2016 Windsport 35C City Water Inlet Removal & Replacement

Tools & Parts Needed

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Quick Answer

Your 2016 Windsport 35C city water inlet is likely stuck due to a threaded connection behind the mounting flange, not just the three screws you removed. Try rotating the entire inlet assembly counterclockwise while pulling outward. If that doesn't work, you may need to access the connection from inside the RV to unscrew the threaded coupling properly.

What You'll Need

• Adjustable wrench or channel lock pliers
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Penetrating oil (PB Blaster or WD-40)
• New city water inlet (if replacing)
• Marine-grade silicone sealant
• Teflon tape or pipe thread compound
• Socket set (various sizes)

Step-by-Step Removal Process

1. Turn off water pump - Simply turn off the water pump to prevent it from running during the repair. Draining the entire system is unnecessary since the city water inlet is upstream of the RV's plumbing.
2. Try the twist-and-pull method - With the three mounting screws already removed, grip the inlet firmly and try rotating it counterclockwise while pulling outward. Many RV city water inlets have a secondary threaded connection that requires unscrewing.
3. Apply penetrating oil if stuck - Spray PB Blaster or similar penetrating oil around the inlet where it meets the sidewall. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes before attempting removal again.
4. Access from inside if needed - If the inlet still won't budge, you'll need to access the connection from inside the RV. Look for an access panel in a nearby cabinet, or you may need to remove a section of interior paneling.
5. Locate the internal coupling - From inside, you should see a threaded coupling or union connecting the city water inlet to your RV's plumbing. This may be hand-tight or require a wrench.
6. Disconnect internal plumbing - Carefully unscrew the coupling that connects the inlet to your RV's water system. Have a towel ready as some water may spill out.
7. Remove inlet from outside - With the internal connection freed, the inlet should now pull out from the exterior wall.

Why Your Inlet Won't Come Out

The 2016 Windsport 35C, manufactured by Thor Motor Coach, typically uses a city water inlet system that combines both mechanical fasteners (the three screws you removed) and a threaded plumbing connection. Unlike some cheaper RVs where the inlet simply pushes through a hole, higher-end models like the Windsport often have more robust mounting systems.

The threaded connection serves two purposes: it provides a secure water-tight seal and helps support the inlet against the stress of repeatedly connecting and disconnecting water hoses. Over time, these threads can become corroded or the sealant can harden, making removal difficult.

Some Windsport models also use a flanged inlet design where the inlet body has a wider flange that sits against the interior wall, requiring complete disconnection of the plumbing before removal is possible.

Installation Tips for New Inlet

If you're replacing the inlet entirely, proper installation is crucial to prevent leaks and ensure longevity. Start by cleaning the mounting hole thoroughly and inspecting it for any damage or irregularities.

SAFETY WARNING: Always ensure the water system is completely drained and the water pump is turned off before working on plumbing connections to prevent flooding and water damage.

When threading the new inlet into place, use Teflon tape on the threads or a high-quality pipe thread compound designed for potable water systems. Don't over-tighten - hand-tighten the internal plumbing connection plus 1/4 turn (or follow manufacturer specifications if available). Over-tightening can crack the fitting or damage the RV's sidewall.

Apply a thin bead of marine-grade silicone sealant around the exterior flange before final positioning. This creates a weather-tight seal that prevents water intrusion behind the sidewall.

Common Causes of Stuck Inlets

Several factors can commonly cause city water inlet removal challenges. Corrosion is one of the most frequent culprits, especially if you've been RVing in areas with hard water or have used the RV near saltwater. The dissimilar metals in the inlet and plumbing connections can create galvanic corrosion over time.

Excessive sealant application during original installation can also cause problems. Some technicians apply too much silicone or use inappropriate sealants that harden like cement, effectively gluing the inlet in place.

Thread galling can occur if the inlet was cross-threaded during original installation or if it's been removed and reinstalled multiple times without proper lubrication.

When to Call a Professional

If you encounter any of these situations, consider calling an RV service technician: the inlet appears to be spinning freely but won't come out (indicating possible stripped threads), you discover water damage around the inlet area, or you're uncomfortable working with the plumbing connections.

SAFETY WARNING: Never force the inlet - excessive force can damage the sidewall or create expensive plumbing repairs. If penetrating oil and proper technique don't work after a reasonable effort, professional help may save you money in the long run.

Prevention Tips

To prevent future inlet problems, inspect and exercise your city water inlet seasonally. Connect and disconnect a hose several times during your annual maintenance to keep the threads free. Apply a thin coat of plumber's grease to the threads annually - this prevents corrosion and makes future removal much easier.

When connecting city water, avoid over-tightening the hose connection. The rubber washer in your hose fitting should create the seal, not excessive thread engagement. Over-tightening can stress the entire inlet assembly and lead to premature failure.