RV Water Pump Runs But Does Not Pump Water

by Gene
(Reno, NV)

I just recently dewinterized my fifth wheel, now the water pump will not cycle. The pump runs but there is no pressure. It pumps a combination of air and water. I hooked up city water to the system and thought I purged the lines but that did not help.

ANSWER: Greetings Gene thanks for submitting your question on our Ask An RV Question Page.

I am going to start off with the obvious first question. Are you positive that your fresh water holding tank has got water in it? Your RV Water Pump gets its water directly from fresh water tank and not from city water connection. If the tank does not have sufficient water in it the pump will not be able to pump water or will pump a combination of air and water.

If you have water in the fresh water tank then we know that the problem is located somewhere between the suction side of the water pump and the fresh water holding tank. The problem could be a loose connection at the water pump, a cracked or kinked water supply hose between the tank and the pump that is causing the pump to suck air.

Leave your RV repair bills to us—Good Sam Extended Service Plan
The problem could also be a clogged Inline Water Filter between the fresh water tank and the suction side of the pump. There could also be an inline shutoff valve that is closed.

Lastly the problem could be with the water pump itself not creating enough suction to prime the pump. The pump itself could have a bad seal or gasket or an internal problem. In this case the RV water pump would have to be rebuilt (if a rebuild kit is available for your brand and model pump) or replaced.

I hope this helps.

Do you have any suggestions or comments on this topic? You can add them to this page by clicking on the "Click Here To Post Comments" link located near the bottom of this page.

Protect your RV and your family while on the road: Join Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service Today and save!
Happy RVing

RVing Al

Don't Forget To Visit The Everything About RVing Stores.  If It Has To Do With RVing And The Outdoors The EARV Stores Have What You Are Looking For!

RV Accessories - Sporting Goods - RVing and Travel Books and How To Videos - Kindle Accessories and Books - The RVers Gift Shop - The RVer Mall - Buy or Sell An RV - The NASCAR Collectibles Store