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When you have an RV you don’t have to worry about finding water. It’s right there, ready for you to make a cup of coffee, boil a kettle for tea or hop into a quick shower. Except it’s not quite that easy. There’s a lot more to getting water into your RV than some newbie RVers imagine and while it is not very complicated once everything is in place and running as it should, it helps to understand how the water system in your RV works.
In this guide we will take you through the basics of your RV’s water system and take an especially close look at RV water pumps, the device that powers it when you are on the road. We’ll be sharing our opinions on just what the best RV water pumps available right now are and what you should look for for that “just like home” water flow and pressure, along with quieter operation.
Ready, let’s dive right in (pun intended).
City Water, Fresh Water and Boondocking Basics
There are two ways the systems that need water can get it in an RV. When you are parked up at a campsite, you will get your water from the supply it offers. When you are pumping water into your vehicle’s outside water system, you won’t need to use a drop of your own fresh water supply and your RV water pump, which we will discuss in much greater depth later, won’t be called into play at all.
WHY? Because once your RV’s water hose is connected to the outside supply its spigot controls the water pressure and moves the water around the various pipes. As different parks offer water supplies that are maintained at different water pressures you may want to consider adding a water pressure regulator to the line to make sure that water that is flowing in at a particularly high level of pressure does not damage your pipes or the appliances attached to them.
Once you pull out of the campground and head back out onto the open road you’ll no longer have access to a constant supply of flowing water. This is where your fresh water tanks, and your RV water pump, come into play.
Using Your Fresh Water Tanks
Any RV that has a sink or shower has a fresh water tank and most modern RVs also use water for other things, like a refrigerator. Once you are away from a camp it will be up to you too add water to the fresh water tank at regular intervals.
The one thing that many new campers don’t realize is that it is not always the best idea to keep your fresh water tank full to the brim. Water is heavy, and adding weight to your RV decreases gas mileage. And if your rig is already close to its gross vehicle weight rating a full tank may push it over the edge.
There are some instances where you will need to do so. If you are headed out into country where you won’t see a source of water for many miles it’s likely that for your comfort – and to avoid running your tank dry – you’ll need to fill up.
Where - and How - To Fill Your Fresh Water Tank
As they are not small, you’ll need more than a few plastic gallon bottles of water to fill your water tank up. There are several options for doing so, and the chances are that over the course of your RVving adventures you’ll make use of them all.
Fill Up at Home
Most people fill their fresh water tank before they hit the road, making use of their own household water supply. If you are brand new to the RV life, note that you do not fill your fresh water tank in the same spot as you will hook up to city water later.
To fill up the fresh water tank you’ll make use of its outside potable water fill port. Most of these are fairly clearly marked with exactly what they are, but on an older RV you may have to keep looking until you find an opening that would fit a standard hose.
Fill Up at a Campsite
Some campsites do offer a designated area where you can fill up your fresh water tank. They usually include this in the cost of your campsite fees in general, and if that is the case then it would be a shame not to take advantage of it if you can, in the spirit of getting your money’s worth!
Fill Up Via a Portable Water Container
Many home stores sell clear portable water containers that you can fill and then use to add water to your fresh water tank on an as needed basis.
However you choose to fill your fresh water tank, it’s not simply just a matter of dumping in the water and then suddenly everything will work. You need something to add pressure to the water and get it flowing around your RV’s plumbing system, and that something is an RV water pump.
Understanding Your RV Water Pump
Essentially, all you need to do to make sure that your fresh water tanks will deliver water when you need it is turn on your water pump. It won’t be immediately obvious that it’s on though – other than perhaps an ‘on’ indicator light – as an RV water pump does not pump continuously.
The function of any RV water pump is to maintain a constant water pressure, usually around 40 PSI. When it senses that the pressure is dropping – because a faucet has been turned on – then it will kick into action, pumping away until the optimal water pressure is established again.
As they work most water pumps pulsate. If you are running water for any length of time – when showering for example – they will pulse on and off. All this is normal, if sometimes a little noisy. If the pulsation really bothers you though you can consider making use of an accumulator to minimize that.
Within the RV community there is something of a debate. Should you only turn the RV water pump on when you need water or can you keep it on at all times? There are good points made on both sides of the argument, but most people do agree that it should be turned off when you are going to be away from your rig for an extended period of time.
