Check And Replace A Failed RV Water Pump

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Certified Mobile RV Technician, Darren Koepp, was called out to investigate why this water pump was making noise but not building pressure. To verify whether the water pump had failed or if there was a leak in the hose to the pump, Darren walks you through how to do what he calls the "Kool-Aid test." Watch to see what he finds out.
If you are in need of RV Repairs in the Olympic Peninsula area of Washington state, submit a service request on our website at myrvworks.com today!
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[@hrodgers8556]

Thank you again!!!!! Filled the fresh water tank and tried the pump no hum but the pump was leaking around the head of the pump and spade connectors!!!! Replaced the pump eureka we have water!!! Haha I have now replaced the fresh water pump and required the water heater and furnace heater and replaced the gaskets for the furnace igniter/hot air inlet. I wish I could have had easy access like you but I’m a cornbread fed country boy haha!!!! Thank you again for these videos. Stop showing me stuff to fix its hunting season in Mississippi haahhaah

[@Kiptanui]

Reason I watch these videos is for the extra knowledge, and you have provided yet again. As a Mobile rv tech myself, I love new tips I can add to my tool bag. A drill battery? Brilliant

[@MyRVWorks]

Thanks for watching brother I'm sure we can all learn tips and tricks from each other out there.

[@LilyoftheValeyrising]

Oh my gosh thanks for mentioning the pressure switch adjustment! My old pump was also doing that before my husband froze our camper up. That’s good to know!

[@williamfry6087]

Dont drink their KoolAid! Your info is so practical and helpful, thank you! Your 12 volt hack is great.

[@LilyoftheValeyrising]

I love your method of testing the pump with the Dewalt battery. Literally yesterday my son bought us a Dewalt tree trimmer 8” chainsaw thing and it has those same batteries. Now I can probably use your testing trick to test things on my cars. Very cool idea. I always used long test leads. I like your idea better. Thanks

[@LilyoftheValeyrising]

To clarify/ my problem is my husband didn’t winterize the popup we have and it blew out most of the plumbing! Now guess who gets to fix it… 😠

[@MyRVWorks]

Just make sure your battery for your DeWalt is 12 volts and not 18 or 20 volts.

[@LilyoftheValeyrising]

@@MyRVWorks thank you! I actually checked it after I posted and it is 20! So I won’t use it to test.

[@zrkn1]

Thank you Darren it's very nice of you to put these videos up. Have a great week!

[@MyRVWorks]

Thanks for the comment. Happy camping.

[@rfar933]

Thank u , Can it be tested dry? Can an 18v battery also be used?

[@ShepherdsChapelonYT]

Do you have to prime the new pump before you install it or is that always not necessary

[@terryraines9952]

I have a 2011 Palamino P-2100 and slow water flow , the pump is 2 years old and works fine, is there a screen at the end of the pickup hose inside the water tank? love your VD btw

[@bosoxer4eva]

Great video!! 4 years ago and still helping us out! :)

[@MyRVWorks]

Great to hear!

[@ShepherdsChapelonYT]

Could I do a similar test to bench test the water pump and rule it out if it's cycling intermittently every couple of hours and I cannot find a leak? If so how?

[@floydtemeyer7681]

On another video I saw the same pump I have that looks a lot like this on. He took pump apart and found a stuck outlet valve... I found the same thing in mine, the valve got stuck over winter. Saved buying another $85 pump.

[@waynehurley1219]

You are right the outlet valve can stick from not being used most people camp with full hook ups pump is only used when sanitizing water system or winterize system

[@EverythingAdventure]

Ok for same problem figured it was water pump after taking it apart cleaning it I realized how simple It is, everything should still be fine no visible damage. I Unscrewed out feed and ran it With tank hose connected and it primed it self water stated shooting out. Try this first. I’ll Keep my replacement pump As a spare

[@MechanicMark613]

Could it also be the pressure valve? Or diaphragm?

[@mikedillon7268]

I was surprised the filter wasn't on the inlet side of the pump! Great trick with the Dewalt battery!!! Thanks for the great vid!!

