RV How To - Water Pump Check Valve Bypass - RV fresh water tank for beginners

[@HowToRV]

To see more on how the pump works, click here ---> kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKrIaJ6FbsiKrtU

[@dvalxnd]

😊lo

[@danware7681]

I have the same travel trailer and every time something crops up and I start searching around for answers, all roads lead back to your channel. Thanks for the work you’ve put in.

[@HowToRV]

That is the kindest thing someone has ever told me. I am super excited that I am able to help.

[@peterdanniels2310]

Thanks! A good, clearly explained solution (water pump bypass valve).

[@HowToRV]

You're welcome!

[@andrewanderson9477]

You saved me a huge hassle thank you

[@HowToRV]

Glad that my experiences could help

[@1StrangeAdventure]

Great tutorial and good job diagnosing and fixing! Hope I never have to crawl in mine and do that! Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@HowToRV]

Yeah crawling into that tight space wasnt easy since i am 6 foot tall...LOL

[@vannchapman9000]

Just got back from a trip and had this happen to me. Thanks for posting the video - I was going to put the valve between the pump and city water. Much easier to put the valve between the pump and tank.

[@HowToRV]

It has worked wonders for us. I just have to watch the campground water pressure a little closer to make sure I do not acquire any leaks. Glad the video was helpful.

[@kathy1846]

I've had this happen too many times. When I'm hooked up to campgrounds. Since it does not happen all the time ( but I now watch my fill tank.) But my thoughts. I Believe 1 the campgrounds shut the water off then back on. 2 I bumped the water pump button . If I go and undo the hose and reboot if ya will. That cheap check valve works again.. 5 I turn off the city water at bedtime and if leaving for anytime.. I'm lucky I can see my fresh water tank. From a outside door. Water pumps also right there. And it thankfully has some flexibility and the overflow. Water all over the ground aka waste if water and a mess. I like this idea. Let me know how it worked out for you in the long run.

[@HowToRV]

It’s been working good so far. Funny thing is that the built in check started working again. Now the valve is a backup

[@ArkansasWoodcutter]

Man, such simple solutions to issues that commonly occur. Thanks for the tip.

[@HowToRV]

Your so very welcome. I know that more expensive RV's may have this solution built in but for those that dont, its something to think about.

[@ThinBlueLaneRVLife]

You are incredibly smart. I am calling you next time I need a repair! :) You are a notch above, my friend!

[@HowToRV]

Why thank you...I have learned what i know from trial and error..I like to share to help others

[@RickGoodman1911]

I need to do this with ours. Noticed that some water is getting into the FW tank on my last trip. Wasn't a bunch and cycling the pump on and off seemed to help which meant there was some debris in the check valve most likely. Cleaned out the screen filter at the pump and there was some crap in there. Thankfully our water pump is behind a small panel under the fridge, not anything like you have to deal with to get to it. I did notice that you apparently had to return the sharkbite valve since that wouldn't work with the white hoses and had to go with the barbed. SharkBite's are great for PEX but the white braided stuff, not so much. Great video.

[@HowToRV]

Your right. I did have to return the shark bite. I would love your thought on sharkbite sittings. For some reason, i can not bring myself to trust them and a rolling and shaking RV. I have not tried them to secure that thought and would love your view on that subject.

[@RickGoodman1911]

@@HowToRV They seem to work very well for PEX. I’ve never had nor heard of any breaking loose. A small assortment of fittings and caps are good to keep for on the road repairs definitely in my opinion.

[@HowToRV]

@@RickGoodman1911 you are so right about that. Can you send me a list of fittings that you like to have on hand. This would make a good “How-To” video

[@RickGoodman1911]

@@HowToRV I think a good repair kit has a few 3 foot lengths of red and blue pex (I've also seen those used as a stir stick to break up a Poop Pyramid but that's a different YT video... ☺), and an assortment of SB fittings to include a cap, butt splice to repair a leak, and a ball valve (can double as a cap). Also a short length of the white braid and the same sort of barb fittings for the white braid. Should also include a PEX cutter for clean/easy cuts. Not 100% necessary but sharkbite makes a removal tool where you can remove SB's later on if you want to put something else on. How that sound?

[@HowToRV]

@@RickGoodman1911 that is exactly what I needed. When I get a chance to put all that together, and produce a video, I will surely let you know. Thank you for the support.

[@CumminsCamping]

Great diy. Fortunately, we have not had this happen yet, but I have thought about adding a valve just in case because we are usually hooked to city water. Thanks for sharing.

