RV & Marine Water Pumps

RV and marine water pumps help make your camping and boating excursions more enjoyable. Low water pressure at many campgrounds makes flushing toilets, running faucets, or taking a shower difficult. Whether you live in your RV full time or for occasional travels, an RV water pump will give you consistent water pressure on every trip.

Frequently asked questions: Does your RV need a water pump? Will an RV pump affect flow rate? How do you install an RV pump?

Visit our blog for the full list of FAQs about RV water pumps and answers to these questions.

How RV and marine pumps work

RV pumps give consistent water pressure on the go or boost existing pressure at campsites. The water stored in your RV water tank adds to the water flow.

1. Water is pressurized in the pump head. The motor has a shaft that rotates and pushes on the pump’s diaphragms to move the water.
2. Check valves send water in as the diaphragms are pressed and receive more water when they are released.
3. Whenever you turn on the faucet in your motor home, the RV pump automatically sends fresh water from the water storage tank to the faucet.
4. The pump senses a decrease in pressure as you use the water. It runs long enough to compensate for the pressure loss and then shuts off.
5. A check valve uses outside water to charge the pump but prevents this water from flowing back into the fresh water supply.

What to do if your RV or marine water pump fails

If your pump continues to run when all faucets are off, you may have a leak. If your pump runs without producing any water, you may have another issue. Here are a few things to check to find the cause of your problem:

The hose connection: Turn on the faucet and look at the water lines attached to your pump. Make sure they aren’t kinked or bent.

Any water filters: Turn the water off, locate your RV water filter, and replace it if damaged.

It is recommended that you replace your water filter annually.

The pump: It could be damaged or clogged and require rebuilding or replacement.

An O-ring or gasket seals the pump shaft to keep water from flowing out. You can add an accumulator tank to your pump to reduce unwanted cycling and pulsations and extend your pump life.

How to sanitize your RV or marine pump system

Receiving clean water from your pump requires proper sanitation before and after storing and whenever you add new parts to your system.

1. Mix household bleach (multiply gallon capacity by .13 and liter capacity by 1 for the amount in millimeters) in a container with water.
2. Pour the mixture into the tank and then top it off with clean water.
3. Run all your faucets to cleanse the system and rinse the bleach.
4. Wait four hours before draining and rinsing the tank.