[@MyRVWorks]

Oh, but the filter is on the inlet side of the pump. Not sure how it shows up in the video but that's where it's at. Thanks for watching happy camping

[@bzab334]

There can be several ex fix issues with rv pumps. Blockages and stuck valves are very common. Probably should do a little disassembly of the pump before dropping $ on a new one.

[@joehead1294]

Not sure that's an option when you need to guarantee the repair. Would be nice to know the failure though.

[@richiebailey282]

All the info i needed right here! Thanks for the video

[@JohnnyRacerX]

I have the same pump and just went thru a winterization process where the pump was good, but lost its prime (and hence would not suction RV antifreeze). Had to throw several attempts at forcing water to the pump eventually "jump starting" the prime with a turkey baster! Don't give up on the pump too quickly unless you KNOW that its bad. They can be a little finicky as I have discovered...

[@DedricT96]

I’ve never heard a water pitcher being referred to as a kool aid jug. I love it 😂

[@davidlang1804]

Having an issue with my pump right now. Mine sounds exactly like the one in your video and I’m assuming that it’s a bad pump. My pump is normally much louder. When you have a water supply problem does the sound of the pump change?

[@lestherruiz]

I am connected to city so I don't have a need for the pump right. What else can I check i don't get any water into the RV.

[@raelenegarrison2474]

Your videos are always so helpful

[@terrymutant3581]

good shot of the trailer hitch

[@rbo350]

you need a table or you can use the tailgate...I would like to see you take the pump apart to see the failure and if you can fix it

[@melodyprice2731]

Have u ever had to deal with water coming out of the fresh water connection?

[@lisacooper2818]

I have a 2004 Rockwood Camper and can not get water to come through camper

[@katherineprice9512]

I replace my RV water pump because the other one had cracked and was leaking water inside Aaron I was wondering what else other than checking on the hot water heater what other steps do I need to do to be sure that I can put water to the RV hopefully not have leaks I did run into a problem where I had a leaky faucet on the tub I'm having to replace that fought because the connectors on the back where everything screws together had shattered basically I started taking all the part and they were falling apart in my fingers anything else I need to Be watchful and mindful of when putting water to an RV for the first time in four years thanks

[@bthomas229]

I have a pump that won’t kick on until pressure is at like 0 psi. Turn on kitchen sink and pump doesn’t turn on until water is at almost just a drip. Then when pump does kick on it sputters lots of air too. Think I got a bad pump or what?

[@guydudebro8834]

A "Short Circuit" reference! I'm a subscriber now! :-)

[@dougsala4175]

The water taste like plastic in our RV when we are hooked up to city water in the RV parks, do you have any helpful hints to correct this issue?

[@IndianaFr0g]

I'd love to see a faucet replacement and maybe related by not using the "pex" type clamps. I believe those clamps require a special tool to crimp?

[@sanjeevmehan2019]

Very helpful, loved the short circuit reference !

[@goalie2998]

Do you recommend teflon tape on the threaded connectors? Also my tank has a line with a T in it about 4 inches above the pump the second line above the pump simply ends in a thumb screw connector similar to the one that connects at the pump. I assumed this was for a vacuum break, but also noticed the tank is vented. Is this t required ? Should I simply replace the tube from the tank to the pump when I replace the pump?

[@josephmyers1492]

Can't see what your doing while testing the pumps. Out of camera view. BUT great idea for a 12v power supply. Thanks

[@michaelchappell5289]

I began winterizing my RV and when I initially turned the pump on it was sucking antifreeze into the lines. I went inside to turn on the hot and cold lines for each facet, but when I returned outside my antifreeze jug had tipped over and the hose was no longer in the jug. I immediately placed the hose back into a new open jug of antifreeze but was getting no suction. I turned the pump off waited a couple minutes then turned it back on and am still not getting any suction. what would you recommend?

[@johnhughes3912]

My water pump is making an enormous racket....almost sounds like its chattering. Water pumps ok...but the sound is really loud. It has been inactive for almost two years.... do they have diaphrams inside that could be dry? Time to replace?

[@hungryguyonabicycle]

Ok.... good video... but now I have a new pump and it's not priming. What do I do?

