Water in your propane line is odd and really should never be there. When you encounter water in your propane, there are a couple of possible causes that you start to explore.
The most common reason for water in a propane line is either a leak in the propane system or something wrong with the propane tank itself. In this post, we will review how you can investigate the basic causes of this water and the solutions, including:
- Checking for RV propane regulator leaking from vent
- Inspecting and fixing propane hose leaks
- Checking the propane tank itself for water
Table of Contents
- Propane System
- RV Propane Regulator Leaking from Vent
- Check for Regulator Gas Leak
- Check Hose Lines
- Propane Tank
Propane System
Your RV propane system comprises several components: fittings, vents, pipes, and hoses. And to make this more complex, all of these components are connected with fittings and different materials. This leaves several locations of where you can have a gas leak or have water enter the propane line.
RV Propane Regulator Leaking from Vent
The first possible location for water to enter is the propane regulator. A propane regulator is usually near the front of the RV or travel trailer and close to the propane tanks.
The function of the regulator is to take the high pressure from the propane tank and reduce the gas pressure to low pressure. This is needed because to get enough liquid propane in the tank, it needs high pressure. However, your RV appliances, such as RV stove or water heater operate on low pressure. You will have only one regulator even if you have dual propane tanks.
The regulator vent comprises many pieces of metal, plastic, and rubber. All of which are connected with various fittings and gaskets. Any failure in these components will cause a gas leak or water to enter.
Check for Regulator Gas Leak
To check for a propane leak on your gas vent, follow these simple steps:
- Have your shut off propane tank valve to the “ON” position. You want to have gas flow through the lines. This will create pressure in the hoses and help determine the leak.
- Get soapy water and dump it on the regulator and connecting hoses. If you see any bubbles moving or getting bigger, this is a sign of a gas leak.
- Once you see the leak, turn “off” the shut off valve.
- If the leak is at a hose or fitting, try to tighten the connection. As the RV bounces down the road, things get loose, including connections on your propane system.
- If the gas leak is at the regulator, it will likely need to be replaced. If this is the case, remove the regulator and replace it. You can also add pipe dope to the hose or flare fitting to help seal. To do this, disconnect the hose, apply the pipe dope and resecure. Try not to overtighten as these fittings are a soft metal and can easily strip or get damaged.
Check Hose Lines
The RV propane lines are the next most common area for leaks where water can enter. Many RVs have multiple different materials for the propane gas line. There can be a black pipe and rubber hose as your gas pipe. And there will be compression and flare fittings of different materials as well. All these can cause the leak and where water can enter.
Since the gas piping can be long, finding a leak is a little more challenging. Follow these steps when inspecting your gas line.
- Have your shut off propane tank valve to the “ON” position. You want to have gas flow through the lines. This will create pressure in the hoses and help determine the leak.
- First, do a sniff test. Walk around the RV by the gas piping, which is usually exposed at the trailer frame. Is there a propane smell? A propane detector could work handy here if you have one. If you do, see if you can pinpoint the source. Try at fittings or connections, as this is the most common spot.
- Get soapy water and dump it on the fitting and connecting hoses. If you see any bubbles moving or getting bigger, this is a sign of a gas leak. For more information, visit my post on what to do when you smell propane outside.
- Once you see the leak, turn “off” the shut off valve.
- If the leak is at a hose or fitting, try to tighten the connection. If you can’t tighten the connection, get some pipe dope from Home Depot designed to plug slow leaks for the pipe’s exterior. Products like JB Water Weld will work.
- Once the pipe dope has cured, turn back on the propane tanks and repeat the soapy water method to confirm the leak has stopped.
Propane Tank
If you have determined that the regulator vent and all hoses and connections are sealed where no water could enter, the final issue could be the propane itself.
There could have been an issue with the propane supplier, and water somehow entered into the propane cylinder.
Connect your propane tank to another gas appliance to confirm if the issue is the propane supplier. This could be a small gas grill or a small heater. Since these small gas appliances run on high pressure, a direct hose line to them is all you need to connect from your propane tank. No need for a high pressure regulator.
If you have dual propane tanks, try one tank at a time. Use the small gas appliance and see if all operate normally. If there is any sputtering or inconsistent flame, then you have water in the propane tank. If this is the case, return it to your supplier and have them purge the propane cylinder.
Final Thoughts
Having water in your propane line is something to investigate. Besides the possible damage to an RV appliance, water in the line indicates a potential leak that should be addressed. The first step is to check for a leak at your RV propane regulator vent. Then check all hoses and fittings by using soapy water for visible bubbles. And finally, check the propane tank itself for water contamination from the propane supplier.
Tony is an avid camper and RV traveler. He fell in love with camping on his first RV trip with his wife over 25 years ago. Tony loves sharing lessons learned and tips about RV maintenance and safe traveling.
