RV Plumbing Maintenance: Prevent Leaks and Keep Water Flowing
RV plumbing problems can ruin a trip and cause serious water damage. Here is how to maintain your system and catch problems before they become expensive.
RV plumbing is simpler than residential plumbing, but it has its own quirks and failure points. A small leak inside an RV wall can cause thousands of dollars in water damage before you notice it. Here's how to maintain your system and catch problems early.
Inspect All Connections Annually
At the start of each season, pressurize your water system and walk through the entire RV looking and listening for leaks. Check:
- Under the sink (kitchen and bathroom)
- Around the toilet base and water supply line
- Water heater connections (inlet and outlet)
- Ice maker and washing machine connections (if equipped)
- Any visible pipe runs in cabinets or access panels
A small drip at a fitting is easy to fix now. The same drip left for a season can rot the floor or wall behind it.
Water Pump Maintenance
The 12V water pump is what pressurizes your system when you're not connected to city water. Common issues:
Short cycling: The pump runs for a second, stops, runs again repeatedly even when no water is being used. This indicates a leak somewhere in the system — the pump is trying to maintain pressure that's bleeding off through a leak. Find and fix the leak.
Won't prime after storage: If the pump runs but no water flows, it may have lost its prime. Check that the fresh water tank has water, then open a faucet and let the pump run until water flows.
Noisy pump: Some vibration is normal, but a pump that's significantly louder than usual may have a failing diaphragm or check valve. Pump replacement is straightforward and inexpensive.
Fresh Water Tank and Lines
Sanitize your fresh water system at the start of each season. The standard method:
- Drain the fresh water tank completely
- Mix 1/4 cup of household bleach per 15 gallons of tank capacity
- Fill the tank with the bleach solution
- Run water through every faucet until you smell bleach
- Let sit for 4 hours
- Drain completely and flush with fresh water until the bleach smell is gone
This kills bacteria and algae that accumulate during storage.
Gray and Black Tank Maintenance
Gray tank (sink and shower drain): Flush regularly with plenty of water. Grease and soap scum build up in gray tanks and create odors. Use an enzyme-based tank treatment to break down organic matter.
Black tank (toilet): Always travel with some water in the black tank — a dry tank allows waste to cake on the walls and sensors. Use plenty of water when flushing. Use a tank treatment after each dump to control odors and break down solids.
Tank sensors: Black tank level sensors are notorious for giving false readings due to buildup on the sensor probes. A tank wand (a flexible wand that attaches to a garden hose) can flush the tank walls and clean the sensors.
Winterization
If you store your RV in North Texas winters, proper winterization prevents freeze damage. The two methods:
Compressed air: Blow out all water lines with compressed air, then drain the water heater and tanks. Effective but requires a compressor and the right fittings.
RV antifreeze: Bypass the water heater, then pump pink RV antifreeze through all the lines until it comes out at every faucet and the toilet. Antifreeze protects to -50°F.
Never use automotive antifreeze in your RV plumbing — it's toxic. Use only pink RV-specific antifreeze.
Mobile Plumbing Repair in North Texas
Done Right RV Repair handles RV plumbing repairs throughout North Texas — leaks, pump replacement, tank issues, and more. Our mobile service means we come to you.
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