RV Water Pump Leaking [2 Common Reasons and Solutions]

Water is a major necessity at all points of your RV travel. You would not want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere without water for your needs or emergencies. An RV water pump leaking can cause your tank to run out of water more frequently than is normal.

Hence, fixing your water pump as soon as possible is important. This article will cover some common reasons for RV pump leaking and ways you can fix it without professional help. It will surely improve your RV experience because nobody wants to be stranded in the middle of nowhere with no water at hand.

Signs that your Water Pump is Leaking 

If you think your RV water pump is leaking and damaged, you might want to look for some particular signs. First and foremost, if your freshwater tank seems to have no water frequently, it can be due to water pump leakage. 

Also, if your pump makes a lot of noise when you turn on the outlet, it has a leak. Even sucking in a lot of air before dispensing water indicates an RV water pump leak in your vehicle. If you notice any of these signs, check your water pump as soon as possible to avoid water scarcity on your trips.

Reasons for RV Water Pump Leaking

There can be two major reasons for leakage in your RV water pump. First, the pump can be damaged and might need to be replaced. On the other hand, it might be possible that the pump’s check valve is faulty and causing the leaking. 

Damaged Water Pump

Your RV water pump leaking may be caused by a fault in the water pump itself. There might be a loose connection or a crack in one of the pipes connecting the tank and pump to the outlet. In addition, you might also have a defective pump pressure switch. 

Defect in the Check Valve

A check valve allows the water pump to control the main flow of the water. This valve is situated just outside the pump and can be found in the pipelines. If there is any defect in the valve, it may not be able to prevent the backflow of water. It will also be unable to stop the water flow when needed. 

Most problems with the check valves arise when the valve ages and gets cracked. The leakage due to cracked valves causes the pump to keep turning on and off. You might also hear the pump’s suction without any water being dispensed.

How to Repair the Check Valve

You will have to replace the old valve to repair its issues. You will only need some necessary tools and a set of simple instructions to fix your RV water pump. 

Items Needed

• New check valve (1)
• Screwdriver
• Teflon tape
• Dry towels
• Channel-lock pliers
• Electrical tape

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Turn off the Main Water Supply – Do not start working with the water still flowing around the pump. It may be dangerous if the electrical wires get in contact with water.
2. Cover Area with Dry Towels – Cover the area around the pump with dry towels. Make sure that no electrical wires are left uncovered. Wherever possible, disconnect the electrical lines and put them far from the water pump. 
3. Disconnect the Water Pipes – Carefully remove the water pipes connecting the valve and set them aside. Make sure you don’t crack them.
4. Remove the Pump – You must remove the pump to bring out the old check valve. Use a screwdriver to unscrew any screws holding them in place.
5. Replace the Valve – Carefully remove the damaged valve and fix the new one in its place. Do not use brutal force since you may damage your new valve or the pump.
6. Set Up the Water Line and Wires – Put the pump back in place and set back the water lines. Use Teflon tape to seal the lines and the seats of the water pump. Then connect the electrical wires, covering them with electrical tape to prevent any contact with water.

Your check valve is all replaced and ready to go! Switch on the power and test the working of the pump. If it is working fine, then you have successfully repaired the leak.

How to Replace the Water Pump

Very often, the RV water pump leaking is caused due to some internal damage to the pump itself. Hence, you must know when to replace your old water pump with a new one. All you need for this is the appropriate materials and the below-given set of instructions!

Items Needed

• New water pump
• Screwdriver
• Teflon tape
• Dry towels
• Channel-lock pliers
• Pliers
• Electrical Tape

Step-by-Step Procedure

• Turn off the Main Water Supply – It may be dangerous if the electrical wires get in contact with water. Hence, switch off the water supply before working on the pump.
• Cover Area with Dry Towels – Again, you should cover the area around the pump with dry towels. Also, remove the electrical wires and place them far away from the pump to avoid contact with water. 
• Disconnect the Water Pipes – Remove the pipes connected to the water pump without using too much force. Do this gently, or you may end up cracking the pipes.
• Replace the Pump – Use a screwdriver to unscrew any screws holding the water pump in place. Then take out the old pump and carefully place the new one there. Screw back the screws to hold it securely in position.
• Secure the Water Pipes – Put back the pipes and carefully connect them to the new water pump. Use the Teflon tape to seal the pipe connections. 
• Connect the Wires – Reconnect the wires to the new pump, and cover them with electrical tape. It will prevent contact with water and electrical wires.

You have successfully replaced your water pump! Switch it on and check if it is functioning properly. The leakage should be gone by now.

Conclusion 

RV water pump leaking is a problem that must be dealt with promptly. Being stranded on your trip with no potable water for your necessities is a harrowing experience and will surely affect your travel.

Hence, you must recognize when and how your water pump system needs repairs. It is also handy to be familiar with repairing your RV’s water pump by yourself.