Water is defiantly the elixir of life- necessary for life survival, essential component of most things we use in life and the best thirst quencher around. As a Recreational Vehicle enthusiast, one of the advantages with your RV is being able to have water available inside, for personal needs, cooking and cleaning and to satisfy that thirst. When your RV is in a trailer park or a campground, you can usually just hook a garden hose to an available water bib, allowing instant flow within Your RV and also from the storage tank. In most cases, the in-park system has enough pressure to ensure that the water system is working properly. However, for those cases in which the park system is low pressure, or you must get your water supply from non-pressure system, like an underground spring near the water body, your RV with a water pump board is fitted.
The water pump is actually a simple device, an electric motor rotates an impeller to force the water through thePipe system, there is usually a device to filter out large objects from damaging the internal workings of the pump, a sensor to monitor the amount of pressure and control the startup of the pump, and an inline fuse somewhere between the pump and prevent the 12V source. A water pump is not usually because of its poor construction, something which could damage the pump, an electrical connection problem was caused sucked.
If the pump is heard, at work, but have little or noOr do you know the water pump must be turned on, but without results, it is likely that there is a problem with the pump itself. First check the pump is usually removed within the RV at the door with access from anywhere. There is water under the unit? Vibrating excessively? Really loud? Electrical connectors connected? If one of these is present, the pump will be repaired or replaced. There should be a simple thing to want to remove the pump from the RV, the followingallow you to remove most pumps.
Needed tools: pliers, screwdriver (Philips and/or flat head), combination wrench, maybe a socket set, rags (soak up water)
Disconnect power to unit (disconnect battery)
Remove electrical connections, perhaps marking and labeling them
Unbolt 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 tear into the 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, acclimate yourself with 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 specific things that can be done 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.)
Preventive maintenance will help ensure your Recreational Vehicle has the water when you want it or need it.