[@HowToRV]

Glad to hear that this video was helpful....Hope that you dont have the same issues

[@brianbelliveau5551]

Yea I have the same problem on a brand new keystone passport it was a leftover and I guess it’s get a new pump I’m still under warranty

[@HowToRV]

I agree. If you are unde warranty then they should cover it for you.

[@sharoncarleton1222]

We had brand new pump put in under warranty only to have the same thing happen the second time we used the trailer. Ergh!

[@computerfixer06]

Ahh that old cummins sounds beautiful! Not sure if it really makes it easier but on my camper you can fold back the bottom bunk mattress, pop out 2 screw, and remove the chunk of OSB over the pump. Either way its a tight location to work in!

[@HowToRV]

You're so right....I learned that after the upgrade. I now have that board setup so that i can access it anytime that I want to. Thanks.

[@johnwisniewski4402]

thanks you! Do you remember what size the hose end were? 5/8? i have same problem but my camper is 2 hours away on our land. Going to open it up in 2 weeks and need to do this...but its 2 hours away and i do not remember the size. thanks again for video

[@HowToRV]

I will check for sure and get back to you. If you would like, connect with me through email at [e-mail]

[@HowToRV]

Mine was half inch. The valve did not come witht he barbed ends. I bought the barbed ends and screwed them into the valve. Hope this works out on yours.

[@johnwisniewski4402]

Thanks. I bought the valve and both ends. That’s exactly what I needed. Thanks again

[@EatSleepRVRepeat]

Great details & DIY. Lou & Angie 💚❤

[@HowToRV]

Thanks....Hopefully no one else has to go through that themselves...

[@danieleaster9131]

I had the same problem with my Keystone Outback 2010 and with 3 rd in place problem solved. I had already had Camci by-pass valve in stalled inlet side of the pump coming from fresh water tank. No leaks and pump runs good. I make sure by-pass valve is in up position closing off FW tank from filling. Anti freeze can be pump thru pass valve from inside travel trailer winterizing whenever. Thanks for input about leaking by check valve and city water pressure to high causing problems.

[@HowToRV]

I like the idea about adding an inlet at that location for winterizing. I may have to make thatt modification myself. Thanks as well.

[@danieleaster9131]

I can't believe how hard it was for you to get to water pump from the storage area. There should be an access cover from inside coach. A lot new RV's tech are telling owners to fill fresh water tank with antifreeze to winterize unit. I first use 30 lbs air pressure blow out all lines and then use by pass valve Camco to siphon from jug antifreeze thru lines. Double sure and protected.

[@HowToRV]

@@danieleaster9131 that’s exactly what needs to happen. Your so right

[@jimspicer2986]

You seem well versed with rv water systems and hope you can help. I thought I had a pump issue so I bought a new pump, and that didn't change a thing. When I'm hooked up to city water, all is well. When using my fresh water and pump, all I get is air, surging, hammering, and lousy pressure. I've checked every line coming to the pump, along with the strainer. No leaks anywhere inside or out. This started this spring but luckily I've been on city water every time we've been out this summer. Any ideas, tips, or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@HowToRV]

If you can, try rigging a hose to the inlet side of the pump and put the other end of the hose in a full 5 gallon bucket of water. if the pump runs ok, then you know that the issue is between the pump and the fresh water tank. If it doesn't fix the problem then its either the pump Brand new can still be faulty) or down the line somewhere. On the inlet side, it is hard to find leaks because the leak would be air getting into the line vs water leaks. Hope this helps.

[@MishMashMoto]

Agreed, Likely an inlet obstruction, crack, or fitting leak in your inlet line/hose.

[@KapKen]

This video helped us, we were having this issue and your video helped turned out we had the value just needed to turn it so that the water is not filling up the fresh water tank. THANKS!!! #KapKen

[@jasoncofield4949]

Any time. I am glad that the video was able to help.

[@HowToRV]

Was the valve pre installed on your RV?

[@TheArtofRVing]

Dude, you can do anything. Thanks for the video

[@HowToRV]

The Art of RVing Thank you. I thought this would be good info for all. We call it leveraged learnings.

[@HappyPlaceDiaries]

Great information.. Thanks for a good video. Glad our pump is by the bed.. a lot easier to get to.. you did a great job! Thanks again

[@HowToRV]

Happy Place Diaries I really appreciate it. I have to create a door to make access easier.