[@industrialexitstrategist2022]

My water pump goes on off on off!! Only way to shut it off, turn off power switch!! Hmmm...i have plenty of water pressure when shower etc are on. Since I have strong flow, does that mean pump is good, yet have pin holes in water line(s).?

[@1pcinoregon]

He could always just use the battery in your RV also good video buddy

[@phillipfeldsott6742]

Darren If you could actually show the removal of the pump and the installation of anything you replace. I have a 1993 fleetwood Tioga with a 7.5 litre motor. Going in to replace the pump did not look like that. Spider kill first day then air out then go in etc. It’s more realistic and true for me it would help. I was born 2-26-1970 so I relate. Thank you Also do you have a video on any rig like my motor I am trying to do my engine water pump 93 e350 7.5L One of The best motors Ford ever built, fact check that.

[@Kai-y7y1f]

What is the little 12v battery pack with wire terminals? I want to buy one. I couldn't find it on the author's Parts and Tools list.

[@mlo527]

Standard dewalt 12v battery

[@josephineclayton3304]

What causes the water to gush out of the tank and city water outlet at the same time??

[@kevinconnor6921]

Not venting?

[@patrickpacheco1247]

Very helpful and thanks now I want to watch short circuit. 😂

[@ronmcdaniel1583]

Just located you and subscribed. Thanks for your videos. Easy to understand, some good jokes. I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer.

[@joeowen1429]

Great video Darren, but I was hoping to see you have to troubleshoot the "Low Side Latching Controller" for no pump when the switch(s) are activated, from any switch location. Our Class A Holiday Rambler's water pump will not turn on when any of its 3 switches are turned on, but the little red light illuminates by the switch. Am I down to replacing the pump?

[@MyRVWorks]

Hi Joe, Your question has been selected for an upcoming video where it will be read and discussed by Darren - Certified RV Tech and online personality for the 'My RV Works' videos. If you have not already subscribed to the 'My RV Works' KZbin channel, please do so and keep a watch for the ‘RV Tech Talk’ video releases. This series is a selection of comments and questions that will be covered and released weekly. Here is our KZbin link: kzbin.info Happy Camping, My RV Works Media Team

[@1whitefeather508]

did you have to replace pump?

[@hatteraslabuf]

I have a similar situation with my pump where I was getting very little water and a lot of air to my faucets. The water in the freshwater tank was full. When I took off the intake line to the pump, very little water was coming through the pipe. But, I similarly tested the pump and it sucked water out of a 5 gallon bucket. Suspecting a clogged water line, I hooked up an air line from a compressor and blew air into the pipe, back to the tank. Apparently, there was an obstruction in the pipe as whatever it was got blown back into the freshwater tank. I reconnected the line and the pump system worked for a short period of time. But, the line got clogged a day later. All I can figure is that when they drilled the holes into the plastic tank for water level sensors, intake and supply hoses, they didn’t blow out the debris. And, that is how it sits today. I’ll have to figure out how to clean the debris from inside of a 2-tank freshwater system. There is a 1-1/4” equalizing hose between the 2 tanks. After I get that fixed, I believe there is also a cracked water hose in the commode, as well. Being that the RV resided most of the time in Florida but was moved to North Carolina, I suspect that my uncle never winterized the coach. So, there may be some cracked lines, as well. Hope to see a video in the future on finding/repairing lines that cracked due to freezing. Thanks for sharing your knowledge on RV’s as I am a newbie and most everything needs attention. You are my go-to channel for RV repair !!! Thanks 👏

[@MyRVWorks]

Thanks for the vote of confidence. Sorry you're having that issue with your RV. That would be a difficult one to try to figure out. As far as finding leaks, I use air pressure. Here's a video where I demonstrate that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n166e5xpr513fbM

[@gaillewis3324]

We have suction but still no water in rv 😢

[@anastasiacline6826]

will having the pump mounted flat on the floor instead of vertical on the wall affect its performance?

[@CalebM-Music]

No

[@sldoyel]

Darren...thanks SO much for the video. I learned a lot. I would like to purchase the Dewalt 12-volt tool you used to test the pump. Looks like a very handy device for RVs. I looked on your Parts and Tools link but didn't see it. Any help or advise is welcomed.

