How to Fix a RV Shower Plumbing Leak

Fix Your RV Shower Plumbing Leaks Before It Becomes A Bigger Problem

The good thing about an RV is that the plumbing is fairly accessible should your RV shower develop a plumbing leak. Most RV shower plumbing is accessible through the closet that is typically placed next to the bathroom. Empty the closet out and look along the wall that joins your bathroom and you will see the plumbing. You can fix an RV shower plumbing leak as easily as you can find it.

Things You'll Need

• Pipe wrench
• Plumber's Teflon tape
• PVC pipe epoxy (if needed)
• PVC double female replacement joint (if needed)
• PVC saw (if needed)
• Replacement washer/O-ring kit for shower head and faucets

Instructions

1. Identify where the leak is coming from. Look at every point where the pipe makes a connection and the faucet, shower head and control knobs for the shower. If you need to, wipe everything dry and then turn the shower on low and watch for which part is leaking.

2. Turn off the water to your RV and turn on your shower to empty the pipes once you have found the source of your leak.

3. Disconnect the leaking pipe connection by using a pipe wrench on the lock nut and turning it counterclockwise. If you have a PVC pipe connection, cut out the connection with a PVC saw and remove the leaking piece. Reconnect the pipe and test.

4. 

   Go to Step 5 if you have a PVC pipe to repair. Remove any old plumber's tape from the threads of your leaking pipe connection and re-wrap the threads with new tape. Look inside the lock nut and, if you see a rubber gasket, pry it out and replace it with a new gasket from one of your faucet kits.

5. 

   Paint the ends of the pipe that you cut with PVC epoxy and the inside of the female connectors on your replacement joint. Let the pieces sit until the epoxy is tacky to the touch and then join the pipe and the connectors.

6. Remove your faucet, control knobs and/or shower head only if you have identified that they are leaking. Carefully notice the order of the washers and O-rings as you remove them from where they connect into your water supply. Replace them with the new washers and O-rings included in your repair kits. Re-install.

Tips & Warnings

• Make it a part of your regular cleaning routine to check the pipes in the closet for any evidence of leaking. This will help you catch a leak before it cause more damage.

• Always test your repair work when you are done without the water being turned on at its full force. That way, if your repair did not take, you will not have the full force of the water exploding into your RV.

References

• RV shower plumbing is accessible through the closet that is typically placed next to the bath

Resources

• Learn More About RV Plumbing