How To Prime RV Water Pump Fast: A Simple DIY Guide

To prime RV water pump, fill the water tank and open a water tap. Turn on the pump and wait for steady water flow. If water doesn’t flow, briefly disconnect the inlet hose, fill it with water, and then reconnect it. For a complete step by step guide stay connected. Priming the RV water pump is a process of removing air from the pump and water lines.

Without proper priming, the water pump may get damaged leading to reduced water pressure or inconsistent flow. Here, you’ll learn how to prime a camper water pump. So, let’s dive into the topic!

Why Priming Your RV Water Pump Is Important?

An RV pump ensures the smooth transfer of water from the RV’s water tank to all the water sources inside your RV, like the kitchen, toilet, shower, taps, etc. When you turn the tap on, the water gets less in the pipes. The pump detects it and turns it on to automatically add more water to the pipes. It stops when the pipes are full again.

This pump maintains a consistent water pressure in the RV and turns off when the pressure is maintained. This pump consumes less power and operates on 12 volts.

Types Of RV Water Pumps

The three most used RV water pumps around the USA are constant speed, Variable speed and high-volume RV pumps. These play the same role, however the working is different.

Constant Speed RV Pumps

These are the most common pumps used by the Rvers. They work at the same speed no matter how much water you use. These pumps consume more energy than the others as they run at a constant speed all the time and run longer than necessary.

Constant-speed RV pumps are the cheapest of all. As of September 2024, it costs $87 on Amazon. 

Variable Speed RV Pumps

These are the upgrades of constant-speed RV pumps. You can adjust the speed of the water as per your requirement. They are energy efficient and create less noise while operating. Variable speed RV pumps are expensive; as they cost 270$ at Amazon in 2024.

High-Volume RV Pumps

High-volume rv pumps are used to move large quantities of water. They are used in large vehicles like bus homes and motor homes. These aren’t necessary for your RV; the variable and constant speed pump are enough. As of September 2024, the best volume RV pump in the market is the FloJet High Volume RV Water Pump System, which costs 668$. You can buy them from RVupgradestore.

These were several types of RV water pumps; choose according to your requirements and budget. You might also like; What Water Pressure for RV?

How To Prime Water Pump In RV?

It would help to prim the water pump while installing it in your RRV. The pump needs to be primed in the following situations:

• If the pump has been repaired
• The RV is not been used for a long time
• The pump making unnecessary sound
• Low water pressure

Step By Step Process

If you encounter any of the above issues, follow the steps below to prime the water pump:

Once the water pump is primed and water flows smoothly, your RV’s water system should function properly. That’s how you prime RV water pump.

Troubleshooting Common Problems To Prime RV Water Pump

Most of the problems with the water pump are easy to fix. You might encounter one of these problems. Let’s discuss how to overcome these issues:

No Water Flow 

The pump is on but the water is not coming to the taps. It happens sometimes and there are some quick solutions for it.

• Have a quick look at your RV water tank. It may be empty. 
• If the water tank is full, check whether the water is flowing towards the pump. To check this, see the pump line going towards the pump. If water is inside, it works perfectly; if not, the issue lies in the pump line. 
• Fill the water inside the pump line to reestablish the water flow. Then, connect it to the pump and turn on the taps. This process takes a few minutes. 

Pump Won’t Turn On After Winterization

The RV sits idle during winter. When it’s time to restart your RV adventures in summer, the pump often won’t turn on. If the issue arises with you, check the following things.

• After filling the water tank, make sure the drain is closed correctly.
• Ensure all the electrical connections are restored after the antifreeze treatment.
• Anti-freezing is draining the RV’s water system and adding antifreeze to the pipes, tanks, etc.
• The pump needs 12 volts to function. Use a voltmeter to see if your RV is getting enough electricity.

Excessive Noise

Excessive noise from the pumps is due to poor installation. If your RV pump is not installed correctly, it causes vibrations when started. To detect and resolve this issue, follow these steps.

• Turn off the RV pump.
• Unscrew the pump and add a rubber pad below it. Now screw it back, and you will see a drastic change in the noise levels.
• Also, insulate the water pipes with foam to avoid the clanging sounds.

These were some common issues that you can encounter with the water pump. Now, let’s dive into tips for maintaining an RV water pump.

Tips For Maintaining An RV Water Pump

Follow these precautionary measures to ensure your RV water pump lasts long:

Yearly Pump Inspection

A yearly inspection of the pump is essential for its longevity. This includes checking the water lines, or any leaks. If found, replace the pump quickly to avoid any further damage.

Cleaning The Filter

There is a filter between your fresh water tank and the pump. The filter stops the unwanted debris from entering the pump. Even a tiny stone can damage the water pump, so it’s better to clean the filter or replace it after a month regularly.

Sanitizing The Water Lines

Sanitizing the water lines is another important maintenance tip. Suppose your RV has been sitting idle for a long time. In that case, we recommend sanitizing the water lines, as they may contain bacteria. 

• First of all, drain all the water from the RV.
• Make a solution of bleach and water.
• Add the bleach solution to the water tank and run it through all water lines.
• Could you wait for a few hours and then drain it?

Inspect Hoses

Inspect hoses thoroughly and replace the damaged and leaked hoses with new ones. Ensure all the connections are tight enough to avoid any leakage.

These are some essential tips to follow to ensure the optimal performance of your RV water pump.

You may also like to read “How To Drain An RV Water Heater?”

Final Words

Hopefully, you found your answer to “How To Prime Water Pump in RV?” It is better to ensure that your RV pump is functioning well. A smooth functioning pump provides you relief during long RV adventures. 

These tips are gathered after taking guidance from professionals. Regular maintenance and inspection save you from spending unnecessary money on mechanics and RV pumps. 

FAQs

Why Is My RV Water Pump Not Prime?

If your RV water pump is not priming, it could be due to leaks. Leaks can occur anywhere in the supply line, including areas hidden behind the paneling of your RV interior, so it can be difficult to get to them.

How Long Does It Take An RV Water Pump To Prime?

It takes approximately one minute for an RV water pump to prime. The process involves removing air from the system, and once water starts flowing, the pump is properly primed. 

Why Is My RV Water Pump Humming But Not Pumping Water?

The humming sound by the water pump is caused when no water is in the RV water tank. Add water to your RV tank to resolve this issue.

When Should I Turn My RV Water Pump Off?

It is recommended to turn off the RV water pump when you are traveling on a rough road. This is because on a bumpy road, shaking can make your taps on. The RV pump detects water pressure and turns on automatically, draining the tank.

When To Replace A Bad  RV Water Pump?

It is best to replace a lousy RV water pump in these situations

• The water pump is leaking
• The water pump isn’t turning on
• Making too much noise