Does Your RV Need A Water Pump? [FIND OUT HERE]

Owning an RV allows you to travel without being restricted to conventional lodgings like hotels, resorts, or campgrounds. However, an RV adventure can rapidly turn terrible if you suddenly do not have a running water supply. Hence, it is necessary to get an RV water pump and know how to operate it.

Yes, your RV needs a water pump because you will often need access to water to perform several activities like washing and bathing during your trip. A water pump for an RV pumps water, as the name suggests. It distributes water from the tank to a tap and compresses the plumbing lines in your RV.

You might not know much about RV water pumps if you are a novice to RVing or if you have mostly camped with hookups. Hence, you must understand in detail how an RV water pump works and how to prime it.

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How Does An RV Water Pump Work

After purchasing an RV, you must familiarize yourself with the vehicle's components and features. Water is one of the most important sources of life. Hence you must understand how you will have running water in your RV. A 12V battery powers an RV water pump.

If you are not using municipal water and you open a faucet or flush a toilet, the pump senses the reduction in pressure and activates to restore the pressure. You must turn on the pump's electricity and fill your potable water tank with water. Running a pump dry is the easiest way to wreak damage.

Pumps are made to transport liquids against gravity from a reduced pressure area to an increased pressure area. The water pump in an RV is normally a diaphragmatic pump with three to five chambers. The diaphragm has a valve on each side of the chamber and is powered by an electric engine to provide suction.

The valve at the chamber's exit shuts as the diaphragm expands, increasing volume and decreasing pressure; as a result, water goes into the chamber when the valve at the entrance opens. The valve at the intake closes and the outlet releases, propelling the water out from the chamber as the diaphragm contracts, resulting in less volume and increased pressure.

The flow and pressure of 12V electric water pumps are typically low. This kind of application is best suited for a diaphragm pump. Additionally, they can self-prime and tolerate some dry run time. This means that after your system has been completely drained, you do not need to bother about priming your pump.

Even though it is capable of handling it, you should not let it go dry for too long. Something is amiss if the pump operates, but no water is coming out. Pumps with variable speeds do not pulse and typically operate more quietly. Although you can modify the one in your present trailer, they are only accessible in more expensive RVs.

Fortunately, water pumps are relatively simple to maintain and do not require much work. Cleansing the pump filter, checking the water lines, and sterilizing the water system are all routine water pump maintenance. It is simple to inspect the water lines.

Inspect your water lines to look for leaks, kinks, or other damage. Try to get your hand inside obscure spots to feel the surface to ensure nothing feels damp. Installing a pump strainer between the clean storage tank and the pump is a good idea; this will stop dust and debris from damagingly entering the pump.

Separate the water line from the pump filter before unscrewing the filter from the pump to clean it. You might be surprised to learn that cleaning your water supply system will prolong the life of your pump. According to one of the top pump manufacturers, a lack of sanitation frequently contributes to early pump failure and subpar performance.

How To Prime RV Water Pump

A mobile, self-sufficient dwelling is what an RV is; a 12-volt pump that circulates water is included if the car has any water utility. Every time you shower, use the kitchen or wash your hands, the pump ensures the water flows smoothly. The pump needs to be maintained occasionally since mineral accumulation might lower the water pressure in the system.

You must prime the water pump after a recent RV repair before it can begin operating again. The priming procedure involves filling the pump with water so it can complete the remaining pumping operations independently. Water pumps are made to operate efficiently with just a little internal water pressure.

The pump cannot use differential pressure to transport water from the storage to your sink when it is empty. Every RV owner should know how to prime an RV water pump. Once your RV water pump has been replaced or fixed, it will be empty and will not pump water when you turn it on.

When the pump is running, you must add water to prime it. Before proceeding, you must locate your water pump and get the required supplies. A supply of water, a clean hose, a funnel, and a screwdriver are all required. The position of the RV water pump is not fixed in one place.

The pump may be positioned beneath one of the mattresses by some models; it was placed in the kitchen cupboard by others. It might be hidden beneath one of the sofa seats in some vehicles. The pump will typically be situated less than a few meters from your RV's fresh storage tank.

To prime an RV water pump, you must first unplug your pump from the city water line or the fresh water tank of your RV. Ask your companion to step inside the RV and open a faucet for you. Use the funnel to pour water into the pump while it is operating gradually; the faucet should begin to drip water gently.

When this occurs, shut off the pump, shut off the faucet, and reconnect the water intake connection of the RV to the clean water reservoir or the nearby supply line. Once the supply is turned on and water pressure is fed into the pump, everything should function smoothly. The pump has been successfully primed.

RV Water Pump Keeps Running

An RV water pump helps provide water in your RV; however, one common question users have is if they can leave the pump running. You can leave your RV water pump running, and neither the pump nor any other parts will be harmed or affected. Additionally, you can power it on and off by flicking a switch.

It is not essential to power it on and off for each use. After pressurizing the lines, a water pump awaits for the pressure to decrease before it restarts. This does not, however, imply that you should always leave your pump running. Sometimes, it is advisable to shut off the pump to protect your RV from potential harm.

Additionally, you must unplug your pump while traveling. Like an aircraft, your RV's content will move as it is transported. If an item moves and turns on a water tap, the water might start flowing until it runs out. These errors may necessitate costly repairs. Leaving a water pump on constantly puts your RV in danger, which is not worth it.

Final Thoughts

There is no need to be terrified of water pumps. They are straightforward mechanical gadgets that provide a crucial function for you. If you know how to take care of them and use them properly, they will last a long time. The water system in your RV is not complete without the water pump. You will rely on it more often than you would anticipate. It will be prepared for your upcoming excursion if you take better care of it.