Where Does an RV Water Pump Get Its Power?
If you are new to the world of RV water pumps you are probably wondering where it draws its power from. The answer is that it, like almost every other appliance that makes use of electricity in your rig draws it from your onboard 12V battery. It will continue to do so even if you are connected to shore power, although if you are connected to shore power you are also likely to be connected to city water, so usually your water pump will have nothing to do and should be turned off.
Our Reviews of The Best 12 Volt RV Pumps
Now you know more about what you need a good RV water pump for, and a little more about just how they work, when the time comes to replace the one you currently have – they don’t last forever, 8-10 years is the average for a pump that is well cared for – which of the many options on the market should you choose?
Here’s a look at our picks for the top 5 RV water pump choices available on the market today.
Best All Around Low Flow RV Water Pump: Pentair Shurflo 4008
Editor's Choice
If you are not sure which water pump would be the best choice to replace the one you have it’s fair to say that it is hard to go wrong with the Shurflo 4048. It’s versatile enough that it can replace most standard water pumps seamlessly and for the RV crew that makes use of an average amount of water – the occasional shower, water for coffee and tea, doing the dishes etc. – it is perfectly sized too.
The Shurflo 4048 boasts a three gallon per minute maximum flow rate, and the pump draws a maximum of 7.5 amps of power, a lower amount than some other models, so this is the reason why it can replace another pump without the need for any modifications to the power system (which is something often best left to an expert anyway.)
Another advantage of this versatile pump is that it can self prime and can do so from up to six feet away from your water tanks. In case you are unfamiliar with the term, The a “self-priming pump” is one that can make use of a mixture of air and water in order to achieve a completely primed pumping state. This makes the process of starting the pump faster and more efficient, something that’s ideal.
The pump is also able to run dry, as in without liquid. That is not something you would want it to do often, but should that occur the housing won’t melt, which often happens when a centrifugal pump is allowed to operate without the liquid it needs. It’s a nice fail-safe.
In terms of noise, something that often bothers people about their RV water pump, this one runs reasonably quietly, with some of those who have used to replace another model stating that it is far quieter. However, as this is not a variable speed pump – it’s either on or off, there’s no in between – then there will be some noise, although you may be able to dampen that with the installation of an inline accumulator.
All in all this is a good, easy to install option that will suit lots of campers. If however, you need a higher flow pump you should consider one of the other models on our list that can accommodate that requirement.
Highlights
- Model: 4008-101-E65
- Voltage: 12
- Power Consumption: : 7.5 amps (max)
- Power Circuit: 10-amp fuse
- Flow Rate: 3.0 GPM
- Operating Pressure: 55 PSI shut-off, 40 PSI restart
- Pump Type: 4-chamber diaphragm pump
- Dimensions: 8.1" x 4.9" x 4.4 "
- Weight: 5 lbs
Best High Flow RV Water Pump: Pentair Shurflo 4048 12V Water Pump
This pump is, in many ways, almost identical to its sibling, our top pick, the Shurflo 4008. The biggest difference is, as its higher model number almost suggests, is that it can handle a higher water flow – 4 gallons per minute versus three.
While a gallon difference may not sound like much, it does mean that you can run two faucets at the same time, something that is likely to happen at least occasionally in a trailer that is housing several people at once, in other words if you like to go camping with the whole family.
Like its smaller sibling the Shurflo 4048 can be run dry and has a thermal protection shut off. Its power requirements however, are different, which is to be expected as it boasts a larger motor to accommodate the higher flow. This means you’ll need a 15 amp fuse attached to your electrical system as this pump will draw up to 10 volts of power.
As Shurflo is a name that has been in the RV business for 50 years – they were founded in 1969 – a lot of RV fans have this water pump installed in their rig and most are very happy with it – highlighting the great shower flow and reduced temperature swings. Like its smaller sibling it is a single speed pump, so will be a little noisy as it cycles, something that, once again, can be dampened with the installation of an inline accumulator.
Speaking on installation, the water pressure on this pump, which is factory set at 55 PSI pump shut-off pressure, can be manually adjusted, but that is not something we would recommend trying unless you are absolutely sure about what you are doing!
