Why Your RV Water Pump Pulsates and How to Fix It – RVBlogger

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One of the things that we love about our RV is the ability to have running water even when we are boondocking. The water pump is the feature that makes this possible. But have you ever heard the RV water pump pulsate when you were not using the sink or bathroom?

When we were new to our motorhome, we noticed occasionally, the RV water pump would pulsate when not in use. This was confusing to us, as it is for many new RV owners.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the reason an RV water pump may pulsate if not in use. While this can be a normal function of your water pump, it can also be an indication of a hidden problem.

Is It Normal For My RV Water Pump to Pulsate When Not In Use?

You have probably noticed that your RV water pump makes noises even when you are not using it. In some cases, it is perfectly normal for your RV water pump to run when you are not using water. Some water pumps cycle occasionally to keep water pressure at the correct level. 

This cycling is different, however, from pulsating. If your RV water pump pulsates or seems to rapidly turn on and off, this can be a sign of a leak or other problem in your water system.

What Causes An RV Water Pump To Pulse?

If you are noticing your RV water pump pulsate, but you are not using water from the fresh water tank, there are 4 potential reasons.

1. Leak

The most common reason for a motorhome water pump to pulsate without using water is a leak in your plumbing. This could be a small leak at a fitting, or it could indicate a larger leak that needs to be addressed.

Either way, when your water pump pulsates without being used, you should start by looking for a leak.

2. Low Water Level

If you have not found a leak, you may need to check the water level in your freshwater tank. If your water pump keeps pulsating, and you cannot find a leak, there is a good possibility that there just is not enough water to maintain pressure in the system.

The simple solution is to shut off your water pump until you can refill the tank so that it does not burn up.

3. Blockage

Another possible cause for an RV water pump to pulsate when not in use is there is a blockage in the plumbing system. If your water system gets a build-up of calcium deposits, or if you get sediment in your freshwater tank, this can…