RV Water Pump Keeps Running

RV Water Pump Keeps Running? 5 Easy Fixes

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RIf your RV water pump keeps running it can be a cause for concern and something that you should look into fixing quickly.

The most common reason an RV water pump keeps running is due to a leak, a cracked water line, a loose connection, or a defective RV water pump pressure switch.

You need to fix this quickly regardless of the cause which is exactly why we put together this guide to help you.

Read on for how to diagnose the cause and fix when an RV water pump keeps running.

Contents show

The Most Common Reasons Why An RV Water Pump Keeps Running

RV Water Pump
A common RV Water Pump

As we briefly covered above, there are several possible reasons why your caravan water pump won’t switch off.

Reason 1: You’ve Got A Leak In Your System

When your camper’s water pump keeps running it typically is a sign that there’s a water pressure problem somewhere in your system.

When your RV water pump notices that the pressure level drops below acceptable standards it turns on to make sure the proper level of water pressure is maintained.

If you are heating your motorhome water pump running continuously, you’ll need to inspect each water line, connection, and valve in your RV’s water system to see if there are any leaks.

How To Inspect Your RV Water Lines

  • Step 1: Start at the water pump and trace each line to each water fixture or source in your RV, looking for puddles or drips. There could be some spots you can’t see without removing part of an item or an entire fixture such as your RV toilet or the icemaker line in your freezer for instance.
  • Step 2: If you notice a leak somewhere, you’ll need to either replace the fixture, line, or connection that’s faulty.

These repairs can be simple or complex depending on what’s causing the leak.

Sometimes you can easily fix some connections just by tightening some screws or applying vaseline or silicone around any loose seals or screw heads to stop the leaks.

Reason 2: Dirty Screens And Filters

Your RV water pump and fixtures have filters and screens in them that keep debris and sediment out of your water and they can become clogged over time.

Filter and screen blockages can build up faster if you’re using unfiltered water hookups or getting water from sandy areas or RV parks near beaches or in coastal areas.

When these filters get clogged it can cause a drop in water pressure which will cause your RV water pump to keep running.

Remove and clean your water pump and fixture filters and screens and replace them if necessary to see if that resolves the issue.

Here’s a good video describing how a RV water pump keeps running when the filter is clogged and how to fix it:

Reason 3: Leaking Non-Return Valve

Some RV water systems include non-return valves that allow water to flow in one direction only, and if these valves go bad then water will flow back through the unintended direction which will cause a drop in water pressure.

The water pump notices this and then your RV water pump keeps running to maintain the appropriate water pressure level.

Take a look at your RV owner’s manual or service manual and look for the water system, inspecting for any non-return valves (if they exist).

If you locate some, then it’s time to inspect them.

How To Inspect RV Water Valves

  • Step 1: Start by switching off your water pump and draining any water from the pipe that’s fitted to the non-return valve. This will depressurize your RV’s water system and make sure you don’t let a bunch of water flood into your RV.
  • Step 2: Remove and inspect the valve and make sure it’s free of blockages and debris.
  • Step 3: The RV water will usually have either a spring-loaded ball bearing or flap on it which should move in one direction only. Clean it if possible and descale it if you are able to, and test the bearing or flap mechanism to make sure it’s working properly.
  • Step 4: If the mechanism has gone bad, it’s time to replace your RV non-return water valve.

Reason 4: Faulty RV Water Pump Seals

RV water pumps contain impellers, which are rotating blades.

The impeller must remain sealed to make sure the right amount of water pressure is kept while the pump is working, and if the seal fails then there is a loss in water pressure throughout the entire RV water pump which will cause it to keep running.

Most RV water pumps are sealed units, meaning that you cannot take them apart to replace internal items.

If you have a bad seal then you will need to replace the entire RV water pump.

Reason 5: RV Water Pump Pressure Switch Needs Adjustment

All RV water pumps have a pressure switch in them that tells the pump to stop running once a specified water pressure level has been reached.

Most pumps use a screw to adjust the water pressure level, and adjusting this screw will make the pump either more sensitive or less sensitive to the pressure level depending on which way you adjust it.

Understand that adjusting the pressure switch can affect your water pressure level, so make small adjustments first and dial in for your preferences after fixing the issue.

How To Adjust RV Water Pump Pressure Switch

  • Step 1: Locate the adjustment screw and note which direction adjusts the water pressure sensitivity level up or down
  • Step 2: Have someone run a water fixture such as the RV shower or sink for 30-60 seconds, then have them turn it off.
  • Step 3: Adjust the screw on the pressure switch until the pump turns off shortly after the fixture has been turned off.
  • Step 4: Turn the fixture back on again for 30-60 seconds and turn it off, confirming that the water pump is only running for a little bit after the fixture has been turned off.  If the RV water pump keeps running then keep on adjusting it until you reach the proper sensitivity level.
  • Step 5: If the RV water pump keeps running after multiple adjustments then the pressure switch may be faulty and will need to be replaced.

How Long Should RV Water Pump Run?

The water pump will run when you demand water by turning on a fixture in your RV such as the shower or a faucet.

If you are currently hooked up to a water source and have recently used water, your water pump should only run for a few seconds after you turn off the fixture.

If you are going from dry lines (no water in them) to a fully primed (full of water) line, it can take anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes to get water completely into these lines, at which time your RV water pump keeps running to deliver that water.

If you have a water heater that needs to fill then that process will take longer as well.

RV Water Pump Keeps Running No Leaks

If you’ve determined that there are no leaks in your system and your RV water pump won’t turn off, then you have an issue that’s causing the water pump to not fully pressurize.

This is typically caused by the pressure cut-off switch we covered in reason 5 above, so follow those directions to adjust the pressure cut-off level.

If that doesn’t resolve the issue, you’ll need to either replace the pressure cutoff switch in your RV’s water pump.

If replacing the cutoff switch doesn’t work, you’ll need to then replace the entire water pump in your RV.

Wrapping Up What To Do If Your RV Water Pump Keeps Running

We hope this guide helped you to diagnose the reason why your motorhome water pump keeps running and you were able to get everything fixed up quickly and easily.

Do you have any tips or guidance for your fellow campers?  Let us know in the comments below.

While you’re here, check out our other helpful guides for common RV repairs and cool ideas to modify your rig:

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