[@MyRVWorks]

amzn.to/3qTbDeC

[@sldoyel]

@@MyRVWorks Thanks SO MUCH!

[@WeekendRVing]

Very helpful to us with having issue with our water pump.

[@mauricemcloughlin8261]

Love it. Such common sense. Never thought of it. Thanks man.

[@kenthompson6587]

Why was the diaphragm not tested or replaced That was a quick EXPENSIVE repair

[@TerrydeAlaska]

Darren do you talk about being connected to city water and having a problem overflowing the onboard water tank in any of your videos? I have this problem this morning. I suspect its the check valve inside the 12 volt water pump that is allowing the city water to back-flow through the pump and fill my onboard water tank...Do you discuss this in any of your videos ? Thanks

[@billmartin4602]

Hey Terry, I had the same problem you are describing. I took the head off the pump cleaned the seating surface for the check valve, still leaked by. I ended up buying and installing a check valve in line between the pump and the city supply, problem solved.

[@MyRVWorks]

Hi Traveling Terry, Your question has been selected for an upcoming video where it will be read and discussed by Darren - Certified RV Tech and online personality for the 'My RV Works' videos. If you have not already subscribed to the 'My RV Works' KZbin channel, please do so and keep a watch for the ‘RV Tech Talk’ video releases. This series is a selection of comments and questions that will be covered and released weekly. Here is our KZbin link: kzbin.info Happy Camping, My RV Works Media Team

[@imcurious1009]

Great narration!

[@johngoold1218]

Double thumbs up for simple explanations!

[@johngerrard8912]

Good video. I suspect I have the same ussue.

[@SubaruXkh]

Where does it place a water tank, sir?

[@Wagthetail]

Thanks Darren, great video.

[@DAPICO33]

Good video

[@CrazyCanuckFitness]

great info

[@jordancaleb5790]

great vid thanks!

[@chrisac9001]

thanks gor ur time and videos

[@MyRVWorks]

You're welcome, thanks for watching. Happy camping

[@keith2964]

I use a hose like your blue one when I winterize. Cool channel, Subbed. 🚝👍

[@daviscrt]

Thank you for the videos

[@MyRVWorks]

You're very welcome, thanks for watching. Happy camping

[@duvaughnyisrael2376]

Awesome

[@calpal9983]

Thanks for this!

[@coreybabcock2025]

Nope if air is in the line pump won't shut off ask me how I know

[@SeanDIY]

Good stuff. My pump was making noise so I was thinking it had to be good. Probably have the same issue you showed. I get lots of air and for a bit got water spurring out and it never got quiet.

[@randy1203]

Darn the camera shot was too high, I missed the most important aspect of the video.

[@toodles5683]

Does it ever stop raining 🌧 in Washington State? Seem like every video of yours that I have watched, it’s raining.

[@MyRVWorks]

LOL, that's just the way to keep cool when you're on the job site. I'll take the liquid Sunshine any day.

[@Scorpiomary]

Cool coolaid test. Enjoyed your vlog

[@MyRVWorks]

Hey Kool-Aid, oh yeah. LOL

[@M0gley1111]

OH YEAH! This mans got the kool aid for our problems 0:47

[@ShaneLinkMarshall]

Definitely helped

[@MyRVWorks]

Hi Fleetwood Pounder, We are so glad to hear that our videos were able to help you! If you would like to support us please consider becoming an "RV Community Supporter" on our Patreon site: www.patreon.com/myrvworks Happy Camping, My RV Works Media Team

[@PhilipHousel]

New pump was "jones"ing to drink the koolaid. ;)

[@MyRVWorks]

Hey Kool-Aid oh yeah LOL

[@roge715]

Then you will replace the diaphragm and put it for sale at 65 bucks online

[@rogerscottcathey]

so, remove siphon hose, stick finger over intake. No suction. Solved issue, no need for water jug.

[@donspoor8367]

Where did you purchase your knee pads. They look like you could ware them all day.

