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Everything You Need To Know About The RV Water Pump Pressure Switch

rv water pump pressure switch

One of the important parts of your RV or camper is the water pump. You use it to provide water for everything from drinking to showers and laundry. When there are problems with your RV water pump it can be very upsetting. This is why you should know the basics about these systems, how they work, how you can test them, and how to maintain them. Here we will discuss: what is an RV water pump pressure switch?

What Is an RV Pressure Switch?

An RV water pump pressure switch controls the level of the water pressure the pump gives out. It controls the frequency of how often it pumps, and how long it pumps for, so that there is just enough water flow to keep your shower running, but not so much that you can’t flush the toilet.

If you're in the market for a pressure switch, choose this Shurflo 94-375-05 Pressure Switch Replacement Kit from Amazon.

What Does an RV Water Pump Pressure Switch Do?

The primary function of the water pump pressure switch is to turn the RV water pump on and off. It will also allow the pump to run longer when necessary. The water pump pressure switch is designed to sense the water pressure in your RV's plumbing system. When it senses that the water pressure has dropped below a certain level, it will automatically turn on the water pump. Once the water pressure increases to a certain level, it will then automatically shut off the pump.

What are the signs of a bad RV water pump pressure switch?

When the switch fails, it won't know how much pressure there should be in your plumbing system and may turn off prematurely - leaving you with low flow from faucets or no flow at all. The first sign is usually an inconsistent amount of flow from faucets, which becomes worse over time as more parts wear out and break down inside them.

There are several signs that can indicate your RV's water pump pressure switch is bad. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to have your RV inspected by a certified technician, who can repair or replace your RV's water pump pressure switch as needed.

  1. The Water Pressure Is Too High

    2. If your water pressure is too high while running your pump, then it could mean that your pressure switch has a malfunctioning sensor or that it needs to be cleaned or replaced completely. There are many causes for this issue, but they all lead back to a faulty pressure switch.

  2. You hear the water pump running, but get no water

    3. If your water pump is running, but you get no water from the faucets, that's a sign of a bad water pump pressure switch.

  3. Your faucets are leaking or dripping

    4. This could be a sign that the pressure switch is out of adjustment. This can be corrected by turning the adjustment nut on the switch counterclockwise until there is no leak or drip and turn clockwise until there is water flow to your faucets.

  4. The water pump doesn't come on at all

    5. A defective pressure switch will not activate your RV's water pump and it won't respond to turning on any of the faucets in your rig to get water flow started. Using the bypass valve will start the flow, but you shouldn't need to use that all the time if your pump works properly.

  5. Water Pump Runs or Leaks Constantly

    6. One of the most common problems I see with RVs is that the water pump runs constantly. The reason for this is that a worn out pressure switch is not picking up the correct reading and therefore will not shut off.

    If your pump runs all the time, it could mean you have a leak somewhere in your fresh water system or it could mean that you need a new pressure switch. You may also have a bad check valve.

  6. Water Pump Tries to Turn On when it is Not in Use

    7. If you hear the water pump running when you haven’t used any water then the pressure switch may need some attention. This is a good indication that the water pump pressure switch is not working properly.

  7. The Water Pump is Running Constantly

    8. If your water pump won’t turn off and it continues to run even after all of the faucets are turned off, this is another sign that the RV water pump pressure switch may be bad. This means that your pressure switch isn’t able to sense when there is enough water in the lines and therefore needs to be replaced.

  8. The Water Pump is Noisy

    9. If you have a bad water pump pressure switch, your water pump may be noisy.

    A switch is just an on and off mechanism. If the water pressure gets too low, it will turn the water pump off because there’s not enough pressure in the system. Then when the water pressure gets to be too high, the switch will turn it back on again.

    A bad water pump pressure switch can cause the water pump to cycle on and off rapidly which results in noise.

  9. You Can Hear the Water Pump But No Water is Coming Out Of The Faucet

    10. If your water pump is working but no water is coming out of your faucet, this means there’s either an airlock in the line or there’s no power going from the switch to the pump. You can start by checking for any leaks in your system and then check all of your connections for tightness. If everything looks good but still no water, it’s time to check out your pressure switch.

  10. There Is No Power Going to Your Water Pump

    11. Your RV's water pump relies on electricity to function properly. If there is no power going to your water pump this means that something has gone wrong with your electrical system and needs to be fixed before your RV will work again. This could also mean that there has been an electrical failure somewhere else in your vehicle which will require immediate repairs if possible at all.

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Where does the pressure switch sit on your system?

On some RVs, it's located under the kitchen sink. Some pressure switches are located right on the pumps themselves.

