Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Dave Head on September 22, 2011, 08:48:06 pm

Title: Window external drain cleaning
Post by: Dave Head on September 22, 2011, 08:48:06 pm
I have at least 3 windows leaking in one or the other lower corner during a hard rain. I was talking (moaning, more like it) to Tim about how expensive it would be to remove them and reinstall them with new seals. Tim said 'maybe the drains are clogged' - which I hadn't thought of before. I supposed I was trying to cost justify the $4K cost of new dual pane windows (mine are single).
So are there any tips on how? Backflush? Coat hanger seems like begging for trouble.
Title: Re: Window external drain cleaning
Post by: George Stoltz on September 22, 2011, 08:51:49 pm
Air hose, vacuum????
Title: Re: Window external drain cleaning
Post by: Dave Head on September 22, 2011, 08:57:18 pm
RV net said 125 psi air... That I can do...
Title: Re: Window external drain cleaning
Post by: J. D. Stevens on September 22, 2011, 08:57:59 pm
The small window in the water closet in our coach leaked during heavy rains. The water ran down the inside wall from the lower corners of the inside frame. I used a silicone caulk along the top and down each of the outside frame. The window has not leaked since I sealed it.

I have seen the small rectangular drain holes in the bottom rail of the outside frame. I would expect you could back flush them with a Water-Pic or something similar. I have no experience cleaning those. Fortunately, the leak described above has been our only window leak.
Title: Re: Window external drain cleaning
Post by: Michelle on September 22, 2011, 10:01:14 pm

So are there any tips on how? Backflush? Coat hanger seems like begging for trouble.

Pipe cleaners?  Any leftovers can be used for the grandkids' crafts  ;)

Michelle
Title: Re: Window external drain cleaning
Post by: Kent Speers on September 22, 2011, 11:13:11 pm
I used bailing wire on my 225 windows. Some of the dirt was really packed in there. I had to use the wire and rinse three or four times on each drain. I also used a little dish soap to help break up the dirt. Finally, all of the drains started working.
Title: Re: Window external drain cleaning
Post by: George Stoltz on September 23, 2011, 02:36:33 am
I used bailing wire on my 225 windows. Some of the dirt was really packed in there. I had to use the wire and rinse three or four times on each drain. I also used a little dish soap to help break up the dirt. Finally, all of the drains started working.

A good friend of mine, who is a Texan, claims that Okies use bailing wire for dental floss.  Don't know how much truth there is to this :).
Title: Re: Window external drain cleaning
Post by: Bill Chaplin on September 23, 2011, 07:12:31 am
As tuff as Kent is is, I should think he uses barbed wire
Title: Re: Window external drain cleaning
Post by: nitehawk on September 23, 2011, 08:12:39 am
Old or expired credit cards, cheap table knife, frying pan spatula (metal or plastic) and last but not necessarily the worst if you are contemplating new double pane windows: 3# hammer and chisel.
Title: Re: Window external drain cleaning
Post by: Kent Speers on September 23, 2011, 09:44:29 am
George, haven't you noticed the rust or our teeth when Okies smile, well, rust on what teeth we have left.

Bill, not all Okies are that tough, only those naturally born Okies. I do however use my Buck knife as a tooth pick.