Operating water in your rig is important for therefore many creature comforts. However when (not if) your RV plumbing has issues, you’ll be able to kiss these comforts goodbye.
Fortunately, a few of the commonest water line, faucet, and bathroom issues are comparatively straightforward to repair. Let’s go over methods you’ll be able to take a DIY method to these points, so you will get again to tenting in consolation.
5 Widespread RV Plumbing Issues You Can Simply Repair or Troubleshoot Your self
RVs have a few of the most elementary plumbing round. Just like a stick home however not as advanced, most issues are simply repaired by anybody with a do-it-yourself mentality and willingness to study. Let’s check out the 5 commonest issues you’re prone to encounter as an RVer.
1. Leaky water traces
Your RV’s water traces are a part of your RV plumbing that runs all through the unit to move recent water and wastewater. Freshwater traces are sometimes constructed from PEX plastic tubing, whereas wastewater traces sometimes use ABS plastic pipe.
Normally, the water traces are hidden beneath the ground of your RV. This makes the RV extra aesthetically pleasing, however it might additionally make repairs a bit tougher. You might have hassle accessing the water traces and can probably should work in a cramped house to repair them.
The most typical RV plumbing subject along with your water traces shall be leaks.
Left untreated, a water leak could cause extreme structural injury to your RV. So should you discover indicators of a leak, resembling moist spots, mildew development, and unsightly odors, it’s important to take swift motion to repair the problem.
Professional tip: You’ll know you could have a freshwater leak by turning off your metropolis water and turning in your water pump. If the pump incessantly activates, odds are you could have a leak.
To repair a leak, you’ll want a tubing cutter, substitute tubing for the part of the water line, and a becoming resembling a SharkBite becoming. Most RVs use 3/8″ or 1/2″ tubing for water traces.
First, establish the placement of the leak, then shut off your water system. Open your low spot drains to empty out the traces so that you keep away from getting moist when working.
Subsequent, use the tubing cutter to take away the broken tubing or becoming (notice: if the becoming is unhealthy you shouldn’t have to chop the tubing). Then connect the brand new part of tubing utilizing your chosen becoming.
2. Water pump issues
Water pumps present pressurized water to your RV plumbing system, and so they can current various issues.
In case your water pump appears to run, however no water comes out, it might point out a couple of completely different points, resembling the next:
- An empty freshwater tank: It could appear foolish, however it’s surprisingly straightforward to neglect to examine your water ranges. In case your tank gauge signifies it’s empty or low, then filling your tank could repair your pump subject.
- Free connections or broken traces: In case your freshwater tank is full, examine all of the connections to the water pump. In case you discover unfastened fittings or broken water traces, that is probably the supply of the problem. Exchange the broken sections (see the earlier part for directions) and it ought to repair the problem. Alternatively, traces could also be blocked; eradicating the blockage ought to repair the problem.
- A damaged water pump: If none of those are the problem, you could want to repair or substitute your water pump. Disconnect the water line from the stress aspect of the pump, and have a buddy toggle the pump on and off. If water solely trickles out, then your pump is damaged. If it comes out pressurized, you probably have a broken water line someplace between the pump and the tap, and also you’ll want to search out and substitute it. Or, it could possibly be a clogged filter on the decide up aspect of the pump.
In case your water pump is biking on and off even once you aren’t operating any taps, this probably signifies a leak in your water traces.
3. Bathroom issues
In case your RV has a flush bathroom, it may be a supply of many RV plumbing issues.
The most typical bathroom downside is a clog. Fixing this may be so simple as utilizing a plunger. For extra critical clogs, you’ll must cope with your black water tank:
- Shut the valve to the black water tank.
- Add water, then some holding tank cleaner to the tank.
- Let the cleaner sit for a minimum of 12 hours (or as much as 72 hours) – the longer the higher.
- Lastly, open the valve to empty the tank, then shut the valve rinse it out and reopen the valve.
One other frequent bathroom downside is leaking, both from the bottom or the hose connection.
If water is leaking from the bottom, you probably want to switch the flange seal, a hoop of rubber on the underside of the bathroom. To take action:
- Shut off the water to the bathroom.
- Flush the bathroom to empty it out.
- Take the bathroom off the ground (right here is the way you substitute an RV bathroom). Remember that In most all circumstances, you’ll need to disconnect the water line to be able to transfer the bathroom sufficient to achieve entry to the flange.
- Take away the outdated flange seal and set up the brand new one.
- Exchange the bathroom and activate the water.
If water is leaking from the hose connection, do the next:
- Flip off the water provide.
- Check the hose for leaks by operating water by it.
- Take away the hose meeting should you discover a leak. In that case, you’ll be able to repair it with some Eternabond tape as a short lived repair. In additional critical circumstances, you’ll want to purchase a brand new hose meeting.
Lastly, your bathroom valve that retains water within the bowl could get caught open. If that occurs, its very probably that gunk is the issue. Attempt eradicating the gunk with a gloved hand and gently cleansing across the gasket with a brush. Then you’ll be able to apply a silicone lubricant across the valve to maintain it shifting easily.
If that doesn’t resolve the issue, you’ll must shut off the water provide, take away the defective valve, and substitute it with a brand new one.
4. Leaky taps
One other frequent RV plumbing subject is a leaky faucet. In lots of circumstances, that is attributable to a buildup of minerals within the faucet, or it’s as a consequence of a awful washer or seal. Sadly, most plastics OEM RV water taps will not be repairable, nor do the elements exist to repair them. Don’t hassle making an attempt to repair this downside. It’s cheaper and sooner to only purchase a brand new RV water faucet and substitute it your self.
5. Metropolis water connection points
While you connect with a metropolis water connection, you could expertise water stress that’s too excessive, or too low.
Strain that’s too excessive can injury your RV plumbing. In case your campsite’s water stress is just too excessive (sometimes increased than 60 psi is an excessive amount of), you’ll must decrease the stress. Fortunately, this can be a fairly straightforward repair. Merely buy a water stress regulator and set up it to make sure the water stress all the time stays at a protected degree.
Professional tip: Set up it between the campground faucet and your non-toxic RV water hose and shield your hose too.
Low stress isn’t a menace to your RV plumbing, however it may be a significant annoyance. In case your stress is low, guarantee you could have the spigot all the way in which open, and that there are not any kinks within the hose. If neither of those fixes it, the problem is probably going on the campground’s finish. Attempt turning in your water pump and complement town water connection stress by way of water out of your RV pump / water tank.
Worst case situation, you’ll be able to all the time repair it besides discover a higher campsite.
Observe your RV upkeep
Whereas no one desires a leak of their RV, the excellent news is that with a little bit of know-how, it’s often a straightforward repair. By following the steps in our useful information, you’ll have the ability to repair the most typical RV plumbing points. With just some instruments, you’ll have the ability to tackle any points that come your approach.
Be sure to maintain observe of all of your RV upkeep and repairs with a web-based device resembling RV LIFE Upkeep. Not solely can you retain your whole paperwork in a single place, however you’ll additionally obtain well timed reminders when upkeep is due that can assist you keep away from pricey repairs and probably critical accidents.