We should note that the price of the Shurflo 4048 is a little under double that of the 4800 but if you make use of a lot of water when RVing the extra investment will prove worth it in the long run.
Highlights
- Model: 4048-153-E75
- Voltage: 12
- Power Consumption: 10 amps (max)
- Power Circuit: 15 amp fuse
- Flow Rate: 4.0 GPM
- Operating Pressure: 55 PSI shut-off, 40 PSI restart
- Pump type: 4-chamber diaphragm pump
- Dimensions: 10.3" x 4.9" x 4.8 "
- Weight: 7.9 lbs
- Warranty: 2 years
Best 12V Variable Speed RV Water Pump: Remco Aquajet Pump 5.3 Gpm 12V
Fastest Flow Rate
Why would you need a variable speed RV water pump? These models are an excellent choice if you would prefer less cycling without the need to change your set up and/or you would prefer to keep the water flowing through your rig from your fresh water tanks at a steady pressure. The Aquajet also delivers a faster flow rate, topping out at 5.3 GPM.
If you have – or are considering – buying a higher end motorcoach then this may the pump you find already installed, as it is a standard feature of many of them. Essentially, this pump functions so smoothly that it will produce a water flow that is very close to – although not quite like – the one you get at home.
It is the fact that it is a variable speed RV water pump that allows it to achieve this. As it can adjust its own speed as needed there is virtually no cycling which makes it much quieter and there is little no sputtering and pulsing in the water flow as the pressure remains constant.
You also get extended mounting options with this RV pump as it can draw water from a distance of up to 13 feet – twice that of either of the pumps we have featured thus far.
As you will have gathered, you can also operate multiple faucets in your rig when this high water flow pump is installed. It draws considerably more power to do all of this though, so before you consider replacing your current RV water pump with the Remco Aquajet it’s crucial that you ensure that your RV’s electrical systems can handle that. You can check the required specs on the manufacturer’s website here.
Obviously, the biggest downside of the Remco Aquajet is the price. This is not an inexpensive choice – it averages $175 – but if your motorcoach can accommodate the extra power and you want to make your RV’s water functions feel more like home, then spending more may very well be worth it for you.
Highlights
- Model: 55AQUAJET-ARV
- Voltage: 12
- Power Consumption: 10 amps
- Power circuit: 15 amp fuse
- Flow rate: 5.3 GPM
- Operating pressure: 60-75 PSI
- Pump type: 5-chamber diaphragm pump
- Dimensions: 8.9" x 4.8" x 4.6 "
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Warranty: 2 years
Best Budget RV Low Flow Water Pump: Seaflo 42
Best Budget Pick
This 12 volt RV water pump is a very affordable, versatile option for those who don’t use a lot of water – its maximum GPM is three gallons – and needs to fit a water pump in a compact space.
The big selling point that the manufacturer offers over a more commonly used model like the SHURFLO 4800 is that it has a built in, internal bypass that is designed to reduce pump cycling and eliminate the need for the installation of a separate inline accumulator. It also has a fairly low power draw and, like the SUREFLO models can safely run dry for a limited time, self primes and has a water uptake reach of up to six feet.
Those who have purchased this pump were, for the most part, pleased with it, although some mention the fact that the pump housing scuffs easily. This however is something that does not affect its operation, but may indicate that the level of quality is not quite the same in terms of workmanship as some other options on our list. However, if you are looking for a budget replacement for your current low flow RV water pump, this is a good choice.
Highlights
- Model: SFDP1-030-055-42
- Flow rate: 3.0 GPM
- Voltage: 12 Volt
- Operating PSI: 55 PSI
- Weight: 4.81 lbs
- Dimensions: 8" x 4.9" x 4.4"
- Warranty: 2 Year
Lippert Flow Max 3.0 GPM Water Pump, 12V
Last but not least, we have another reasonably priced low flow RV water pump that is worth giving serious consideration if you do not need a high flow pump and are not looking to spend a lot on a replacement for an existing low flow pump.
Somewhat unusually, the stated GPM on this water pump is a little higher than many low flow water pumps at 3.3 GPM. You may not notice too much of a difference but it may be helpful to have that small amount of extra capacity on a busy morning in your rig.
