Is your RV Water Pump not Holding Pressure?

Is your RV pump cycling on and off even when the faucets are turned off? Does it take the pump some time to build up pressure in the shower or in the faucets?

The failure of the pump to hold pressure can be inconvenient. For example, you may be forced to switch it off at night or risk being woken up in the by the sound of the pump running.

Read on to find out why your RV water pump may not be holding pressure, what checks you can do and how you may be able to fix it.

Why Your RV Pump may not Hold Pressure

One of the more common causes is a leak in the water system. It does not have to be a large one, Even if a small leak is enough it causes a loss of pressure.

Depending on the RV’s plumbing system, you can find water leaks at the inlet valve that lets the city water in, a partially closed faucet, the toilet valve that is not completely shutting off or a dripping shower. Note: This list is not exhaustive.

How to Fix an RV Pump that Is Not Holding Pressure

#1. Inspect the water supply system for any leaks. Check for any loosely fitted connections along the water lines that may be dripping water. Is there a leaking water valve in the system?

Tighten any loose fittings, replace any damaged fittinss and check again if the pump is able to hold pressure.

#2. The internal check valve in your pump may be broken allowing water to flow back into the supply tank. You’ll need to take it apart to confirm if this is the case. Hopefully, you have a valve before the bump that you can use to isolate the water supply and avoid water dripping everywhere.

If the check valve is broken, you can replace the faulty check valve with a new replacement kit, and replace the pump.

#3. The buildup of debris in the pump can stop the pump from building up pressure. You’ll need to take off the pump strainer (after isolating water supply from the pump), and clean out the strainer to remove any dirt buildup.

In addition to dirt, calcium deposits in the water can also affect the pump’s pressure. You may need to take the pump apart to clean out the deposits, put it together and check if the pump runs smoothly.

#4. Faulty pump. Sometimes pumps fail. The diaphragm may be damaged and the pump is not able to build up enough pressure.

In this case, you’ll need to replace it with another.

How Long an RV pump Takes to Build pressure?

The RV pump should take a minute or less to build up the pressure but sometimes can take longer if there is air still in the water lines.

You may have to fill up the after lines to push out any air that there might be by connecting the water system to the city line first.This way the water flow is immediate when you connect to the fresh water tank supply later.

Final Thoughts

If your RV’s water pump is not holding pressure, first inspect the water system for any leaks. These may be within the RV or even at the city water inlet connection at the RV.

Water leaks cause pressure drops in the water system that can trigger the pump to cycle on and off.

If there are no leaks and there is no dirt buildup in the pump, It may also be that the water pump is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Related Posts

• Why your RV pump may be making clicking sounds