RV water pump pressure switches are generally installed on the wall or in a compartment that is close to where your fresh water is going to be pumped.

This is done so that the switch can maintain a steady connection with the pipes and plumbing system. This ensures that you have an accurate reading when it comes to your pump's pressure.

That said, this location works for many different makes and models of RVs and travel trailers. But, some setups may require a different placement of the pressure switch, depending on how you have your rig set up.

Some people like to keep their freshwater tanks in an enclosed compartment, but many don't do this. The compartment has its own unique temperature which can affect how well your pressure switch will work.

How To Troubleshoot An RV Water Pressure Switch

One of the common problems with RVs is having low water pressure in the shower and sink. When this occurs, it may be tempting to just spend money on a new water pump. However, there are several other issues that could be at play here. One of these is the water pressure switch. Here's how you can troubleshoot an RV water pressure switch to help determine if the pump or the switch is the issue.

  1. Shut Off The Pump

    2. You'll want to start by shutting off your pump. You'll then want to turn on a faucet that isn't controlled by a diverter valve (like a sink) and let it run until all of the water has drained from the lines. This will take more than a minute, so be patient.

  2. Turn On The Pump And Check The Pressure

    3. Once all of the water is out of your lines, turn on your pump again. If you have good pressure in your faucet this time around, your pressure switch needs to be replaced.

Checking the Water Pressure Switch

The first thing to do when you have no water pressure in your RV is to check the water pressure switch. This is a small black box with a hose attached to it. The box is usually located under the sink , on the water pump, or near the water pump.

If the switch has been tripped, you may see a red indicator light. To reset it, simply push in on the switch until you hear a click and feel it snap back into place. If you do not hear a click, then press down on it until you do.

With the switch reset, turn on your faucet and see if any water comes out. If there is still no water flow, check for kinks in any of your hoses or connections that may be preventing water flow. Also look for leaks or drips in any of those hoses.

If you've checked everything over and decide you want to replace the pressure switch or replace the water pump itself, you might want to look at the rv water pump replacement cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you test a water pump pressure switch?

A:

Step 1: Turn off the pump.

Step 2: Hold the tube that is attached to the switch with your thumb.

Step 3: Turn on the pump and see if water comes out of the tube.

Q: How do you reset a pressure switch?

A:

Test for power at the switch. This is typically controlled by a fuse or circuit breaker that matches the current draw of the pump. You can test for power using a voltmeter, plugging in a light or other electrical device, or using a non-contact voltage tester.

If you have power coming into the pressure switch but no power coming out when you turn on the switch, replace it.

Q: How do you replace a water pressure switch?

A:

  1. Turn off the power to the pump at the circuit breaker. If you can't find it, shut off the main power to the house.
  2. Turn off both valves that supply water to the pressure tank. Open a faucet in the house to drain and relieve pressure in the system.
  3. Unscrew and remove the electrical conduit from the switch and tank with a wrench, then detach any wires from terminals on the switch with a screwdriver.
  4. Remove the switch by unscrewing its mounting nut with an adjustable wrench or socket wrench, then pull it out of the tank tee fitting and discard it. Clean out any sediment that has built up inside of the fitting with a stiff-bristled brush.
  5. Install the new switch by inserting it into the tank tee fitting, hand-tightening its mounting nut, and tightening it all of the way with hand tools until it is snug.
  6. Reassemble all wires, reconnecting them to their proper terminals on the switch and reattaching them to their original positions within their electrical conduit using hand tools.
  7. Restore power to pump at circuit breaker or main breaker box.


Conclusion

The Pressure switch plays an important role in the electrical systems of recreational vehicles. It is connected between source and destination wiring which feeds the pump. When the pump senses less than normal water pressure, it turns on. The pump keeps on running until the pressure is normal again to turn off the system. By now, I hope that you have a better idea about what these switches are, and why they’re so essential to your recreational vehicle’s function. If you need help shopping for them, or have more questions about different types of rv water pump pressure switch brands and their features, feel free to get in touch with us here at any time. We’re happy to help.

About Author:

image of Kevin Pommells

Hi, I'm Kevin Pommells, a lover of camping and the great outdoors as everyone says nowadays. I'm also a passionate soccer fan and the proud owner of CamperRules.com, a website dedicated to helping campers and outdoor enthusiasts make the most of their adventures. With years of experience exploring the wilderness and a deep love for the sport of soccer, I'm always looking for new ways to combine my two passions and share my knowledge with others. Follow me for tips, tricks, and insights on all things camping and outdoor recreation.

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