Some of the simple joys of RV-ing and living off-grid is the ability to do things such as showering, washing hands, and accessing water conveniently in your RV. The RV water pump makes it possible for you to have running water inside your motorhome. A faulty or non-functional water pump can make your RV or camping experience miserable.
Common issues that cause the RV water pump to stop working are faulty motor, trapped air, clogged pipes, mineral buildup, a broken check valve, leaks, or low water pressure, among others. Regular inspection and maintenance of the water pump will keep it in good working condition for long. However, after the maintenance, you should remember to prime an RV water pump.
Priming RV water pump after maintenance allows it to resume working properly. Priming is a process of adding water to the pump to allow it to start pumping water on its own. In this article, we shall learn how to prime RV water pump and why it is important.
How to Prime RV Water Pump?
A water pump should operate smoothly with the right amount of pressure. The role of the water pump is to use pressure inside the pump to push out water through the water hose to the water tap. If the water tank is empty, the pump cannot apply pressure to push water to the faucets.
Every RV owner should learn how to prime water pump in RV after every maintenance session. During maintenance, water is drained out of the RV water systems, including the water pumps. After the repair or replacement of the water pump, there is no water to pump. That’s where priming RV water pump comes in.
Here are steps for conducting RV water pump prime successfully.
1. Turn off the power supply to the water pump.
2. Check the water tank and locate the fixture that allows access to the water pump.
3. Carefully inspect the pump, ensuring there are no damages. Look out for cracks, loose adjustments, etc.
4. Run water through the water hose from the tank to ensure there is no buildup likely to contaminate water going through the water pump.
5. Keep the check valve open as you monitor the water pressure.
6. Place the hose inside the plumbing fixture and turn on the water flow. You might start hearing air flowing through the pump water system.
7. The water pump tank will fill with water. Monitor as the water fills the tank, and you will start to see the water level rising in the gauge.
8. When you start to see water exiting on the other end, turn off the water flow to the hose. If the water starts to leave on the opposite end, it means the water system has been successfully primed.
9. Turn on the power and allow the water pump to run for about one minute. If the check valves are open, wait and allow water to seep in before closing them.
10. Allow the water pump to complete its cycle. If the water pump turns off automatically, you have successfully primed your RV water pump.
Priming RV Water Pump: Troubleshooting Common Problems
1. Why is my RV water pump humming but not pumping water?
In the case of RV water pump humming but not pumping water, the issue could be a seizing motor. Therefore, the motor or the capacitor may need replacement. Other possible issues are clogged vent, frozen discharge pipes, stuck check valve, or a broken impeller. However, it is perfectly normal for some pumps to hum while pumping water. You should confirm the water levels in the reservoir.
2. Why is my RV water pump not pumping water?
If your water pump is running but not pumping water, possible issues could be trapped air in the water hose, clogged water filter, broken water lines, leakage, or faulty valves. Inspect the pump and the water system to establish the issue, repair the broken parts, fasten the loose connections, and remove the trapped air.
3. How long to prime RV water pump?
There is no definite period for priming a water pump. On average, it can take about 20 to 30 minutes. You can refer to the owner’s manual to guide you on how to prime an RV water pump. With guidance, it will be fast.
4. Why is water not flowing in the RV?
There are several possible issues causing water to not flow on your RV. First, ensure that the freshwater tank has enough water. If there is no water in the tank, then there is no water supply in the RV. Other possible problems are low water pressure, leakages due to loose fittings or damages, the water pump being switched off, and clogged aerators or hoses, among others. Inspect the RV water systems, identify the issue, and fix it.
Recommended RV 12V Water Pumps 2023
1. VEVOR 12V RV Water Diaphragm Pump
The VEVOR 12V Diaphragm Pump is a self-priming RV water pump for RVs and boats. The water pump is made with quality materials, ensuring high durability and long years of service. The pump comes with an owner’s manual for ease of use. From the manual, you can learn how to prime RV water pump step by step within a short time.
