It doesn’t take an experienced RVer to know that the water pump is an essential part of a comfortable adventure. If your RV’s water pump fails halfway through your trip, you’ll have to rely on full hookup campsites for a pressurized water flow. Knowing this, it’s no wonder RVers strive to learn the ins and outs of their water systems—specifically the water pump—before hitting the road. If you’re new to the world of RVing, get comfortable with your water system by learning these signs your RV water pump needs replacing.
The Importance of the Water Pump
To reiterate, your water pump is responsible for creating pressurized, flowing water throughout your RV’s plumbing system. While it isn’t necessary when you can hook up to a campsite’s water supply, you need a water pump if you’re venturing off the beaten path. Even popular, well-trodden campsites don’t always offer full hookups. As such, if you find signs your RV water pump needs replacing, it’s likely to cause some stress. Don’t panic! Below, we’ll go through the most common indicators of water pump issues, common solutions, and how to determine if you need a replacement.
Troubleshooting Issues
The good news is that a faulty water pump is usually easy to spot or, in some cases, hear. Noise is one of the biggest indicators that something is wrong with the pump. Water pumps aren’t quiet to begin with, but if you hear excessive noise or a sound that you’ve never heard before, it’s time to take a closer look. This could simply be caused by loose connections that you need to tighten. However, the noise could also indicate a corroded or damaged diaphragm, which might mean it’s time for a replacement.
Leaks are another common issue to consider. Once again, this might be the symptom of loose connections or parts. Double check everything to make sure valves, lines, and other parts are both secure and in good shape. Cracked parts can depressurize your pump and cause it to run when you don’t want it to.
If simple fixes like tightening connections or replacing individual parts don’t solve the issue, take a closer look at each chamber of the pump. Isolate the issue to the best of your ability to determine which area of the pump is broken. From here, you can decide if the problem requires a simple repair or a complete replacement. If you’re an experienced RVer, you might be able to diagnose the issue and make the replacement yourself. When in doubt, though, it’s always best to take your RV to the experts for help.
Preventing Future Problems
Water pump failure can bring a lot of stress and hassle to your otherwise peaceful RV trip. Prevent future problems from occurring by performing a pre-trip inspection of your pump, water system, and the rest of your vehicle. Additionally, take care when winterizing your RV for travel or storage. Improper winterization can lead to cracked valves or pipes that cause damage to your entire water system. If you plan to travel in cold weather, invest in UltraHeat heaters for your pipes, tanks, and RV gate valves. With a little research and care, you can prevent water pump issues and make every trip successful, comfortable, and unforgettable.