As it is a single speed 12 volt water pump it will cycle on and off and that will create noise that you may find annoying. This is standard for such pumps though and no indicator of a lack of quality.
The only downside that online reviewers mentioned about this pump is that although it ran well and produced water at a fairly steady pressure, it only has a 5 minute duty cycle before it needs to be left off for ten minutes, which does rule out long showers. It is also a little larger than some other RV water pumps so may not fit into a smaller spot in your rig.
Highlights
- Model:689052
- Voltage: 12
- Power consumption: 9.5 amps
- Flow rate: 3.3 GPM
- Operating pressure: : 55 PSI
- Dimensions: 10.5" x 6" x 5.5"
- Weight: 4 lbs
- Warranty: 2 years
12 Volt RV Water Pump Buying Tips
The five water pumps featured on our list are, in our opinion, and that of many others who have purchased them and shared their opinion online, some of the best available on the market today no matter what capacity pump you are looking for. But they are not your only choices.
Whatever model you end up opting for there are some basics you should keep in mind when shopping for a replacement RV water pump in general. To help you make the best possible buying decision for you, here’s a look at some of the most important.
GPM
Every 12 volt water pump you consider will have a GPM – gallons per minute – rating displayed somewhere in the product listing or on the box, and it’s very important that, before you shop, you determine what the right GPM is both to suit your water needs and to ensure that using your water pump does not draw so much power from your RV battery that you get left in the dark (literally)
One way to determine how many gallons per minute you need to accommodate your camping preferences is to take a look at the GPM rates of the things you need to water pump to supply.
The average RV shower, for example, has a gallons per minute requirement of 1.5 to 2 gallons. An RV sink has a requirement of around 1.5 gallons. This means if you are only ever going to be using appliances with these GPM rates you will be fine with a low flow 3.0 GPM water pump.
If however you have several sinks you may run while also using the shower a higher capacity model may be a better choice. Just keep in mind however that the larger the pump the larger the draw on the battery, so you may not be able to make use of as much electricity – or electronic gadgets – as someone who opted for a smaller pump if you don’t want to overwork your battery.
PSI
It is also very important that you know what the recommended PSI for your rig is before you shop for a new RV water pump. Generally, anything between 60 and 75 psi is a ‘safe’ rating for most rigs but if yours is an older RV, you may need to look for a water pump that can operate at a lower psi.
Electrical System Compatibility
All RV water pumps draw their power from your RV’s battery, as do most of the electrical appliances you have in your rig. And different rigs do have different electrical systems. In some cases a water pump may seem like the perfect choice in terms of GPM but it is not compatible with your rig’s electrical system. This is something you must check before you buy a new pump, as you could end up with a pump that does not work, or that fries your electrical system if you don’t.
Physical Pump Size
Not all 12 volt RV water pumps are the same size. In fact, they can differ from model to model by several inches. This matters when shopping because you need to be sure that the pump can be installed in the space you have to install it in. This is often a rather tight space and you do have to remember that you’ll need room to perform the actual installation as well, so a very tight fit could end up being very problematic.
Warranty
All the water pumps we chose for our top five come with at least a 2 year warranty and that is the industry standard for a good model. We mentioned earlier that then well taken care of an RV water pump will last up to 10 years, so that warranty won’t cover you for the life of your pump perhaps but a warranty in itself is a good sign that a company will stand behind its products.
Price
Price is a consideration when shopping for almost anything for most people. And it is probably one of the things you will be looking at when you head off to shop for a replacement RV water pump. But don’t just look at the dollars and cents, take the longer term ROI into consideration as well.
For example, if you opt for a 3.0 GPM pump to save a little cash, but then have to ration everyone’s water use because of that fact then you may end up making your trips less fun and convenient than if you had spent the extra and opted for a larger volume pump.
RV Water Pump FAQs
How do you quiet a noisy RV water pump?
Seasoned RV enthusiasts know, the water pump in their rig can get noisy. often it’s not a terribly loud noise, and ion most cases it does not mean that there is anything wrong with the pump at all, that’s just the way it operates, especially in the case of single speed pumps.
