Caravan Water Damage is one of the biggest problems in the industry, this can be easily checked and monitored with a cabin pressure test, this pressurizes the cabin and then we spray soapy water on the caravan to easily identify the problem water leak areas with our CMDS WATER LEAK PRESSURE TEST.

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Caravan Leak Testing and Leak Repairs Caboolture

Caravan Leak Testing – Protect Your Caravan Before Water Damage Occurs

At Caravan Mechanic and Detailing Service, we specialise in Caravan Leak Testing, Caravan Leak Repairs, Motorhome Leak Testing, Caravan Water Damage Inspections and complete Caravan Resealing Services.

Water damage is one of the biggest and most expensive problems facing the caravan industry today. Unfortunately, most caravan owners do not discover a leak until significant damage has already occurred behind walls, inside roof structures or beneath flooring.

The reality is that every caravan and motorhome relies on hundreds of metres of silicone and polyurethane sealants to keep water out. Over time these seals deteriorate due to UV exposure, vibration from towing, movement of the caravan body and general weathering.

Many owners assume their caravan is waterproof because it is only a few years old. However, we regularly find water leaks in caravans that are less than 12 months old.

How We Test For Caravan Water Leaks

Unlike simply spraying a caravan with a garden hose and hoping for the best, we utilise our specialised CMDS Caravan Leak Pressure Test.

This process allows us to locate even the smallest leak points before they become major water damage issues.

Step 1 – Pressurising the Caravan

We use specialised equipment to gently pressurise the interior of the caravan or motorhome.

This creates a controlled positive pressure inside the van.

Step 2 – External Leak Detection

Once the caravan is pressurised, we systematically inspect the entire exterior of the caravan using a specialised soapy solution.

As air attempts to escape through failed seals, cracks or gaps, bubbles become visible on the exterior surface.

These bubbles immediately identify the exact location where water can enter during rain or washing.

Step 3 – Detailed Inspection

Once leak points are identified, we assess:

✅ Roof seals

✅ Hatches

✅ Windows

✅ Air conditioner seals

✅ Front and rear mouldings

✅ Clearance lights

✅ Solar panel penetrations

✅ Antennas

✅ Annex tracks

✅ Service hatches

✅ Plumbing penetrations

✅ External body joins

This allows us to accurately identify both active leaks and areas that may become leaks in the future.

Why Leak Testing Is So Important

Most caravan water leaks start very small.

A tiny gap in a roof seal may only allow a small amount of water inside during heavy rain.

However, over months or years that small leak can cause:

• Rotten timber framing

• Delaminated wall panels

• Soft flooring

• Internal wall damage

• Mould growth

• Electrical faults

• Structural damage

• Reduced resale value

By the time visible staining appears inside the caravan, extensive hidden damage has often already occurred.

This is why annual leak testing is one of the most valuable preventative maintenance services available.

Common Areas We Find Caravan Leaks

After inspecting hundreds of caravans, some of the most common leak locations include:

Roof Hatches

Roof hatches are constantly exposed to sunlight and weather, causing seal deterioration over time.

Air Conditioners

Poorly sealed roof-mounted air conditioners are a frequent source of water ingress.

Front and Rear Mouldings

Body joins naturally flex during travel and can eventually crack or separate.

Windows

Window frame sealants can shrink and deteriorate with age.

Solar Panel Installations

Cable entries and mounting points can create hidden leak paths if not correctly sealed.

Clearance Lights

A very common leak point that is often overlooked.

Roof Seams

Roof joints and roof accessories are regularly found to be leaking on both new and older caravans.

Caravan Leak Repairs

Finding a leak is only half the job.

At Caravan Mechanic and Detailing Service, we don't simply identify the problem—we can repair it as well.

Our caravan leak repair services include:

Silicone Seal Replacement

Old, cracked or deteriorated silicone is completely removed and replaced using quality caravan-specific products.

Polyurethane Seal Replacement

Many modern caravans use polyurethane sealants which require specialised preparation and installation techniques.

Roof Resealing

We can repair and reseal roof joints, roof accessories and roof penetrations.

Window Resealing

Leaking caravan windows can often be removed, cleaned and professionally resealed.

Hatch and Vent Repairs

Roof hatches and vents can be repaired or replaced if required.

Access Door Repairs

Storage doors and service hatches are common leak areas that can be repaired and resealed.

External Moulding Repairs

Damaged mouldings and body joins can be repaired to restore water tightness.

Why Proper Preparation Matters

One of the biggest mistakes we see in the caravan industry is poor sealant preparation.

Simply applying more silicone over old, deteriorated sealant is rarely a permanent repair.

As a trade qualified Motor Body Builder, Mike understands the importance of proper preparation.

Where necessary, old sealants are removed, surfaces are cleaned and prepared correctly, and appropriate caravan-specific sealants are applied to ensure a long-lasting repair.

Proper preparation is the key to successful caravan leak repairs.

Annual Leak Inspections Are Recommended

Just as you service your caravan brakes and wheel bearings annually, we recommend an annual caravan leak inspection.

A yearly inspection can:

✔ Identify seal deterioration early

✔ Prevent major water damage

✔ Protect resale value

✔ Reduce repair costs

✔ Extend the life of your caravan

✔ Provide peace of mind before long trips

The cost of a leak inspection is insignificant compared to the cost of repairing major water damage.

Caravan Water Damage Repairs

If water damage has already occurred, we can assess the extent of the damage and discuss repair options.

Early intervention is critical and can often prevent the need for extensive structural repairs later.

Book Your Caravan Leak Test Today

If your caravan or motorhome spends its life outdoors, has not been inspected recently, or you simply want peace of mind before your next trip, our CMDS Caravan Leak Pressure Test is the perfect solution.

Whether you're concerned about a suspected leak, preparing a caravan for sale, purchasing a used caravan, or simply maintaining your investment, we can help.

Caravan Mechanic and Detailing Service

📍 53 Evans Drive, Caboolture QLD 4510

📞 0448 812 592

🌐 www.caravanmechanic.com.au

Specialists in Caravan Leak Testing, Caravan Leak Repairs, Caravan Resealing, Motorhome Leak Testing, Water Damage Inspections and Caravan Maintenance throughout Caboolture, Bribie Island, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and South East Queensland.