Experiencing a frustrating trickle from your faucets or a slow toilet flush in your travel trailer? Low water flow can be a major inconvenience on the road, and the culprit might be closer than you think. Many RV owners immediately suspect their Travel Trailer Water Pump when water pressure drops, but the issue could stem from other sources within your RV’s plumbing system. Let’s explore a real-life scenario and delve into troubleshooting steps to restore proper water flow in your home away from home.
The Case of the Mysterious Trickle
Imagine the frustration of dealing with progressively weaker water flow in your RV. One travel trailer owner faced this exact problem. Initially, they noticed their toilet flushing sluggishly while connected to city water and using their travel trailer water pump. After bringing it to the attention of the manufacturer during a rally, a valve replacement seemed to temporarily resolve the toilet issue. However, the relief was short-lived.
Soon after, the bathroom faucet began to exhibit the same weak flow, regardless of whether they were using city water or the travel trailer water pump. This prompted another call to the manufacturer, resulting in a faucet replacement. Yet, the problem persisted and worsened over time. Eventually, water flow diminished to a mere trickle throughout the RV, affecting both city water and travel trailer water pump modes.
Digging Deeper Than the Water Pump
Faced with this persistent low flow, the RV owner began a thorough investigation, starting with the usual suspect: the travel trailer water pump. They meticulously checked the water pump filter, located between the freshwater tank and the pump, expecting to find a blockage. To their surprise, the filter was clean. They also examined all the water line valves, ensuring they were fully open and functioning correctly. These checks ruled out common water pump related issues and valve malfunctions.
In a moment of insightful troubleshooting, they tested the outside shower fixture, which was seldom used. To their astonishment, the outside shower delivered strong water flow, regardless of the water source. This discovery was a crucial turning point. It indicated that the travel trailer water pump itself was functioning properly and the main water lines were clear up to a certain point. The problem seemed to be localized to the lines leading to the fixtures inside the RV – the toilet and bathroom faucet.
Debris in the Lines: The Likely Culprit
With the travel trailer water pump eliminated as the primary cause, and the outside shower functioning correctly, the owner concluded that debris within the water lines was the most probable culprit. The slow degradation of flow over time, affecting multiple fixtures, pointed towards a gradual accumulation of blockage rather than a sudden pump failure. The initial valve and faucet replacements might have temporarily dislodged some debris, providing brief improvements, but the underlying issue remained.
The suspicion fell on plastic particles originating from the RV’s plumbing system itself during manufacturing or initial use. These particles could have gradually detached and migrated through the water lines, eventually accumulating at points of restriction like faucet aerators and toilet valves.
Potential Solutions and Preventative Measures
So, what’s the solution to this frustrating low flow dilemma? While replacing all fixtures, including the toilet valve and faucets, might seem drastic, it could be necessary to eliminate debris trapped within the existing fixtures. Faucet aerators, in particular, are known to trap sediment and debris, causing flow reduction. Cleaning or replacing these aerators could offer a simpler initial step.
For long-term prevention, consider these measures:
- Regularly flush your RV’s water system: Periodically flush the entire water system to remove any accumulated sediment or debris.
- Inspect and clean water pump filter frequently: Although it was clean in this case, a clogged filter is a common cause of low water pressure. Regular checks are essential.
- Consider an inline water filter: Install an external inline water filter when connecting to city water sources to prevent external sediment from entering your system.
- Winterize properly: Proper winterization prevents damage and potential debris generation from freezing and thawing cycles.
Don’t Immediately Blame Your Travel Trailer Water Pump
While a malfunctioning travel trailer water pump can certainly cause low water flow, this case highlights the importance of a systematic troubleshooting approach. Before assuming pump failure, investigate other potential causes like clogged filters, valve issues, and, as demonstrated here, debris within the water lines themselves. By methodically eliminating possibilities, you can pinpoint the real problem and implement the most effective solution to restore strong and reliable water flow throughout your travel trailer, ensuring a comfortable and convenient RV experience.