All the same though, a loud water pump is an annoyance, and one that many campers would prefer to live without. One solution would be to opt for a higher end pump like the Remco Aquajet featured in our top five list. However, that is a high capacity pump that is actually too powerful for some RVs and so doing so may not be an option for you even if you were willing to spend the extra cash.
An easier and more affordable option is to make use of a silencing kit or an inline accumulator. Both of these gadgets are inexpensive and easy to install, but they quiet a noisy water pump in slightly different ways.
A silencing kit adds extra piping that will help reduce how much the pump vibrates. An inline accumulator is a little more complicated. It reduces the number of times a water pump needs to cycle, which will cut noise significantly. They can also even out your water pressure, leading to a smoother, more consistent water flow that’s more like the one you enjoy at home.
How do you replace an RV water pump?
So, you’ve chosen the right water pump for your rig and you are ready to retire the old RV pump and replace it with the new model. Can you do it yourself or should you have a dealer do it? The answer is that depends on your general DIY skill level.
Many people find that they do manage to replace their RV water pump themselves but it isn’t always easy. Here are some installation tips:
1. Power is Off
Before you begin, in addition to making sure that you have all the tools you need handy, and you are dressed to get wet and dirty, ensure that the power to the existing water pump is closed off.
2. Depressurize
Depressurize the system by opening the faucets in your RV (all of them). This will release any air in the lines too. You should still be prepared for the fact that some water will leak from the lines when you begin to detach them, so have plenty of towels handy to take care of that.
3. Uninstall old pump
Uninstall the pump according to the manufacturer’s instructions. We can’t offer a one size fits all guide here because there isn’t one, but your manual should walk you through the process. If you have lost the manual, or never had it in the first place, you can usually find copies on the manufacturer’s website.
4. Install New Pump
You should then unpack the new pump, and carefully follow the instructions for installing that. Again, there is a slightly different process for each model. By watching the video below however you can get a good idea of what will be involved if this is something you have never attempted before. This should help you decide if you want to try to do it yourself or if you would be better off calling in a pro.
This video covers installing a SHURFLO 4800 water pump, the model we chose as our top pick for high volume RV water pumps. Most installations will proceed in the same way, but always defer to the manual’s instructions if you are in doubt. And don’t forget to recheck all your connections before turning the pump on, or you could be in for a very wet surprise!
In addition to the basic installation procedure there are some common sense installation tips we’d like to remind you of:
Let your pump breathe: Never cover up your water pump or surround it with installation. It does need to breathe and even an RV water pump that is designed to run dry may overheat and malfunction if it is not allowed to do so.
Don’t expect too much of your pump. For example, RV showers are not meant to be like showering at home. Even the best water pump on the market is not up to the demands of frequent 15 minute showers.
Never run any other liquid through your pump. It’s called an RV water pump for a reason; that’s all it is equipped to handle.
Head down to wherever your RV water pump is installed once every few months to check that the connections are all still tight. A slow water leak – the kind that can occur if they are not – will not only waste water but it will also decrease the water pressure in the lines, making your pump work harder than it should, and can damage the structure of your RV itself.
How do you prime an RV water pump?
All the pumps we chose for our top 5 list are self priming, so this should not be something you ever have to worry about doing yourself, unless the pump runs dry.
However, if you do find you need to prime an RV water pump manually you do so by following these steps.
- Disconnect the water line from the pump.
- Attach the end of a hose that's a suitable size in the water line's place.
- Fill a jar with water and pour the water into the connected hose
- Place your thumb firmly over the hose and turn the pump on
- Let it run until you feel the pressure of the water against your thumb
- Turn off the pump and connect the water line again
- Turn on a faucet to check that the water is now running properly
What does it mean to let an RV water pump run dry?
Just what it sounds like, a water pump is allowed to keep running when there is no water in it. Obviously this is not an ideal situation, but it can occur if your fresh water supply runs very low. The end result can be that the parts melt, resulting in a ruined pump.
All the pumps on our list are designed to survive being run dry and most have a thermal cutoff that will prevent that literal meltdown. That is a fail-safe mechanism though, not one designed to be used often, so try to ensure that your pump does not run dry by maintaining a constant flow of water to it.
Can you adjust a SHURFLO water pump?