Features
● Automatic Pressure Switch– The water pump has a failure-free control that automatically starts and stops if you turn on and off the water tap, thus saving you time. This RV water pump has a pressure set at 55 PSI. However, you can adjust the pressure in the range of 40-80 PSI. The open water flow fits all the settings perfectly, and it also supports dry running during short times, making it the best choice.
● High-Performance– The self-priming RV water pump has an open flow rate of 3.5 GPM. It comes with a 7.5A stable motor capable of delivering consistent water pressure and meeting all your water needs.
● Safety First– The water pump is reliable and safe. It is certified by the FCC to ensure its quality and prevent electric leakage. It has an overload protection, which keeps the pump in good working condition even when constantly running hot water. It comes with sealing tape for reducing water leakage and wear.
● Relatively Quiet- This 12V water pump runs water quickly and quietly. You can sleep or relax soundly without annoying noises from the pump. Also, it has low power consumption, meaning you can pump water without worrying about high energy bills.
● Versatile– The water pump is designed for use across various fields, such as in RVs, for gardening, boats, and long-distance pumping.
2. VEVOR 12V Fresh Water Pump
The VEVOR 12V water pump is designed with durable, high-resistant, and wear-resistant material to ensure long-term service. It comes with an owner’s manual on how to use the pump and how to prime water pump in RV, among other guidelines. The RV water pump has safety features, making it safe to use in your RV.
Features
● Great Performance– The diaphragm water pump has a 4 GPM rated water flow, and it delivers an excellent performance with a smooth and consistent water flow. The pump draws a low current, which is super power saving.
● High-Quality Material– The 12V water pump RV is made with durable material for long service periods. The material comprises high-strength polypropylene waterproof and wear-resistant material. It has an outlet and inlet of ½ inch NPT.
● Safety Protection– The pump has an in-built check valve for preventing backflow. Additionally, it has a thermal protector for providing automatic pressure protection.
● Detachable Filter– The self-priming RV water pump comes with a detachable filter. It is easy to assemble and disassemble when removing trapped dirt and debris. It has a transparent design, making it easy for you to see when to clean the filter.
● Versatile Pump– The VEVOR 12V Fresh Water Pump is suitable for various uses such as RV, caravan, garden watering, boats, and car washing. It is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for use on RVs.
How Long Does RV Water Pump Prime Take?
As mentioned above, there is no specific time frame for priming RV water pump. Factors such as the pump model, the general condition of the water systems, and the length of the water lines determine how long to prime RV water pump.
Other factors that influence RV water pump prime duration include:
● Length of the water lines– The distance of the water system affects the duration of priming. The water systems with shorter water hoses are primed faster compared to longer ones.
● Capacity and Type- The type and capacity of the pump affect how long to prime RV water pump. High-capacity RV water pump prime faster than low-capacity water pumps.
● Priming Knowledge– Owners who have experience priming water pumps are faster compared to first-time pump owners. You will need an owner’s manual for guidance on how to prime water pump in RV.
● Water Temperatures– It is quicker to prime with warm water than with cold water. Warm water has lighter viscosity, and water runs faster than cold water.
● The condition of the Pump– A well-maintained pump runs water fast, and it is easy to prime. A poorly maintained water pump will take more time to prime.
Conclusion
An RV water pump requires regular maintenance to keep it performing optimally and give you long years of service. After every maintenance, you need to perform an RV water pump prime. However, you choose the VEVOR self-priming RV water pump to save time priming your water.
Your water pump should be successfully primed to get rid of trapped air to restore its optimum performance. Some of the pump-priming issues are water not flowing in RV, RV water pump not pumping water, inadequate water supply on faucets, or the water pump humming but not pumping. These are a few issues you can encounter due to an unprimed water pump.
Remember to regularly inspect and maintain your water pump and follow it up with priming RV water pump.
