RV Water Pump Won’t Stop Running? Here’s What To Do
I was planning to rent an RV for our road trip this weekend, so I scrolled through some sites and read a couple of reviews. Then, I saw a common problem many encounters – the RV water pump won’t stop running. This got me worried, so I looked for solutions on what to do.
What to do when the RV water pump won’t stop running? If your RV water pump won’t stop running, you have to change the low battery or fix the broken check valve. You would also need to clean the clogged strainer and the pump head diaphragm. If the pump still won’t shut off, then most probably, the pump pressure switch is the problem. You can’t changed out this component, so you either buy a new pump or a new pump head.
Having an RV water pump that won’t stop running is one problem, but having no water flowing, at all, is another issue. So, if you’re tired of your typical water pump having the same problems, should you change it to something better?
Maybe it’s time to upgrade your system to that of Shurflo’s Best Rated Revolution Pump!
Troubleshooting When RV Water Pump Won’t Stop Running
Change the Low Battery
The first thing you have to check when your RV water pump won’t stop running is its battery. Check the volt connections at the fuse panel and be sure to upgrade to two new 6 volt batteries. Also, you have to install a digital voltage meter in the trailer while doing this. Get the Renogy Deep Cycle Battery for RVs to prevent unwanted low battery situations.
Fix the Broken Check Valve
If you’ve changed the battery and the pump continues to run, you probably have leakage from a broken check valve. As a result, instead of stopping the water pump, it will tell the pump to keep pumping causing the fresh water tank to rise. Replace it with a Valterra 1/2 inch brass Check Valve. You might also want to consider getting a SHURFLO in-line check valve as another way to ensure this doesn’t happen.
When this happens:
- First, look for the broken check valve.
- Second, place a new check valve on the line and point its arrows right at the freshwater tank.
- Third, connect the valve to the RV water pump and make sure it’s fitted right.
Clean the Clogged Strainer
Most new RV’s are not equipped with a strainer, but this is a component that you need to have. A strainer blocks trash from entering the fresh water tank, the plumbing lines and the pump head. Your RV water pump won’t stop running once the strainer is clogged.
To fix this problem, unplug the supply line, clean the strainer, attach it to the pump and reattach the supply line.
You might also want to replace it with SHURFLO’s Swivel Nut Water Strainer.
Other options to ensure there is no backflow are the CAMCO Back-flow preventer and the RecPro Vacuum Breaker Check Valve.
Clean the Pump Head Diaphragm
A pump head diaphragm is equipped with two valves: one for suction and one for delivery. One of the elements of this pump is the O-rings, which creates a watertight seal between the valve and the pump head. The RV water pump won’t shut off if the pump head starts to get clogged up. So, be sure to clean this regularly.
Replace the Pump Pressure Switch
If the pump still won’t shut off after cleaning the pump head, then the pump pressure switch is the problem. This component is responsible for activating and turning off the water pump. Pump pressure switch is not manually operated by the owner, but controlled with the water pressure. That means you can’t changed this out, so you either buy a new pump or a new pump head.
When No Water Flows To Any Of The Faucets
- First, check if there’s water in your freshwater tank. I know this is really obvious, but it’s the one thing anyone could overlook. Besides, if the tank is low or empty your RV water pump won’t have anything need to pump!
- Second, search for any loose connections and worn, split or cracked water lines leading to the actual water pump. After that, check also the lines leading out of the holding tank and up into the rig.
- Third, loosen the water line to the pump until it disconnects. If the water in the line is travelling toward the pump, that’s good news. But if the water line seems dry then there’s a problem with the actual water line coming from the tank to the pump.
- Fourth, see if there’s blockage or tube damage to one of the components. Refill the waterline with water to re-establish suction. Now, reconnect it with the pump and turn it on to see if the water moves toward the faucets. You might have to wait for a couple of minutes, so be sure the faucets are fully open.
- Lastly, if there is still no water, then something in the motor pump needs to be replaced. Don’t feel frustrated. You can always ask for a professional’s help to check all the lines for you. Cheer up! Maybe it’s time to replace your water pump with a better one.
The Best RV Water Pumps Of 2019
According to US Auto Authority, the following RV water pumps are the best finds this 2019:
1. Shurflo 4008-171-E65 Revolution Water Pump
Chosen as the “Best of the Best,” this Shurflo Revolution Water Pump is not only affordable but also has features you’ll look for a high-quality product. This product will last longer and perform better in all plumbing systems because of its unique one-piece diaphragm and internal by-pass.
2. Shurflo 288-554-14 Fresh Water Pump
Awarded as the “Editor’s Choice,” this Shurflo Fresh Water Pump is perfect for recreational vehicles. You can be sure that your water is safe not only for bathing but also for food preparation because of its NSF certification. TO silence the product, use the Shurflo Pump Silencing Kit.
3. Flojet 03526-144A Triplex Diaphragm Automatic Water System Pump
One impressive feature of Flojet Triplex Diaphragm Automatic Water System Pump is its smooth operation without using the accumulator tank. It also has a soft, noise-absorbing mount that minimizes the annoying noise and vibration when it’s running.
4. New SEAFLO RV Mount Macerator Waste Water Pump
One impressive feature of this SEAFLO Waste Water Pump is the option to plumb it in the wastewater system of your vehicle or mount it to its discharge port. Its quick-release feature also promotes ease when cleaning.
5. Seaflo Water Diaphragm Self Priming Pump
One outstanding quality of this water pump is that it runs dry without the risk of getting damaged. It also takes pride in its 100 psi pressure setting, which makes it highly efficient.
6. Flojet 18555-000A Portable RV Waste Pump
One good feature of this pump is that you can directly connect this to the waste outlet of your RV without using the 3-inch sewer hose. With its powerful, self-priming macerator pump, you can empty tanks in your RV without going to the dump stations.
Related Questions
Do you have to run your RV water pump when connected to city water?
You don’t need to run your RV water pump once connected to city water. The city water system provides enough water pressure for your RV water system. You would only use the pump to get water out of your RV’s fresh water holding tank when you are not hooked up to city water.
What is the max water pressure for an RV?
Even though the plumbing in newer RVs can take up to 100 psi, it is recommended to lower their water pressure around 60 psi, and 50 psi for older RVs. But if the campgrounds you’re in already have the pressure regulated on their water source, you may not need to use a water pressure regulator for your RV.