[@DarrenKoepp360]

Here you go: myrvworks.com/resources/darrens-tool-list/#ppe

[@garyduran1]

Your Kool! great video thanks

[@Edpalomares54]

Hell I can’t even find my pump in my 2018 fleetwood flair, spent all afternoon looking inside, finally gave up. My pump won’t even turn on, I checked the fuse no problem, can’t check the pump cuz I can’t find it..lol HELP !

[@81fernandez]

Check along side the master bedroom bed. On my trailer I have these step style shelf’s and on one side the bottom step lefts up. Hope that helps

[@bobmirror7164]

So take the pump and motor apart and show us the guts and physics behind the pump.

[@dontask8979]

My fresh water tank is exposed outside. I wanna make a "kool-aid" straw with a 3 way valve for my "Input" side. It gets to freezing I can shut off the outside and turn on the koolaid straw, and have the end in a portable water tank on the inside.

[@MyRVWorks]

They have winterization kits you can add to a water pump. That might be exactly what you're looking for.

[@powerbookg4apple]

I’m struggling to find out how to turn my on same pump as u have bought a new one as think it’s broken is there a switch somewhere on the actually pump ?

[@MyRVWorks]

Howdy, Your question has been selected for an upcoming video where it will be read and discussed by Darren - Certified RV Tech and online personality for the 'My RV Works' videos. If you have not already subscribed to the 'My RV Works' KZbin channel, please do so and keep a watch for the ‘RV Tech Talk’ video releases. This series is a selection of comments and questions that will be covered and released weekly. Here is our KZbin link: kzbin.info Happy Camping, My RV Works Media Team

[@Rohan-yc9ir]

My pump won't run 1999 Fleetwood bounder

[@robertrozzell6770]

I wished the pump would have been in the video frame.

[@franciscoburgos787]

Turn to ✌🏼 (navy veteran right there)

[@MyRVWorks]

Semper Fi brother

[@nathanurick8320]

Wouldn’t it be just as simple as just putting your finger over the end of the water line to see if the pump is sucking. If it is I would think the pump is good and if not then it’s bad. This gets rid of all that battery and water jug

[@erikcable1755]

let's look at a show...working in the rain

[@chuckmac6541]

Why not just to replace the head of the pump instead of the whole pump

[@MyRVWorks]

Good question. I only stock the entire pump assembly in my service trailer and it comes with my 90 day workmanship warranty and the 1+ year mfg warranty. So, I just replace the whole thing when I am in the field and move on to the next customer. If it were on my personal RV, I had more time and was not paying $150/hr for a service call I may have taken the head apart and either tried to fix it or just replace the broken parts. Most of my customers don't want to pay for the bench time that would end up costing more than a new pump.

[@choimdachoim9491]

When oh when are you going to mark "plus" on your little battery with a permanent marking pen? Personally, dealing with people's potable water-system I'd use a cleaner kool-aid pitcher and keep my hands out of it. I'm in the process of tracing the fill-pipe to my water-tank so I can replace the rotted hose and it looks like I have to cut through the floor under the bed to reach where it attaches to the tank. (1990 Holiday Rambler Imperial.) I was amazed that the exact 30 year old fill-pipe was available online at Tweety's.

[@almightywhitey6955]

good work charlie. brown ii’ll drink ur cool aid anytime

[@davidtunnicliff5442]

you drank cool aid out of that jug? yikes.

[@DuTangTheCryptoSurfr]

🙏🏻🤙🏼

[@shermananderson700]

There are some rough parts in this video…rough to see because he is working away from camera and rough to hear because he talks much too fast. He understands what he is doing and saying but he is not in tune with his audience.

[@happyhouse5132]

video je da narod ni na sta ne reaguje. tek ce da radi sta mu se kaze

[@davinreeves]

Hey KoolAid! LOLOLOLOLOL

[@joebloe1401]

It is quite obvious that the sugar in the Kool-Aid damaged your brain and you are now babbling incoherently about pumps! Please seek help as soon as possible - and don't forget to take your meds!

[@coreybabcock2025]

Shurflo 2088 is a junk pump the 4008 is better

[@chrishoff1360]

Thats not kool-aid

[@sabinomontoya4679]

Nice but what if it's a electrical problem you didn't bring that up in your theases

[@WildlifePatrol]

FYI don’t try to be funny