plumbing leak-fresh water

[algrz]

I have a 1978 Marshfield 14X66 that developed a plumbing leak. I traced it back to a hot water supply between the hot water heater(far rear of trailer) to the hot water line to the kitchen (near front of trailer) Repairing from underneath is not an option, so I will most likely have to cut out flooring in one of the bedrooms (I can hear leak under floor). How is the best way to start? I don't want to start cutting and using the trial and error method of finding the copper tubing. Does anyone know what to expect once the flooring is removed? Are the water lines through the joysts or underneath them? Is there any rule of thumb for where these lines could be located (proximity to ductwork, etc) ? Any help is greatly appreciated.Thanks

[David Oxhandler]

It is a lot easier to approach the problem form under the home then to take up the flooring. Go under the home to the approximate location where you suspect the leak. There is a good chance that you will see water dripping or a ballooning of the bottom vapor barrier.

Cut the bottom barrier. Remove and discard the wet insulation. make the plumbing repairs. Then leave it open for a few days until the area is totally dry. Then replace the insulation with new fiberglass. If the opening in the bottom is small you can patch it by stapling with roofing paper over the opening. If it is a large area you might want to purchase a roll of "bottom board", which is a rolled plastic used today to make that bottom vapor barrier.

You can find bottom board at completemobilehomesupply.com

[algrz]

I appreciate the help David, however, clearance under the trailer ties my hands from fixing it from the bottom. I was able to get under to get a look last week. That's how I know the leak is under one of the bedrooms. The skirting is less than a foot on one side, only 2 feet on the other. I removed some of the skirt and crawled in beyond the steel beams, but the ductwork gives me only 9" clearence to get to the leak. When I bought the unit in 2001, Marshfield sent me the original plans, but they only show dimensions, floorplan, etc. Is ther any way of getting diagrams of ductwork and plumbing? I understand Marshfield went bust recently, so I guess I'm lucky to have even gotten the original plans. Other than removing the ductwork to give me working room, do you have any other ideas?