You won’t be a happy camper if the water pump in your RV breaks down since one of the best things about RV camping is the onboard plumbing.
We created this how-to manual for troubleshooting RV water pumps because of this.
You’ve come to the correct spot if you’ve been wondering how to prime an RV water pump, what causes RV water pump leaks (and how to repair them), or what to do if your RV’s water pump is acting up after a lengthy winter(ized) hibernation.
We’ll go over how to identify and fix simple, typical water pump issues, as well as what causes an RV water pump leak.
Whatever the issue with your water pump, we have a troubleshooting solution for you!
Troubleshooting an RV Water System
There’s a good possibility that you’ve dealt with RV troubleshooting difficulties, whether you’re new to the world of RVing or a trained expert.
After all, we can travel the nation in these large, somewhat complex vehicles while pulling our little homes behind us!
And you undoubtedly already know that getting expert assistance isn’t always fun if you’ve ever had to deal with RV maintenance difficulties (or even simple user faults).
Even for relatively simple repairs, the invoices from RV technicians may easily approach the triple or even quadruple figures.
If you want to learn how to do it yourself, the NRVTA offers courses that will teach you how to maintain and fix most RV problems on your own, saving you time and money.
Use this link to get 5% off all courses with the promo code RVSHARE.
Two alternatives are available for the RV Owners home study course.
USB and Online
- A duplicate of the web edition is also provided. RVers who want a paper copy or may not have access to reliable internet would love this.
- It is advantageous for RV owners who have reliable internet, dislike waiting for UPS, or want to keep everything digital.
You may enhance your travel budget and have more experiences down the road by doing your own maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.
And many RV water pump issues are really completely resolvable, even if you’re not a mechanical whiz.
You must be aware of the following.
#1. Why Does My Trailer’s Water Pump Sound Like It’s Operating But None Of The Faucets Really Have Water Pouring Out Of Them?
Yikes! Everyone has experienced the dreadful sensation you get when you know something is amiss.
Don’t freak out if your RV’s water pump is running but there isn’t any water flowing out of the faucets.
Retract your steps and inhale deeply.
Let’s investigate this matter in little steps.
A. Let’s first confirm that your freshwater tank contains genuine water.
Even though it sounds so clear, it’s simple to forget.
Look at the tank gauge.
The water pump in your RV won’t function if your tank is empty or even simply low.
(Something must be used to pump it!)
B. Now that you are aware that your tanks are full, the next action is to inspect all of the water lines that enter and exit the actual water pump.
Pay attention to old, split, or cracked lines and loose connections.
The fresh water tank’s water line is where you want to start.
Check all the lines coming up from the holding tank and into your rig after that.
C. At this point, you must determine if water is going to the pump.
The water line to the pump should first be gradually loosened.
The good news is that water is moving toward the pump if you detach it and find water in the line.
Reattach the line.
The problem is the actual water line going from the tank to the pump if the water line seems to be dry.
See whether there is a blockage or tube damage of any kind.
Fill the water line with fresh water to re-establish suction.
Reconnect it to the pump, then turn it back on to see whether water is now flowing toward the faucets.
Making sure the faucets are completely open and having someone wait for the outpour might take a few minutes.
Anything?
D. If there is still no water, it’s time to actually disassemble and inspect the pump.
It’s likely that the pump’s motor has to have a component changed or that a brand-new unit is necessary.
You should follow these instructions.
Ask a buddy to switch the water pump on and off for you as needed.
(That is, instruct them to activate the onboard RV water pump switch when you signal.) From the pump’s pressure side, disconnect the water line.
Activate the pump to check whether water is being pumped out.
(It’s a good idea to keep a bucket nearby, just in case!) Does it dribble, drip, drip, or does it come out rapidly and under pressure? You most likely need to get a new water pump if all that comes out is dribbles.
However, the problem lies between the RV water pump and the actual RV faucets if the water seems to be pressured as it exits.
Check the water pipes leading to each faucet after turning off all the water valves.
Some lines and fittings replacement may be a DIY project for you.
Ensure the valves are well closed.
Do not worry if you experience frustration.
The lines can always be checked by an expert, and now that you know what the issue is, you’ll probably be able to get a great deal at the RV repair shop.
#2. Last Autumn, I Prepared The RV Water Pump For The Winter. It’s Springtime Now, And I Still Can’t Make The Thing Function. What Went Wrong?
Okay, so this often occurs, and when you’re all set to embark on a new year’s full of experiences, it might seem like a dreadful nuisance.
After winterizing, examine the following if your water pump still won’t operate:
- Have you accidentally left the drain open while you wanted to fill the fresh water tank?
- After pumping RV antifreeze into the water pipes, did you properly reattach EVERYTHING?
- Are all the shut-off valves open right now? (Again, verify!)
- Are you hearing no pump? Have you made sure there is power, if so? Have you looked at the fuse panel?
- Verify that the pump has a full 12 volts using a volt meter, and then double verify that it is grounded. It must be grounded in order for it to function.
The RV water pump may need to be completely replaced if you have looked into all of these problems and the places stated in the first query.
#3. What Are The Procedures For Changing The Water Pump In My RV?
Would wish it were that easy! It’s a fact that most RVs have very limited room in their substructure, making replacement of ANYTHING challenging.
Decide whether you have the time, patience, and resources to complete the task successfully by giving it a good, hard look.
If not, bring it to an RV repair facility.
To have things done correctly the first time is worth the money.
That being stated, the first step you must do if you decide to tackle the replacement procedure alone is to remove the old, ineffective pump.
How to do it is shown here.
See here for advice on choosing the best water pump for your RV.
Step 1: If you want to replace your pump, step #1 must be completed without any water in the fresh water tank.
Therefore, be careful to empty the tank first.
