RV Water Pump Replacement Do-It-Yourself

Before removing the water pump, it is important to verify that it needs replaced. Here are a few basic items to determine if the water pump is bad. For the water pump to function, the battery must be properly charged, there must be water in the fresh water tank and the city water hose disconnected, the pump switch (at monitor panel) must be on and a faucet must be turned on to put a demand on the system.  If all of this is in order, you should hear the pump running and water should be coming out of the faucet.  If this is not happening, we recommend checking the fuse in the distribution panel and if good, the pump is likely bad. 

Water pumps are usually located close to the convenience center where your water hookups are located and will require removing an access panel inside the RV or in the pass-through storage near the front.  Use a multimeter to verify there are 12 volts in the water pump before proceeding with the replacement.

Steps to remove the existing water pump:

  1. Turn off the pump switch
  2. Turn on the water heater bypass
  3. Remove the city water connection and drain the pressure from the lines by opening and closing any cold water faucet, or maybe 2.
  4. Open the low-point drains to get as much water out of the lines as possible to avoid a mess inside when you disconnect the water lines from the pump. NOTE: If your fresh tank is above or on the same level as the water pump, drain the fresh tank prior to disconnecting water lines from the pump. If this step is skipped, water damage may occur.
  5. Remove the screws holding the pump to the floor. Removing the screws now will make it easier to work on. Set them aside, as we will reuse them later.
  6. Using wire cutters, cut the bell cap connectors and prep the wires for the new pump. Strip ½” back.
  7. Unscrew the connections from the pump. (Water will still be in the hoses and pump; have towels handy.). You may need some pliers to loosen them up.  Once the lines are loose, visually check the O-rings. First, verify they are still there, and second, ensure they are not damaged and reusable.  If not, you’ll need to purchase locally before reassembling.

Steps to reassemble with a new water pump:

  1. You may notice a strainer on the inlet side of the pump that helps keep debris out of the pump.  If the new pump does not include this strainer, you can reuse the strainer on the new pump. Note: Not all pumps contain a strainer; it is just an added feature you may choose for your family. If yours has one, simply unthread and thread it onto the new pump, and it is ready to install.
  2. Secure the new pump to the floor and hand-tighten the water lines ¼ to 1/2 turn past tight. Strip the wire sheathing approximately ½” and reconnect the positive and negative wires to the new pump using bell caps. NOTE: It is important to clean and dry the area and water line fittings of any moisture before this next step.
  3. Close the low-point drains.
  4. Add water to the fresh tank.
  5. Turn the water heater bypass off.
  6. Turn the water pump switch on.
  7. Open a faucet and check for leaks at both water line fittings.  Use shop towels or some paper towel and even your fingers to check for leaks at the fittings. 
  8. Close the faucet, the pump should reach pressure and turn off.  
  9. Check for leaks again at both water line fittings. If there are no leaks, re-install the access panel and your good to go. 

That is all there is to it! Just a simple way we can help you camp better and stay out in the wild.