[@ghostpepperrides4805]

As a safety first r the pump I think I would put another switch for pump power close to the valve. Turn valve to crash tank and turn on pump switch at same time. Then control pump from inside.

[@HowToRV]

Thats a great idea. Thank you for the recommendation.

[@nancythinbluelanervlife]

Good video ! That is a great tip. Keep them coming !

[@HowToRV]

Thank you for the kind words. We are learning as we go so sharing is a must

[@chapmansus1]

Great video so much good information on your channel, keep them coming 👍😀

[@HowToRV]

We sure will keep them coming..Thanks

[@garyg4959]

I just bought a 2021 Cherokee Wolf Pup 16 FQ and had a similar issue from day one! My fresh water tank was filling even though I was using city water. There were videos about freeing up the check valve by running the pump...that didn't work. I looked at my pump and saw a strainer, thinking that was a check valve. Glad I didn't change it :) Is the check valve actually built into the pump? I also think I saw a cut off valve on the line that feds the fresh water tank. Could Forest River have decided to add a cut off or am I looking at something else?

[@HowToRV]

These are all great questions. From what I can tell from mine, the check is built into the strainer but to sure. The pump does not have a check built in that I can tell. When I added the inline valve, I knew without a doubt that it would take care of the issue. I too watched a ton of videos and none of them worked for me and I did not want to keep buying pumps. With this fix, i have had no more issues. If yours had has a valve between the tank and the pump, it would hurt to give it a try and see what happens through a little trial and error. If you are going to try it out, do not run the pump for more than a couple of seconds just in case there is no water there. Hope this helps.....😀

[@garyg4959]

Update: After contacting Cheyenne Camping, where I purchased mine, they informed me the check valve is indeed inside the pump! They sent me a replacement since it is under warranty. I haven't made the switch yet but expect it will solve the problem. If I still am experiencing the same thing I will certainly install a valve and not worry about it anymore.

[@HowToRV]

You have my curosity. I would love to hear what the outcome is. Will you be using the original strainer as well. Also, Once you take out the old pump, are you going to take it apart to see how it works internally?

[@gmr228]

👍 but no need to have antifreeze in the fresh water tank, just needs draining right?

[@HowToRV]

That’s true for us. It is important to flush the fresh water tank several times to get all of the antifreeze out. You do not want that in your fresh water for drinking purposes.

[@anthonysigman6138]

I wonder if you can find a directional valve or check valve to install in place of that quarter turn valve? This would allow water to flow from the fresh water tank to the pump but not the pump to the tank. This would automate the process and eliminate the risk of forgetting and running that pump dry.

[@HowToRV]

I had thought about doing that. The reason for going this direction is to reduce most if not all water restriction to the pump. Check valves tend to have same flow restrictions. For all intended purposes though, a check valve would work just fine.

[@jamesg2485]

What if u dont use the pump? Will this cause the problem of filling up the portable tank and have water leaking out the side of camper

[@HowToRV]

That is what happened to me. I was using the city water connection and after about 4 days, the fresh water tank had filled and I found out because I saw water coming out of the overflow.

[@jamesg2485]

@HowToRV so do I need to leave pump on ?

[@joebradley3532]

Great video thank you I learned a lot

[@HowToRV]

You are very welcome

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Oh jeez. I hope we don’t have to worry about that. Good to know how to check it and fix it - for Larry to fix 🤣. I will have to ask Larry about this. We have a Grand Design Solitude 2017 so it probably has already what is needed to prevent this. Alice

[@HowToRV]

Downsizing Makes Cents A solitude. Can I just say that I am jealous. 😛

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Imagine Your Odyssey We bought it used so don’t be too jealous. 🤣Alice

[@AcmeRacing]

In most of these the check valve is in the pump head. I'm having the same trouble, but I'm going to fix or replace the pump and retain the original functionality of the system.

[@HowToRV]

If you have not already replaced the pump, Something that worked for me (Done on accident but worked) is to connect the city water and turn it on - With the city water on and fresh water tank full, run the pump and water inside the RV, Turn the pump off and run the water again. Do this a few times and it may clear the issue. Like i said, I did this because I wasnt paying attention to what I had on but to my amazement, it worked. I do not know why but it did. Hope this helps.

[@rvfix2211]

Nice project, as of yet I have not had to touch my valve.. well except for a leak on the hose connections at the pump.

[@HowToRV]

How or what did you do to fix it?

