Trim leaks when water heater on

[Jordan.Gabriel]

Hello, I have a 2016 Forest River Surveyor 201RBS and when I open the bypass valves and allow water into the WH certain points along the outside trim (Fridge area to WH) start dripping. It also forms water along the seams inside , but the water heater and pipes appear to be in tact.

Any ideas what could be causing this?

[TMMull]

I'd look closely at the hot water heater itself! Is there a possibility that it froze and cracked?

[ependydad]

For me, I found the water heater was leaking at a 1-way check valve at the outlet of the water heater. It broke in half when I went to remove it and turned into a huge hassle to get it removed because it was plastic.

Otherwise, water is going to follow to the low point. You need to follow water lines until you find the leak. It's likely at a turn or bend.

[davel1971]

check the water heater from all sides since it's leaking when pressurized

[moterhead]

My water heater will sometimes seep at the pressure relief valve when I first turn it on.i have to open it and let it snap shut.

[5picker]

Well there is no question the trim isn't leaking so the water has to be coming from somewhere.

I've seen tanks leak at various places and most times it was awfully tough to figure out exactly where because most are wrapped/enclosed in some form of insulated box or Styrofoam.

If still under warranty, contact your dealer. Let them deal with the manufacturer if necessary. Most times when the owner starts tearing things apart or breaking the insulation away looking for leaks, it ends up in a wild goose chase that no one wants to pay for.

If no longer in warranty, you are going to have to do some investigative research into where exactly the leak originates. As mentioned, it could be coming from a number of places.

[Jordan.Gabriel]

It appeared that the Anode rode was not screwed in tightly. It came right out and once I screwed it in and fastened it appropriately the leaking stopped. That appears to have taken care of it, we shall see. Thanks for all the replys!

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Jordan.Gabriel

It appeared that the Anode rode was not screwed in tightly. It came right out and once I screwed it in and fastened it appropriately the leaking stopped. That appears to have taken care of it, we shall see. Thanks for all the replys!

Well that was easy!
Here we all thought you had water running from INSIDE the water heater area where the tank is located and not from the OUTSIDE access door area. (you did say inside seams)
Glad you found it and thanks for posting back the fix.
It helps others looking for solutions.

[Jordan.Gabriel]

@5picker, yes, relieved that was all it was. The crazy part was it was leaking along the inside seams, so I thought it was coming from inside. There must be a lose seal or something on the outside.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Jordan.Gabriel

@5picker, yes, relieved that was all it was. The crazy part was it was leaking along the inside seams, so I thought it was coming from inside. There must be a lose seal or something on the outside.

If water leaking from the anode port was running back inside your trailer, surely rain water running down the side of the wall into/around the water heater outside access door will leak as well. Better have it looked at.
2016? Still under warranty?

[Jordan.Gabriel]

That's a good point, no - I just bought this 2 weeks ago as a used model. First time owner.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Jordan.Gabriel

That's a good point, no - I just bought this 2 weeks ago as a used model. First time owner.

Used, no warranty, as is?

[pdqparalegal1]

I'm glad you fixed the leak, what about that "tire"??

[5picker]

Originally Posted by pdqparalegal1

I'm glad you fixed the leak, what about that "tire"??

Ha-ha... I thought that when I first seen the photo too!
It is water that has run down on the tire!