You can adjust a SHURFLO water pump including both of the models featured in our list. The company provides instructions for doing so that are reasonably clear in the manual included with your pump as well as pdf manuals that can be found online.
The bigger question may be should you try to adjust your SHURFLO water pump? If you don’t know what you are doing then you could do permanent damage to your RV water pump. If you are having an issue with water pressure consider other troubleshooting steps or consult with a professional unless you are sure you can make the very slight adjustment that may be needed. If the setting are adjusted too much, and you allow the flow to get too high you risk damaging your pump and your plumbing.
How do you know it is time to replace a 12 volt RV water pump?
Fortunately the average RV water pump is good at indicating distress and signs that it needs to be replaced. New, and excessive noise is one of the most common. While noise is normal, if your pump starts getting louder, makes new banging sounds when in use or seems to stutter a lot, it may be in trouble. Motor failure is rare, but the diaphragm chambers in the pump can become corroded over time, leading to failure and the need to be replaced.
Excessive leakage may be a sign that your water pump is nearing the end of its useful life too. However before you rush out to replace it make sure the leak is coming from the pump itself and not from a connected pipe.
If a pump does not run it is almost natural to assume you need to replace it, but that isn’t always the case. Sometimes it is the electrics running to it that are at fault, not the pump itself, so those should be checked too before you spend money on a new RV pump that won’t work either because something is wrong in the electrical line.
Should I filter the water going into my RV water pump?
These days most people do not drink the water that comes out of their RV faucet, they prefer instead to make use of bottled water. If that’s the case for you, you may not have thought about whether you should filter the water flowing from your fresh water tanks to your pump, and then onto your shower, sink etc.
There are other reasons that it can be a good idea to filter your water though. If you make use of city water to fill your fresh water tanks when you are on the road – which most people do at least occasionally because it’s easy and efficient and a great way to fill up fast – then the water you add to your tank probably contains all kinds of extra particles, and if it’s being drawn in a hard water area, lots of unwanted minerals as well.
Some rigs come equipped with a water filter at the fresh tank level, and there are a handful of RV water pumps that feature a built-in filter as well. Most do not however and you’ll need to purchase a separate water filter. You should seriously consider doing so though as a build up of unwanted minerals can slowly clog the walls of your RV water pump – and its working parts – and shorten its useful life considerably.
Where is the best place to get the water for my fresh water tank?
There are several options and you will probably use them all at some point. It’s good practice to fill up at home before you leave on a trip, and if yours is going to be a quick weekend break and you don’t expect to do much dry camping, then that is probably all you’ll need to do. Occasional RVers, or those that spend a lot of time at campsites usually make very little use of their fresh water tank and so a home fill up is all some people ever have to do.
Refilling at a campsite is another good option, but do be aware of the fact that if you are travelling in winter in some areas of the county campsite managers will sometimes turn the city water off to prevent freezes. That’s why it is always a good idea to call ahead to make sure that’s not the case where you are headed, as you’ll be needing to use your fresh water tanks even when at the campsite if it is and you’ll have to make plans to get water elsewhere.
If you are hitting the road for several days and do not intend to make any campsite stops, then you will need to be a little more creative. Portable water containers are a more obvious choice. They can be found at camping stores, big box stores and even at some larger gas stations. Do be aware that many of these containers do leak occasionally though, so keep an eye out for that, and before you load a dozen portable water containers onto your rig, remember that water is heavy, and the heavier your RV is the more gas it will guzzle!
Accessories for Your RV Water System
You’ve chosen the new RV water pump that will best suit your rig and you’ve made plans to buy it, or already have. So why would you need to buy even more stuff to help it function?
The fact is that there are some water pump and RV water system accessories that you should consider purchasing. Some of them are almost must haves – like water strainers and water pressure regulators – while others, like inline regulators – your system will still function without but your enjoyment of your boondocking experience will probably be heightened if you so add them into the mix. Here’s a look at some of them.
Water Pressure Regulator
It’s crucial that the water pressure is regulated when you are connected to any form of outside water supply. Your RV water pump regulates the pressure when it is drawing water from your freshwater tanks, but what about when you are filling them?
Water pressure from city sources – like those at campsites – sometimes have some very high water pressures. And if you are filling your fresh water tank from home, then the pressure may be just right for your lovely rainfall shower in your bathroom but too high for your more delicate RV plumbing system.