[@OutdoorJunky0]

Thanks for the video!

[@HowToRV]

You bet!

[@tailsupcharlie4273]

Great video. Thanks

[@HowToRV]

Glad you liked it!

[@travisgorley8248]

Thanks I have the same problem this helps a lot

[@HowToRV]

No problem 👍

[@ussrebyrd1966]

Do you know where the water pump is for Forest river 38fkok sierra, thanks if you can help me.

[@HowToRV]

I do not but if the pump will run then you can trace the sound. If the pump does not work then check behind an internal panel somewhere close to where the water fill ports are. Hope this helps.

[@ussrebyrd1966]

@@HowToRV thank you

[@HowToRV]

your welcome

[@tflag8950]

My The You have the ONLY video that I believe solves my problem! Plus your explanation is easy to understand. But uuugh! I am NOT looking forward to emptying out my storage space! IDK if it’s possible 4u to put a schematic up... but with your lines being white & mine were re-done in blue & red a few years back... I’m still not sure where MY correct spot for this is. Maybe it will become more clear after I empty my storage and get in there? I am getting NO WATER, and my tank was full, which I emptied before parking where I currently am. I can’t figure out why the hose is full pressure yet nothing coming ouwt... inside the RV. ?? I did have a creepy ex-con next to me who moved the nite b4 the water stopped & I can’t help but wonder if he did “something” to be a jerk since we had our share of head butting.?? My pump is reachable by opening the hatch. Sure regret not fixing that lock now!

[@HowToRV]

This is surely a crazy circumstance. I will try to help if i can. Go to my website at www.ImaginYourOdyssey.com and connect with me there. I will try to get in touch that way. It is a lot more private that way.

[@dailledenis5919]

My dear my name is jeff from Haiti I'm your new subscriber

[@HowToRV]

Daille Denis thank you and I hope this channel brings you much information.

[@infinityrc8651]

Excellent vid bro thx

[@HowToRV]

I am glad it was helpful. Did you have similar issues?

[@sic-n-tiredtired4273]

Great video very informative but I'm confused you had an orange handled shut-off valve at Home Depot and you installed the blue handled one ? Was that just going from your freshwater tank to the pump ? And I didn't see this city holes going back into the pump ? I'm trying to do the same exact thing now so any extra help would be great thank you

[@HowToRV]

I used the blue handle because it was made to work with water. Also, yes i put the valve betwen th tank and pump inlet

[@sic-n-tiredtired4273]

@@HowToRV ok great thank you

[@marksanchez952]

Very helpful I subscribed and I hit the like

[@HowToRV]

Awesome, thank you!

[@JANNETTYRACING]

a much simpler solution is a 1 way check valve in the water tank line so water can only flow toward the pump from the fresh water tank.

[@HowToRV]

I agree but the flow rate is impeded and I did not ant to starve the pump on the inlet side. Most check valves have a 25% reduction in flow. With the size of the water line and limited flow when more than one faucet or shower is on at the same time, I opted for this solution. Your Thoughts?

[@JANNETTYRACING]

@@HowToRV Many 1 way valves are full flow.

[@bobpowell9397]

Is there a reason you did not install a one way check valve?

[@HowToRV]

The main reason is to not restrict flow when the pump pulls water from the tank. With a valve, I know that I will get the same flow as if the valve wasn’t even there. My worry is that if there is a restriction of water getting to the pump, then it would not last as long.

[@Oldtech51]

They make a check valve that goes on the pump and the line screws on the check valve.

[@HowToRV]

I do agree. In looking at different types from gravity fed check valves, pressure release and control check valves, spring loaded check valves and auto release check valves, they all restrict a certain amount of flow. I opted for this because I want no restrictions at all. Your thought?

[@michelfortin6742]

Thank you very much... helpfull!!!

[@HowToRV]

Anytime. Glad it was helpful

[@wildfire294]

Well, I'm having issues and this is where I landed. I have flipped the levers and plugged water supply into the two different spots and both fill up fw tank 🥴

[@HowToRV]

I am am guessing that on yours, no matter how to set up the levers, it still relys on the back flow at the water pump to not backfill the fresh water tank.

[@channelremoved1917]

Smart fix.

[@HowToRV]

Thanks. It is something that more expensive RVs have built in but definitely needed for mine

[@channelremoved1917]

@@HowToRV you have a pragmatic approach. I love it.

