One of the best things about traveling in a RV is being able to have water on tap inside, for cooking and cleaning, for personal needs, and for drinking. The water pump draws water from an onboard storage tank and pressurizes the water system for on-demand use. When you’re in a trailer park or a campground, you can usually just hook a potable water hose to an available water spigot to supply pressure to the water system. Always use a clean potable water hose to avoid contamination and prevent the water from developing a bad taste.

The Water pump is a simple device - an electric motor turns an impeller to force water through the pipe system.  There should be a filter device to prevent big objects from damaging the internal workings of the pump, a sensor to monitor the pressure amount and control the automatic start of the pump, and a fuse somewhere between the pump and the 12v power source. A RV water pump usually fails from drying out due to extended periods of non use, freeze damage from improper winterization or an electrical connection problem.

If you can hear the pump working but you have little or no water or you know your pump is supposed to be on but no results, odds are there is a problem with the pump itself. First, check the pump unit. It is usually located inside the RV under a counter, somewhere with access. Is there water underneath the unit? Vibrating excessively? Really noisy? Electrical connections hooked up? If any of these exist, the pump will either have to be repaired or replaced. It should be a simple matter to remove the pump unit from the RV- the following steps should allow you to remove most pumps.

Here are the tools you will need:

pliers

screwdriver (Philips and/or flat head)

combination wrench

maybe a socket set

rags (soak up water)

Now, disconnect power to the unit (disconnect battery). Remove electrical connections.  You might want to mark and label the connections. Unbolt the pump (usually held by 4 bolts). Disconnect hose or pipe fittings.

Look for obvious cracks, loose water pipe connections, frayed electrical leads, clogged filter screens. If fixing any of these is not the obvious solution, either an overhaul of the pump or outright replacement will be needed. If replacing the unit, most RV stores or online suppliers should have a model for your specific RV, perhaps made better than the original. Just install in the reverse order of removal.

If you are going to try to fix the RV water pump yourself, make sure you have a clean working area, and a repair kit for your particular model pump could be very handy (includes gaskets, o rings, new filter screens, etc.) If you suspect electrical problems, a multi-meter could be very handy, if not essential. Before you attempt any repairs you are not familiar with, learn the basics of electrics, internal pump workings and how to use your tools properly- you will save yourself some real sweat and grief.

There are some things that you can do in advance to ensure your pump works properly. Always winterize your water system, by draining tanks, using RV Water antifreeze and following manufacturer's instructions.

Before using your RV for the first time and after extended storage, make you sure you are familiar with all the water systems and how they operate- check for leaks, smelly water that could be a sign of contaminated pipes, and that everything turns on when it is supposed to. Look for vibrations with your pump (if your pump makes excessive vibration noises, unbolt your pump and put a computer mouse pad under it and bolt the unit back down- it really works.)

And, of course, if all else fails, a trained technician at Rocky Mountain RV and Marine will be happy to help you!