Your RV’s water pump plays a crucial role in delivering water to your faucets, shower, and toilet when you’re not connected to city water. If it fails, you’re left dry—literally. Learning how to extend the life of your RV water pump ensures consistent water pressure and fewer breakdowns over time.
Don’t Run the Pump Dry
Running your RV water pump without water in the system can quickly burn it out. Always:
- Fill your fresh water tank before turning on the pump
- Bleed air from the lines after refilling the tank
- Turn the pump off when not in use, especially during travel
One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your RV water pump is simply being mindful of how often—and when—it’s running. If you ever hear it cycling frequently while faucets are off, it could signal a leak or air in the system.
Use a Pump Silencer Kit or Accumulator Tank
Pump cycling can wear out the motor and annoy you with noise. To prevent this:
- Install an accumulator tank to reduce on/off cycling
- Add a pump silencer kit to absorb vibrations and minimize noise
- Ensure hoses are tightly secured and free of kinks
Visit Daisy RV for professional pump upgrades and quieting solutions that help protect your system long term.
Clean the Pump Strainer Regularly
Your water pump likely has a small mesh strainer or screen attached to prevent debris from entering the system. Over time, sediment can build up and restrict flow.
To clean it:
- Turn off the pump
- Unscrew the strainer
- Rinse it with clean water
- Reinstall and check for leaks
Cleaning the strainer every few trips or before extended storage is key to how to extend the life of your RV water pump.
Sanitize the Water System to Prevent Build-Up
Sediment, minerals, and bacteria can all build up inside the water lines and pump. Every 3–6 months, sanitize your RV’s fresh water system by:
- Draining the fresh tank
- Flushing the system with a diluted bleach solution
- Running the pump to circulate the cleaner
- Flushing thoroughly with clean water afterward
If you’re unsure how to sanitize properly, Daisy RV can do it for you or walk you through the process.
Store the Pump Correctly in Off-Seasons
If you’re storing your RV during freezing weather:
- Drain all water from the system
- Bypass the water pump when adding antifreeze
- Run the pump briefly to push out any residual water—but not too long, to avoid dry running
Freezing temperatures can crack pump housing or damage seals. Winterizing properly is a major step in preserving pump performance.
Understanding how to extend the life of your RV water pump keeps your water flowing reliably and helps avoid mid-trip plumbing failures.