Step 2: Double-check that ALL power is off and that you are not attached in any way to the electrical connections.
Seriously, double-check – it’s a life-or-death situation!
Step 3: Disconnect the water connections coming into and leaving the pump.
(Be ready with towels if you want to get wet.)
Step 4: From the RV, unscrew or unbolt the water pump.
The owner’s handbook in your vehicle may include more information.
Your new RV water pump is now prepared for installation.
On the market, there are numerous types of pumps.
For its high pressure and gallons per minute, the Shurflo 2088-554-144 Fresh Water Pump is well regarded.
The new RV water pump’s instructions have to be followed.
The water line connections will also be tightened using some kind of pipe tape or thread.
To ensure that you place the in with the in and the out with the out, pay close attention.
(Um, yep… This is quite significant!)
Long-term storage can be at blame if your water pump died suddenly.
The likelihood that your water pump may fail early might rise with long-term storage.
#4. When The Faucets Are Closed, The Pump Turns On And Off. Help!
Even if you aren’t attempting to run any water, you may hear your pump spinning on and off while you are relaxing inside alone.
In general, if your RV water pump continues to operate even when it’s not being used, it means that there is a leak in the system.
This may be caused by anything as easy as a loose connection, something as inconvenient as a fracture in one of your lines, or something else entirely like an RV water pump pressure switch that isn’t working properly.
Whatever the case, you must extensively examine the whole system to attempt to identify the leak’s origin.
Defective valves or loose connections may also let air into your lines, resulting in sputtering faucets and, sometimes, a face full of water when you least expect it.
Remember that if you inadequately winterized your RV water system, your water pump may have frozen, resulting in damage that would need a complete replacement.
You know what to do: go for a knowledgeable RV repair specialist if you’ve carefully examined your RV’s water system and still haven’t located the source of the leak.
#5. What’s Up With The Loud Water Pump In My RV? I’m Uneasy Because I Can Hear The Pipes Rattling. Exists A Method For Troubleshooting RV Water Pumps?
Do you suffer from water pump noise overload in your RV? The installation or the design can be to blame.
RV manufacturers are often pressed for time to arrange all the components properly.
This may sometimes lead to loose RV water pumps that vibrate loudly, like someone is whacking a pipe with a hammer.
Check out the following video for a solution to the RV water pump’s noise and troubleshooting tips.
Step 1: Locate the water pump and switch it off as the first step.
It may be hidden beneath the bed, the sink, or the rig.
Step 2: Disconnect the pump.
Step 3: Unscrew the pump, take it out, and place a piece of felt or rubber cushioning below it.
Now tighten the water pump again.
TADAH! There are no tremors from continuous travel!
Step 4: Foam pipe insulation and duct tape should be used to cover any water pipes.
The insulation should be at least half an inch thick.
On both ends, secure it.
The clanging noises ought to stop after this.
Step 5: Pumps that switch on and off quickly produce undesired noise and extra vibrations.
Adjusting the water pump is the simplest solution.
Review your handbook and lower the flow.
Installing an accumulator could be necessary if you are still experiencing issues.
When speaking with a professional, make careful to let them know which RV water pump is presently installed in your vehicle.
#6. Having Kept My RV In Storage, I’ve Just Noticed That The Pump Has To Be Primed. Would You Please Explain How To Prime An RV Water Pump?
Positive news It’s actually not that difficult to remedy this problem since it’s so prevalent.
Here is a guide for priming an RV water pump.
(For further information, see the video up above.)
Step 1: Fill up your fresh water tank first.
Step 2: Open all of the taps in your RV and turn on the cold water faucet.
Step 3: Turn on the water pump beside the RV’s water tank.
Step 4: Water from the tank should be sent up via your faucet, priming the pump.
Turn off the faucets after letting the water run for a bit.
You may wish to open and shut each faucet individually while turning on the water since each one has to be cleared of air.
(Remember to include additional water outputs like your RV toilet and showers!)
Step 5: Your pump will have finished priming when it only activates when a faucet is truly open.
(Not in the interim.)
Refer back to the first question on this list if the water pump in your RV won’t prime.
#7. What Should I Do If An RV Water Pump Leaks?
When you use the toilet or turn on a faucet in an RV, the water pumps should activate.
Your RV water pump probably has a leak someplace if it keeps running after you finish your duties and switch off the water.
The first step is to look for a damaged check valve.
When to stop, the water pump is signaled by this valve.
Your fresh water tank will increase if it is cracked since it will often instruct the pump to maintain pumping.
Attempt this
Step 1: Remove the existing check valve while the water is off.
The water pump’s connection to the fresh water tank is often made through a tube or hose.
Step 2: Attach a fresh check valve to the line.
Ensure that the fresh water tank is in direct sight of the valve’s arrow by checking this.
Step 3: Fit the valve’s opposite end snugly to the RV water pump before connecting it.
Check your RV’s water pump once again.
Check each of the unit’s water pipes if that isn’t the problem.
Look for decay, splits, or cracks.
If the lines are broken, the water pump will be depressurized and encouraged to operate.
Depending on the make and type of your RV, there may be many ways to fix a broken water line.
To learn all the specifics of your particular equipment, consult your user manual and, let’s be honest, YouTube.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting an RV water pump is up to you, just as with any other RV repair.
This page is simply meant to serve as a reference and a recommendation.
Although doing DIY RV repair and maintenance might result in significant long-term financial savings, it is not worthwhile if you significantly damage one of your delicate components.
Before making any changes to your rig, it is usually a good idea to consult a specialist.
You run the genuine risk of electrocution and fire with plumbing and electrical, in addition to endangering the inside and mechanics of your RV (either due to bad installation or unintentional flooding)!
Thankfully, there are methods to locate and engage reliable RV repair specialists whose work is genuinely worth the price they charge.