[@calvinbostickcb]

What valve did you use? And where did you get it from? Great video

[@HowToRV]

I used a regular inline ball valve with female pipe threads, I then taped and screwed in the barbed hose fittings. I then cut the hose coming from the freshwater tank and inserted it there. When I am on city water, I would turn off the valve keeping it from going into the fresh water tank. I have found though, after using the fresh water tank pump over the last few trips, the water back flowing into the tank has stopped. If you watch the video about the fresh water tank drain, you will see how I can easily keep an eye on it. Hope this answers your question.

[@michaelchapman1494]

Great video thanks for sharing

[@HowToRV]

Anytime..Hope you will be able to take this information and pass it on for others to use

[@DM-fs9zg]

You can actually put an in line check valve in, that way you don't have to worry about cutting the valve on and off 😉

[@HowToRV]

Your very right, I went this way mostly because of flow rate in the suction side of the pump. In my configuration, I have to have it on the side of the pump that would pull from the fresh water tank. I thought about putting in a check valve on that side but i did not want to restrict water flow from a ball and spring check valve. They also make flap release check valves but that would be to large for the application. Since i do not change the configuration very often, i went with the quarter turn ball valve. What are your thought?

[@sandrahenry7372]

Thankyou

[@HowToRV]

You’re welcome 😊

[@danallanson5990]

Great Video! The only thing was the music is not required when you are talking and is annoying.

[@HowToRV]

I completely agree. I have recieved similar feedback over time. The newer videos that i have been making as of late, do not have any music in them. I have done some promotional videos for sponsors that require it, but other than that, I have stopped using the music add on. I have a new video series starting out this saturday at 4 pm est. I would love your feedback on them. The series will consist of 3 videos of the next 3 weeks. Again, Thanks for the feedback.

[@danallanson5990]

@@HowToRV Subscibed!

[@peterdanniels2310]

whiner!

[@porterwake3898]

I put one in line and water STILL gets back into the pump.

[@HowToRV]

Can you explain more about water getting back to the pump? The purpose of mine was to prevent water from getting back to the fresh water tank.

[@Bwanar1]

I can't believe you put the valve behind the panel AND all that crap to move, every time. If you wanted to resort to that "fix" as opposed to replacing the pump, which does it automatically; the least you could have done was to relocate that valve to the outside of the panel (or on the panel itself). Also, the valve you came out of the store with, wasn't the one you used to do the repair. That was quite confusing.

[@HowToRV]

I went and made an access panel on the lower bunk where the valve is located so it is very easy to access. The reason for the valve versus just changing the pump is because of cost and reliability concerns. I did not want to have to go through pump after pump. Sorry about the confusing valve purchase, i actually had bought a few different types to make sure that i had something that would work. I guess i could have done a better job explaining that in the video. I must say though, you are very attentive and thank you for the constructive feedback.

[@sampri22]

I would be interested who built that RV. It looks quite professional in the inside, but oh god, the water solution is terrible.

[@HowToRV]

The RV is made by forest river. The model is a Grey Wolf 26DBH. Can you elaborate on you comment about the water solution?

[@Reddog1255]

Just put a check valve in there, who wants to remove everything to turn valve

[@HowToRV]

Check valves restrict flow. Flow restriction on the inlet side of the pump are not good. The flow restrictions are around 30% which means you you need more GPMs. To get similar flow rates. That’s why I went with the valve.

[@RobertPreston-v8b]

@@HowToRVhow about put a 2 splitter and add a second line with a second check vale then be at 60 percent and tie both lines into the one line for more volume

[@dvalxnd]

🚒🚒😊

[@HowToRV]

YW

[@SCGATOR2001]

NEVER EVER put a shutoff valve in the suction of a pump. The pump may be designed to run dry but still, NEVER DO THIS!

[@HowToRV]

I completely understand your comment but it has been working for me for years. Although, if i was to forget and leave the valve closed, you are correct that it could damage the pump.

[@prinstercalijan4814]

You are so smart how to fix it,hope you can give me a gift,i give some gift there.seeya thanks.

[@HowToRV]

Thanks and sure

[@bigjeep2195]

Why not clean the check valve in the water pump? This whole video is a waste of time and gives bad information. If anyone has this problem, remove the check valve on the side of your water pump and clean it out, that will work 99% of the time. DO NOT chop into your plumbing lines people.

[@HowToRV]

If you look up the model # of most common pumps, there isn’t an external check valve. I have contacted them on this matter. They recommend to keep buying new ones. This was my experience and shared a money saving alternative.