there might be a risk of breaking it while removing/replacing.
If it's riveted on, you just drill out the rivets, pry off the cover, clean the old caulk off, put the tape on , and re-rivet the cover back on the trailer.

Francesca

EDIT P.S:
I wouldn't go to all that trouble without making sure that the vent is the leak source...I've run a garden hose over various spots to accomplish this.

[JaneM.]

LOL! I understand! And, every project requires at least 3 trips to the hardware store too! I'll test the vent with a hose to see if it is the culprit and then inspect very carefully before doing anything. Thanks again!
Jane

[Donna D.]

If you decide to go ahead and take the vent off, clean it up and paint it with Fusion paint for plastics. It will delay damage to the plastic from UVs. And it's easier to paint with it off, than on the trailer.

[JaneM.]

Good idea, Donna. Since we don't have rain in the forecast, I have some time to make sure I do this right!
Jane