Many RVs have small kitchens and bathrooms.
Like a stationary home, many mobile homes have a bathroom and kitchen, which contain plumbing similar to that found in any house. When a pipe leaks in a home, a plumber is called. When a pipe leaks in an mobile home, it must be taken to a service center that specializes in mobile home repairs, which can be expensive and difficult to find when traveling. Use basic plastic repair techniques and PVC solvent cement to repair broken mobile home pipes, saving money and time in the process.
Instructions
1. Plastic pipes can be repaired with PVC solvent cement.
Inspect the plumbing, and locate the origin of the leak. Many leaks start at one location but appear elsewhere within the plumbing. Use a flashlight to illuminate the piping if lighting is an issue. Mark off the location of the leak with a piece of painter's masking tape.
2. Drain the pipes thoroughly. PVC solvent cement needs a completely dry surface to bond to. Solvent cements fuse the plastic together, creating a stronger bond than traditional glues. Allow at least 24 hours drying time before moving to Step 3.
3. Larger RVs have more complex plumbing systems.
Sand the damaged area by hand, using 400-grit sandpaper. PVC pipe has a smooth exterior surface that needs to be sanded for the solvent cement to bond with maximum efficiency. If the crack or hole is large enough, use a sewing needle to rough up the damaged area. Wipe the sanded surface down with a rag.
4. Fill a squeeze bottle applicator to the halfway point with PVC solvent cement. While most PVC cements come with an applicator built into the cap, a squeeze bottle applicator is used because it has a needle tip designed to fit into small cracks. These techniques also are used for acrylic repairs. The only technical difference is the type of solvent cement used.
5. Apply a thin bead of PVC solvent cement into the crack. Allow it to dry for at least three hours. If the pipe being repaired is in close proximity to other plastic pipes or parts, cover those pipes or parts with painter's masking tape to keep the PVC solvent cement from damaging them.
6. Sand the previously cemented area lightly, by hand. Wipe the sanding debris off with a rag. Apply epoxy filler on top of the cemented crack or hole. The filler's border should extend a ½ inch in all directions. Apply a cut piece of fiberglass tape the same size as the filled area. Apply additional epoxy filler on top of the fiberglass tape. Allow 24 hours of drying time.
Tags: solvent cement, mobile home, Allow least, bottle applicator, crack hole, damaged area