Whenever you allow water that is too highly pressured to enter your RVs plumbing system you are putting it at risk. A water pressure regulator is a simple device, one that attaches easily to the water source, that ensures that the water is at the right pressure, and for an investment of just a few dollars you could save yourself hundreds, if not thousands, in plumbing repair costs.
RV Water Pump Strainer
To ensure it runs as well as possible, and that it lasts as long as it should, you need the water that flows into your water pump, and the interior of the pump itself, to be kept as clean as possible. If dirt, dust, minerals and/or other contaminants get inside it then its components are likely to become damaged and your RV pump will stop pumping efficiently.
An RV water pump strainer can help prevent this, while also filtering out impurities. While some RV pumps include strainers as a standard part, SHURFLO pumps do not, and you will need to purchase an RV strainer separately.
The good news is that the company themselves offer several good ones that will work with most SHURFLO pumps. One has fixed fittings on either end, referred to as NPSM threads, and another has a fixed fitting at the inlet side. Whichever you choose both have a very fine mesh screen that will catch almost all debris and minerals and you can easily remove them to clean them occasionally.
Water Pump Silencing Kit for RVs
If you have a constant speed RV water pump, then it is likely to make noise. That noise, unless it is buried somewhere in the very bottom of your rig – which they rarely are as that pretty inconvenient – is likely to become annoying, especially at night. And RVing is supposed to be fun.
A water pump silencing kit can be used to mute this racket. The SHURFLO version of a water silencing kit is a great choice here. It consists of two sturdy but flexible hoses that are designed to fit between your RV’s plumbing lines and the water pump.
Adding these pipes helps reduce the vibrations caused by the water pump by providing a buffer between the pump and the rigid pipes, something that is usually the biggest cause of all that whirring and rattling.
RV Water Pump Accumulator
The vast majority of RV water pumps run at a single constant speed. Basically they are either on or off. This state is triggered when the pump senses that there is pressure in the plumbing lines – ie, someone has turned on a faucet. So, unless you keep your faucets running – which is a very bad idea – the pump will cycle on and off often and that will become very annoying.
You can reduce this cycling by installing an inline water accumulator tank. This little tank acts like a reserve tank in a way. It gathers a small amount of water on the pressure side of the water pump and that can be utilized first, so the pump does not have to cycle as often.
We like the 24 oz Shurflo accumulator tank you’ll find here. It’s efficient, inexpensive and backed by a company with a great reputation.
In regards to our list, it should be noted that you should never use a water pump accumulator with a variable speed pump like the Remco Aquajet we featured. As the speed varies it is not needed and may even damage what is one of the more expensive RV pumps you can purchase.
Water Tank Monitoring System
We have mentioned several times in this article the importance of not allowing your water pump to run dry. And running out of water in your fresh water tank can be a huge inconvenience altogether, especially if the nearest source of water is still miles away. A water tank monitoring system offers a great way to ensure that your tanks don’t get too low and your RV pump does not run dry.
There are several options available but we think the Proteus Water Level Monitor is one of the best you can buy right now, and for several reasons. One is that it is a standalone, plug-in unit that can be used anywhere. It’s WiFi enabled and controlled by a smartphone app and allows you to set at what level it should trigger an alarm. The sensor itself can be placed in the tank and comes with a 25′ cable, so can be plugged in away from water pump with ease.
Final Word
Even if you don’t spend a lot of time dry camping, a good RV water pump, and one that is well maintained, is a must. Even if you have a campsite planned for every night of a long road trip there will be times when you are on the road that you want to wash your hands, wash a few dishes, take a quick shower after a hot, sticky day in the sun. And if you travel in the fall or winter – which can be great times to do so – you may find that your chosen campsites have cut off their water supply for the winter, and you’ll need to fall back on your fresh water tanks anyway.
An RV water pump and fresh water tanks allow you to be truly independent and head off road as far as you like. But if you are going to do so it also helps a lot if you understand how your RV water pump works and how to do some basic troubleshooting. We hope that we’ve helped you do that while also showing you the best options that are out there when you are looking for just the right RV water pump to accompany you on your next camping adventure.
